GPS III satellite competition heats up
The big fight between prime contractors for the US Air Force’s follow-on GPS III satellite contract is taking shape.
Thermal vacuum testing is due to begin this month for the first of ten satellites, Space Vehicle 01 (SV-01), built by Lockheed Martin. Modules for SV-01 were integrated by the company last month.
However, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman are positioning themselves for a competition for 22 additional GPS III satellites that will be awarded in the 2017-18 timeframe, with a first launch in 2023.
Lockheed Martin is currently under contract for the first eight GPS III satellites after
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