The launch window opens at 4:34 a.m. EDT, and will remain open for 15 minutes, should there be any delays for weather or technical reasons. The satellite, designated as GPS IIR-20(M), marks the first launch of a GPS satellite this year. Built by Lockheed Martin, the satellite offers features to include improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, and a second civil signal to provide dual frequency capability and improve resistance to interference. The satellite will also carry a new research and development demonstration payload for transmitting a third civil signal known as L5. The signal is in a protected band of frequencies. The payload will meet International Telecommunications Union requirements to bring it into use. The L5 signal, in the future, will provide a second frequency for safety-of-life applications for aviation, while providing increased availability and accuracy. The GPS IIR-20(M) satellite will join the six GPS IIR-M satellites and 12 operational GPS IIR satellites currently on-orbit.
Satnews Daily
March 20th, 2009
Current GPS IIR-M Satellites Will Soon Welcome A New Associate
The launch window opens at 4:34 a.m. EDT, and will remain open for 15 minutes, should there be any delays for weather or technical reasons. The satellite, designated as GPS IIR-20(M), marks the first launch of a GPS satellite this year. Built by Lockheed Martin, the satellite offers features to include improved accuracy, enhanced encryption, anti-jamming capabilities, and a second civil signal to provide dual frequency capability and improve resistance to interference. The satellite will also carry a new research and development demonstration payload for transmitting a third civil signal known as L5. The signal is in a protected band of frequencies. The payload will meet International Telecommunications Union requirements to bring it into use. The L5 signal, in the future, will provide a second frequency for safety-of-life applications for aviation, while providing increased availability and accuracy. The GPS IIR-20(M) satellite will join the six GPS IIR-M satellites and 12 operational GPS IIR satellites currently on-orbit.