Lockheed Martin, U.S. Space Force Launch Final GPSIII Satellite

Lockheed Martin  and the U.S. Space Force launched the GPS III Space Vehicle 10 (SV10), the final satellite in the GPS III series on April 21.

The SV10 satellite includes an optical crosslink demonstration payload that allows GPS satellites to directly communicate with each other in space, increasing on-orbit resiliency.

This spacecraft paves the way for the advanced GPS IIIF generation, which will bring even stronger anti-jamming capabilities for warfighters and improvements for its six billion civilian users.

GPS III satellites deliver critical advancements over legacy spacecraft, including three-times greater accuracy, eight-times stronger anti-jamming capability, and secure M-Code signals for warfighters worldwide.

For military users, these improvements provide dependable positioning, navigation, and timing in contested or hostile environments. For civilian users, GPS III enhances everyday smartphone navigation, speeds up emergency response location, and supplies more precise timing for financial markets and telecommunications networks.

"The final GPS III deployment is an important milestone as we continue strengthening the GPS constellation," said Fang Qian, vice president of GPS at Lockheed Martin. "By launching SV10 into orbit, we're not only adding to the resiliency of today's GPS capabilities – we're opening the door to the next generation of GPS IIIF satellites that will provide greater resiliency and serve as the backbone of the GPS constellation for years to come."

In addition to the crosslink demo, the satellite is also equipped with a demonstration Digital Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard clock, an advanced atomic clock that will provide reliable and precise time-keeping capabilities.

Preparing for a new era of GPS

With GPS III SV10 in orbit, Lockheed Martin is now focused on production of GPS IIIF satellites.

Among the upgrades, GPS IIIF will feature Regional Military Protection, delivering more than a 60-fold boost in anti-jamming performance for warfighters.This dramatic increase in resistance to hostile interference helps U.S. forces stay ahead of evolving electronic warfare threats.

Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to build 12 GPS IIIF satellites, demonstrating the company's long-term commitment to a resilient and robust navigation infrastructure.