GPS-3 (Global Positioning System) or Navstar-3 (Navigation System using Timing And Ranging) are the first evolution stage of the third generation of the GPS satellites.

The U.S. Air Force announced in May 2008 that a team led by Lockheed Martin has won the competition to build the next-generation Global Positioning System (Navstar) Space System program, known as GPS III.

This program will improve position, navigation, and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide and provide advanced anti-jam capabilities yielding superior system security, accuracy and reliability.

When fully deployed, the GPS III constellation will feature a cross-linked command and control architecture, allowing the entire GPS constellation to be updated simultaneously from a single ground station. Additionally, a new spot beam capability for enhanced military (M-Code) coverage and increased resistance to hostile jamming will be incorporated. These enhancements will contribute to improved accuracy and assured availability for military and civilian users worldwide.

Window Opens: December 16th at 6:30PM EST (23:30 UTC)
Window Closes: December 16th at 10:00PM EST (03:00 UTC on the 17th)
Current T0: December 16th at 7:51PM EST (00:51 UTC on the 17th)

Mission: F9 launch of the GPS-III SV07 satellite for the US Space Force
Launch location: Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Earth.
Target orbit: Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
Booster: B1085-4; 39d 4h 32min turnaround
Booster history: Starlink Group 10-5, Crew-9, Starlink Group 6-77
Booster recovery: A Shortfall Of Gravitas (ASOG)
Fairing recovery: Doug
Rocket trajectory: Northeast hugging the east coast of the United States
Payload mass: Between 3.5 and 4 tonnes
Stubby nozzle: NO (thankfully)
Stats:
· SpaceX's 131st launch of the year and the 6th launch of the month.
· 57th Falcon launch since the last failure, F9's 409th orbital flight.
· SpaceX's 223rd launch from SLC-40.
· 90 landing on ASOG out of 91 attempts.
· 42nd successful landing since the last failed one.
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