A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 10:30 a.m. April 12 from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, carrying the USSF-36 satellite for the U.S. Space Force. The mission marked the second GPS III satellite deployment for the military’s navigation system. The rocket’s first stage landed at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1, a routine part of SpaceX’s reusable launch process. The satellite will join four others in the GPS III constellation, improving positioning accuracy for military and civilian users. ‘This launch strengthens our national security infrastructure,’ said Col. John Smith, a Space Force spokesperson. The mission followed a similar GPS III launch in December 2022, also conducted by SpaceX. The satellite’s advanced encryption features are designed to counter emerging threats. Launches from Brevard County have increased 15% year-over-year, according to Space Coast officials. SpaceX’s work with the Space Force has brought over 200 local jobs to the region since 2020. The Falcon 9’s second stage deployed the satellite into orbit 28 minutes after liftoff. The mission was the 35th SpaceX launch of 2023 and the 10th for the U.S. Space Force this year.