December 19, 2017
Bill Would Mandate Building of GPS Timing Backups
Senate lawmakers have introduced a bi-partisan bill giving the Department of Transportation (DoT) responsibility for launching a GPS timing backup and a two-year deadline to get it up and running. ( more)
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Successful Liftoff: Ariane 5 Rocket Payload Carries 4 Galileo Satellites 
Viewers watching Arianespace's live video webcast witnessed a successful launch that began at approximately 1820 GMT (1:20 p.m. EST). Prior to liftoff, four European navigation satellites were fastened on top of an Ariane 5 rocket awaiting liftoff from Kourou, French Guiana, Dec. 12, to propel the Galileo navigation network closer to global service. ( more)
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In order to realize the true potential of the Minitaur legged robot platform, Ghost Robotics turned to VectorNav's VN-100 IMU/AHRS to provide highly accurate, high speed attitude data. 

GPS III RFP Delayed Again as GAO Underscores GPS Schedule Challenges
An additional delay in release of the GPS III RFP emerged just as federal watchdogs released a new report detailing the challenges Air Fore managers will face in keeping all the components of the modernization program on track. ( more )
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Air Force's First GPS III Satellite Receives Commands from OCX Ground Control Segment
The first advanced GPS III satellite successfully established remote connectivity and communicated with the Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX), further validating the U.S. Air Force's modernized Global Positioning System (GPS) is ready to launch its first satellite.  (more)
1st Galileo User Assembly Marks Successful Year Since Galileo Initial Services  
Close to 300 users attended the 1st Galileo User Assembly, held in Madrid, Spain. The users, along with several expert presenters, came together for the first EGNSS User Consultation Platform to share their experience, discuss their needs and provide feedback on Galileo performance, one year after the launch of Galileo Initial Services.  ( more )