SpaceX is set to launch the GPS III SV10 satellite for the U.S. Space Force early Monday morning, April 20. The rocket, a Falcon 9, will take off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida during a 15-minute window starting at 2:57 a.m. EDT.
You can watch the launch live through SpaceX’s website, with coverage beginning about 10 minutes before the liftoff.
GPS III SV10 is the last satellite in the advanced GPS III series. This new generation of satellites offers three times the accuracy of earlier models and is eight times more resistant to jamming, according to officials from the Space Force. These enhancements will greatly improve military operations by supporting more effective weapon systems globally.
Initially, GPS III SV10 was scheduled to launch on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. However, due to issues with its solid rocket boosters, the Space Force decided to switch to Falcon 9 last month. This change means that Vulcan Centaur will now handle a different mission, expected to launch in summer 2028, assuming its technical problems are resolved by then.
After the Falcon 9 launch, its first stage will return to Earth, landing on the droneship “Just Read the Instructions” in the Atlantic Ocean about 8.5 minutes post-launch. Notably, this will be the seventh successful landing for this particular booster. Meanwhile, the upper stage of the Falcon 9 will carry the GPS III SV10 to medium-Earth orbit, where it will be deployed roughly 90 minutes after launch.
The advancements in GPS III reflect a broader trend in military technology. According to a 2021 report, military forces worldwide are increasingly reliant on GPS technology for navigation and targeting, affecting everything from drone operations to ground troop movements. Given the geopolitical climate, upgrades like GPS III SV10 can significantly aid U.S. and allied forces.
This launch isn’t just a technical milestone; it’s also an essential step in strengthening U.S. military capabilities in an ever-evolving global landscape. For more information, check out SpaceX’s official site.
