|
Technical Specifications
The
GPS III architecture study, the first of a three-phase program,
will conclude in late 2001. Boeing
and Lockheed Martin were each awarded US$16 million contracts for
the first phase. The U.S. Air Force plans to award two 26-month
program definition and risk reduction contracts to begin hardware
development, in 2002. One contractor will be selected in 2004 to
complete development and build the satellites. The first of the
new satellites is to be launched in 2009, with the entire
constellation expected to remain operational through at least
2030.
The
USAF wants GPS III to deliver better anti-jam capability, by
providing two new high-power spot beams for the military-code
(M-code) signals to the L-1 and L-2 channels that service military
users. Furthermore, it will have two other channels that provide
navigation signals for civilian use in local, regional and
national safety-of-life applications for improved position,
navigation and timing knowledge. One of the new civil signals is
expected to transmit higher power than the other two signals for
improved reception worldwide.
NAVSTAR GPS/Block III Satellites |
| PAYLOAD
CAPABILITIES |
| Types of Services |
Navigation |
| Downlink frequencies |
1572.42 MHz and 1227.6 MHz (L-Band) 2227.5
MHz (S-Band) |
| CORE BUS
SPECIFICATIONS |
| Prime Contractor |
|
| Platform |
|
| Launch Mass |
|
| Design Life |
|
STRUCTURE |
| Dimensions (H x W x L) |
|
| Construction |
|
POWER SYSTEM |
| Payload Power
(EOL) |
|
| Solar Arrays |
|
| Batteries |
|
ATTITUDE CONTROL SYSTEM |
| Stabilization |
|
|
