SpaceX launches final GPS III satellite for the U.S. Space Force

The U.S. Space Force successfully launched its final GPS III satellite, SV10 “Hedy Lamarr,” aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral.

The mission marked the end of the GPS III generation, which supports the global navigation system used for military and civilian applications.

Built by Lockheed Martin, the satellite will undergo orbit-raising and testing before joining the active constellation of GPS spacecraft in medium Earth orbit.

Officials said the launch also included technology demonstrations such as optical laser cross-links and a new atomic clock to improve future GPS performance, Spaceflight now has reported.

The program now shifts toward the next-generation GPS IIIF satellites, which are expected to provide greater accuracy and resilience.