GPS World

Tag: GPS III SV06

  • Directions 2023: Advancing GPS to Meet the Future

    Directions 2023: Advancing GPS to Meet the Future

    GPS is the gold standard for precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), impacting the lives of more than six billion users worldwide. The United States economy alone depends on the free, government-provided service across 900 million GPS receivers supporting vehicle navigation systems, general aviation, financial transactions, the electrical grid, precision agriculture, surveying and construction. The GPS enterprise must remain consistent and reliable, while keeping pace with emerging technology without interruption for the end user.

    Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California — the U.S. Space Force’s space development, acquisition, launch and logistics field command — is responsible for maintaining and modernizing the GPS enterprise. The enterprise consists of three segments: the space segment, the control segment and the user segment. Each achieved specific milestones during an exciting and productive 2022.

    Military people navigating on battlefield
    A new MGue for warfighters is moving closer to completion. (Image: EvgeniyShkolenko/iStock /Getty Images Plus/Getty Images)

    Space Segment

    There are currently 37 GPS satellites on-orbit with 31 set healthy. The constellation requires 24 operational satellites for worldwide coverage and a receiver needs to receive transmissions from four of them to determine its position in three dimensions. GPS continues to operate impressively with an average 45-cm accuracy throughout the past year with the most precise day on record at 31.5 cm. The space segment of GPS modernization focuses on GPS III and GPS IIIF satellite development with significant milestones rounded out in 2022.

    For GPS III, after the successful launch of Space Vehicle 5 (SV05) on June 17, 2021, it was set healthy (usable) on May 25, 2022. The significance of SV05 is its full operational capability of the improved civilian L2 (L2C) signal. L2C improves service speed for commercial users via access to two frequencies, improves accuracy when combined with legacy civil GPS signals (L1 C/A), and is less susceptible to ionospheric interference. SV05 is the 24th satellite enabled with the Military Code (M-code), providing worldwide M-code coverage. M-code is designed to give military receivers better defense against jamming, improved accuracy, a more secure and flexible cryptography architecture, and the ability to detect and reject false signals.

    On Jan. 18, 2023, SV06 successfully launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch of SV06 marks a key step in the larger goal of modernizing the GPS constellation. Additionally, the 10th and final satellite in the GPS III fleet finalized production and has a target launch date of 2026. GPS III Space Vehicles 7–10 are in storage and available for launch.

    The next generation of GPS satellites continues development. The October 2022 contract award for GPS III Follow-On (GPS IIIF) satellites will onboard additional capabilities. In addition to introducing new civil signals designed to enhance search-and-rescue efficacy and aviation safety, laser retroreflector array for precise ranging, and a fully digital navigation payload, the GPS IIIF satellites will offer a new Regional Military Protection (RMP) capability providing up to 60 times greater anti-jamming measures. A new port on the Lockheed Martin LM2100 Combat Bus supports a substantial increase in flexibility, providing rapid integration of payloads in response to emerging threats in space.

    GPS Enterprise interrelated segments. (Image: Space System Command)
    GPS Enterprise interrelated segments. (Image: Space System Command)

    Control Segment

    The Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) will replace the current GPS Operational Control System (OCS), supporting the latest U.S. Department of Defense standards and practices for cybersecurity. The updated system includes a modernized and expanded monitor station network, improved anti-jam capabilities, and enhanced operational capability to control modernized military signals.

    In March 2022, OCX completed its fourth and final legacy ground antenna element (LGAE) installation on Kwajalein Island in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. OCX Block 1 and 2 are undergoing Hewlett Packard (HP) Formal Qualification Test (FQT). This event will qualify much of the system’s previously certified mission software functions. The event will also demonstrate system maturity and readiness for system acceptance, operator training, and specific developmental testing milestones with both GPS space and user segments.

    The next-generation control system, OCX 3F, will modify OCX Blocks 1 and 2 to use the enhanced capabilities of GPS IIIF satellites. OCX 3F received Milestone B and Acquisition Program Baseline (APB) approval from the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) and was authorized to enter the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase in May. In November, the OCX 3F program deployed 3F mission software into OCX’s Near Operations Environment (NOE) for the first time after completion of the program’s first Integration Readiness Review (IRR). The IRR event ensures that the software meets integrity standards and receives approval to be integrated and tested on the NOE prior to software releases to the operational users. OCX 3F anticipates achieving operational acceptance in 2027.

