GPS III

Overview
In 2008 the GPS directorate established a program to develop the next generation of GPS satellites named GPS III. GPS III satellites are designed to have the capabilities found on GPS IIF satellites plus increases in jam resistance, accuracy, and design life; a new civil signal compatible with the European Galileo system; and a satellite bus capable of supporting future satellite capability additions. The GPS III program is to use an acquisition strategy designed to reduce risk and to avoid or correct problems that plagued the GPS IIF program and caused a more than 4-year delay in the launch of the first GPS IIF satellite. The GPS III program plans to maintain stable requirements; have rigorous contractor oversight; and employ a structured systems engineering approach which includes features such as trade studies, advanced component development and prototype, and incremental delivery of mature technologies.

One of the program's risk reduction efforts includes research on dual launch initiatives to support two satellites launching on one launch vehicle. The GPS program office attributes current cost growth issues to reductions in the program's production rate, test equipment delays, and inefficiencies in the development of both the navigation and communication payload and satellite bus. The first GPS III satellite is expected to be ready for launch in May 2014.