Boeing Continues to Help Air Force Modernize GPS Satellites
28 Mar 2013The constellation of satellites in our Global Positioning System (GPS) will continue to be improved and modernized thanks to the US Air Force.
The US Air Force has offered an award of $51 million dollars in the form of a contract to The Boeing Co. What’s the mission? To modernize GPS satellite constellations over the next five years: the first year is base while the following four years are optional. It includes shipment of the GPS IIF satellite in Florida, as well as preparation for pre-launch and post-launch, handover and the on-orbit support.
The newest IIF satellites have the better GPS accuracy in navigation technology. This is through technology like the advanced atomic clock technology, which is an improved military signal; one of the main reasons the US Air Force is backing the project and developments. Not only will the software and systems affecting GPS satellite constellations be modernized thanks to the award, but the project will help to keep up with the competition of other similar satellites currently in orbit.
Further, a significant threat to GPS systems is that of terrorism, hackers and malware threats. This makes GPS and the sophistication of the satellites a priority for the US Air Force and other military sectors. Their investment is just the beginning of the funds and efforts required for constant developments and modernization of GPS satellites in space. China, Russia and Europe all have competing navigational satellite systems similar to the GPS.
Hackers, for instance, are spoofing attacks by using an advanced computer program for creating false data and trying to get an advantage over the competing satellite systems. This creates a big risk for security, defense and businesses. A previous high-profile spoofing attack occurred in December 2011 after the capture of a Lockheed RQ-170 drone aircraft in Iran.
GPS systems were originally developed in the 1940s and used during World War II. Since then, it has gone through multiple developments and is now a modern form of technology used by individuals, businesses and the military. Boeing has been involved in the updates of GPS technology since the 1970s, and has produced approximately 70 percent of GPS satellites launched since then.
The US Air Force hopes that with the new modernization Boeing can bring to GPS satellites, they will be able to avoid spoofing attacks, hacking, and terrorist attacks on the system. GPS Tracking and GPS navigation is used throughout the United States and Internationally and something many people, businesses, and military personnel are relying on. Without it, it could mean serious consequences. The next IIF satellite launch is planned for the second quarter.
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