Boeing Space and Communications has received approval from the U.S. Air Force to move forward with space vehicle (satellite) production for the Global Positioning System 2F Modernization program.

An artist's concept of GPS satellite. Credit: Boeing

"The Boeing GPS 2F is the next step in enhancing the capabilities to support the national infrastructure for Homeland Security and National Defense, and it will improve the system's capabilities for all GPS users," said Mike Rizzo, director of navigation systems for Boeing Space and Communications, a business unit of The Boeing Co.

The added capabilities include a new signal for civilian users and critical, secure Operational M-codes for the warfighter. The new civilian signal, in the protected Aeronautical Radio Navigation System frequency band, provides redundant safety of life services for civil aviation users and increased accuracy for a host of other users worldwide.

In addition, GPS 2F is compatible with the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) and will provide 20% more on-orbit life than previous GPS spacecraft. The Air Force chose the Boeing Delta 4 to launch 21 of its 28 EELV payloads in October 1998.

Designed for flexibility and growth, the GPS 2F system architecture can affordably accommodate hardware and software changes through incremental technology upgrades to improve efficiency and introduce new military capabilities including anti-jam, greater accuracy, better availability and higher integrity.

This incremental upgrade approach to the GPS 2F program will, in turn, reduce the technical risks inherent in developing GPS 3, the next generation satellite system, as well as answer the near term needs of the warfighter today.

The Boeing-led Control Segment team that includes Lockheed Martin and Computer Science Corp. will also play a key role in this procurement with the modernization of the entire GPS ground system architecture design to reduce operator workload and operational costs.

Boeing S&C, with headquarters in Seal Beach, is the world's largest space and communications company. A unit of The Boeing Co., S&C provides integrated solutions in launch services, human space flight and exploration, missile defense, and information and communications.

It is NASA's largest contractor; a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; and a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The global enterprise has customers worldwide and manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Australia.