GPS III Space Segment

Abstract

The Navstar Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space based navigation system that fills validated Joint Service requirements for worldwide, accurate, common grid three dimensional positioning/navigation for military aircraft, ships, and ground personnel. The consistent accuracy, unaffected by location or weather and available in real time, significantly improves effectiveness of reconnaissance, weapons delivery, mine countermeasures and rapid deployment for all services. The system is composed of three segments: user equipment (funded under PE 0305164F), space, and a control network. The satellites broadcast high accuracy data using precisely synchronized signals which are received and processed by user equipment installed in military platforms. This equipment computes the platform position and velocity and provides steering vectors to target locations or navigation equipment installed in military platforms. The control segment provides daily updates to the navigation messages broadcast from the satellites to maintain system precision in three dimensions to 16 meters spherical error probable worldwide. Additionally, GPS supports the United States Nuclear Detonation (NUDET) Detection System (NDS) mission, and provides strategic and tactical support to the following Department of Defense (DoD) missions: Joint Operations by providing capabilities for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT), Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence, Special Operations; Military Operations in Urban Terrain, Defense-Wide Mission Support, Air Mobility, and Space Launch Orbital Support. GPS IIIA is the next generation space vehicle to join the Navstar GPS constellation. GPS IIIA space vehicles will deliver significant enhancements, including a new L1C (civil) Galileo-compatible signal, enhanced M-code Earth Coverage power, and a growth path to full warfighter capabilities. GPS IIIA is in the Production & Deployment Phase. Funds for GPS IIIA will support research, development, test and evaluation of two GPS IIIA space vehicles and associated simulators through a structured systems engineering approach that matures and delivers space vehicles for launch. The program includes capability maturation and risk reduction efforts (Capability Insertion Program (CIP)), to address and mitigate program cost schedule and technical challenges. Additionally, the program includes engineering studies and analyses, trade studies, system development, test and evaluation efforts, integrated logistics support products, on orbit support, and mission operations in support of civil applications necessary to support efforts to protect U.S. military and allies' use of GPS. OCX is the next generation GPS control segment which includes, but is not limited to, advanced concept development, systems engineering and analysis, modernized control segment development, training simulators, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) products, and developmental test resources. The OCX acquisition was established to 1) fly the GPS III satellites, 2) incorporate situational awareness to support Navwar and signal monitoring, and 3) enable mission capability upgrades to support warfighter Effects-Based Approach to Operations (EBAO). Funds for OCX will support engineering studies and analyses, architectural engineering studies, trade studies, technology needs forecasting, science and technology, technology development, systems engineering, system development, test and evaluation efforts, GPS enterprise integration and mission operations in support of upgrades and product improvements for military and civil applications necessary to support efforts to protect U.S. military and allies' use of GPS. Additionally, funds will ensure a disciplined Capability Insertion Program (CIP) plan to meet Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) approved required capabilities. Funding is transferred to PE 0603423F beginning in FY12. The Distress Alerting Satellite System (DASS) is an approved secondary payload on GPS III space vehicles beginning in Block B. DASS will fill validated National Search and Rescue Committee requirements to provide enduring, space-based distress alerting capability to detect, locate, and relay distress alerts to fulfill its responsibilities under the SECDEF's National Search and Rescue Plan. In addition the USAF has on-going requirements to rescue its own personnel in harm’s way per Air Force Doctrine Document 2-1.6. The implementation of a US Mid Earth Orbiting Search and Rescue Space Segment is via a Canadian-Provided 406 MHZ SAR repeater on the GPS Block III satellites presents a cost effective opportunity with low risk to build on existing Proof of Concept work and provide a proven SAR system that accommodates existing and planned 406 MHz beacons. USAF and USCG senior leaders have agreed that, as the operational sponsors and main users of the capability, they will share (50/50) integration costs associated with integrating Canadian provided SAR repeater to GPS III B & C Space Vehicles. Costs presented represent USAF 50% Share. DASS is a New Start for the GPS III program. DASS funding will be applied to early integration activities for GPS IIIB through the Capabilities Insertion Program (CIP) in FY12. This program is Budget Activity 7 - Operational System Development because it supports operational systems (GPS).

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0305265F_7_3600_PB_2012
• Change Summary Explanation: FY12 changes: GPS IIIA FY12 funding Increased $140.192M for engineering change orders and additional costs to complete non-recurring engineering required to assure on time delivery of GPS IIIA SVs 1 and 2. Decreased -$2.542M for overhead reduction and report, study, board reduction efficiencies. Reductions for efficiencies are not intended to impact program content. Decreased -$5.506M for higher DoD priorities. OCX FY12 funding Increased $275.138M to fully fund program for Milestone B. Decreased -$392.192M. OCX funding in FY12 and beyond transferred to PE 0603423F. DASS FY12 Funding Increased $2.143M to initiate new program.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Human Systems
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Artificial Satellites
• Cost Analysis
• Deployment
• Engineering
• Global Positioning Systems
• Logistics
• Logistics Support
• Military Operations
• Navigation
• Satellite Buses
• Search And Rescue
• Simulators
• Spacecraft
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites