Lockheed Martin-Built Next Generation GPS III Satellite Propels Itself to Orbit

Rhea-AI Summary

The fifth GPS III satellite, developed by Lockheed Martin (LMT), successfully launched on June 17, 2021, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and is on its way to an operational orbit. This satellite enhances the U.S. military's GPS capabilities, offering three times better accuracy and improved anti-jamming. It will serve as the 24th M-Code signal-enabled vehicle, crucial for secure military positioning. The GPS system is vital for the U.S. economy, generating approximately $300 billion annually. Future satellites GPS III SV06, SV07, and SV08 are ready for launch.

Positive

• Successful launch of GPS III SV05, enhancing U.S. military GPS capabilities.
• Provides three times better accuracy and improved anti-jamming capabilities.
• Contributes to a GPS system generating $300 billion in annual economic benefits.

Negative

• None.

DENVER, June 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The fifth Global Positioning System III (GPS III) satellite designed and built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is now headed to its orbit 12,550 miles above earth. This marks another step in supporting the U.S. Space Force's GPS satellite constellation modernization efforts.

Launched earlier today, GPS III Space Vehicle 05 (GPS III SV05) is the latest next-generation GPS III satellite, a warfighting system owned and operated by the Space Force. GPS III SV05 will be the 24th Military Code (M-Code) signal-enabled GPS space vehicle on orbit, completing the constellation's baseline requirement to provide our military forces a more-secure, harder-to-jam and spoof GPS signal. 

GPS III satellites provide significant capability advancements over earlier-designed GPS satellites on orbit, including:

• Three times better accuracy;
• Up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities; and
• A new L1C civil signal, which is compatible with international global navigation satellite systems, like Europe's Galileo, to improve civilian user connectivity.

"With GPS III SV05, we continue our focus on rapidly fielding innovative capabilities for the Space Force's Positioning, Navigation and Timing Mission," said Tonya Ladwig, Lockheed Martin vice president for Navigation Systems. "With each satellite we bring to orbit, we help the U.S. Space Force to modernize the GPS constellation's technology and to imagine future capability. Our next three satellites, GPS III SV06, SV07 and SV08, are already complete and just waiting for a launch date."

About 90 minutes after a 12:09 p.m. ET liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, in Florida, U.S. Space Force and Lockheed Martin engineers at the company's Denver GPS III Launch & Checkout Operations Center declared GPS III SV05 separated from its SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and "flying" under their control.  

In the coming days, GPS III SV05's onboard liquid apogee engine will continue to propel the satellite towards its operational orbit. After it arrives, engineers will send the satellite commands to deploy its solar arrays and antennas, and prepare GPS III SV05 for handover to Space Operations Command.

Part of U.S. critical national infrastructure, GPS drives an estimated $300 billion in annual economic benefits and is responsible for $1.4 trillion since its inception. Globally, more than 4 billion military, civil and commercial users depend on GPS' positioning, navigation and timing signals.

Lockheed Martin is part of the GPS III team led by the Space Production Corps Medium Earth Orbit Division at the U.S. Space Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base. The GPS Operational Control Segment sustainment is managed by the Enterprise Corps, GPS Sustainment Division at Peterson Air Force Base. The 2nd Space Operations Squadron, at Schriever Air Force Base, manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users. 

For additional GPS III information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps.

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin

FAQ

What is the significance of the GPS III SV05 satellite launch by Lockheed Martin?

The launch of GPS III SV05 marks a critical step in modernizing the U.S. military's GPS capabilities, providing enhanced security and accuracy.

When was the GPS III SV05 satellite launched?

GPS III SV05 was launched on June 17, 2021.

How does GPS III SV05 improve upon previous GPS satellites?

GPS III SV05 offers three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities compared to earlier models.

What economic impact does the GPS system have?

The GPS system is responsible for approximately $300 billion in annual economic benefits.

What other satellites are ready for launch after GPS III SV05?

GPS III SV06, SV07, and SV08 are already complete and awaiting launch dates.