GPS satellite launched by SpaceX in record-short time for the US Space Force

SpaceX’s historic mission, which stands out for its quick turnaround, saw the successful launch of GPS III SV-08, an improved GPS satellite, into orbit on May 30. The Falcon 9 rocket took up at 1:37 p.m. EDT (1737 GMT) from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, carrying the satellite for the U.S. Space Force. What sets this mission apart is the timeline – the launch order was officially given on March 7, meaning SpaceX and its partners prepared the mission in less than three months, a new record for U.S. national security launches. Traditionally, such missions take between 18 and 24 months to prepare.

Space Force officials highlighted the launch as an example of their increasing ability to respond quickly to operational needs. Col. Jim Horne, who leads Launch Execution for Assured Access to Space, noted that this rapid timeline showcases how the military can adjust quickly when space vehicle readiness allows.

Just over eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s reusable first stage made a smooth landing on the SpaceX drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This marked the fourth flight and recovery for this particular booster. Meanwhile, the rocket’s upper stage continued its mission, deploying the GPS III SV-08 satellite approximately 90 minutes after launch.

The eighth of 10 planned GPS III satellites is the Lockheed Martin-built GPS III SV-08. These advanced satellites offer up to three times better accuracy and are nearly eight times more resistant to jamming compared to earlier models-critical advantages in today’s increasingly contested space environment. The GPS III SV-08 is named in honor of Katherine Johnson, the groundbreaking NASA mathematician featured in Hidden Figures. Previous satellites in the series have honored other space pioneers like Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride.

While most GPS III satellites have flown aboard Falcon 9 rockets, SV-02 was launched on a ULA Delta IV in 2019. Initially, the final two satellites were scheduled to launch aboard ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, but SV-07 and SV-08 were reassigned to SpaceX.

The crew thinks it can cut launch prep time even further in subsequent flights, said Col. Andrew Menschner of Mission Delta 31 at Peterson Space Force Base. With 31 active satellites and seven orbital spares, the GPS constellation continues to play a vital role in U.S. military and civilian operations worldwide.