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Jose Torres, MITRE's GPS Modernization
task leader, works in the lab on the new test asset used for
verification of future space vehicles. |
Augmenting the GPS System: New Signals for Civilian
and Military Users
Jose Torres
January 2002
The highly accurate navigation and timing data capabilities of
the Global Positioning System (GPS) have led to its widespread use
in a variety of applications, including aviation, mapping, public
safety, and recreation. This rapid proliferation of users has created
a need for an expanded GPS with additional signals, and a more modern
GPS system requires new technological advances. MITRE, in a cross-company
effort, has been providing ongoing support to our sponsors in developing,
implementing and testing new signals for civilian and military users
in the next generation of GPS satellites.
"In our GPS Modernization effort, MITRE provides valuable
technical resources to our sponsor at the NAVSTAR GPS Joint Program
Office," explains MITRE GPS Modernization Project Leader Jose
Torres. "Our main objective is to provide technical expertise
for the development, implementation, and verification of the new
military and civil signals on GPS space satellites to be launched
beginning in 2003."
"This project has required contributions from technical staff
across the corporation," continues Torres. "MITRE realizes
that modernizing the GPS satellites is critical to our sponsors
and has given the program an incredible amount of support."
MITRE has been contributing to many aspects of GPS modernization
for several years. Torres has been task leader for the project for
two years. "When I started at MITRE 15 years ago, I was an
entry-level engineer with minimal exposure in what is now my area
of expertise—digital signal processing. I completed some graduate
work in this area and later began working on MITRE-sponsored research
projects developing advanced algorithms. That led to working on
various portions of the Joint Program Office-sponsored GPS
project and eventually I was asked to lead the GPS Modernization
effort.
"One of things I've enjoyed the most about the GPS Modernization
project is that it is technically challenging, yet extremely exciting,
because it involves numerous people working on a large scope of
technical areas," says Torres. "My goal has always been
to work on efforts whose mission is to protect our national interests,
while providing me the opportunity to work in a highly technical
research environment with a high caliber of engineers, scientists
and mathematicians. The GPS Modernization effort has allowed me
to accomplish this on a large scale."
For more specific information on MITRE's contributions to modernizing
and expanding GPS see two related articles "MITRE's support
to the Advancement of GPS Technology to Users Worldwide" and
"Next Generation Combined Navigation and Communications Satellites:
GMSP."
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