Lockheed Martin wins $200M contract to produce two more GPS III satellites

Lockheed Martin has won more than $200 million in options with the Air Force to complete production of its fifth and sixth next-generation Global Positioning System satellites, or GPS III.

The GPS III program replaces GPS satellites in orbit while improving capability to meet the evolving demands of the military, commercial and civilian users.

The company won a contract in February to provide long lead parts for a second set of four GPS III space vehicles, and this new contract provides funding to complete the first two satellites in this order. Full production funding for the next two space vehicles is expected in 2014, the company said in a release.

“Lockheed Martin’s GPS III program has a rigorous testing plan and mission success focus aligned with the Air Force’s back-to-basics approach, and is specifically designed to enable predictable and affordable recurring production through disciplined development and early risk reduction,” said Mark Stewart, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Navigation Systems mission area.

Lockheed is the prime contractor and has a team comprised of Exelis, General Dynamics, Infinity Systems Engineering, Honeywell, ATK and other subcontractors, the company said.