[SatNews] The 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colorado, has completed its sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system ahead of schedule.

The software release, which was scheduled to be complete in early January 2011, was accomplished ahead of schedule on December 8th, thanks to the dedication and teamwork by the Space and Missile Center’s GPS Directorate and the 2nd Space Operations Squadron. “The sustainment initiative was transparent to GPS users worldwide,” said Col. Harold Martin, chief, Positioning, Navigation and Timing Division, Air Force Space Command Directorate of Requirements. “Air Force Space Command takes great pride in providing GPS performance that exceeds our requirements for the system. We are dedicated to the modernization of GPS and are on the path to ensure continued positioning, navigation and timing support to the warfighter, the civil user, and the world. This sustainment release is part of a larger on-going effort by the Air Force to improve and maintain the current GPS ground system before the next generation GPS control segment is deployed in 2015,” added Colonel Martin. “The GPS constellation remains healthy, stable and robust with 31 operational satellites on-orbit providing precise positioning, navigation and timing worldwide, free of direct charges to users.”