Lockheed Martin-built seventh GPS III satellite launches, supporting next-generation constellation modernization and rapid launch capability By Investing.com

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida., December 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This evening at 7:52 PM ETSeventh Lockheed Martin (New York Stock Exchange:) (NYSE: LMT) – designed and built GPS III spacecraft, GPS III SV07, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Floridato an orbit 12,550 miles above Earth.

The GPS III SV07 launch is on an accelerated schedule and joins the Space Force’s ongoing modernization of the GPS constellation, following the GPS III SV06 launched in 2023.

The team has now completed acquisition of the GPS III SV07 signal, and the spacecraft is now under operational control Lockheed Martin‘s Launch and Exit Operations Center in Denver Even officially accepted into the current operational GPS constellation of 31 satellites.

The path to rapid launch
Spacecraft, assembled in Lockheed Martin‘s Littleton, Coloradothe facility, traveled across the country via ground transportation to its launch site in Florida. This differs from typical air transport for these missions, as her flight by standard military aircraft was involved in hurricane tracking and relief efforts.

The team seamlessly changed gears to ground shipping on short notice, helping the mission maintain its rapid launch schedule in the face of changing aircraft availability. The Space Force’s call-to-launch time for SV07 was reduced to about three months to demonstrate operational flexibility to launch critical national security missions.

Lockheed MartinThe spacecraft team meticulously mapped the roughly 2,337-mile route and carefully monitored weather models as Hurricane Milton was poised to pass through it. Florida Around the time of the spacecraft’s arrival.

After an epic six-day road trip, the SV07 arrived at its final destination, avoiding extreme weather conditions and undergoing final checks and preparation for launch.

“We supported our customers’ vision for an accelerated launch of this GPS satellite, ultimately helping them achieve rapid operational readiness,” he said. Malek is a photographerVice President of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin. “Time is of the essence in national security missions, and we quickly delivered this critical capability to the Space Force to support the rapid demand for secure, advanced positioning, navigation and timing signals.”

Additional satellite with secure military code
All GPS III spacecraft, including SV07, are equipped with M-Code. M-Code is a new advanced signal designed to improve the fight against jamming and spoofing, as well as increase secure access to military GPS signals. we and allied armed forces. GPS III spacecraft provide up to eight times the anti-jamming power compared to GPS II spacecraft, and M-code has been in operational acceptance since 2020.

GPS satellites provide basic navigation we Military assets, operational forces, and field supply delivery while supporting global financial markets, transportation, utilities, agriculture, construction, and ride-sharing services.

on Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin It is a global defense technology company that drives innovation and advances scientific discoveries. Our comprehensive task solutions and 21^street Century Security®’s vision is to accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

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