Members of the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., recently installed new software for the GPS ground segment. With 104 fixes, this software update was the largest sustainment release for the ground segment since 2007, according to Schriever officials. The update is part of the Air Force’s GPS modernization that is intended to boost navigation signal strength and anti-spoof capabilities for military and civilian users. “This particular release is bringing many needed fixes to the ground segment and, through several updated displays, enhances the operator’s insight to possible system problems,” said Lt. Col. Jennifer Grant, 2nd SOPS commander, in a Schriever release. The Space and Missile Systems Center’s GPS Directorate sustainment team at Peterson AFB, Colo., conducted “rigorous testing” of the software for 20 weeks before delivering it to the 2nd SOPS, which falls under Schriever’s 50th Space Wing.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.