Lockheed Martin announced Monday that one of its Global Positioning System Block IIR satellites has reached 10 years of successful on-orbit operations. The Air Force launched this satellite, the fifth Block IIR spacecraft built, into space on July 16, 2000. It is one of 30 GPS satellites currently functioning in orbit. “This milestone is yet another example of the talented government-industry team dedicated to delivering GPS capabilities to the warfighter and millions of citizens around the globe,” said Joe Trench, Lockheed’s vice president of navigation systems. This news comes just days before Lockheed’s industry team is expected to complete the critical design review for the next-generation GPS Block IIIA space vehicle. First launch of a GPS Block IIIA satellite is anticipated in 2014.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.