Going Forward - GPS Declassified: From Smart Bombs to Smartphones - page 185

Fig. 10.1. gps iii satellite. (Courtesy National Coordination Office for Position, Navigation
and Timing)
enhancements coming in block buys of a dozen or so satellites, or they might
pioneer an unprecedented change in the constellation architecture. As this topic
went to production Air Force officials were considering alternatives they hope
could cut costs without stifling technological progress. One proposed scheme
would maintain a thirty-plus satellite constellation by combining fifteen to
eighteen full-featured satellites with a balance of smaller versions that provide
only basic navigation signals. Limiting some satellites to only four signals and
forgoing nuclear detonation detection capability would trim weight and power
consumption and could save about $200 million per satellite. 12 Although the
concept has been floated in the past, the idea may find new support as a way to
replenish a mature constellation in the era of budget sequestration.
A key feature of gps iii satellites and the new ocx control system will be the