Next generation USAF satellite goes through compatibility test
The next generation of Global Positioning System satellites developed by Lockheed Martin has tested successfully for compatibility with previous craft in orbit, a major advance that's set to save costs and improve operability.
The company said its GPS III prototype "recently proved it was backward-compatible with the existing GPS satellite constellation in orbit."Analysts said the backward compatibility element of the product development would save costs for the U.S. Air Force and remove potential obstacles in the interconnectivity of present satellite constellations in orbit and those still being developed and due for launch in the coming years.Keeping communications up to date between ground and orbiting craft is one of the challenges facing not only the U.S. Air Force but also other military establishments worldwide, which points to a steady growth in the global sales potential of this branch of aerospace activity, analysts said.
