CLIFTON, N.J., March 19 (UPI) -- Navigation transmitter assemblies for the U.S. Air Force's first GPS III navigation satellite have been completed and tested by Exelis.
The company said testing of the six assemblies, integral payload components for the next-generation GPS satellite, included random vibration, pyro-shock and thermal vacuum testing, which replicates space-like conditions.
"Testing validated the transmitters' performance for the first GPS III space vehicle or SV 1 and will be replicated for consecutive space vehicles," said Mark Pisani, vice president and general manager of positioning, navigation and timing business area for Exelis Geospatial Systems. "Staying true to our legacy, we are committed to delivering a payload that works and contributes to moving the overall GPS modernization effort forward."
The GPS III satellite system, which will be used for civilian as well as military applications, will replace aging GPS systems now in orbit. They will be more accurate and have greater anti-jamming capabilities.
Lockheed Martin is the GPS III prime contractor with teammates Exelis, General Dynamics, Infinity Systems Engineering, Honeywell, ATK and other subcontractors.
