Lockheed Martin Awarded $120 Million for New GPS Satellites

14 May 2013

$120 million has been awarded to Lockheed Martin Space Systems for new GPS satellite systems.

The US Air Force wants four new global positioning system (GPS) satellites built and are willing to pay for it. They have awarded $120 million to Lockheed Martin for four new satellites as part of the GPS III program (also known as the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth next generation Global Positioning System satellites.) Lockheed Martin will design, construction, assemble and test the new GPS satellites at their facility in Jefferson County, Colorado.

“As our world becomes increasingly dependent on GPS technology, the new GPS III satellites will be a critical element of both our national and economic security, and we are committed to achieving mission success for the billions of military, commercial and civilian users worldwide,”

said Keoki Jackson, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Navigation Systems mission area.

Lockheed Martin is a security and aerospace organization located in Bethesda, Maryland. It has approximately 120,000 employees globally. Lockheed Martin works on the research, design, manufacture, development, integrating and testing of many different types of advanced technology systems and services

The award is in conjunction with two contracts for replacing the current GPS satellites used by the US Air Force, in order to get new and improved technology. The goal is to get more accurate location and GPS tracking software in the GPS satellites with more advanced services. Lockheed Martin has already begun developing and producing the four new satellites.

These satellites will also have a brand new signal design to enhance the experience for many users. whether that’s for GPS navigation or GPS tracking. It is expected to improve the communication of International GPS satellites as well, so that the expansive location is available and more signals can be pulled to and from the satellites.

A speaker from Lockheed Martin told the press that the new satellites will improve the capability of new demands in the military, as well as for civilian and commercial users of GPS technology and GPS tracking. The anti-jamming technology is also essential as it helps to prevent blocking of GPS tracking satellite signals which is an ongoing problem.

“GPS III satellites will deliver better accuracy and improved anti-jamming power while enhancing the spacecraft’s design life and adding a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems,” a representative from Lockheed told reporters.

The four satellites being produced by Lockheed Martin are just the beginning; the US Air Force plans to have up to 32 GPS satellites as part of the GPS III satellite program. The GPS satellite constellation is managed and operated by the Schriever Air Force Base located in El Paso County, Texas.

If you’re interested in learning more about these current GPS developments, and view high-resolution images and videos of the newest GPS III satellite systems currently in production and entering the testing phase, visit the GPS section of Lockheed Martin’s website.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.