Home PageFacebookRSS News Feed
PocketGPS
Web
SatNav,GPS,Navigation
Pocket GPS World - SatNavs | GPS | Speed Cameras: Forums

Pocket GPS World :: View topic - Problems delay the launch of the latest GPS Satellite
 Forum FAQForum FAQ   SearchSearch   UsergroupsUsergroups   ProfileProfile   Log in for private messagesLog in for private messages   Log inLog in 

Problems delay the launch of the latest GPS Satellite

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Pocket GPS World Forum Index -> News And Latest Information
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
MikeB
Frequent Visitor


Joined: 20/08/2002 11:51:57
Posts: 3859
Location: Essex, UK
PostPosted: Thu May 12, 2005 8:13 pm    Post subject: Problems delay the launch of the latest GPS Satellite Reply with quote
Reported on www.Space.com

www.space.com wrote:

A handful of worries spawned by problems found in the factory have prompted the Air Force to delay launching the next Global Positioning System satellite.

The Lockheed Martin-built GPS 2R-M1 spacecraft was supposed to fly from Cape Canaveral this month aboard a Boeing Delta 2 rocket. But issues arose involving internal components, causing officials to put the brakes on launch plans.

The problems include:

A mis-installed capacitor on a navigation payload under assembly.
Screws were discovered not properly torqued in a navigation payload. Inspections performed on GPS 2R-M1 showed its screws were torqued.
Navigation payload-manufacturer ITT determined that a Destructive Physical Analysis had not been performed for a relay used on the GPS 2R-M1 satellite's L-Band transmitter DC-DC converter.
Officials across the GPS program are trying to ensure the problems won't harm the GPS 2R-M1 spacecraft and its $75 million mission to replace an aging satellite in the military's navigation constellation.

"The GPS Joint Program Office has worked with Lockheed Martin, and their subcontractors, to understand root cause of the issues and extensively review the' reach-back' potential to (GPS 2R-M1)," the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center told Spaceflight Now.

The Air Force and Lockheed Martin believe the issues have been resolved, permitting GPS 2R-M1 to resume its launch campaign.

The satellite is expected to be transported to launch pad 17A in late May or early June for mating atop the Delta rocket. Although a firm launch date has not been established, the Air Force anticipates liftoff in mid-June.

This spacecraft is the first in the so-called "Modernized" line of GPS 2R-model satellites. The updated craft increase the power for existing signals and offer two new military signals as well as a second civilian signal to benefit users around the world.

The improvements will provide greater accuracy, better resistance to interference and enhanced performance for all users, according to the Air Force. The advancements for the military will provide warfighters with a more robust jam-resistant signal and enable better targeting of GPS-guided weapons in hostile environments, while the new civilian signal removes ionospheric errors and improves accuracy.

The GPS craft send continuous navigation signals that allow users virtually anywhere on the planet to find their position in latitude, longitude and altitude and determine time. The signals are so accurate that time can be figured to less than a millionth of a second, velocity to within a fraction of a mile per hour and location to within a matter of feet.

The GPS constellation features 24 primary and several backup satellites flying into six orbital groupings 11,000 miles above Earth. The Air Force continues to launch new satellites as replacements to keep the critical navigation system in good health. Twenty-nine satellites are functioning in orbit today.

"The health of the GPS constellation is excellent," the program office said.

Which location GPS 2R-M1 will fill is expected to be decided Tuesday


PS Check out the advert on the home page of www.space.com (you will need to use Internet Explorer to get the benefit of this). This must be the best Ad I have ever seen on the internet and I hate ads...
_________________
Mike Barrett
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website







Posted: Today    Post subject: Pocket GPS Advertising
Back to top
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Pocket GPS World Forum Index -> News And Latest Information All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Make a Donation

CamerAlert Database

Click here for the PocketGPSWorld.com Speed Camera Database

Download Speed Camera Database
22.051 (01 May 24)


WORLDWIDE SPEED CAMERA SPOTTERS WANTED!

Click here to submit camera positions to the PocketGPSWorld.com Speed Camera Database


12mth Subscriber memberships awarded every week for verified new camera reports!

Submit Speed Camera Locations Now

CamerAlert Apps



iOS QR Code






Android QR Code







© Terms & Privacy

GPS Shopping