CEDARVILLE — The United States launched the experimental GPS satellite NTS-3 in mid-August from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking the first such launch in nearly 50 years.
The Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) is designed to be more accurate, secure, and adjustable than previous satellites, to enhance data distribution, improve timekeeping, and reduce the risk of major satellite outages.
“Everything we were doing was brand new,” said Dr. Joanna Hinks, principal investigator for the Air Force Research Laboratory, highlighting the innovative nature of the NTS-3 project.
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Dr. Joanna Hinks, a 2002 graduate of Cedarville University, played a key role in the development of NTS-3. Her expertise in science and technology is central to advancing innovations in GPS satellite navigation.
One of the most groundbreaking features of NTS-3 is its ability to be reprogrammed after launch, a significant shift in satellite design. “NTS-3 is digital and reprogrammable,” said Hinks. “Historically, once a satellite is launched, it will have all the capabilities it will ever have.”
Hinks credits Cedarville University with preparing her for projects like NTS-3, citing her background in mechanical engineering and the practical experience she gained there.
Hinks has recently agreed to lead a seminar at Cedarville University for students interested in aerospace, emphasizing the importance of younger engineers in the field.
Looking forward, Hinks will spend the next year experimenting with NTS-3 while it remains in orbit, exploring the potential directions for innovation in space technology.
The launch of NTS-3 represents a significant advancement in GPS technology, with its reprogrammable capabilities paving the way for future innovations in satellite navigation.
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