Spaceflight Now is reporting that the next GPS satellite, Block IIF-3 (SVN65) to be launched on October 4, 2012, will be positioned in orbital slot 1, which is in plane A. This slot is currently occupied by a Block IIA satellite, SVN39, operating as PRN09. SVN39 is one of the oldest operating satellites in the GPS fleet, having been launched on June 26, 1993.
The GPS Block IIR-M satellite, SVN49, resumed transmissions as PRN24 at about 18:35 UTC on August 9, 2012. The signals are marked unhealthy and the satellite is not included in broadcast almanacs. SVN49 was launched on March 24, 2009 but remains out of service until an L1/L2 satellite multipath issue is resolved.
By Brady O’Hanlon, Mark L. Psiaki, Paul M. Kintner Jr., and Steven P. Powell Anomalous behavior of the […]
The U.S. Air Force GPS Wing and 50th Space Wing have begun repositioning GPS satellites in space to fly what they call the 24+3 or Expandable 24 constellation plan. The initiative will take up to 24 months to fully implement. Benefits to users will be slowly realized during that time, as the number of GPS satellites in view will increase, potentially increasing GPS receiver accuracy. Plus: Penny-Wise, Pound-Foolish U.S. Coast Guard to Pull Loran Plug; Galileo Satellites Awarded to OHB; Compass at Three
Brad Parkinson, the first GPS Program Office director, chief architect and advocate for GPS, submitted written testimony to Congress on mitigation options for possible GPS brownouts. His presentation comes in reference to the recent GAO report highlighting the risk that the GPS constellation may fall below the minimum level of 24 satellites required for full operational capability. In his opening, Parkinson states that GAO correctly points out the possibility that the GPS constellation will be reduced to less than the current number of 30 to 32 satellites. In fact, it is possible that the constellation will be at a level of less than 24 satellites. I would like to focus on the options that would help reduce this risk.”
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