SpaceX launches GPS III SV-08, boosting anti-jamming capabilities

SpaceX successfully launched the GPS III SV-08 satellite into orbit on May 30 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant milestone for the U.S. Space Force’s rapid-response capabilities. The mission, executed in close coordination with Lockheed Martin and SpaceX, launched the eighth GPS III satellite into the constellation after an accelerated preparation period of just three months, well ahead of the traditional two-year timeline for national security launches.

The GPS III SV-08, named after the pioneering NASA mathematician Ms. Katherine Johnson, is part of the next-generation GPS IIIF satellites designed to enhance accuracy and incorporate advanced anti-jamming features for both military and civilian users. Built by Lockheed Martin, the spacecraft is equipped with M-Code technology, delivering signals that are three times more accurate and eight times more resistant to jamming than previous generations. These improvements are critical as threats to GPS reliability, such as jamming and interference, continue to increase.

In a press statement, Col. Andrew Menschner of the Space Force emphasized the urgency behind the accelerated launch schedule to mitigate increasing GPS jamming and interference: “There are 38 GPS satellites in orbit, 31 of which operate on a daily basis. We have a healthy redundancy in the constellation. But the addition of SV-08 allows the constellation to build resistance against those who would try to interfere with GPS signals.”

This launch marks the second time the Space Force has demonstrated its ability to deploy a GPS satellite on a compressed schedule. The previous rapid-response mission, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, saw the seventh GPS III satellite launched in December 2024 after five months of planning. For SV-08, the team further reduced the schedule by 40%, reflecting lessons learned and increased efficiency.

Looking ahead, the final two GPS III satellites will be launched on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, paving the way for the next-generation GPS IIIF satellites. According to Lockheed Martin, these spacecraft will introduce even greater anti-jamming capabilities, fully digital navigation payloads and advanced features such as regional military protection and improved search-and-rescue support, further enhancing the robustness and utility of the GPS constellation.