The satellite, designated GPS IIR-17M, is the fourth in a series of eight Block IIR-M satellites that bring new capabilities to military and civilian users of the GPS system. Each Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellite features a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti- jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.
Don Gryse, vice president of Navigation Systems of Lockheed Martin, said: With a disciplined approach, proven processes and a strong industry-government partnership, the team once again demonstrated its ability to rapidly move another high-performance GPS IIR-M spacecraft into operations for the user.
