Officials with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., have completed their sustainment software release for the GPS operational control segment ground system ahead of schedule.

The software release, which was scheduled to be complete in early January 2011, was accomplished ahead of schedule Dec. 8, thanks to the dedication and teamwork by space professionals at the Space and Missile Center's GPS Directorate and the 2nd Space Operations Squadron.

"The sustainment initiative was transparent to GPS users worldwide," said Col. Harold Martin, the chief of the Positioning, Navigation and Timing Division of Air Force Space Command's Directorate of Requirements.

"Air Force Space Command takes great pride in providing GPS performance that exceeds our requirements for the system. We are dedicated to the modernization of GPS and are on the path to ensure continued positioning, navigation and timing support to the warfighter, the civil user, and the world."

Air Force Space Command officials are committed to developing and delivering control systems to enable command and control of new signals and capabilities.

"This sustainment release is part of a larger ongoing effort by the Air Force to improve and maintain the current GPS ground system before the next generation GPS control segment is deployed in 2015," Colonel Martin added.

"The GPS constellation remains healthy, stable and robust with 31 operational satellites on-orbit providing precise positioning, navigation and timing worldwide, free of direct charges to users."