Seventh Lockheed Martin-Built GPS III Satellite Launches, Supporting Next-Gen Constellation Modernization and Rapid Launch Capability

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin successfully launched its seventh GPS III satellite (GPS III SV07) into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch occurred on December 16, 2024, at 7:52 p.m. ET, placing the satellite 12,550 miles above Earth. Notable aspects of this launch include:

The mission demonstrated rapid deployment capabilities, with only three months from call-up to launch. The satellite was transported by ground instead of air due to military aircraft being engaged in hurricane relief efforts, covering 2,337 miles to reach its launch site. The GPS III SV07 features M-code technology, providing up to eight times more anti-jamming power than GPS II satellites, enhancing secure access for U.S. and allied armed forces.

Positive

• Successful launch of GPS III SV07 satellite demonstrating operational agility
• Achieved accelerated three-month deployment timeline from call-up to launch
• Enhanced anti-jamming capabilities (8x more powerful than GPS II satellites)
• Successfully maintained launch schedule despite transportation challenges

Negative

• None.

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla., Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening at 7:52 p.m. ET, the seventh Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]-designed and -built Global Positioning System (GPS) III space vehicle, GPS III SV07, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, into orbit 12,550 miles above earth.

GPS III SV07 was launched on an accelerated timeline and joins the Space Force's ongoing modernization of the GPS constellation, following GPS III SV06 that launched in 2023.

The team has now completed signal acquisition of GPS III SV07, and the spacecraft is now under operational control at Lockheed Martin's Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center until its official acceptance into the current operational GPS 31-satellite constellation. 

The Road to a Rapid Launch
The spacecraft, assembled at Lockheed Martin's Littleton, Colorado, facility, traveled across the country via ground transport to its launch site in Florida. This is different than the typical air transport for these missions, since its standard military aircraft ride was engaged in hurricane tracking and relief efforts.

The team seamlessly changed gears to a road shipment on short notice, which helped the mission maintain its rapid launch schedule in the face of shifting aircraft availability. The Space Force time from call-up to launch for SV07 was reduced to about three months to demonstrate operational agility for launch of critical national security missions.

Lockheed Martin's spacecraft team carefully mapped out the approximately 2,337-mile route, and carefully monitored weather models, as Hurricane Milton was on track to pass through Florida around the time of the spacecraft's arrival.

After an epic, six-day road trip, SV07 arrived at its final destination, avoiding severe weather and undergoing final checks and preparation for launch.

"We supported our customer's vision for an accelerated launch of this GPS satellite, ultimately helping them achieve quick-turn operational readiness," said Malik Musawwir, vice president of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin. "Time is of the essence for national security missions, and we quickly delivered this critical capability for the Space Force to support rapid demand for secure, advanced positioning, navigation, and timing signals."

An Additional Satellite with Secure Military Code
All GPS III space vehicles, including SV07, are equipped with M-code. M-Code is an advanced, new signal designed to improve anti-jamming and anti-spoofing, as well as increase secure access to military GPS signals for U.S. and allied armed forces. GPS III space vehicles provide up to eight times more anti-jamming power than GPS II space vehicles, and M-code has been in operational acceptance since 2020.

GPS satellites provide essential navigation for U.S. military assets, operational troops, and field supply deliveries while powering global financial markets, transportation, utilities, agriculture, construction and ride-share services.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21^st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

High res images available for download here and here.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin Space

FAQ

When did Lockheed Martin (LMT) launch its GPS III SV07 satellite?

Lockheed Martin launched the GPS III SV07 satellite on December 16, 2024, at 7:52 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

What is the orbital height of LMT's GPS III SV07 satellite?

The GPS III SV07 satellite orbits at 12,550 miles above Earth.

How much stronger is LMT's GPS III anti-jamming capability compared to GPS II?

GPS III satellites provide up to eight times more anti-jamming power compared to GPS II satellites.

What was the deployment timeline for LMT's GPS III SV07 satellite?

The Space Force achieved a rapid deployment timeline of approximately three months from call-up to launch for the GPS III SV07 satellite.

How far did LMT transport the GPS III SV07 satellite by ground?

The GPS III SV07 satellite was transported by ground for approximately 2,337 miles from Colorado to Florida.