The propulsion core includes the integrated propulsion system and serves as the structural backbone of the satellite. The delivery marks the GPS program’s first milestone for the GPS 2 Space Vehicle 1, as well as the beginning of the satellite’s initial assembly, integration and test activities for the GPF.

   “The delivery of the propulsion core demonstrates that this program is on firm footing and poised to deliver on its commitments,” U.S. Air Force GPS 3 Program Manager Lt. Col. Todd Caldwell said in a statement. “In this challenging budget environment, we are focused on efficient program execution to deliver critical new capabilities to GPS users worldwide.”

The GPS 3 program aims to replace aging GPS satellites and help meet the evolving demands of military, commercial, and civilian users with better accuracy, improved anti-jamming power, enhanced design life, and a new civil signal designed to be interoperable with international global navigation satellite systems.