    The GPS III government and industry team recently core mated GPS III SV10 and nicknamed it “Hedy Lamarr” after the actress and inventor. (Image: Lockheed Matin)
    The GPS III government and industry team recently core mated GPS III SV10 and nicknamed it “Hedy Lamarr” after the actress and inventor. (Image: Lockheed Matin)

    User Equipment Segment

    Among the arsenal of GPS user equipment, very few pieces have the technology to use the M-code signal. Maintaining a competitive advantage against the adversary requires use of these signals; the GPS Enterprise is focused on developing Modernized GPS User Equipment (MGUE) capable of accessing these signals. The MGUE program is a joint service program developing modernized M-code-capable military GPS receivers. The program is broken into two increments (Inc 1 and Inc 2). Both are designed to deliver secure PNT performance, allow navigation warfare operations, enhance anti-jam, enhance anti-spoof and anti-tamper, and enable Blue Force Electronic Attack.

    As part of the multiple elements under the MGUE Inc 1 umbrella, L3Harris delivered its final Build 7 ground card to the government on Nov. 16, 2021, and completed regression testing on that kit in February 2022. The final Delta Security Certification and Approval were completed on April 13 and April 29, 2022, respectively. Development of the L3H Ground-Based GPS Receiver Applications Module (GB-GRAM-M) card, which delivers geolocation and precise positioning capabilities for space-constrained applications while providing increased security and anti-jam capabilities, is complete and available for services procurement. MGUE Inc 1 completed qualification testing for the aviation and maritime cards on Sept. 9, 2022, with updated software builds. This build allows the program to progress to 98% of the requirements verified and enables B-2 Bombers and Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG) to continue progress toward operational testing. Completion of this commitment means significant progress toward operational testing for stakeholders and warfighters.

    MGUE Inc 2 held Preliminary Design Reviews for the Miniature Serial Interface (MSI) in summer 2022, bringing the project another step closer to finalizing the EMD phase. Once all closure and action items are completed for the reviews, the government will consider each event complete. Critical Design Review (CDR) is scheduled for this summer and will validate the system design and the ability to meet system performance requirements. MGUE Inc 2 continues to execute the second competitive objective under Phase I for the Joint Modernized Handheld component; the effort is moving closer to completion of the handheld prototype and will ultimately make for a more seamless transition to operations.

    GPS ground antenna at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado. (Image: U.S. Air Force)
    GPS ground antenna at Schriever Space Force Base in Colorado. (Image: U.S. Air Force)

    Conclusion

    The SSC’s mandate is paramount to maintaining our modern way of life. The space professionals dedicated to developing GPS technology are committed to delivering advanced capabilities to the warfighter, the civil sector, and the world. An interconnected world is ready for us. We’re on our way.

    SSC is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring and delivering the capabilities needed by warfighters to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. It manages an $11B budget for the U.S. Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to outpace emerging threats.

    For analogous updates on the other three GNSS constellations, please see:

  • Final GPS III satellite available for launch

    Space Systems Command (SSC) has declared GPS III Space Vehicle 10 (SV10) available for launch, marking completion of constellation modernization efforts and production for the GPS III program.

    “The completion of the tenth, and final, GPS III space vehicle is a significant milestone for GPS modernization,” said Scott Thomas, GPS III program manager for the GPS Space Vehicles Acquisition Delta within SSC’s Military Communications and PNT directorate. “This would not have been possible without the collaboration, communication, and accountability of our industry and government partners. The GPS III program contributions underpin U.S. national security needs for our warfighters and for more than four billion GPS users worldwide.”

    GPS III satellites deliver enhanced performance and accuracy through a variety of improvements, including increased signal protection with improved accuracy. GPS III also delivers a new L1C signal designed for interoperability with similar GNSS, and expands the civilian L5 signal, dubbed safety-of-life, which is not yet operational.

    GPS III SV06 was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 vehicle on Jan. 18, and Operational Acceptance was declared on Jan. 31. GPS III SV07, SV08, SV09 and SV10 are awaiting launch at Lockheed Martin’s GPS III processing facility in Waterton, Colorado.

  • GPS III SV06 receives Operational Acceptance

    GPS III SV06 receives Operational Acceptance

    Image: SSC
    Image: SSC

    GPS III Space Vehicle 06 (SV06) reached Operational Acceptance on Jan. 31 according to the Space Systems Command (SSC) of the United States Space Force. SV06 was launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 vehicle on Jan. 18.

    SSC also transferred Satellite Control Authority (SCA) of SV06 to the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. GPS III SV06 joins the GPS PNT constellation of 31 operational satellites.

    This is the first time SCA and Operational Acceptance has occurred on the same day enabling faster delivery for users. SSC’s Military and Communication positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) enterprise collaborated with the U.S. government acquisition team, industry and space operators on the achievement.

