The NAVSTAR Global Positioning System -- operated by the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo. -- provides 24-hour navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

While GPS has been utilized for decades, it has been in the past five years that the constellation has benefited from GPS Block IIR satellite. The first successful GPS Block IIR Satellite on-orbit, designated as SVN43, was launched July 23, 1997, which began a new era in GPS operational performance.

"The addition of the GPS Block IIR has greatly improved the navigation products we deliver to the war fighter," said Lt. Col. Scott Henderson, 2nd SOPS commander. "(Joint Direct Attack Munitions) delivered in theater use GPS to hit more than 90 percent of their intended targets."

In Operation Enduring Freedom, airmen have called in bomber support from the ground when the enemy was no more than 75 feet away. Mining experts used a GPS receiver to locate the mineshaft prior to drilling a 300-fet air passage for the rescue of 9 men earlier this summer.

One of the many operational performance enhancements on the Block IIRs was the state-of-the-art atomic clock. With the new clocks installed, GPS promised users increased navigation accuracy. After five years on orbit, SVN43 and its five Block IIR partners are maintaining a signal-in-space accuracy of less than one meter, compared to the original design requirement of 16 meters.

"It was designed and built for enhanced capabilities to global users and the war fighter," said Jim Martens, Lockheed Martin site manager for the Block IIR Program. "It has exceeded our expectations."

Martens presented a plaque commemorating the event to Henderson.

"We are proud to provide the GPS Block IIR satellite, as well as doing our part in day-to-day technical support to the squadrons operating the system, providing a precision navigational signal to worldwide users," said Martens at a small ceremony Aug 8.

Henderson and Martens recognize that it takes a team of Air Force and contractor professionals for their valued partnership in fielding and operating the new generation of GPS satellites.

"It's a total team effort to make it all come together," said Henderson. "The beauty of GPS and the 50th Space Wing is the work of 1st SOPS, 2nd SOPS, 19th SOPS, Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office in Los Angeles."

The 1st SOPS led the launch and early orbit mission for that first GPS IIR launch, placing the satellite into the proper operational slot, establishing three-axis stabilization and deploying the solar arrays and antennas. The LEO mission marked the most accurate apogee kick motor targeting in GPS history, hitting the proper orbit within .046 degrees. SVN43 also accomplished the first autonomous Sun/Earth acquisition in GPS history.

2nd SOPS provides routine on-orbit support, including state-of-health checks, navigation uploads and delta-velocity maneuvers to maintain orbital position. Once the vehicle drifted into its operational orbit, 2nd SOPS initialized the navigation and secondary payloads and began operational checkout of the new bird.

The Navstar GPS JPO of the Space and Missile Systems Center is the DoD agency for acquiring GPS satellites, ground systems and military user equipment.

The JPO Advanced Plans Branch is actively studying the opportunity to improve accuracy, availability, integrity, and survivability to meet emerging military and civil needs for the next 30 years. This next block of satellites, called GPS III, will continue to deliver the new civil signals and improved military codes that were initiated on the GPS IIR-M and IIF programs.

The Air Force plans to launch 14 GPS Block IIR satellites over the next four years. The current GPS III program expects first launch of research and development satellites by 2010.

Related Links
Schriever AFB
USNO NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Site
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