The US Space Force has successfully launched its first GPS satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, marking a historic milestone for the agency. The launch, previously known as “RRT-1,” took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday night and marked the first time the Space Force has used a private company to launch a GPS mission.
The spacecraft, named GPS 3 SV-07, was manufactured by Lockheed Martin and is equipped with advanced military signals designed to improve anti-jamming and secure access to military GPS. The satellite will continue to operate out of Lockheed Martin’s Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center until its official acceptance into the current operational constellation.
The launch was a result of a quick pivot from one rocket provider to another, allowing the Space Force to meet an accelerated timeline for the mission. Normally, a spacecraft like this would travel by air, but due to weather-related issues, it had to make a 2,337-mile journey by road instead. The satellite arrived in Florida six days after departing Colorado.
The fast launch demonstrates the Space Force’s ability to respond quickly to operational needs and challenges traditional timelines associated with launches. This series of GPS satellites is nicknamed after famous explorers and pioneers, with SV-07 named “Sally Ride,” the first American woman in space.
A senior US Air Force official praised the achievement, saying it highlights the agency’s ability to execute high-priority launches on a reduced timeline. The successful launch marks an important step forward for the Space Force’s rapid responsiveness capabilities.
Source: https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/12/17/u-s-space-force-launches-expedited-gps-mission-using-falcon-9-rocket