GPS Satellite Buildup Strategy

J. M. Sponable, R. M. Hendrickson

Abstract:	Twenty-eight Global Positioning System (GPS) NAVSTAR satellites are being built to fill and replenish the GPS constellation. The GPS program office is committed to employing these spacecraft to provide 2- and 3-dimensional navigation capability to worldwide users by the end of 1987 and 1988 respectively. Real world problems including production delays, Space Shuttle manifest slips, launch window constraints, and limited Airborne and Ground Support Equipment all constrain the achievement of this goal. This paper summarizes the complexities associated with deploying and replenishing the 18 satellite GPS constellations. Included is a brief discussion on how the GPS mission is managed, operated, and controlled while on board the Space Shuttle, and through early orbit activation of the navigation payload. Because GPS is only the first of many synergetic and dispersed space systems that will directly support operational forces in the field, many of the GPS lessons learned will be applicable to future generation spacecraft.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 1986 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 21 - 23, 1986 Long Beach, CA
Pages:	3 - 3
Cite this article:	Sponable, J. M., Hendrickson, R. M., "GPS Satellite Buildup Strategy," Proceedings of the 1986 National Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Long Beach, CA, January 1986, pp. 3-3.
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