In an announcement from El Segundo and Colorado Springs, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and Combat Forces Command (CFC) confirmed the upcoming launch of the ninth Global Positioning System (GPS) III satellite.
Space Vehicle (SV)09, named in honor of U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut Col. Ellison Onizuka, is scheduled for liftoff no earlier than January 25, 2026.
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. A 15-minute launch window opens at 11:46 p.m. ET.
Accelerated Integration and Trailblazer Legacy
This mission follows the rapid-response model established by the Rapid Response Trailblazer (RRT-1) launch in December 2024 and the GPS III-7 (SV08) mission in May 2025. By pre-posturing equipment and streamlining contractual vehicles, the Space Force has significantly shortened the timeline for integrating high-value assets with launch vehicles.
“For this launch, we traded a GPS III mission from a Vulcan to a Falcon 9, then exchanged a later GPS IIIF mission from a Falcon Heavy to a Vulcan,” said USSF Col. Ryan Hiserote, SYD 80 Commander and NSSL program manager. “Our commitment to keeping things flexible—programmatically and contractually—means that we can pivot when necessary to changing circumstances.”
Technical Specifications: M-Code and Jam Resistance
The GPS III series, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, represents a significant leap in Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology. Key enhancements include:
- M-Code Signal: Provides a signal that is eight times more resistant to jamming and three times more accurate than previous generations.
- Modular Architecture: SV09 features a flexible design allowing for easier integration of future technology refreshes.
- Extended Life: The satellites are designed for a 15-year operational life, 25% longer than earlier GPS blocks.
Operational Lead and Mission Processing
The Mission Delta 31 (MD 31) team is leading the pre-launch processing of SV09 alongside Lockheed Martin personnel. The satellite was delivered to Florida via ground transport on July 31, 2025, and has since undergone final checkouts and encapsulation.
“This mission represents an outstanding collaboration across multiple teams and agencies,” said USSF Col. Stephen Hobbs, MD 31 commander. “It foot stomps our ability to rapidly deploy a high-value space asset… that brings significant, immediate value to the Joint Force.”
Timeline for Orbital Deployment
Following the January 25 launch, SV09 will begin its journey to Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), approximately 12,550 miles above Earth. Once on station, it will undergo several months of on-orbit testing before being handed over for operational use by MD 31. A live webcast of the launch will be available on SpaceX.com and via the X TV app starting ten minutes before liftoff.
