Lecture-3

2.4 Blocks of GPS Satellites

 The GPS satellites are divided in different blocks. NAVSTAR 1, the first satellite in system was
launched in 1978. 50th Space Wing introduced by United States Air Force has operated the GPS
satellite constellation.

 Block I satellites: The Block I satellites, manufactured by Rockwell International, were launched
using Atlas rockets from Vandenberg Air Force Base. These satellites had above 400 watts of power
supply capability and NiCd batteries charging capability due to solar arrays for earth’s shadow
operation irrespective of sun’s visibility. The payload of these satellites has two L-band navigation
signals working at the frequencies 1575.42 MHz (L1) and 1227.60 MHz (L2). Control and telemetry
is performed by S-band communications whereas cross-links between spacecrafts have been provided
by UHF channel. The Block I satellites have been finalized and launched in 1985. It conceptualized
validation satellites and easily affects changes in various phases of development. Series including 11
satellites were transformed into Block II series successfully.

 Block II satellites: These can be defined as first GPS satellites operational on full scale having
payload including two L band navigation signals i.e. L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.60 MHz).
Rockwell International was appreciated for building 28 Block II/IIA satellites in 1983. Hydrazine
propulsion system is used for the purpose of orbital correction. Each spacecraft consists of nuclear
detection sensors with 2 atomic clocks i.e. Rubidium and Cesium.

 Initial Block II series: One of nine satellites was first launched with introducing Initial Block II
series in February, 1989 and last among that satellites was launched in 1st October , 1990.
 Block IIA series: It is defined as an improved version of Block II series providing 180 days of
operation excluding the contact from control segment. With 1,816 kilograms weight, these
satellites were heavier than the previous series. Nineteen satellites in the Block IIA series were
made effective i.e. the first in 1990 and the last in 1997. Six satellites of this series have been
declared ineffective from service in 2009. Two satellites having number 35 & 36 from this series
are well equipped with the laser based retro-reflectors which provides clock and ephemeris errors
separation with the help of tracking independently of their radio signals.
 Block IIR series: The Block IIR series i.e. replenishment satellites are first established by
Lockheed Martin. Each satellite at launch has weight 2030 kg and 1080 kg on orbit. 12 satellites
in this series were successfully launched, starting from 1997.
 Block IIR-M series: It was built by Lockheed Martin having satellites including more robust
military and civilian signal i.e. L2C. 8 satellites are included in the Block IIR-M series, launched
between 2005 and 2009.
 Block IIF series: The Block IIF series has twelve satellites developed by Boeing. These are
‘follow-on’ satellites. The satellite weights 1630 kg with a design life of 12 years. The first
satellite was launched by a Delta IV rocket in May, 2010 while second satellite in July, 2011.

 Block IIIA satellites: It can also be defined as a next generation of GPS satellites. It incorporates
new broadcasting signals at high power levels. In May 2009, Lockheed Martin was entrusted with
manufacture of the first twelve Block III satellites. In this series, up to 32 satellites are planned to be
launched. The design life of the satellites will be 15 years. This series is the next-generation of GPS
satellites. It incorporates new signals and broadcasts at higher power levels.

Table 2.2 shows the characteristics of various Blocks of GPS Satellites

 Table 2.2: Blocks of GPS Satellites

BLOCK OPERATIONAL FREQUENCY DESIGN LAUNCH

LIFE SPAN YEAR
BLOCK IIA 3 Coarse Acquisition (C/A) code for civil users 7.5 years 1990-1997
on L1 frequency. Precise P(Y) code for
military users on L1 & L2 frequencies.
BLOCK IIR 12 C/A code on L1 frequency, P(Y) code on L1 7.5 years 1997-2004
& L2b frequency with On-board clock
monitoring.
BLOCK 7 Second civil signal on L2C having all legacy 7.5 years 2005-2009
IIR(M) signals. New military M-code signals used
for increased jam resistance with flexible
power levels.
BLOCK IIF 8 Third civil signal on L5 frequency with all 12 years Since 2010
IIR (M) block signals, enhanced accuracy,
be3st signal strength & quality and advanced
atomic clocks.
GPS III In production Fourth civil signal on L1C signal having all 15 years Launching
now a days block IIF signals with increased accuracy, will start in
integrity and reliability with no Selective 2016
Availability. Satellites 9+: laser reflectors;
search & rescue payload.