L3Harris Technologies Awarded 4 Additional Payload Mission D
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This news is classified in: Defense Contracts Communications

Feb 24, 2021

L3Harris Technologies Awarded 4 Additional Payload Mission Data Units for GPS III Follow-on Contract

  • Provides most powerful, reliable, flexible GPS signal technology yet
  • Improves capabilities over 70-percent-digital MDU used for current GPS III satellites
  • Extends 40-plus-year legacy of GPS payload technology leadership

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has received contracts totaling $137 million for four navigation payload Mission Data Units (MDU) for future GPS III Follow-on (GPS IIIF) satellites.

Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for GPS III/IIIF, selected L3Harris in 2018 to design and build the first two fully-digital MDUs, the heart of the satellite’s navigation payload. The MDU generates more powerful GPS signals and assures clock operations for GPS users.

“The digital MDU is flexible enough to adapt to advances in GPS technology and future changes in mission needs,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “The new MDU will also support a smooth transition for the U.S. Space Force’s GPS OCX ground control segment.”

3D Printed Satellite Market - Global Forecast to 2030

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by Component (Antenna, Bracket, Shield, Housing and Propulsion), Satellite Mass (Nano and microsatellite, small satellite, medium and large satellite), Application and Region

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The U.S. Space Force expects the first GPS IIIF satellite, which builds on GPS III adding new capabilities and technology, to be available for launch in 2026. The GPS IIIF MDU will provide improved capabilities over L3Harris’ 70-percent-digital MDU on the first ten GPS III satellites. The first four GPS III satellites have successfully launched and are now operational in the GPS constellation.

L3Harris has provided navigation technology for every U.S. GPS satellite ever launched. This technology enables the reliable GPS signal that millions of people – including U.S. service members – and businesses depend on every day.


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