Lockheed Martin Hits Key Production Breakthrough for Future-Ready GPS IIIF Satellites
Lockheed Martin has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the “core mate” phase of GPS IIIF Space Vehicle 11 (GPS IIIF SV11), marking its formal inception.
Importance of GPS IIIF Satellites
The ongoing production and deployment of next-generation GPS satellites are critical for ensuring reliable global navigation. The GPS IIIF block introduces a range of advanced features that significantly enhance the resilience of the satellite constellation. Equipped with Regional Military Protection, GPS IIIF satellites offer over sixty times better anti-jamming capabilities, providing warfighters with a vital advantage against advanced electronic warfare threats.
GPS IIIF SV11 becomes the third satellite in the IIIF series to complete this critical phase, following SV13 and SV14, which reached core mate last year. Notably, GPS IIIF SV11 will be the first IIIF satellite to be launched.
“The core mate completion of SV11 demonstrates the robust production capabilities of the next-generation GPS IIIF satellites, as we continue to invest in advanced manufacturing,” stated Christina Mancinelli, Vice President of Global Communications & Navigation at Lockheed Martin. “With three GPS IIIF satellites now past core mate, we are making significant strides in accelerating production, ensuring that we provide essential next-generation capabilities to the GPS constellation that meet the needs of warfighters protecting our nation.”
Enhanced Capabilities of SV11
The SV11 satellite boasts M-Code functionality, delivering encrypted and anti-spoofing signals that enhance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities for military personnel worldwide. Additionally, SV11 includes a new search and rescue payload that enables first responders to reach emergencies in remote areas more effectively.
To further bolster GPS capabilities, all GPS IIIF satellites from SV13 onward will utilize the advanced LM2100 Combat Bus™, which enhances cyber-hardening and improves spacecraft power, propulsion, and electronics. This design allows for increased size, weight, and power, providing the flexibility to quickly integrate additional payloads into future space vehicles.
Manufacturing of GPS IIIF satellites occurs at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Denver, Colorado, where the company is accelerating production through innovative technologies such as augmented reality and digital twins. Lockheed Martin remains under contract for GPS IIIF up to SV22 and has successfully completed all launches of GPS III space vehicles.
