The United States has not yet fully deployed the new generation of positioning satellites, but is already preparing to send an improved version of them into space. Yesterday, January 10, the portal defensenews.com He reported that the US Space Force has ordered ten satellites of the GPS III Follow-on version (GPS IIIF).
If GPS III satellites demonstrate three times improved positioning accuracy and eight times greater protection from interference, then their successors will significantly exceed these indicators. Thus, the signal protection from interference in GPS IIIF should be 60 times higher than GPS III, in addition, these satellites will have a number of additional features (for example, they will be able to track nuclear explosions).
SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle puts GPS III satellites into orbit
Image source: defensenews.com
The security of the satellites themselves will also be improved. It is indicated that they will be built on the Lockheed LM2100 platform, specially designed for military purposes. This platform is positioned as more stable, has greater engine thrust and better cyber security. In addition, GPS IIIFS are equipped with special ports for connecting additional payloads, which will allow upgrading satellites directly in orbit.
GPS Satellite IIIF
Image source: lockheedmartin.com
There are already 5 GPS III satellites in orbit, three more are waiting to be sent, and two are completing testing. At the same time, the GPS IIIF satellite network will be much larger — it is planned to order 22 units.