    “The Operational Acceptance of GPS III SV06 further contributes to SSC’s ongoing modernization efforts, as it brings our overall suite of capabilities ever closer to our target dates for deployment to the warfighter,” said Col. Heather J. Anderson, transition director within SSC’s PNT directorate. “GPS III SV06 will be set healthy to all global users in February 2023.”

    The first-stage booster used in the SV06 launch previously sent the NASA Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station on Oct. 5, 2022.

  • With SV08, 3 GPS III satellites ready for launch

    With SV08, 3 GPS III satellites ready for launch

    The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command recently declared GPS III SV06, SV07 and SV08 satellites “Available for Launch.” Here, the space vehicles await official call up for launch in Lockheed Martin’s GPS III Processing Facility in Waterton, Colorado. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
    The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command recently declared GPS III SV06, SV07 and SV08 satellites “Available for Launch.” Here, the space vehicles await official call up for launch in Lockheed Martin’s GPS III Processing Facility in Waterton, Colorado. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

    The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command has declared the eighth GPS III satellite “Available for Launch.” This milestone marks the third space vehicle within the GPS III program to be declared available for launch in the past three months.

    The next three GPS III satellites — SV06, SV07 and SV08 — are now awaiting official call up for launch in Lockheed Martin’s GPS III Processing Facility in Waterton, Colorado.

    “SV06, SV07, and SV08 AFL milestones in just three months prove that GPS III production continues to benefit from efficiencies with each satellite delivery,” said Col. Edward Byrne, chief of SSC’s Space Production Corps’ Medium Earth Orbit Space Systems Division.

    The first of the three recently completed satellites, SV06, is scheduled to launch in 2022 and will join the operational constellation of 31 GPS satellites.

    GPS III satellites deliver enhanced performance and accuracy through a variety of improvements, including increased signal protection and improved accuracy.

    GPS III also expands the civilian L5 signal, dubbed the “safety-of-life” signal, currently broadcast by the 12 GPS IIF satellites, but not yet operational, and delivers a new L1C signal designed to grant interoperability to similar international space-based position, navigation and timing (PNT) systems around the world.

    As a crucial technological foundation for internet, financial, transportation and agricultural operations, GPS delivers the gold standard in positioning, navigation, and timing services supporting U.S. and allied operations worldwide.

    Space Systems Command, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the U.S. Space Force’s Center of Excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. SSC’s portfolio includes space launch, global positioning systems, military satellite communications, a defense meteorological satellite control network, range systems, space-based infrared systems, and space domain awareness capabilities.

  • GPS III production update: On the road to a refreshed constellation

    GPS III production update: On the road to a refreshed constellation

    Thermal Vacuum testing verifies that a satellite can operate in space’s extreme environment. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
    Thermal Vacuum testing verifies that a satellite can operate in space’s extreme environment. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

    With GPS III SV01 and SV02 now on orbit, GPS III satellites continue to roll off the production line at Lockheed Martin’s GPS III Processing Facility near Denver.

    Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin Space’s vice president for navigation systems, provided GPS World with an update to the entire GPS III family.

    SV01. The first GPS III satellite is in a holding state pending readiness by 2SOPS [the Second Space Operations Squadron] to take the vehicle onto the system for operational checkout, a transfer expected to take place later this year, Caldwell explained. The satellite completed on-orbit testing in July.

    “We’re in the process of getting the 2SOPS crews trained up to operate a GPS III vehicle,” Caldwell said. “By the end of this year, they will be able to take [SV01] into the constellation and start flying it as a live, set-healthy vehicle.”

    SV02. Launched Aug. 22, SV02 is following in the footsteps of its older sibling, with a quiet checkout and no major findings. Like SV01, once it completes testing, it will stay in temporary holding until 2SOPS is ready to bring it into the constellation.

    SV03. On May 27, the Air Force declared SV03 available for launch. It is now in final preparations for shipment, with an expected launch date in January 2020 aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

    SV04. The Air force declared SV04 available for launch; it is now in storage awaiting a launch date.

    SV05. The fifth satellite is wrapping up environmental tests. Lockheed Martin anticipates that it will be available for launch early next year.

    SV06. The satellite has been moved into the thermal vacuum testing chamber and begun a rigorous testing campaign before it meets the harsh environment of space.

    SV07, SV08 and SV09 are on the assembly line.

    GPS IIIF Satellites. In 2018, the Air Force selected Lockheed Martin to build up to 22 GPS IIIFs, adding new features and resiliency to the original GPS III satellite design. The company has been on the path to meet the critical design review for the GPS IIIF spacecraft, which is due to take place next spring.