Help
New GPS signal faces critical moment
April 2nd, 2009 | National Space Symposium | Posted by Ben Iannotta
An artist's rendering of a Lockheed Martin GPS satellite
On April 10, Lockheed Martin plans to begin transmitting a third civilian signal from the Air Force’s new GPS 2R-M satellite, a demonstrate intended to keep the U.S. from losing its international license to operate at the new civilian frequency, called L–5, the company said.
Lockheed added a $6-million L-5 demonstration transmitter to the GPS 2R-M at the request of the Air Force after Boeing ran behind in construction of its version of the GPS satellites, the GPS 2Fs.
The U.S. has until August to begin transmitting the L-5 frequency from middle Earth orbit or it will lose its license from the United Nation’s International Telecommunications Union.
American defense officials feared China, or another country, could acquire the frequency, which on future GPS satellites the government plans to use to refine GPS’s accuracy to land aircraft and other “safety of life” applications.
The L-5 transmitter on GPS 2R-M, launched on March 24, is a demonstration version. “We’re just sending the frequency to lock in the license,” said Donald DeGryse, vice president for navigation systems at Lockheed Martin.
Tags: China, GPS, L-5, Lockheed Martin
Key space leaders flock to Colorado Springs
March 29th, 2009 | National Space Symposium | Posted by Michael Hoffman
Space leaders will huddle over the next four days at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Col., for the 25th National Space Symposium.
Officials from across the space community including Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, National Reconnaissance Office director Scott Large and even Bill Nye “The Science Guy” are scheduled to speak.
This year’s theme is “the Next Space Age” as the U.S. enters its 51st year of space flight, but more immediate topics such as the expansion of the Chinese space program and the level of funding space assets receive in the President’s budget will certainly garner attention.
The number of exhibitors has dropped from the 350 who attended last year to 140 this year in what would appear to be an effect of the global economic crises, but the Show Scout will be in Colorado Springs all week.
Check back for updates.
Tags: Air Force, China, National Space Symposium 2009, NRO