Harris develops fully digital GPS III payload
Harris Corporation has completed development of a fully digital Mission Data Unit designed for its navigation payload for Lockheed Martin’s Global Positioning System (GPS III) satellites 11 and beyond.
The current Harris payload for GPS III space vehicles (SVs) 1-10 provides three times reduction in range error, up to eight times increase in anti-jamming power, added signals – including one compatible with other Global Navigation Satellite Systems - and improved signal integrity.
Harris GPS III SV11+ fully digital navigation payload will improve performance for the US Air Force by providing more powerful signals, flexibility to adapt to advances in GPS technology, as well as future changes in mission needs.
The navigation payload is designed to ensure accurate atomic clock operations, providing reliable GPS signal to millions of people including US forces. It also will provide the clock signal for a new GPS III search and rescue payload.
The company’s new SV11+ navigation payload offers a smooth transition to the air force’s GPS OCX ground control segment. The Harris payload for the first ten GPS III satellites has already been verified for OCX compatibility, enabling Harris to port the SV11+ design, minimising integration risks and associated costs.
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