WASHINGTON, July 11 — The U.S. Space Force is preparing to launch the first of a new generation of GPS satellites later this year, part of a modernization program that has been underway since the first GPS III satellite reached orbit in December 2018.
That satellite, designated SV01 and built by Lockheed Martin, became operational in 2020. As of 2024, six GPS III satellites have been launched. The program calls for a total of 32 to replace older satellites currently in orbit.
The GPS III system offers three times better accuracy than its predecessors, according to program specifications. Anti-jamming capabilities have been improved by up to eight times. A new L1C civilian signal has been added, designed to be compatible with other global navigation satellite systems, including Europe’s Galileo network.
Threats and Vulnerabilities
The record shows that threats to GPS include both jamming — intentional interference with signals — and spoofing, which involves broadcasting fake signals to mislead receivers. These threats have been reported in conflict zones and near critical infrastructure, according to sources familiar with the issue.
The Department of Homeland Security has identified GPS as critical infrastructure. The U.S. government is investing in alternative positioning, navigation, and timing systems, known as PNT, to provide backups. These include eLoran, a terrestrial radio navigation system, and chip-scale atomic clocks.
Executive Action and Follow-On Satellites
On the timeline, a 2020 Executive Order on PNT resilience directed federal agencies to develop strategies to protect GPS-dependent systems. The order remains in effect.
The U.S. Space Force is also developing the GPS III Follow-On satellites, referred to as GPS IIIF. The first of these is expected to launch in 2026, though no specific date has been announced.
Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for both the GPS III and GPS IIIF programs, continues production at its facilities. The company has not disclosed the current status of the first IIIF satellite, but sources familiar with the program indicate it remains on schedule for a 2026 launch.
What to Watch Next
The launch of the first GPS IIIF satellite later this year will mark the next major milestone in the modernization effort. With 32 satellites planned in total, the program represents a long-term investment in the resilience and capability of the U.S. GPS constellation.
The compatibility of the new L1C signal with Galileo and other systems points toward a future of interoperable global navigation, though the threat environment — particularly jamming and spoofing in conflict zones — continues to drive investment in both hardening and backup systems.
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