The U.S. Space Force has confirmed the launch of a Global Positioning System III satellite. The military service said the national security space launch mission, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer-1, demonstrates the government’s capacity to work with industry to condense the process of bringing mission concept to launch.
“This launch was a remarkable achievement that highlights the Space Force’s ability to execute high-priority launches of major space systems on a significantly reduced timescale,” stated Col. Jim Horne, senior materiel leader of launch execution for the Space Systems Command’s Assured Access to Space.
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Falcon 9 Launches GPS III Satellite
According to the Space Force, the RRT-1 launch was made possible through its partnership with Space X. On Monday, at 7:52 p.m. EST, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to deliver the GPS III satellite SV-07 to orbit.
RRT-1 was originally scheduled for a Dec. 13 flight but was delayed due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The mission marks SpaceX’s 126th launch of 2024.
Launching a Spacecraft at an Accelerated Timeline
Horne said planning the mission began a few months ago in response to concerns over the readiness of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, which is still awaiting required certification to deploy NSSL missions.
“It not only demonstrates the teams’ ability to respond to emergent constellation needs but is a testament to our flexibility and responsiveness to deliver capability as rapidly as space vehicle readiness allows,” the military leader added.
Delivering Reliable GPS to Warfighters
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, GPS III satellites are designed to provide navigation information to deployed troops and military assets. The space vehicles support M code, ensuring resistance to jamming and spoofing.
SV-07 follows the launch of SV-06 in 2023. Mission Delta 31 operates the satellite constellation.