The World’s GPS Constellation to Gain a Boost in October
25 Sep 2012GPS Constellation to Improve with Delta 4 Rocket Launch
October marks the launch of the Delta 4 rocket from Cape Canaveral to benefit the population with global positioning system (GPS) technology. The newest GPS constellation will provide the most accurate and advanced technology to date.
Currently, a craft called the GPS 2A-21 has been in the orbiting constellation since June 1993, serving military and civilian users across the world. The newest vehicle, made by United Launch Alliance, will carry the GPS 2F-3 navigation satellite, replacing the older and less efficient craft. The newest satellite will be operational about 30 days after its expected October 4th launch.
The GPS 2F-3, as its name suggests, is the third Block 2F series GPS satellite. The newest satellite provides more accurate readings, with better anti-jam resistance, greater internal atomic clocks, a civil signal for commercial aviation, and an extended design life. The two recent Block 2F series satellites were launched in July 2011 and May 2012, are continuing to orbit and improve the GPS network. Boeing, based in Seattle Washington, is currently working on an upgrade for new crafts to reach the constellation in upcoming years.
“As each 2F satellite becomes operational, we continue the seamless transformation of the GPS constellation into an even more accurate, reliable and durable navigation resource for the U.S. military and the global civilian user community,” reported vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems, Craig Cooning.
The current GPS fleet includes 31 satellites; 12 Lockheed Martin Block 2R’s and 2R modernized spacecraft, 10 Boeing Block 2A’s and two Boeing Block 2F vehicles. The satellites cover approximately 11,000 nautical miles, emitting navigation signals on a continuous basis. This data lets users find their current location in latitude, altitude, and longitude. Six orbital planes with multiple satellites are included in the constellation.
“The GPS constellation remains healthy, stable and robust with 31-operational satellites on-orbit providing precise position, navigation and timing information to users worldwide,” said an Air Force spokesman.
New Galileo GPS satellite to launch in October
This upcoming October, the third satellite in the Galileo global navigation satellite system (GNSS) will launch. The satellite is currently at its launch pad in French Guyana, awaiting the official launch date in October.
The GNSS is the European Union’s version of the global positioning system (GPS), currently containing two satellites that were launched last October from South America. The GNSS will include 30 satellites, all of which will have launched by 2019. The satellite system will improve Europe’s GPS accuracy and positioning for monitoring, survey and machine control. Two GNSS satellites will be launched together, on board the Soyuz ST-B rocket for in-orbit validation. Like US GPS satellites, the newest GPS technology is set to improve accuracy for positioning and location in Europe.
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