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ITT Exelis integrated and performed the initial power up of a full-size payload prototype for the U.S. Air Force‘s Global Positioning System III program, according to a company announcement.
The company said the test was intended to show that the digital communications, telemetry and radio frequency interfaces are working properly. A new generation of GPS III satellites is scheduled for first launch in 2014, Exelis said.
“Successfully completing the initial power-up of the GNST Navigation Payload Element demonstrates our confidence that any issues will be identified and solved prior to building the first space vehicle,” said Mark Pisani, a vice president and general manager for Exelis’ geospatial systems division.
