Overview of the GPS M Code Signal

Over the past year, the GPS Military Signal Design Team (GMSDT), led by the GPS Joint Program Office (JPO), has produced a recommended design of the new military signal for the L1 and L2 bands. This paper synopsizes the resulting M code signal design, which is to be implemented in modernized satellites and in a new generation of receivers. The paper summarizes the history that led to GPS Modernization with a new military signal on L1 and L2. After an overview of the M code signal design, the paper describes the modulation design, along with aspects of the design for signal acquisition and the data message. It also outlines some of the aspects of implementing M code signal transmission on modernized satellites, and M code signal reception in a new generation of User Equipment. Plans for refinement and further verification of the design are outlined.