Global Positioning Satellite III-8 Launch Succeeds

Final GPS III Satellite Launches Opening the Door to Next Generation

The Global Positioning System constellation reached its highest level of capability ever achieved early Tuesday with the pre-dawn launch of the final satellite in the GPS III series, a milestone that sets the stage for the more advanced GPS IIIF generation now in production. GPS III Space Vehicle 10 (SV10) lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Space Force marking the fourth consecutive GPS satellite…

Global Positioning Satellite III-8 Launch Succeeds

APRIL 22, 2026 – The U.S. Space Force successfully launched Global Positioning Satellite III-8 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40. The mission delivered the final satellite in the GPS III series into orbit. It reinforces the critical role of space-based positioning, navigation and timing in safeguarding the nation and powering its economy as the United States celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Inde…