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Lockheed Martin has confirmed the successful launch of its seventh Global Positioning System (GPS) III space vehicle, SV07, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
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GPS III SV07 was launched on an accelerated timeline, marking another step in the Space Force’s ongoing modernisation of the GPS constellation. It follows GPS III SV06, which launched in 2023. After lift-off, the team successfully completed signal acquisition, and the spacecraft is now under the operational control of Lockheed Martin’s Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center until its official integration into the 31-satellite GPS constellation.
Built at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Littleton, Colorado, SV07 was transported to its launch site in Florida via ground transport, a departure from the usual air transport necessitated by the unavailability of standard military aircraft, which were engaged in hurricane tracking and relief operations.
Malik Musawwir, vice president of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin, stressed the importance of the accelerated delivery time frame, saying, “Time is of the essence for national security missions, and we quickly delivered this critical capability for the Space Force to support rapid demand for secure, advanced positioning, navigation and timing signals.”
Despite the logistical challenge, the team quickly pivoted to road transport, ensuring the mission stayed on schedule.
The Space Force reduced the timeline from call-up to launch for SV07 to approximately three months, demonstrating its ability to adapt and rapidly launch critical national security missions. The spacecraft’s cross-country journey was meticulously planned, factoring in weather models to avoid the impact of Hurricane Milton, which was projected to pass through Florida during the delivery window.
After a six-day road trip, SV07 arrived safely, avoided severe weather, and underwent final preparations for launch.
Musawwir said, “We supported our customer’s vision for an accelerated launch of this GPS satellite, ultimately helping them achieve quick-turn operational readiness.”
All GPS III satellites, including SV07, are equipped with M-code, a sophisticated signal designed to enhance anti-jamming, anti-spoofing, and secure access to military GPS signals for US and allied forces. These satellites deliver up to eight times the anti-jamming capability of their GPS II predecessors, with M-code operational since 2020.
GPS satellites are vital for global navigation, supporting US military operations, troop movements, and supply deliveries while also enabling essential services such as financial systems, transportation, utilities, agriculture, construction, and ride-sharing.
