In fall 2015, Lockheed Martin’s first GPS 3 satellite for the U.S. Air Force, Space Vehicle 01 (SV01), successfully completed acoustic testing, where it was pounded with sound waves to simulate the vibrations it will endure during its future launch. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 04-07-2016] Lockheed Martin, current prime contractor for the GPS 3 satellites, has issued a competitive proposal to the U.S. Air Force as the military opens up future satellites to greater competition. According to the company, the proposal demonstrates how Lockheed Martin’s GPS 3 design is evolvable for future Air Force needs, building on the company’s plan to drive costs down with increased efficiencies, while being capable of incorporating new technologies as they become available in a low risk manner.

“From the beginning, we designed GPS 3 to evolve with more capabilities, including incorporating this acquisition’s requirement for a laser retro-reflector array and search and rescue payloads — which were proven to preliminary design levels in 2013. We have also already made significant strides in the requirements for military regional protection. Additionally, using the GPS 3 Nonflight Satellite Testbed (GNST) we have shown that our design is compatible with the next-generation ground station and the existing GPS constellation,” Lockheed Martin told Via Satellite in a statement.

Lockheed Martin is currently producing eight GPS 3 satellites. The first completed system-level Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing in December 2015, validating the company’s design and manufacturing processes. The next seven satellites are now in production flow at the company’s GPS processing facility near Denver.