Lockheed Martin Wins Next-Step GPS Contract

By Patience Wait, Staff Writer


NOV. 13 ? Lockheed Martin Space Systems, a division of Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., has won a $16 million contract with the Air Force for a 12-month system architecture and requirements definition study for the next-generation global positioning system program, known as GPS III.


A global positioning system allows users with a GPS receiver to identify a position and velocity anywhere in the world within a few meters. Originally intended as a guidance and navigational tool for the military, applications have developed in other fields, including transportation, surveying, aviation and search and rescue operations.


The yearlong study will convert military and civilian needs into performance and design concepts. When the study is complete, the Air Force will hold an open competition and award contracts for the second phase of GPS III, a 26-month program definition/risk reduction study.


The winner of this phase will also be awarded engineering, manufacturing and development responsibilities, plus maintenance of existing GPS ground and space elements.


Lockheed Martin has assembled a team to pursue the GPS III project, including ITT Industries Inc., Rockwell Collins, a division of Rockwell International Inc., and the Ball Aerospace Systems Group.