General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems will build components for the network communications element on GPS III space vehicles seven and eight under a $25 million full-production contract awarded by Lockheed Martin.
The NCE components are built to help the satellites carry out communications functions and include the ground-to-space command and control channel, space-to-space inter-satellites and other communication channels, General Dynamics said Tuesday.
The Air Force intends for the GPS III satellites to have better accuracy, more powerful anti-jamming relays and an extended spacecraft lifespan of more than 25 percent compared to prior models.
A majority of contract work will occur at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems’ facilities in Scottsdale, Ariz. and Bloomington, Minn.
Delivery of the NCE components for space vehicles three and four is scheduled for this summer.