NaviGadget

boeing gets $138 million worth GPS satellite contract

Jul 6, 2006 gps navigation, misc news

Boeing has been awarded a $138 million option by the U.S. Air Force to build three additional Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites under the GPS Block IIF contract.

The exercised option brings to 12 the number of Block IIF satellites Boeing is building under contract to the military’s NAVSTAR GPS joint program office. Boeing expects that the first GPS Block IIF satellite, known as SV-1, will be ready for delivery in 2007.

The GPS system is a space-based radio positioning system consisting of a constellation of 24 orbiting satellites. GPS provides two levels of service: a standard positioning service for general public business and recreational use and an encoded service that is primarily intended for use by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS IIF satellites will provide enhanced navigation support for both military and civilian users and will include a new dedicated L-5 signal approved by the government for civilian aviation.

“With the recent completion of the GPS IIF integrated baseline review, we are confident that the program is on solid footing to perform to cost and schedule requirements,” said Michael Gianelli, vice president of Navigation and Communication Systems for Boeing. “We also continue to look at enhancements of GPS services as part of an Air Force study contract recently awarded to Boeing for the development of the GPS III next-generation satellites.”

In addition to building 12 Block IIF satellites, Boeing also is under contract to support the GPS ground segment. The value of this contract is approximately $800 million.