Raytheon completes GPS III launch readiness exercise

AURORA, Colo., Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Raytheon reports it successfully completed three launch readiness exercises in preparation for the launch of the modernized Global Positioning System.

The company performed the exercises to demonstrate the readiness of their Launch and Checkout System in support of the launch of GPS III satellites. Raytheon's ground system will handle launch operations and procedures as part of Raytheon's GPS Next-Generation Operational Control System (GPS OCX), which aims to enhance positioning, navigation and cybersecurity capabilities for both civilian and military GPS users around the world.

The first demonstration event tested the capabilities needed to deploy GPS III satellites, including orbits in space, configuration procedures, and how satellites would be able to handle disruptive events in space. The second event demonstrated the ability to switch contacts between multiple simulated U.S. Air Force Satellite Control Network ground sites during launch. The third event demonstrated the first acquisition of the space vehicle after launch.

"These events demonstrate the growing maturity and readiness of Raytheon's ground system to support the launch of GPS III satellites," said Matt Gilligan, vice president of Raytheon Navigation and Environmental Solutions in a statement. "LCS includes the cyber-hardened infrastructure for incorporating the remaining OCX mission applications, and represents a significant risk reduction for the overall program."

Raytheon's exercises follow Lockheed Martin's upgrades for the U.S. Air Force's GPS III satellites, announced earlier in November as part of the U.S. Air Force's GPS Modernization Program. Like Raytheon's GPS OCX, Lockheed Martin's upgrades aimed to provide additional cybersecurity for civil and miltary users. Raytheon delivered the first operational hardware for the program in May.