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New GPS enters service LOCKHEED MARTIN NEWS RELEASE Posted: November 30, 2004 The Lockheed Martin-built Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, launched successfully Nov. 6 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., has been declared fully operational for military and civilian navigation users around the globe. The GPS constellation now comprises 30 satellites and includes 12 fully operational Block 2R spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Valley Forge, Pa. The GPS 2R satellites were developed to improve global coverage and increase the overall performance of the global positioning system. "The successful launch and operational turnover of GPS 2R-13 -- the fourth 2R satellite declared operational this year -- is testimony to the talent and determination of the joint industry/Air Force team," said Dave Podlesney, GPS 2R program director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Valley Forge, Pa. "We take great pride in providing world class, high-performance GPS spacecraft at rapid cycle times and look forward to delivering even greater navigation capabilities as we begin to launch modernized spacecraft next year." These spacecraft, designated GPS 2R-M, will incorporate two new military signals and a second civil signal, thus providing military and civilian users of the navigation system with improved capabilities much sooner than previously envisioned. The team is also prepared to support a launch in March 2005 if required for constellation sustainment. The modernized navigation payload is being built by ITT Industries in Clifton, N.J. The satellite upgrades along with final assembly, integration and test is being performed at Lockheed Martin facilities in Valley Forge, Pa. 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. Lockheed Martin is also leading a team to develop the U.S. Air Forcešs next-generation Global Positioning System, GPS 3. The team, which includes Spectrum Astro, Raytheon, ITT and General Dynamics, is currently under contract for GPS 3 concept definition and plans to compete for the future development. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion. |
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The Russian Soyuz TMA-5 spacecraft with the Expedition 10 crew undocks from the International Space Station's Pirs module for the capsule's relocation to another docking port. (2min 19sec file)
After backing away from the space station, the Soyuz capsule performs a roll maneuver for alignment to prepare for linkup with the new docking port. (2min 04sec file)
Spectacular views of the Russian Soyuz capsule flying over the Earth were captured by station cameras during the move between docking ports. (3min 35sec file)
Expedition 10 returns to the space station with a successful docking to the Zarya control module's Earth-facing docking port, completing the Soyuz relocation. (1min 50sec file)
External television cameras on the International Space Station provide views of the Soyuz's final approach and docking to Zarya. (3min 34sec file)
