CARPINTERIA, Calif.,
April 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) will provide 48 more
self-deploying, monopole JIB antennas for Global Positioning System
(GPS III) satellites under a follow-on contract from Lockheed
Martin Corporation. The work will be carried out by Astro
Aerospace, a strategic business unit of Northrop Grumman.
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With an adaptable design configuration, JIBs can be tailored to
specific applications; they are available in monopole diameters
from ½ inch to 1 3/8 inches and any length up to 25 feet. Each
antenna stows in a compact 4-inch by 4-inch by 2.5-inch
canister.
"The GPS constellation is a key U.S. asset used by millions
around the globe every day. The antennas we supply are designed to
help Lockheed Martin and the Air Force meet affordability and
mission assurance goals for the next generation of GPS satellites,"
said John Alvarez, Astro Aerospace
general manager. "GPS III will improve position, navigation and
timing services and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding
superior system security, accuracy and reliability."
The follow-on contract continues Northrop Grumman's support to
the GPS satellite constellation, having delivered more than 1,000
JIB assemblies for the previous GPS IIF and GPS IIR spacecraft
configurations. In 2011, the company delivered 16 JIB antennas for
the first two GPS III satellites.
The U.S. Air Force develops, maintains and operates the GPS, a
constellation of over 24 satellites maintained on-orbit to provide
worldwide navigational information. GPS III satellites are
under development by an industry team led by Lockheed Martin in
Newtown, Pa. The first GPS III is
scheduled to join the on-orbit constellation in 2015.
For 50 years, Northrop Grumman's Astro Aerospace business unit
has pioneered the technology of space-deployable structures and
mechanisms, including AstroMesh reflectors. All of the company's
hardware has a 100 percent success rate for on-orbit deployments
covering hundreds of space flight missions.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cybersecurity, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government
and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation