A Block IIR-M GPS satellite was launched successfully today (October 17, 2007) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Expected to be set healthy for use in early November 2007, the spacecraft will be designated as PRN15/SVN55, referring to its pseudorandom noise code and space vehicle number, respectively.

A Block IIR-M GPS satellite was launched successfully today (October 17, 2007) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Expected to be set healthy for use in early November 2007, the spacecraft will be designated as PRN15/SVN55, referring to its pseudorandom noise code and space vehicle number, respectively.

The GPS IIR-17(M) satellite is the fourth in the GPS IIR series modernized with the new military code (M-code) and second civil signal (L2C). Currently 12 IIR and 4 IIR-M satellites are on orbit. It will be maneuvered into the F2 slot in the sixth of the six GPS orbital planes, near to a 16-year-old Block IIA space vehicle (SV29, PRN29) on which three of the satellite’s four atomic clocks have ceased functioning.

The GPS IIR-17(M) satellite, built by Lockheed Martin and launched aboard a Boeing Delta II rocket, joins the GPS constellation of 30 operational satellites. The GPS IIR-M satellites features include two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, and a second civil signal to provide dual frequency capability and improve resistance to interference.

The GPS IIR-M launch was also the first to be conducted with the new Launch and Early Orbit, Anomaly Resolution, and Disposal Operations (LADO) System for satellite command and control during launch. LADO will be replacing and will perform the same functions that are normally accomplished by the Command and Control System, according to the GPS Wing.

Once operational, the new GPS LADO system will allow cradle-to-grave operations for GPS under command by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at the GPS Master Control Station, Schriever AFB, Colorado, and their Reserve associate unit the 19th Space Operations Squadron. LADO will relieve the GPS program of its dependence on CCS for spinning satellite operations. The system will also support existing GPS IIA/IIR/IIR-M satellites in the GPS operational constellation for all LADO mission functions, perform launch for remaining IIR-M satellites, and be used for on-orbit GPS test and check-out activities.

The next launches of GPS IIR-M satellites are scheduled for "no sooner than" December 2007 and March and June 2008.

The accompanying photo of the launch is courtesy of United Launch Alliance – Carleton Bailie.

Copyright 2007 Gibbons Media & Research LLC

The post Successful GPS Block IIR-M Spacecraft Launch appeared first on Inside GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design.

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin Company a $6 million contract to develop and integrate a demonstration payload that will temporarily transmit an L5 civil signal on a modernized GPS Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite.

Meanwhile, a request for proposals (RFP) was released in mid-April for the next-generation Block III space segment contract. An RFP for the GPS was released to industry on February 23.

This new L5 contract directs Lockheed Martin and its navigation payload supplier ITT in Clifton, N.J., to provide an on-orbit demonstration capability for the new civil signal located on the L5 frequency (1176MHz). The Block IIR-M spacecraft with the demonstration payload is planned for launch in 2008.

L5 will be a regular part of the GPS signals transmitted by the follow-on GPS satellites (Block IIF) being built by Boeing Company. The first IIF launch is also scheduled for next year.

“We are pleased the Air Force has entrusted Lockheed Martin to provide this important on-orbit demonstration on a Block IIR-M spacecraft,” said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin’s vice president of navigation systems.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Valley Forge, Pa., is the prime contractor for the GPS IIR program. The company designed and built 21 IIR spacecraft for the GPS Wing (formerly the NAVSTAR GPS Joint Program Office), Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

With the first launch nearly 10 years ago, all of the 15 IIR satellites activated to date are still operating on orbit.

The final eight spacecraft, designated Block IIR-M, were modernized to enhance operations and navigation signal performance for military and civilian GPS users around the globe. ITT supplied all 21 navigation payloads for both the IIR and IIR-M spacecraft.

GPS Wing Leadership to Change.

The GPS Wing will have a new leader this summer, when Col. David Madden becomes the commander there, replacing Col. Wesley “Al” Ballenger.

Madden became vice-commander of the GPS Wing in July 2006. Although his return to Los Angeles AFB is recent, Madden has had previous experience in GPS-related programs. From July 2001 to September 2002, he was the Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) program manager, at GPS JPO and then, until July 2004, chief of the Command, Control, Communications and Navigation Division, Directorate of Requirements, in Air Force Space Command headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Copyright 2007 Gibbons Media and Research LLC

The post USAF Lets L5 Demo Contract; GPS III RFPs appeared first on Inside GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite Systems Engineering, Policy, and Design.