• The GPS III SV02 satellite offers 8× enhanced anti-jamming abilities and 3× higher accuracy.
   
• GPS III SV02 also offers a new civil signal which is compatible with international GPS satellite systems.

The USAF’s second next-gen GPS III SV02 satellite, made by Lockheed Martin, is completely under control, responding to commands and now utilizing its internal thrusters to reach its orbit after its successful launch in the early hours of August 22, 2019.

Lockheed Martin and Air Force engineers at Lockheed Martin’s Checkout and Launch Facility, Denver announced that they had complete command over GPS III Space Vehicle 02 (GPS III SV02) immediately following the successful separation of satellite from the United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket. The satellite, dubbed “Magellan” by USAF started its rocket ride at 9:06 a.m. Eastern Time launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

SV02 is now making its way towards its operational orbit; approximately 12,550 miles above earth with the power of its Liquid Apogee engine. Engineers from Lockheed Martin Space's Waterton site in Colorado, are controlling the satellite using components of GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Block 0.

Lockheed Martin Space's Vice President for Navigation Systems, Johnathon Caldwell stated that SV02 is receiving as well as responding to given commands by engineers just like it was planned. In the coming days, company will complete orbit raising to its operational slot and pass commands to satellite directing it to deploy its antennas and solar arrays.   

Caldwell added that once it is set up, the company will start on-orbit tests and checkout, that will also include extensive signal testing with the company’s advanced navigation payload.

The satellite is Lockheed Martin’s second such GPS III satellite built and designed for supporting the Air Force reform current Global Positioning System constellation with newer capabilities and technology.

GPS III SV02 satellite offers 8× enhanced anti-jamming abilities and 3× higher accuracy and offers a novel L1C civil signal which is compatible with international GPS satellite systems.

Source Credit: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-08-22-Second-Lockheed-Martin-Built-Next-Generation-GPS-III-Satellite-Responding-to-Commands-Under-Self-Propulsion