From CNBC: 2024-11-01 14:00:01

The U.S. Air Force has deployed the Global Positioning System (GPS) for almost 50 years, generating over $1.4 trillion in economic benefits. Concerns over potential outages have led to the Resilient Global Positioning System (R-GPS) program, a $2 billion initiative to build an alternative satellite network to the existing GPS system.

In response to the importance of GPS satellites and potential threats from adversaries like Russia and China, the Pentagon prioritized building the R-GPS network. Four companies – Astranis, Axient, L3 Harris, and Sierra Space – were awarded contracts to design concepts for the program.

Startup Astranis, known for satellite internet, is expanding into positioning, navigation, and timing services with its new Nexus product line. The company has raised $750 million since 2015 and sees R-GPS as a “multi-billion dollar opportunity” with Space Force aiming to build a full constellation of at least two dozen satellites.

Space Force used the “Quick Start” funding authority to kick off the R-GPS program, moving at an unprecedented speed. The $40 million initial contracts for design studies will lead to a budget of $1.2 to $1.9 billion over the next five to six years for 24 satellites. The first set is expected to launch by 2028.



Read more at CNBC: Space Force plans alternative GPS network with Astranis, others