[Satellite TODAY 06-06-13] Lockheed Martin has announced successful completion of the functional integration tests on the spacecraft bus and network communications equipment of the first next generation Global Positioning System satellite, known as GPS III. This U.S. Air Force program is aimed at replacing old GPS satellites in orbit with new and improved spacecraft.

 

    GPS III space vehicle 1 (SV 1) passed all the tests that assure all bus subsystems are functioning normally and are ready for final integration with the satellite’s navigation payload. GPS III SV1’s network communication equipment, which interfaces with the ground control segment and distributes data throughout the space vehicle, also passed all tests as expected.

 

    "The successful completion of the SV 1 bus functional check out validates that the spacecraft is now ready to begin the next sequence of payload integration and environmental testing, prior to delivery," Keoki Jackson, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Navigation Systems mission area, said in a statement.

 

    ITT Exelis is developing GPS III SV 1’s navigation payload, which is expected to be delivered to Lockheed Martin later this year. The hosted nuclear detection system payload has already been delivered and mechanically integrated.