Article Posted on : - Jan 17, 2012

GPS III. A Lockheed Martin photo.

NEWTON (BNS): The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $238 million contract for production of the third and fourth satellites in the next-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation, known as GPS III.

The GPS III programme will replace aging GPS satellites while improving capability to meet the evolving needs of military, commercial and civilian users worldwide.

GPS III satellites will deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while enhancing the spacecraft's design life and adding a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems.

In May 2008, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin an initial contract to design, develop and build the first two GPS III satellites.

The contract also includes options for up to 10 additional spacecraft. With the most recent award, the GPS III team is now on contract to deliver four GPS III space vehicles, with the first launch scheduled in 2014. The Air Force has plans to build up to 32 GPS III satellites.