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
-
Chess Dynamics successfully demonstrates Vision4ce AI-driven tracker
The Vision4ce Deep Embedded Feature Tracking (DEFT) technology software is designed to process video and images by blending traditional computer vision with artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to present actionable information from complex environments.
-
Wave Relay devices cleared for security use on commercial systems in industry trend
Persistent Systems has been cleared by National Security Agency (NSA) to transmit sensitive data on commercial networks. The devices are added to the NSA’s Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) component list which also includes other companies’ products providing the same security.
-
UK teases cyber spending boost in Strategic Defence Review ahead of “imminent” release
The release of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) has been long promised as mid-year. It is possible it could be as early as 2 June although the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) continues to play its cards close to its chest.
-
Intelsat emphasises SATCOM resilience for SOF in contested domains (video)
Intelsat outlines how its multi-orbit SATCOM architecture is enhancing connectivity and resilience for special operations forces operating in degraded and contested environments.
-
US Space Force’s next-generation missile warning system moves forward with $500 million in new contracts
Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) satellites are intended to provide early warning of missile launches from any location worldwide and new ground stations will result in expanded coverage of critical missile warning.