Both Boeing and Lockheed Martin have submitted bids to build the next generation Global Positioning System satellites—GPS III. Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., issued the request for proposals in July. Boeing’s VP and general manager for space and intelligence systems, Howard Chambers, said in a statement that his company’s bid “builds on our proven 34-year GPS partnership with the US Air Force.” A Lockheed statement cited the company’s “proven record of providing progressively advanced spacecraft for the current GPS constellation. Lockheed’s executive VP for space systems, Joanne Maguire, said, “We understand the importance of this critical system and stand ready to extend our record of superior performance.”
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
