NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

GPS-3 8

Launch Time
NET 2025
Watch

Rocket

Vulcan Centaur
ULA
Status: Active
Stages: 2
Fairing Diameter: 5.4 m

Mission Details

GPS-3 8

GPS-3 (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-3 (Navigation System using Timing And Ranging) are the first evolution stage of the third generation of the GPS satellites.

The U.S. Air Force announced in May 2008 that a team led by Lockheed Martin has won the competition to build the next-generation Global Positioning System (Navstar) Space System program, known as GPS III.

This program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding superior system security, accuracy and reliability.

When fully deployed, 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. Additionally, a new spot beam capability for enhanced military (M-Code) coverage and increased resistance to hostile jamming will be incorporated. These enhancements will contribute to improved accuracy and assured availability for military and civilian users worldwide.

Payloads: 1
Medium Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-41, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA