Boeing engineers with GPS Block IIF on production line. Boeing photoThe U.S. Air Force has awarded The Boeing Company a $51 million to continue modernizing the GPS satellite constellation for up to five more years. The contract covers GPS IIF satellite shipment to the launch site in Florida, pre-launch preparation, post-launch checkout, handover, and on-orbit support. It has an initial one-year term with four one-year options.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded The Boeing Company a $51 million to continue modernizing the GPS satellite constellation for up to five more years. The contract covers GPS IIF satellite shipment to the launch site in Florida, pre-launch preparation, post-launch checkout, handover, and on-orbit support. It has an initial one-year term with four one-year options.
"The contract provides mission continuity for the Boeing GPS IIF fleet as we continue to deliver on our commitments," said Craig Cooning, vice-president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "With nine GPS IIFs still awaiting deployment, the contract scope includes supplying all support needed until the Air Force calls for the vehicles."
Boeing, which has been part of GPS since the network’s inception in the 1970s, has produced nearly 70 percent of the satellites launched in support of the GPS constellation.
The company is currently under contract for 12 GPS IIF satellites, three of which have been launched into service. The IIFs provide greater navigational accuracy through advances that include atomic clock technology, a new civilian L5 signal and an improved military signal.
The next IIF is to launch during the second quarter of this year. Boeing will complete production of the remaining ones by the end of the year.
"We have the capability to maintain the remaining IIF spacecraft to be delivered and the flexibility to launch up to three within a single year if required to sustain the network," said Jan Heide, Boeing GPS IIF program director.
