New GPS (IIR-M) satellite operational
The new Global Positioning System satellite that was launched on October 17 at Cape Canaveral, has been given a “full operational” mark after an on-orbit check made by the US Air Force along with Lockheed Martin.
From a total of eight, this was the fourth GPS satellite that was launched, and it makes part of the GPS Block IIR-M category. Some of the upgrades for this satellite include a better antenna panel that is suppose to provide an improvement on the signal power, and part of the new features are the enhanced encryption and anti-jamming functions, made specifically for the military staff to use.
The next satellite will be launched next to Christmas, on December 20, at the same place this one was launched. The other 3 satellites (8 in total) will hit the space next year.
One of these satellites will include a new demonstration payload that will temporarily transmit a third civil signal, known as L5.
via gizmag
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