GPS Satellite Test Vehicle

The recent delivery of a GPS Satellite prototype to Cape Canaveral marks an important step in the process of upgrading the entire GPS network. This prototype will be and has been used to save both time and money throughout the development process.

The Project

As both the civilian and military sectors find more applications for GPS technology, the current, aging GPS satellites can no longer keep up with the demand. To rectify this problem, the United States Air Force launched their GPS III program. This project aims to launch brand new GPS III satellites into space, starting in 2015. The new satellites are expected to provide much higher accuracy and also produce a new civilian signal that will be compatible with the GPS used by other countries. Lockheed Martin will be producing the first four of these new satellites and has also received funding toward the production of four more.

The Prototype

As part of the GPS III project, Lockheed Martin developed a GPS satellite test vehicle on which to test every stage of satellite development. The prototype, known as the GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST), is both functional and full sized. It was initially used at the Lockheed Martin satellite production facility to evaluate the production process. In July of 2013, it was delivered by air to Cape Canaveral, where it will be used to test the satellite facilities there as well as the pre-launch processes. Lockheed Martin personnel report that the GNST has already saved a large amount of money and time in the production process. It is expected that the test vehicle will be able to achieve the same results in its new home in Cape Canaveral. Thus, when the first satellite arrives at Cape Canaveral next year, the personnel and systems there will already be prepared and equipped to handle it.

Nearly every individual has at some point in their lives done a dry run – they have tried a new idea or concept on a model or test audience. Applying this basic principle to GPS satellite production seems to be an intelligent and quite logical move. Hopefully, the use of the GNST prototype will speed the way to full deployment of the much-anticipated GPS III network.

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GPS Satellite Test Vehicle