GPS III SV05

17 June 2021 16:09

SpaceX's fourth GPS III launch will use the first stage from the previous GPS mission. This will be the first time a National Security Space Launch has flown on a flight proven booster. Falcon 9 will launch from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral and the booster will land downrange on a drone ship. GPS III is the third generation of the U.S. Space Force's NAVSTAR Global Positioning System satellites, developed by Lockheed Martin. The GPS III constellation will feature a cross-linked command and control architecture, allowing the entire GPS constellation to be updated simultaneously from a single ground station. A new spot beam capability for enhanced military coverage and increased resistance to hostile jamming will be incorporated.