American aerospace company Raytheon has completed three preliminary launch readiness exercises as it prepares to launch its next generation Global Positioning System (GPS).
The first exercise showed the orbits transferring capability, configuration procedures, and ability to handle probable anomalies in space by the GPS III satellites during launch and checkout.
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The second exercise showed the satellite’s ability to switch contacts between various ground sites during launch and the third exercise illustrated the first acquisition of the space vehicle after launch, transfer orbit configurations and simultaneous contacts from different US Air Force Space Command Network (AFSCN) sites.
The exercise marked the company’s readiness to launch GPS III satellites via Raytheon’s Launch and Checkout System (LCS).
LCS is a part of Raytheon’s GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX), which expects to conduct the operations of GPS III satellites’ launch and checkout.
The US Air Force’s next generation GPS III satellite and Operational Control System (OCX), which is said to be the world’s most powerful and accurate Global Positioning System (GPS) is currently under development.
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By GlobalDataLast July, Raytheon installed LCS, which is the first operational hardware for the GPS satellite’s next generation GPS OCX system at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado.
Raytheon Navigation and Environmental Solutions vice president Matt Gilligan said: "These events demonstrate the growing maturity and readiness of Raytheon’s ground system to support the launch of GPS III satellites.
"LCS includes the cyber-hardened infrastructure for incorporating the remaining OCX mission applications, and represents a significant risk reduction for the overall program."
Both the US military and civilians throughout the world are expected to benefit from the new GPS OCX.
The services to be provided by the system include automation for operational efficiencies, accuracy improvement, and interoperability with geo-positioning and navigation systems of other nations. It also expects to provide cyber security.
