Apparatus for translation of GPS signals to facilitate asset tracking

An apparatus configured to be disposed on an airborne asset to communicate global positioning system (GPS) signals that are usable for determining location information of the airborne asset to a ground station for tracking of the airborne asset, the apparatus comprising:

• a dual input low noise amplifier configured to receive a first GPS signal and a second GPS signal and combine the first and second GPS signals to form a combined signal;
• a translator module configured to employ analog translation to convert the combined signal into a composite signal at a different frequency than the combined signal;
• and
• a power amplifier configured to amplify the composite signal prior to transmission via a downlink from the airborne asset to the ground station,
• wherein the translator module is configured to generate a pilot carrier frequency to facilitate ground station tracking of the airborne asset, and wherein the pilot carrier frequency is adjustable via a frequency programming module of the translator module.