Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design
Harris Corporation has delivered the first of 34 receivers to support the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX). The receiver was shipped to Raytheon Company, the prime contractor, in Aurora, Colorado, after it passed an electromagnetic interference test, Harris said.
By Inside GNSS
A U.S. Transportation Department (DoT) public workshop will address GNSS receiver testing results October 14 at RTCA, Inc., 1150 18th ST NW, Suite 910, in Washington, DC. The event begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.EDT.
Workshop members, as part of DoT’s fifth GPS Adjacent Band Compatibility Assessment (ABC) effort, will discuss GNSS receiver testing that includes non-certified aviation, cellular, general location and navigation, high precision and networks, timing, and space-based receivers, the agency said.
By Inside GNSS
A newly posted report shows the comments federal researchers received from a dozen organizations and satellite navigation experts as they put together a plan for controversial tests of GPS receivers on behalf of would-be broadband firm Ligado.
By Dee Ann Divis
John Borden, Technology Advancement Group EVP/Chief Operations OfficerTechnology Advancement Group (TAG) has named John Borden as its new executive vice-president and chief operating officer (COO). Borden previously was product director, GNSS systems and vice-president, programs and technology, for the company.
Borden, who oversees TAG’s day-to-day operations, joined the company when it was awarded a U.S. Army contract to provide program of record (POR) precise positioning service — GPS survey (PPS GPS-S).
By Inside GNSS
GPS Networking has introduced its dual-antenna rack mount splitter (DRMALDCBS1X16) that is ideal for timing and testing applications, the company said. The unit features two antenna inputs, 16 outputs, flat group delay, and high-isolation option.
By Inside GNSS
The first GPS III satellite’s delivery will be delayed by four months because of a Lockheed Martin subcontractor’s failure to test a ceramic capacitor.
The satellite, which was expected to be delivered in August, is now scheduled for shipment in December, according to a Bloomberg news article.
By Inside GNSS
Littleton, Colorado-based Lockheed Martin Space Systems has received a $395 million U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center contract option to build two additional GPS III satellites. The contract option calls for long-lead and production hardware to manufacture GPS III space vehicles (SVs) 9 and 10.
“The GPS III SV 9 and 10 satellites are expected to be ready for launch in 2022, thus sustaining the GPS constellation,” said Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Space and Missile Systems Center’s commander.
By Inside GNSS
The program to develop M-code capable receivers for military equipment is poised to enter a new phase this fall as the GPS Directorate seeks approval to start the engineering activities that will lead, ultimately, to full production.
By Dee Ann Divis
Air Force Space Commander Gen. John HytenSince Gen. John E. Hyten assumed leadership of Air Force Space Command in August 2014 he has been wrestling with a host of challenges including delays in the modernization programs for the GPS space segment and GPS military user equipment.
By Dee Ann Divis
The U.S. Air Force’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS) at the 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, has moved the longest-serving GPS satellite, space vehicle number (SVN) 23, into a disposal orbit several hundred miles above the operational GPS constellation.
The satellite, which was launched on November 26, 1990, had a rough start, the Air Force said. After early-orbit operations and initial stabilization in December 1990, SVN 23’s solar array stopped working.
By Inside GNSS
Col. Steve Whitney, GPS DirectorateA funding shortfall will not halt work on the new GPS ground system this month, although a decision expected in the next two weeks may signal major changes in the program.
Increased personnel costs on the Global Positioning System Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) program had eaten up the fiscal year 2016 budget and were poised to force managers to stop work on September 15. The Pentagon had requested Congress to allow $39 million to be reprogrammed to bridge the gap but lawmakers left for the summer recess without approving the change.
By Inside GNSS
Park rangers in Death Valley National Park have begun calling it “death by GPS.” Visitors faithfully following their navigation devices turn down the wrong road or hike away from help and die before rangers can reach them.
But it really isn’t the GPS, it’s the maps in their navigation system’s database.
By Dee Ann Divis
