KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa., May 13 -- Lockheed Martin and Spectrum Astro have announced a partnership agreement to develop a new global positioning satellite system, the GPS III. Lockheed Martin Navigation Systems was recently awarded a $2.8M extension to a contract to assist the US Air Force GPS Joint Program Office in the developing the GPS III, which it calls the next generation of GPS systems. The study will be based in King of Prussia and linked with locations and contractors across the country. "GPS III will address the challenging military transformational and civil needs across the globe, including advanced anti-jam capabilities, improved system security and accuracy and reliability," Lockheed Martin said in a statement. "The new satellite system will enhance space-based navigation and performance and set a new world standard for positioning and timing services." The team will provide system and sustaining engineering, satellite development and production, control segment upgrades and continuous research and development for the system. Spectrum Astro, headquartered in Gilbert, Ariz., develops space-based satellite systems and subsystems. For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com