"The control segment is vital to the continuous operation of the GPS constellation," said Mike Rizzo, director of Navigation Systems for Boeing Air Force Systems. "The Integrated Baseline Review milestone confirms that Boeing is leading a robust, stable and executable program."

Boeing is responsible for the development of the new GPS operational control segment, which will include a distributed architecture, and extensive use of modernized hardware and software.

This will facilitate additional support for the modernization program for both the GPS IIR and IIF series of satellites. Additionally, Boeing is responsible for sustainment of the existing operational control segment, monitor station, ground antenna upgrades and launch anomaly resolution systems.

Established by the Air Force in 1999, the GPS Control Segment, sometimes referred to as the Single Prime Initiative, is led by Boeing and supported by two key teammates, Lockheed Martin and the Harris Corporation.

Modernization of the entire GPS ground system architecture is designed to reduce operator workload and operational costs. In addition, proactive activities initiated by Boeing, have allowed the restructuring of elements designed to mitigate risks for the critical first IIF launch, now slated for mid-2006.

Under a contract awarded in September 2002, Boeing is currently building the first three GPS IIF satellites, with a potential total of up to 12 satellites. Designed for flexibility and growth, the IIF satellites will provide new capabilities, including improved anti-jam, increased accuracy, higher integrity and critical secure Operational Military codes.

The GPS program is managed by a Joint Program Office at the U. S. Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., and by Boeing Air Force Systems, Long Beach, Calif., a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

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