Lockheed Martin delivers GPS III COps upgrade
Lockheed Martin has delivered the GPS III Contingency Operations (COps) software upgrade to the US Air Force's current GPS ground control system.
The upgrade will enable the air force to start commanding the new, next-generation GPS III satellites currently in production as they launch.
The first GPS III satellite launched in December 2018; the second GPS III shipped to Cape Canaveral in March for a July launch.
The GPS III COps programme allows the current ground system to fly the legacy constellation, as well as the new GPS III satellites, until the next generation Operational Control System (OCX) Block 1, still in development, is delivered.
The first GPS III space vehicle (GPS III SV01) launched in December 2018. Currently finishing up pre-operational on-orbit check-out, it is controlled by OCX Block 0 software installed at Lockheed Martin's GPS III Launch and Checkout Center. GPS III SV01 is expected to be ‘handed over’ to the COps OCS later this year after the legacy constellation is moved over to the updated ground control system.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![How anti-jam technology is helping provide resilience for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Sponsored)]()
How anti-jam technology is helping provide resilience for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Sponsored)
Accurate position information is crucial for many military and commercial applications. Global Navigation Satellite Systems is the most common source for position in land, airborne and marine applications within manned and unmanned vehicles, guided munitions, and many other platforms around the world.
-
![Orolia releases GSG-7 GNSS signal testing solution]()
Orolia releases GSG-7 GNSS signal testing solution
GSG-7 simulator is designed to deliver a higher standard of GNSS signal testing in a cost-effective, easy-to-use, turnkey form factor.
-
![US issues electromagnetic battle management system contract]()
US issues electromagnetic battle management system contract
The US hopes that combining electromagnetic warfare capabilities in the sea, air, and land domains would generate enhanced combat effects.
-
![A Five Eyes Connection – preparing our militaries for the future battlefield (Studio)]()
A Five Eyes Connection – preparing our militaries for the future battlefield (Studio)
With the rise of increasingly assertive rivals like China and Russia, the Five Eyes allies are preparing their militaries for an uncertain future.
-
![AeroVironment releases Puma VNS for GPS-contested drone navigation]()
AeroVironment releases Puma VNS for GPS-contested drone navigation
Puma 2 AE and Puma AE 3 operators will be able to fly their drones even if no GPS is available.
