Boeing Space Receives Air Force Okay To Begin GPS Modernization Program

Communications Today, March 14, 2002

The Boeing Co.'s [BA] Boeing Space and Communications unit received approval from the U.S. Air Force to proceed with space vehicle production for the GPS IIF modernization program.

GPS IIF is compatible with the Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle

(EELV) and will provide 20 percent more on-orbit life than previous GPS spacecraft. The Air Force chose the Boeing Delta IV to launch 21 of its 28 EELV payloads in October 1998.

The GPS IIF system architecture can accommodate hardware and software changes through incremental technology upgrades to improve efficiency and introduce new military capabilities including anti-jam, greater accuracy, better availability and higher integrity.

"The Boeing GPS IIF is the next step in enhancing the capabilities to support the national infrastructure for Homeland Security and National Defense, and it will improve the system's capabilities for all GPS users," said Mike Rizzo, director of navigation systems for Seal Beach, Calif.-based Boeing Space.

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