U.S. Space Force Chooses L3Harris to Develop Advanced GPS Solutions

Key Takeaways

L3Harris Technologies has secured a contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop concepts for the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) program.
The program aims to create small satellites to enhance the existing GPS constellation, targeting issues such as jamming and spoofing.
L3Harris will utilize its extensive experience in GPS technology to ensure a reliable positioning, navigation, and timing infrastructure for military and civil users.

Contract for R-GPS Program

L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command to design concepts for the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) program. This initiative is focused on creating cost-effective small satellites intended to augment the current 31-satellite GPS constellation, thereby enhancing resilience for both military and civilian users. The Space Force plans to produce and launch as many as eight satellites to combat challenges like jamming, spoofing, and other forms of interference.

Ed Zoiss, president of L3Harris’ space and airborne systems division, emphasized the company’s commitment to safeguarding national security through reliable GPS technologies. He stated, “We are answering the call to protect and defend national security interests by developing and deploying reliable and robust GPS technologies crucial to the warfighter and the global populace.” He noted that L3Harris plans to apply its five decades of experience as a key mission partner in GPS development to enhance the reliability and functionality of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems.

L3Harris stands out as the sole provider of navigation technology for every U.S. GPS satellite ever launched. Additionally, the company has been instrumental in designing and constructing vital components of the GPS control segment, monitor stations, and user equipment. This established expertise serves as the backbone of L3Harris’ proposed R-GPS solution.

L3Harris is further investing in innovative PNT technology, utilizing commercial form factors and interfaces to develop a modular and scalable solution that aligns with the requirements set forth by the Space Force. The company is also collaborating with the Space Force as the primary contractor on the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 program, which focuses on advancing technology and meeting accelerated development timelines.

The R-GPS program represents a significant step in enhancing the reliability of GPS services, ensuring continued access to precise navigation information for military operations and civil applications alike. As the demand for resilient positioning technologies grows, L3Harris is positioned to play a key role in addressing emerging challenges and safeguarding the integrity of GPS infrastructure.

The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.