Next Generation Global Positioning System Block III
13 Feb 2012What the Next-Generation GPS Satellite Means to All of Us
The use of GPS technology is so prevalent around the world. We use it on our phones and cars. We use it to track our children, pets, and even a cheating spouse. Yet, how many people actually stop and ponder about the satellites in orbit making this GPS tracking all work?
The United States is ready to begin testing of a new generation of upgraded satellites that’s said to offer some benefits over the current satellites setup. The upgraded satellites, called Block III for short, or GPS III Non Flight Satellite Testbed formally, are part of a upgrade to government-run Global Positioning System satellites, costing $5.5 billion.
The upgraded satellites are supposed to offer some notable improvements for both civilian and military use, including better accuracy. Block III GPS is expected to be more reliable in areas where current satellite technology can be iffy, such as under heavy tree-lined areas, massive and thickly-laden skyscrapers, significant cloud covers, and even indoors.
The next generation satellites should be less prone to interference and jamming. This means more safety from intentional enemy attacks. It also means commercial truck drivers won’t be able to jam employer GPS fleet tracking.
Testing of the next-gen GPS satellites isn’t being done in space. Rather, a prototype will be tested in Colorado at a Lockheed Martin facility. Awarded by the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin won a $238 million contract to produce the next-generation GPS III satellites, and has manufactured most of the GPS satellites out in orbit today.
Tests will include subjecting the prototype to radiation and ultra-low temperatures to mimic the effects a satellite experiences in orbit.
If all testing goes smoothly, the first GPS III satellite could go into orbit in May 2014, with more rolling out throughout the following several years. The new satellites will replace the older satellites in orbit currently. The United States Pentagon is hoping to purchase 32 satellites with this new technology.
