Lockheed Martin's newest GPS satellite reaches orbit, strengthening warfighter connectivity

Rhea-AI Summary

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) launched its ninth GPS III space vehicle, GPS III SV09, into orbit on Jan 28, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral.

SV09 achieved signal acquisition and is under Lockheed Martin operational control pending official acceptance into the GPS operational control network. GPS III delivers 3x better accuracy, 8x improved anti-jamming, and M-code for military users. SV09 also carries a laser retroreflector array to improve Earth-orientation measurements. Lockheed Martin completed production of GPS III SV01–SV10 and is manufacturing next-generation GPS IIIF satellites.

Positive

• Successful launch of GPS III SV09 on Jan 28, 2026
• Signal acquisition achieved and satellite under operational control
• Production complete for GPS III SV01–SV10, enabling fleet sustainment
• Performance gains: 3x accuracy and 8x anti-jam capability (GPS III)

Negative

• Constellation aging requires continued satellite additions to maintain coverage

Lockheed Martin's GPS III SV09 Hosts New Demonstration Payload Aimed at Strengthening Capabilities and Constellation Resilience

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivers capabilities that strengthen and transform our world. On Tuesday night, the company's ninth GPS III space vehicle (SV09) launched in orbit, adding a capability that enables people to connect, gives warfighters the ability to operate in harsh conditions, and demonstrates the power of American innovation.

The satellite launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 11:53 p.m. ET aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It achieved signal acquisition shortly thereafter and is now under operational control at Lockheed Martin's Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center until its official acceptance into the GPS operational control network.

For the military, GPS III SV09 delivers advanced security and anti‑jamming features, which brings uninterrupted, precise navigation and timing in contested or denied environments, safeguarding national-security and defense missions. Overall, GPS III satellites deliver three-times better accuracy, eight-times improved anti-jamming capabilities, and M-code navigation signals for warfighters globally.

Each additional GPS III satellite delivers increased accuracy with resilient signals that enable essential services such as aviation, precision agriculture, and telecommunications timing. Sustaining and expanding the GPS constellation is essential as the constellation ages. Adding new GPS spacecraft is required to maintain uninterrupted global coverage, and the forthcoming GPS IIIF satellites will deliver even greater capabilities.

"The launch of GPS III SV09 is an important step in bolstering the resilience of the GPS constellation," said Malik Musawwir, vice president of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin. "By adding more resilient satellites to the constellation, we're laying the foundation for the GPS IIIF‑era, which will provide 60-times more anti-jam capabilities. The ongoing investment in GPS III launches and additional GPS IIIF satellites ensures uninterrupted, precise navigation and timing for our forces, even in contested or denied environments."

In order to further strengthen GPS signal in the future, GPS III SV09 is also equipped with a laser retroreflector array, designed to improve measurements of the Earth's orientation for the GPS coordinate system.

Lockheed Martin has completed production of GPS III SV01-SV10 satellites and is currently manufacturing next-generation GPS IIIF satellites.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all‑domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at LockheedMartin.com.

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SOURCE Lockheed Martin

FAQ

What did Lockheed Martin announce about GPS III SV09 on Jan 28, 2026 (LMT)?

GPS III SV09 launched into orbit Jan 28, 2026 and achieved signal acquisition shortly after launch. According to Lockheed Martin, SV09 is under company operational control pending official acceptance into the GPS operational control network.

What navigation improvements does GPS III SV09 provide for warfighters and services (LMT)?

SV09 provides enhanced precision and resilience with M-code signals, 3x better accuracy, and 8x improved anti-jamming. According to Lockheed Martin, these capabilities support contested or denied operating environments for military and critical civilian services.

What special payload does GPS III SV09 carry to improve GPS measurements (LMT)?

GPS III SV09 includes a laser retroreflector array to improve Earth-orientation and coordinate measurements. According to Lockheed Martin, the retroreflector aids precision measurements that support the GPS coordinate system.

What is Lockheed Martin's production status for GPS III and next-generation GPS IIIF satellites (LMT)?

Lockheed Martin completed production of GPS III SV01–SV10 and is manufacturing GPS IIIF satellites. According to Lockheed Martin, work on GPS IIIF is underway to deliver even greater anti-jam and resilience capabilities.

Why is adding GPS III satellites like SV09 important for the GPS constellation and services (LMT)?

Adding GPS III satellites sustains global coverage as the constellation ages and supports aviation, agriculture, and telecom timing. According to Lockheed Martin, new spacecraft are required to maintain uninterrupted global navigation and timing services.