[Satellite Today 03-25-09] United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched the U.S. Air Force’s GPS 2R-M satellite March 24 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
    GPS 2R-M, developed by the Air Force and Lockheed Martin, carries a demonstration payload that will transmit L5, a new third civil signal. The L5 demonstration payload will comply with international radio frequency spectrum requirements and will include an operational third civil signal, which aims to improve the accuracy and performance capabilities of the system. The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $6-million contract for the work in 2008.
    GPS 2R-M is the seventh in a line of eight 2R satellites that the Lockheed Martin-led team has modernized for the UGPS Wing of the Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles Air Force Base.