Lockheed Martin has shipped the eighth Global Positioning System III satellite (GPS III SV08) to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, where it will undergo final preparations ahead of its launch, scheduled for late spring 2025.
The satellite was transported by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft, departing from Lockheed Martin’s facility in Littleton, Colorado, and arriving just hours later at the launch site. The shipment followed a rapid call-up by the U.S. Space Force, requiring quick preparation and delivery—shortening the standard pre-launch timeline from over three months to roughly two.
GPS III SV08 will become part of the current GPS constellation of 31 operational satellites, providing critical positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services to both military personnel and civilian users worldwide.
The spacecraft was shipped on short notice as part of an accelerated deployment directive. Malik Musawwir, Vice President of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin Space, stated that each launch contributes to improving the resilience and precision of the U.S. GPS network, and emphasized the company’s continued role in both satellite production and ground segment support.
Following SV08, the next satellites in the series—SV09 and SV10—are ready for future deployment. These will complete the current GPS III block, after which the program transitions to the next phase, GPS III Follow-On (GPS IIIF).
The GPS IIIF satellites will introduce advanced capabilities, including improved anti-jamming performance up to 60 times greater than previous generations and an enhanced civilian signal designed to increase the safety of commercial aviation. Four GPS IIIF satellites are currently in production, with the first core mating completed in February 2025. The initial GPS IIIF launch is planned for 2027, with Lockheed Martin under contract through SV20.