Air Force Awards Boeing $138-M NAVSTAR GPS Satellite Contract

As a result of increased civil and commercial use as well as experience in military operations, the U.S. Air Force is introducing new capabilities and technologies to the GPS IIF to sustain the space and control segments while improving mission performance. (Boeing photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 26, 2006/Satnews Daily/ — The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing Co., Navigation and Communication Systems of Huntington Beach, Calif., a $138 million contract modification for the Air Force's Navstar global positioning satellite program.

Pentagon announced the contract award last week providing for next generation of advanced NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block IIF with enhanced navigation support for both military and civilian users. 

The global positioning system IIF is an upgrade of the original GPS, which is a worldwide timing and navigation system that utilizes 24 satellites positioned in orbit approximately 12,000 miles above the Earth's surface. These satellites continuously transmit digital radio signals pertaining to the exact time (using atomic clocks) and exact location of the satellites. By referring to signals transmitted by four satellites, the GPS can be used to calculate longitude, latitude, and altitude.

The Department of Defense originally developed the GPS for all-weather military applications, but the system is available at no additional charge for civilians and commerce.

The contract calls for the production of three satellites (Space Vehicle 10 through 12) with an expected delivery date of January 2010. 

According to Boeing, its Huntington Beach campus will manage the new contract and provide engineering services while its Anaheim plant contributes electronic subsystems. The actual satellite bus will be built at Boeing-El Segundo.

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