Posted: Tue, Jan 25, 2005, 6:43 AM ET (1143 GMT)
The US Air Force exercised a pair of contract options with Boeing on Monday for additional Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. The first option, valued at $143.9 million, covers the production of three Block 2F satellites, designated SV 7, 8, and 9. The other contract, valued at $28.4 million, authorizes the acquisition of long-lead hardware for three additional Block 2F satellites, SV 10 through 12. The Block 2F satellites, scheduled to enter service starting in 2007, feature new secure military signals as well as increased signal power to counter jamming efforts.

Related Links:

•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  St. Louis Business Journal article
•  Boeing press release