Headlines: Upcoming GPS IIF Satellite Launch; NDAA Update: Conference Report Fully Funds GPS; GAO Report on Control Segment and Military User Equipment
Information for Policymakers from the National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
October 27, 2015
Upcoming GPS IIF Satellite Launch
On October 30, the Air Force plans to launch the eleventh satellite in the Block IIF series of modernized GPS spacecraft. The GPS IIF satellites feature new clocks, new civil and military signals, and other upgrades for enhanced accuracy and robustness. The Air Force has produced 12 IIF satellites and plans to launch the final IIF satellite in 2016. Currently, there are 31 GPS satellites in operational service, including 10 Block IIF satellites and 21 spacecraft from previous generations. To learn more about the GPS constellation, go to GPS.gov
NDAA Update: Conference Report Fully Funds GPS
On September 29, 2015, the conference report to accompany H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was released. The NDAA includes policy and funding guidance for the GPS program. Most notably, the conferenced version recommends full funding ($938.775 million) for the Air Force GPS program in FY 2016. This is consistent with the House-passed NDAA and reverses the Senate's move to zero out funding for procurement of the tenth GPS III satellite. The conference report also included updated language on three GPS-related provisions: Reporting Requirement (Section 1621), Oversight Council (Section 1603), and M-Code Equipage (Section 1605). The conference report passed both the House and Senate, but was vetoed by the President. View full details at GPS.gov
GAO Report on GPS Control Segment and Military User Equipment
This newsletter is produced and distributed by the National Coordination Office for Space-Based PNT, a central resource within the government for GPS policy information. For more information, visit www.gps.gov/congress.
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