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
-
![British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces]()
British Army’s ISR commander warns of new challenges facing defence forces
The race between using ISR and resisting the use of it by enemies has accelerated, leading to new methods and systems being required, according to the British Army’s lead on its ISR efforts.
-
![Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer]()
Push for greater use of open source data, says senior British officer
The huge amount of open source data available may not carry the weight of secret sources but it does carry substantial value, according to speakers at Defence IQ C4ISR Global conference in London.
-
![Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract]()
Jacobs wins MoD cyber-security support contract
The deal with Jacobs will run until November 2027 and will see the company deliver a range of digital and IT specialist professional services to Defence Digital.
-
![Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing]()
Orbit upgrades two multi-purpose terminals and carries out land testing
The communications company has upgraded two of its Beyond Line-of-Sight Multi-Purpose Terminals (MBTs) by introducing advancements in satellite communication technology and AI-driven maintenance capabilities.
-
![Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg]()
Norway to receive maritime surveillance satellite data from Kongsberg
Norway's Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has announced that its subsidiary Kongsberg NanoAvionics will produce three satellites and launch them in 2025.
-
![First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched]()
First South Korean 425 Project observation satellite launched
In 2015, South Korea named a consortium of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Systems, along with Thales Alenia Space providing the SAR payload derived from its HE-R1000 product, as preferred bidder to develop new Korea 425 Project reconnaissance satellites.
