A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched the U.S. military’s latest Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, GPS III SV-08, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on May 30.
The rocket carried the eighth GPS III satellite into its target orbit just 90 minutes after liftoff. The satellite provides nearly eight times better anti-jamming resistance and delivers improved accuracy and reliability compared to earlier models.
GPS III satellites transmit encrypted signals for U.S. military use and also send a civilian safety-of-life signal intended for aviation and other transport applications. The satellites operate in medium Earth orbit, 12,550 miles above the Earth.
Col. Andrew Menschner, commander of Mission Delta 31, stated that every launch makes the GPS constellation more accurate and resilient. With 31 active vehicles and two GPS III vehicles ready for launch, the constellation is healthy and supporting the six billion people who use its capabilities daily.
The satellite was originally assigned to United Launch Alliance but was switched to SpaceX to expedite deployment. The switch highlights the shifting dynamics of the U.S. launch sector, where SpaceX dominates in both commercial and national security missions.
Source: https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-latest-gps-iii-satellite-for-u-s-military