Global Positioning System III (GPS Block III)

GPS Block III (previously Block IIIA) consists of the first ten GPS III satellites. Will use to keep the Navstar Global Positioning System operational. Lockheed Martin designed, developed and manufactured the GPS III Non-Flight Satellite Testbed (GNST). And all ten Block III satellites. Launched in 2014 for their first satellite in the series. But significant delays pushed the launch to December 2018. The tenth and final GPS Block III launch is projected in Q2 2023.

It is a military communication satellite designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin Space Systems (LMSS). It is for the United States Air Force (USAF). It will supersede the existing GPS constellations used by the military. And civilian customers worldwide.
The satellite will provide modern anti-jam potentialities, superior system security, accuracy, and reliability. Also with the meliorated position, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. The integration of an international civil signal (L1C) will allow the spacecraft to be interoperable with global navigation satellite systems.

Global Positioning System III (GPS Block III) is the future of navigation, and it’s set to roll out in 2023.

Since 1993, the US Air Force has made its Global Positioning System (GPS) available to the world. And ever since then, that technology has found its way into many facets of our everyday lives. It’s in our cars, on our phones, and even in our watches. It’s not surprising then that the United States continues to invest in the development of the technology for both civilian and military use. And that investment is beginning to pay off.

With two satellites in orbit and eight more in various stages of development, the latest iteration, GPS III, already is in the process of being deployed. Here’s what you can expect when the next generation of GPS goes fully operational in 2023.

More bang for the buck

The first GPS III satellite launched by Lockheed Martin cost an estimated $529 million to build. And with nine more satellites planned, the GPS III project will climb to a whopping $5.5 billion when done. Some of this upfront cost will be offset by the satellite’s outstanding longevity. Unlike the early GPS satellites which have a design life of 7.5 years, the new GPS III satellites will last 15 years. Twice as long as the oldest satellites in orbit and 25 percent longer than the newest satellites in the GPS fleet. Not only will the GPS II satellites last longer, but they also won’t get obsolete as quickly. Designed to adapt as new technology develops and mission objectives change.

Three times more accurate

The existing GPS II system is accurate, but GPS III is going to take things to a whole new level. Expected to be 3 times more accurate than existing GPS technology. That means the 5 to 10-meter accuracy you see now with existing GPS technology will be slashed to 1 to 3 meters. The signal also will be more powerful, allowing it to overcome annoying interference that degrades the signal.

Source:
https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/what-is-gps-3/