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SpaceX completes its first US national security mission
SpaceX managed to squeak in one more milestone before the end of 2018. The private spaceflight company successfully launched its first-ever US national security mission, carrying the US Air Force's equally new GPS III satellite into orbit. The effort was comparatively messy as far as recent SpaceX launches go. The company delayed the launch multiple times over the past several days, and the Air Force's performance margin requirements ruled out a landing for the Falcon 9 rocket's first stage.
Next-gen GPS satellite launch delayed again
Vice President Mike Pence laid out plans for the US Space Force on Thursday, calling out an advanced type of satellite, GPS III, that is apparently resistant to tampering. According to Bloomberg, however, this specific orbital machinery has been delayed for the last four years, and the launch date has slipped yet again.
Lockheed Martin wraps up functional testing of next-gen GPS III satellite systems
Lockheed Martin flipped the switch on its first (still Earth-bound) GPS III satellite earlier this year, and it's now announced that it's completed functional testing on the satellite's key electronic systems. In a press release, the company says those systems, ranging from navigation and control to communications, are all "functioning normally and ready for final integration with the satellite's navigation payload," and that the satellite remains on track for deliverly to the Air Force in 2014. As previously detailed, the satellites themselves are promising to deliver a range of improvements over current GPS technology to civilian and military users alike, including three times greater accuracy and an eight-fold increase in anti-jamming capabilities, which Lockheed Martin says is designed to "outpace growing global threats that could disrupt GPS service."
Lockheed Martin powers up its first GPS III satellite, stays on track for 2014
It's been awhile since we heard much about Lockheed Martin's GPS III satellite family beyond mention of an early prototype. The next-gen positioning system just took a big step forward with word that the company has successfully powered up the first production craft of the bunch, Space Vehicle One. Flicking the switch clears it for testing and keeps the GPS III program's 2014 launch window within view. More importantly, the activation takes us one step closer to improved GPS accuracy for civilians and soldiers alike.
Air Force planning multi-billion dollar GPS upgrade
A long line of tenacious competitors is forming to bid on the US Air Force's multibillion-dollar upgrade plan for the current Global Positioning System, with major players Lockheed Martin and Boeing squaring off for the next generation of GPS satellites. The lucky winning bidder will be responsible for construction of eight new GPS III satellites, which will be deployed for use in 2013. Additionally, the Air Force has opened the door for bidders on its ground-based GPS system (GPS OCX, which will utilize existing satellites) and is expected to choose two of three interested parties for the $160 million development contracts. Apparently, the industry is sweet on the Air Force for splitting the space and ground contracts, and instating a relatively new practice which allows companies to bid directly with the government (as opposed to subcontractors). Way to "aim high," everyone.
