Air Force Space Command Says GPS Has Never Failed To Exceed Performance Standards

Air Force Space Command, which has responsibility for sustaining and maintaining the Global Positioning System, said Friday that it feels a GAO report critical of the system is overly pessimistic, and doesn't adequately acknowledge what AFSPC has done to address constellation sustainment. The Air Force said in a news release that it has created the largest, most accurate constellation, with the greatest capability, in the history of GPS; with 31 operational satellites currently on orbit. This is well above the 24 minimum satellites needed for a full constellation and to meet constellation performance standards. Since 1995, GPS has never failed to exceed performance standards.

The report was titled "Global Positioning System: Challenges in Sustaining and Upgrading Capabilities Persist."

AFSPC is working to mitigate the challenges identified by the GAO through a number of activities, including: applying a "back to basics" approach to acquisition, continuing to identify additional ways to maximize the life of our operational satellites, implementing robust mission assurance processes, and transforming our launch enterprise.

The first GPS IIF satellite completed on-orbit testing and checkout and was set operational on Aug. 26 as planned. The GPS IIF program is ready for full rate production and continues to build confidence in its production line. Through the institution of robust mission assurance processes, AFSPC is confident in the future of the GPS IIF program.

The follow-on program, GPS IIIA, recently completed critical design review, two months ahead of schedule. AFSPC is optimistic that it's "back to basics" approach, including stable requirements, mature technologies, and more government oversight, will ensure a successful program, providing the GPS IIIA and its ground segment, OCX, within a timeframe that maintains a robust GPS constellation and supports GPS users.

AFSPC takes great pride in providing GPS performance that exceeds our requirements for the system. AFSPC is committed to the modernization of GPS and is on the path to ensure continued positioning, navigation and timing support to the warfighter, the civil user, and the world.

FMI: www.afspc.af.mil