Final batch of GPS 3 satellites to be ordered

News & Press: Space

17 September 2018 (0 Comments)

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The USAF will purchase a further 22 GPS 3 spacecraft to join the constellation.

The Air Force has announced that Lockheed Martin will receive a $7.2 (£5.5, €6.2) billion contract to manufacture the 22 GPS 3 follow-on (GPS 3F) satellites.

In 2008 Lockheed Martin was selected by USAF to build the first 10 GPS 3 satellites. In February 2018 USAF sought competitive bids for this next batch of 22, but only Lockheed Martin submitted a proposal. Other possible contenders, Boeing and Northrop Grumman, declined to compete.

Despite this lack of competition, USAF explains that the agreement protects the Government from overpaying. The $7.2 billion fixed-price deal ensures that the ‘contractor, not the taxpayer, would be responsible for any cost overruns’.

GPS 3 satellites will incorporate all Block 2F signals plus a 4th civil signal on L1 (L1C), with enhanced signal reliability, accuracy and integrity. The 3Fs will also contain laser reflectors and search & rescue (SAR) payloads. All are designed for a 15-year design lifespan.

The current constellation of 31 GPS 2 satellites will have to be replaced over the next decade. The first GPS 3 launch was scheduled for March 2018 but has been delayed - the satellite arrived at Cape Canaveral on 20 August and is due to be launched on 15 December. The first GPS 3F satellite is expected to be available for launch in 2026.

Further details from SpaceNews