GPS III SV-07 becomes operational

Photo: USSF

The U.S. Space Force transferred Satellite Control Authority of the GPS III Space Vehicle 07 (SV-07) to the 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron, Mission Delta 31, at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The satellite became operational and available to global users on Jan. 22, 2025 — expanding the GPS constellation to 31 active vehicles. The transfer is the first instance in which the Satellite Control Authority moved from the acquisition program to the operations squadron within a single Delta, reflecting the new mission delta structure. 

The space vehicle was launched on Dec. 16, 2024, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of a Rapid Response Trailblazer mission. The operation involved retrieving an existing GPS III satellite from storage, expediting integration and launch vehicle preparation, and swiftly processing the satellite for launch. 

The entire process, from initiation to launch, was completed in approximately three months, significantly shorter than the typical six-month pre-launch processing timeline. This accelerated timeline was achieved through collaboration between multiple Space Force organizations and partner agencies.

The GPS III SV-07 satellite is equipped with M-code, designed to improve anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities, enhancing secure access to military GPS signals. This launch contributes to the ongoing modernization of the GPS constellation following the launch of GPS III SV06 in 2023. Mission Delta 31, activated on Oct. 15, 2024, is responsible for providing, operating, and sustaining high-integrity positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) capabilities. It comprises three squadrons and one detachment, including the 2nd Navigation Warfare Squadron, which operates the GPS satellite constellation.