US Air Force launches firstnext generation GPS satellite
- 5 years ago
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA — The new first-generation GPS satellite will be launched into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The Air Force reckons about 4 billion people worldwide use GPS systems for civilian purposes such as navigation, mapping, timing, and bank transactions.
The new satellite model, called GPS III, is the first of 32 planned GPS III satellites that will replace older ones currently in orbit.
GPS III satellites have an improved accuracy of one to three meters under good conditions, three times more accurate than current GPS systems.
The satellite is also proven to be compatible with existing GPS constellations as well as other international global navigation satellite systems. This allows for improved connectivity and accuracy among civilian users around the world.
The new satellite models will also have stronger military signals less prone to jamming and will last 25 percent longer than any of the GPS satellites currently on-orbit.
According to the Associated Press, authorities from the Government Accountability Office said the price of production of a GPS III satellite is $577 million.
The Air Force reckons about 4 billion people worldwide use GPS systems for civilian purposes such as navigation, mapping, timing, and bank transactions.
The new satellite model, called GPS III, is the first of 32 planned GPS III satellites that will replace older ones currently in orbit.
GPS III satellites have an improved accuracy of one to three meters under good conditions, three times more accurate than current GPS systems.
The satellite is also proven to be compatible with existing GPS constellations as well as other international global navigation satellite systems. This allows for improved connectivity and accuracy among civilian users around the world.
The new satellite models will also have stronger military signals less prone to jamming and will last 25 percent longer than any of the GPS satellites currently on-orbit.
According to the Associated Press, authorities from the Government Accountability Office said the price of production of a GPS III satellite is $577 million.