Sixth GPS III Satellite Built by Lockheed Martin Launches As Part of Constellation Modernization

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) successfully launched the sixth Global Positioning System III (GPS III) satellite, GPS III SV06, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on January 18, 2023. This satellite will enhance the U.S. Space Force's GPS constellation, providing advanced positioning, navigation, and timing data to military and civil users globally. Lockheed Martin has completed production of all 10 original GPS III satellites, with GPS III SV06 being the 25th Military-Code satellite. The company is now contracted for three additional GPS IIIF satellites, valued at approximately $744 million. This satellite boasts three times greater accuracy and improved anti-jamming capabilities.

Positive

• Successful launch of GPS III SV06 enhances the U.S. Space Force's GPS capabilities.
• Contract for an additional three GPS IIIF satellites valued at approximately $744 million signed.
• GPS III satellites offer three times greater accuracy and eight times better anti-jamming capability.

Negative

• None.

LITTLETON, Colo., Jan. 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The sixth Global Positioning System III (GPS III) satellite designed and built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been launched and is propelling to its operational orbit approximately 12,550 miles above Earth, where it will contribute to the ongoing modernization of the U.S. Space Force's GPS constellation.

GPS III Space Vehicle 06 (GPS III SV06) launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 7:24 a.m. EST today. About 83 minutes after liftoff, U.S. Space Force and Lockheed Martin engineers at the company's Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center confirmed signal acuistion of GPS III SV06 and now have the space vehicle "flying" under their control.

GPS III SV06 is the 25^th Military-Code satellite introduced to the constellation. The satellite will provide advanced technology to aide Space Force operators in their mission by providing positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data to military and civil users worldwide.

"Lockheed Martin is incredibly proud to support the Space Force's GPS team as it continues to add world-class capabilities that underpin U.S. national security with enhanced performance and accuracy," said Andre Trotter, Lockheed Martin vice president for Navigation Systems. "With the last GPS III satellite complete and ready to launch, production of the first GPS IIIF vehicle is underway."

GPS is a satellite-based radio navigation system that delivers the gold standard in PNT services to America's military, U.S. allies and civil users. The satellites serve as a crucial technological foundation for internet, financial, transportation and agricultural operations, with more than 4 billion users depending on the PNT signals.

GPS III vehicles provide three times greater accuracy and eight times greater anti-jamming capability over existing satellites in the constellation. To better address mission needs and emerging threats, Lockheed Martin intentionally created GPS III with a modular design, allowing new technology and capabilities to be added in the future.

Lockheed Martin has completed production on its original GPS III SV1-10 contract, with the Space Force declaring SV10 Available for Launch on Dec. 8, 2022. GPS III SV06 will soon join SV01-05 in orbit. GPS III SV07-10 are completed and in storage at the company's facility waiting for the U.S. Space Force to call them up for launch.

Lockheed Martin is also designing and building the GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) for the Space Force, which will feature even more innovative capabilities than its predecessors. GPS IIIF satellites will feature an accuracy-enhancing laser retroreflector array, a new search and rescue payload, a fully digital navigation payload and more next-generation technology. In November 2022, Space Systems Command announced it exercised the third production option valued at approximately $744 million for the procurement of three additional GPS IIIF satellites from Lockheed Martin, meaning the company is now contracted to build SV11-20.

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

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation 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.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the corporation, and @LMSpace to learn more about the latest technologies, missions and people driving the future of space.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin

FAQ

What is the significance of the GPS III SV06 launch by Lockheed Martin?

The launch of GPS III SV06 enhances the U.S. Space Force's GPS capabilities, providing advanced positioning, navigation, and timing data.

When was the GPS III SV06 satellite launched?

The GPS III SV06 satellite was launched on January 18, 2023.

How does GPS III SV06 improve GPS technology?

GPS III SV06 offers three times greater accuracy and eight times better anti-jamming capabilities than previous satellites.

What is the contract value for the additional GPS IIIF satellites?

The contract for three additional GPS IIIF satellites is valued at approximately $744 million.

Which rocket was used to launch the GPS III SV06 satellite?

The GPS III SV06 satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.