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Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
04:53:16
Wednesday January 28, 2026
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GPS III SV09, originally scheduled to launch on a ULA Vulcan rocket, was reassigned to Falcon 9. As a result, GPS IIIF-3, originally planned to launch on a Falcon Heavy, will now launch on Vulcan.
GPS III (Global Positioning System) is the first evolution of the third generation of GPS satellites. The U.S. Air Force announced in May 2008 that a team led by Lockheed Martin had 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 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 improve accuracy and ensure availability for military and civilian users worldwide.
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Operator: United States Space Force
Medium Earth Orbit
1 Payload
4,352 kilograms


Agency
SpaceXPrice
$74.00 million
Rocket
Diameter: 3.7m
Height: 70m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 22,000 kg
GTO: 8,300 kg
Liftoff Thrust
7,607 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 5.2m
Height: 13m
Stages
2

Launching
Northeast
594th
Mission
11th
Mission of 2026
621st
Mission
11th
Mission of 2026
20th
Orbital launch attempt