Tue, Oct 16, 2007
The fourth modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIR
satellite built by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force is set
for launch aboard a Delta II rocket on Oct. 17, from Cape Canaveral
Air Force Station, Fla.
The GPS constellation provides critical situational awareness
and precision weapon guidance for the military. The worldwide
system also supports a wide range of civil, scientific and
commercial functions - from air traffic control to the Internet -
with precision location and timing information.
"We take great pride in our partnership with the Air Force on
this vitally important system," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's
vice president of Navigation Systems, and we look forward to
extending our excellent record of delivering advanced navigation
capabilities that better serve our warfighters and civil users
around the globe."
Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems, Valley Forge, Pa. prime
contractor for the GPS IIR program and navigation payload provider
ITT of Clifton, N.J. designed and built 21 IIR spacecraft for the
Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center,
Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif.
The final eight spacecraft, designated Block IIR-M, were
modernized to enhance operations and navigation signal performance
for military and civilian GPS users around the globe. Lockheed
Martin is also responsible for launch and flight operations support
of the GPS IIR and IIR-M satellites.
The Global Positioning System enables properly equipped users to
determine precise time and velocity and worldwide latitude,
longitude and altitude to within a few meters. Air Force Space
Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever
Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation
for both civil and military users.
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