u-blox, provider of GPS receiver and wireless communication technology, today announced revenue for the first half year 2010 of CHF 49.3 million. This constitutes a 44.3% increase over the first half year of 2009. Gross profit increased strongly by 42.2% from CHF 18.4 million to CHF 26.2 million. EBIT for the first half year of 2010 was CHF 7.6 million and net profit of CHF 6.0 million were higher by 293% in comparison to the same period in 2009.  Read More →

Laser Technology, Inc. announced today the release of LaserGIS for ArcPad. This new software extension maximizes field work productivity because it complements the current ArcPad platform and workflow, and significantly enhances its laser measurement capabilities, according to Laser Technology, which termed the software “an integration between lasers and GIS.”  Read More →

Today’s GLONASS launch was successful, according to reports from the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos. Launch occurred at 00:53:50 UTC, and the three satellites were released from the DM-2 upper stage of the launch rocket at 04:26 UTC. According to Roscosmos, by 05:08 UTC all three spacecraft were under control.  Read More →

From September 7 to September 11, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) will conduct what I like to call a “Tim the Tool Man Taylor” more-power exercise, which they have chosen to more appropriately call a Flex-Power Space and Control Segment Integration Checkout. No one really expects any problems to occur, and this should be a non-event for all users, but just in case, this article lists resources to contact should problems arise.  Read More →

NovAtel Inc., an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of precise positioning technology, today introduced the latest addition to their SMART antenna line. The SMART-MR10 is the first in a new family of GPS+GLONASS L1+L2+L-band integrated receiver and antenna products. Housed in a rugged enclosure, the SMART-MR family is designed specifically for on-machine agriculture, construction, and mining applications.  Read More →

The U.S. Department of Defense has totally revamped the USAF portion of National Security Space. A communiqué on this subject has appeared, signed by the Under Secretary for the Air Force, although the changes it puts in place are of an order of importance that certainly indicates decisions taken at a higher level, most likely by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates.  Read More →

GPS satellite SVN62 (PRN25) was set healthy today (27 August) at 04:10 UTC. The satellite, the first of 12 Block IIFs, was launched on 28 May 2010 and went through a three-month evaluation and commissioning period.  Read More →

The GPS Wing announces that Rockwell Collins has delivered 21 prototype ground-based GPS receiver application module modernized receivers, which were developed under the GPS Wing’s Receiver Card Development program. These GB-GRAM-M receivers have completed the contractor’s formal qualification testing and have been delivered to support the GPSW’s developmental test phase.  Read More →

u-blox announces the immediate availability of LEA-6R, a new GPS module based on the latest u-blox 6 platform. The surface-mount module comes with u blox’ proprietary “Sensor Fusion Dead-Reckoning” technology integrated. The module is designed for after-market devices requiring uninterrupted navigation even during poor GPS signal reception.  Read More →

The 50th Space Wing’s 2nd Space Operations Squadron accepted command and control of the first Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the first Boeing-built Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 11 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 37 May 27.  Read More →

The website for the first quasi-zenith satellite, dubbed Michibiki, is now open for visitors, though some areas are still under construction. The primary purpose of the site, QZ-Vision, is to publish data acquired by Michibiki. However, the site also strives to make Michibiki fun. The site consists of three themes: Play (to play with Michibiki), Read (to learn about Michibiki), and Use (to use Michibiki).  Read More →

Carlson Software announced the release of Grade Supervisor Version 2.0. New capabilities of the software have been added site grade and surface management, while keeping its popular ease-of-use, affordability, and flexibility.  Read More →

Czech automaker Skoda has selected Ashtech ProFlex 500 GNSS receivers to measure the dynamic movements of its new models as they accelerate through high-speed tight test maneuvers at the company’s development facility in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic.  Read More →

The National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing has begun publishing GPS Tracker, an electronic newsletter about GPS and related policy issues.  Read More →

The three GLONASS-M satellites to be launched on September 2 have successfully undergone pre-launch testing, and have been mated to the Block DM-2 upper stage of the launch rocket at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The satellites (no. 36, 37, and 38) will constitute the GLONASS Block 42 triad. Block 1, a single-satellite, was launched on October 12, 1982.  Read More →