The U.S. Space Force is launching its ninth third-generation Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite, GPS 3 Space Vehicle 09 (SV09), on January 26, 2026, at 23:42:23 EST (04:42:23 UTC on January 27). This mission will utilize a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, following a decision to transfer the satellite from a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket.
The GPS 3-9 mission represents a significant advancement in satellite technology. Equipped with M-Code technology, SV09 aims to enhance the accuracy and jamming resistance of positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities for military operations. The satellite will deploy from the rocket’s upper stage approximately 90 minutes post-launch, managed by two commands: the Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) and Combat Forces Command (CFC).
Launch Details and Weather Conditions
The launch is set to take place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX postponed the launch by one day to monitor recovery weather conditions. According to the 45th Weather Squadron, there is a 40 percent chance of favorable weather during the launch window, with concerns regarding wind conditions at liftoff and in the recovery area due to a significant winter storm impacting parts of the United States.
The Falcon 9 rocket will utilize first stage booster B1096, marking its fifth flight after successfully launching various missions, including NASA’s IMAP and multiple Starlink missions. Approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff, the booster will attempt to land on the drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. If successful, this will mark SpaceX’s 141st landing on that vessel and the 564th booster landing overall.
Shifts in Satellite Launch Strategy
The GPS 3-9 mission is notable for being the third instance where the Space Force has opted to switch a satellite’s launch vehicle from a ULA Vulcan rocket to a Falcon 9. Both ULA and SpaceX were awarded contracts as part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 initiative, valued at $4.5 billion and $4 billion, respectively.
In the past, the Space Force has made similar adjustments to its launch manifest. The decision to launch SV09 on a Falcon 9 was made to expedite the satellite’s deployment into orbit. Col. Ryan Hiserote, SYD 80 Commander and NSSL program manager, emphasized the importance of flexibility in adapting launch schedules to meet operational requirements.
The GPS constellation plays a vital role in supporting global military operations, as well as essential services in aviation, communications, finance, and agriculture. Each GPS satellite is named after notable figures, with SV09 honoring Col. Ellison Onizuka, a U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut who tragically lost his life in the Challenger disaster.
With the successful deployment of the GPS 3-9 satellite, the U.S. Space Force continues to bolster its capabilities, adapting to dynamic requirements while ensuring national security operations are effectively supported.
