Lockheed Martin has begun production on a reconfigured GPS 2R-M satellite to temporarily transmit a third civil signal, the company said Sept. 4.

Lockheed is working with ITT under a U.S. Air Force contract to develop and integrate a payload that will provide an on-orbit demonstration capability for a new civil signal. The signal, located on the L5 frequency, will comply with international radio frequency spectrum requirements.

Future generations of GPS spacecraft will include an operational third civil signal to improve the accuracy and performance capabilities of the system.   The Block 2R-M spacecraft with the demonstration payload is planned for launch in 2008, Lockheed Martin said.