On the heals of the GAO report released last week, Lockheed Martin announced completion of the preliminary design phase of the GPS III satellite, reporting that they are on schedule for the first launch planned for 2014.
In the May 21st press release, LM quoted Col. Dave Madde, the GPS wing Commander, as saying, “The on-schedule completion of the PDR phase is an important design milestone giving the U.S. government high confidence we’ll meet our worldwide performance commitments. Our progress is the result of a strong government-industry team focused on mission success and delivering the much-needed capabilities that GPS III will provide to users around the globe.”
Don’t worry about not having GPS service. They’re on schedule.
Yes, it will be the latest technology. No, it won’t be launched in time to meet the forecast need in 2010. Oh well, I’m sure the DOD has a plan for that.