SpaceX has successfully started its 11th-year mission by loading a next-generation GPS Block III into space for the US Space Force.
On June 30, a shiny white Falcon 9 rocket hit the skies, launching from the Space Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Due to the high winds, the liftoff was 15 minutes behind schedule, but a final check showed the launch was a "go." and the rocket had a spectacular showing the afternoon.
The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket sits on launch pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center as it is prepared for tomorrow's lift-off on February 5, 2018 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket, which is the most powerful rocket in the world, is scheduled to make its maiden flight between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. February 6.
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SpaceX launch is part of the continued effort to upgrade
The launch is part of the Defense Department's continued effort to update GPS satellites in space, Space.com reported. It also marks the Pentagon's formal acceptance of Musk's concept of recovering and reusing efficient and cost-effective rocket launches, The Wall Street Journal wrote.
Around 20 years ago, the constellation of aging GPS satellites was launched and technology changed through time. For years, Pentagon space managers skeptical about the vertical landing and reuse of rockets flying outside the atmosphere. There were many concerns that the primary mission has reduced fuel reserves when fuel has to be reserved to slow down the return booster before its landing on a specially equipped recovery vessel.
However, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. decided to marginally reduce the costs for the new release in exchange for Pentagon permission to seek and exchange the most costly and most significant portion of the booster. This was after lengthy negotiations between Musks' crew and military launch officers.
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What are its features?
It is the third GPS satellite of its kind designed by Lockheed Martin to be launched and linked to two others, as it already is in space. The second satellite was launched in August 2019, on top of the very new Delta IV Medium rocket in December 2018 and on another Falcon 9 rocket.
Space force estimates that the GPS spacecraft launched on this flight provides expanded capacities, enhanced protection, and effects for up to four billion users worldwide. The GPS will enter a geosynchronous orbit and work onboard with other existing GPS III satellites and with other previously operating US-operated GPS satellites.
Several new features are also included in the revamped spacecraft. For example, in other navigational constellations such as Europe's Galileo constellation, it can communicate with satellites. This allows users to connect to even more space-based satellites, making them even more accurate. The new load of GPS satellites also has a longer lifespan, which will enable them to live longer in space.
Col. Ediward Byrne, a senior executive of the Medium Earth Orbit program, said the new GPS 3 satellites would provide "gold standard of position, navigation and timing." He added that the new GPS satellite has three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jam capabilities than its predecessor.
Three rockets were launched by SpaceX in June. July is another busy month for the private company due to the delay of its latest Starlink mission. The next Starlink mission is scheduled for launch on July 8 and will carry two BlackSky earth observation satellites.
