Harris, Lockheed and SpaceX TEAM UP for GPS III Launch
December 16, 2018 — The SpaceX launch on Dec. 18 will feature several companies with a presence in Brevard, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin Corp. and Harris Corp.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will lift the U.S. Air Force’s Lockheed Martin-built GPS III satellite to orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 40.
This launch will be the first third-generation Global Positioning System satellite. But many more will follow. Lockheed Martin won a $7.2 billion contract to build 22 GPS III satellites for the U.S. Air Force, to provide better accuracy and improved anti-jamming capabilities.
The satellite will house Melbourne-based Harris Corp.’s technology, which includes a Mission Data Unit that links to atomic clocks, radiation-hardened processors and powerful transmitters. Harris Corp.’s addition will improve signal power and extend its lifespan.
Leading up to the Dec. 18 launch, the GPS III underwent pre-launch processing, fueling and encapsulation at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville. During encapsulation, GPS III was sealed in its launch fairing, an aerodynamic, nose-cone shell that protects the satellite during launch. In the coming days, the fairing-enclosed satellite will be mounted to the rocket as launch preparations continue.
Since 2016, Harris has invested $20 million developing its next-generation fully digital navigation payload for GPS III. Harris (soon to be known as L3 Harris Technologies) is contracted to provide its technology to 10 GPS III satellites and so far, it has completed six.
The next launch for the GPS III will be sometime in 2019, with full constellation complete at 22-satellites. That’s good news for Florida’s Space Coast, as much of the work testing the satellites and launching them will happen locally.
Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2018/12/13/florida-launch-spacex-to-send-lockheed-built.html?ana=e_ae_set1&s=article_du&ed=2018-12-14&u=J98tOjj6rNsxIBG2l1EQTA0deef859&t=1544826052&j=85555541