Warfighters could soon navigate more reliably in contested environments, as Lockheed Martin sent its newest GPS 3 Space Vehicle (SV09) into orbit.
The SV09 satellite is designed to maintain positioning and timing even in signal-denied environments, with anti-jamming capabilities to support uninterrupted operations.
It reportedly brings roughly three times the accuracy and eight times the security of older satellites, while providing robust M-code navigation for military users worldwide.
To future-proof the system, SV09 includes a laser-based reflector that helps keep GPS positioning aligned with the Earth’s orientation.
“The launch of GPS 3 SV09 is an important step in bolstering the resilience of the GPS constellation,” said Malik Musawwir, Vice President of Navigation Systems at Lockheed.
“The ongoing investment in GPS III launches and additional GPS IIIF satellites ensures uninterrupted, precise navigation and timing for our forces, even in contested or denied environments.”
A Force Multiplier
SV09 joins Lockheed’s growing fleet of GPS satellites already in orbit, boosting signal accuracy for aviation, communication, and battlefield operations.
The company noted that sending more satellites is critical to maintaining “uninterrupted global coverage” and laying the groundwork for future systems with even more advanced capabilities.
With production of the GPS 3 series complete, Lockheed is now preparing its next-generation GPS 3F satellites.
“By adding more resilient satellites to the constellation, we’re laying the foundation for the GPS IIIF‑era, which will provide 60-times more anti-jam capabilities,” Musawwir added.
