SpaceX launched the final GPS III satellite into medium Earth orbit at 2:53:25 a.m. EDT Tuesday from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Falcon 9 rocket carried the GPS III-8 satellite, officially designated Space Vehicle 10 (SV10), which is named after Hedy Lamar, the Austrian-American actress and inventor known for her work on frequency-hopping technology. The mission was delayed a day due to poor weather conditions in the recovery zone for the rocket’s first stage.
The satellite is the last in the GPS III block, a series designed to improve accuracy and security for military and civilian users. Col. Stephen Hobbs, commander of Mission Delta 31 within the U.S. Space Force’s Combat Forces Command, said the launch marks a milestone for the GPS program. He called it a foundation for future advancements with the upcoming GPS IIIF generation.
The Falcon 9 used for the mission was booster B1095, which has flown seven times previously, including six Starlink missions. The satellite was encapsulated in a payload fairing with one half used for the second time and the other for the third time.
The GPS III satellites, including SV10, are part of a modernization effort to replace older systems. They offer enhanced precision, anti-jamming capabilities, and improved signal reliability. The U.S. Space Force plans to transition to the next-generation GPS IIIF satellites, which will further upgrade the system’s performance.
The launch is the first from Cape Canaveral for the GPS III program and highlights SpaceX’s role in national security missions. The satellite will join the existing constellation, providing global coverage for military operations, aviation, and commercial applications.