
The Air Force has delayed the launch for its first Global Positioning System (GPS) III satellite and further delayed navigation payload delivery due to continued payload development challenges. Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) spokeswoman Capt. Connie Dillon told Defense Daily in an email the navigation payload issues encountered by prime contractor Lockheed Martin [LMT] and subcontractor Exelis [XLS] have pushed payload delivery back until this summer. Lockheed Martin said in January it expected navigation payload delivery in “early” 2014. Exelis,…