Your Next GPS

Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Company are in the preparation stages of beginning the next phase of GPS satellite technology. The GPS Block IIIA (GPS III) satellite system recently completed its third launch and early orbit exercise in preparation for a 2014 launch of a new set of 12 satellites. There are currently 31 GPS II satellites in orbit that are used to help both US military personnel and civilians use the GPS technology to track their locations, among other uses. The GPS III satellites will represent an upgrade over the existing models.

Timeline of GPS Satellites
1972	USAF tests two GPS receiver satellites at White Sands Missile Range
1978	First GPS Block I satellite launched
1983	President Reagan called for use of GPS systems for civilian use after navigational errors led to a US plane being shot down over Soviet airspace
1989	First GPS Block II satellites launched
1993	Standard Positioning Service first achieved
1995	GPS reaches full operational capability
1996	GPS declared to be a dual use system by President Clinton
2000	GPS signal for civilians was upgraded
2004	President Bush signs an agreement for cooperation between US GPS systems and the European Galileo System
2004	Qualcomm succeeds at putting GPS technology into phones
2010	Over fears that GPS II satellites might be at risk for software incompatibility soon, GPS III development begins
2013	Ongoing tests ensue to make sure GPS III satellites are ready

There are many advancements planned for the GPS III satellites over the GPS II currently in use. The new satellite system will offer three times better accuracy than the GPS II system. The new technology and design should allow for about 25 percent more life for the satellites. The oldest GPS II satellite in orbit and functioning was launched in 1990, which should mean the new satellites should last at least 25 years, if not more. The GPS III should also enable better security for military purposes, as it is about eight times more jam-proof. Civilians should also benefit from this new system as there will be easier and more reliable ways for civilian GPS units to connect. There is also the added benefit of being more compatible at interfacing with GPS networks in other countries.

The exercise occurred on August 1 and was the third of five planned exercises to determine the readiness of the system and make sure all systems were operational. The focus of this exercise was to make sure the operating system was functional. To ensure this, ground to space communications were tested, orbiting functions were tested, and other procedures regarding anomalies and resolution were performed by groups from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Overall, exercise three was determined to be a success and production is on schedule to continue with testing exercises until satellites are ready to go into orbit in 2015.

Operational Control (OCX) by Exercise
Exercise 3	Used Iteration 1.4 software
Exercise 4 (scheduled for early 2014)	Plan to use Iteration 1.5 software (Launch and Checkout System capability

What does all of this mean for the average GPS user? While most users of GPS do not know much about exactly how the system works, these new satellites will provide a much more accurate picture of where you are through your GPS device. Increased accuracy is a must for GPS positioning, whether you are driving or riding your bicycle. This should help with such simple directional activities such as finding your exit on a highway and navigating through intricate downtown neighborhoods.

Does the launch of new satellites mean there will be a break in GPS service? This is not likely, given that the GPS II satellites will still be in service. It is not likely that you will need to scrap your old receivers, either, as these GPS III satellites should be compatible with older devices. This system is not designed to reinvent the wheel, but rather to make something that is already working well a little better.

The efforts put into this new satellite system by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon should make a great difference in the accuracy of your present and future GPS tracking devices. The two remaining exercises should be finished by the end of 2014, with actual launches of the satellites occurring in 2015 at the earliest. With the new “eyes in the sky,” it is very likely that world travelers will soon be helped regardless of which continent they are travelling on.

Your Next GPS