Boeing Integrated Defense Systems has received approval from the U.S. Air Force to begin space vehicle production of the first three satellites for the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) 2F program, all of which will be built by Boeing Satellite Systems in El Segundo, Calif.

"The Boeing GPS 2F will ensure the nation has the capabilities to support the infrastructure for Homeland Security and National Defense, as well as improve the system's capabilities for all GPS users," said Mike Rizzo, director of navigation systems for Air Force Systems, part of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, a business unit of The Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA - News). "The GPS satellites are also elements of the integrated battlespace, a network-based information system that takes data from many sources and ties it together to provide real-time information for those tasked with protecting the peace and defending the nation."

The GPS 2F satellites will provide new capabilities, including new signals for civilian users and critical, secure Operational Military codes for the warfighter. A new civilian signal, in the protected Aeronautical Radio Navigation System frequency band, provides redundant safety of life services for civil aviation users and increased accuracy for a host of other users worldwide.

In addition, GPS 2F is compatible with the U.S. Air Force's Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) and will provide 20% more on-orbit life than previous GPS spacecraft. The Air Force has chosen the Boeing Delta 4 to launch 21 of its 28 EELV payloads.

Designed for flexibility and growth, the GPS 2F system architecture can affordably accommodate hardware and software changes through incremental technology upgrades to improve efficiency and introduce new military capabilities including anti-jam, greater accuracy, better availability and higher integrity.

This incremental upgrade approach to the GPS 2F program will, in turn, reduce the technical risks inherent in developing GPS 3, the next generation satellite system, as well as answer the near term needs of the warfighter today.

The Boeing-led Control Segment team, that includes Lockheed Martin and Harris Corp., will also play a key role in the modernization of the entire GPS ground system architecture design to reduce operator workload and operational costs.

A unit of The Boeing Co., Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. With headquarters in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $23 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers.

It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.