USA – Space Force launches fifth GPS III satellite for more secure positioning (Nathan Strout, Defense News)

The U.S. Space Force sent the fifth GPS III satellite into orbit June 17, the last piece of a constellation that will one day provide a more secure positioning signal for the military.

The satellite, the first heavy national security payload with a cost-saving reusable booster, had a 12,550-mile journey with an onboard liquid apogee engine to reach its orbit. It will go through two weeks of on-orbit testing and checkout, and is expected to enter operational use in a few months, where it’s advanced capabilities will contribute to the full GPS constellation.

The reusable booster, a first for a National Security Space Launch, saved the government $64.5 million, according to the Space Force.

“Today’s launch culminated our work to use previously-flown hardware for NSSL missions,” said Walter Lauderdale, who leads the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Falcon work. “Our partnership with SpaceX enabled us to complete this huge milestone well in advance of our first Phase 2 NSSL launch, enhancing flexibility and resiliency for National Security Space missions.”