Keeping our modern world running smoothly.

About 12,000 miles above our heads, a network of Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites silently keeps our world running smoothly. More than 6 billion people around the world depend on GPS signals every day.

These satellites are the primary navigation providers for all major U.S. military assets. They also offer critical location services to operational troops and help facilitate accurate delivery of supplies to the field.

Our global financial markets, transportation systems, utilities, the ride-share industry, and our agriculture and construction industries also all depend on the positioning, navigation and timing signals from GPS satellites.

GPS III Launches ___

Video: The GPS III series comes to a close with the final satellelite, GPS III SV10, which launched on April 21, 2026.

GPS by the Numbers

Currently, there are 32 satellites on orbit in the operational GPS constellation, with Lockheed Martin building satellites from GPS IIRM onward: As part of the U.S. Space Force’s effort to modernize today’s GPS network with new technology and advanced capabilities, Lockheed Martin is building up to 32 next-generation GPS III/IIIF satellites. Currently, the company is on contract for up to spacecraft 24.

Past

GPS IIRM – 7 Operational Satellites

Present

GPS III – SV01-10

Future

GPS IIIF – SV11-24

Latest Lockheed Martin GPS News ___

Lockheed Martin Launches Final GPS III Satellite, Paving the Way for Next-Generation GPS IIIF Spacecraft

On April 21, 2026, Lockheed Martin-built GPS III SV10, launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:53 a.m. E.T., marking the completion of the GPS III satellite block series and further strengthening the global constellation. SV10 delivers enhanced accuracy and resiliency, including an optical crosslink demonstration that enables satellites to communicate directly in orbit and an advanced atomic clock that will provide reliable and precise time-keeping capabilities. This milestone paves the way for the next-generation GPS IIIF series, which will expand anti-jamming capabilities and improve positioning, navigation, and timing services for military and civilian users worldwide.

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Benefits of Modernizing GPS

The GPS III/IIIF satellites are the most powerful Global Positioning System Satellites ever built for the U.S. Space Force. Here’s what sets them apart:

GPS III

3X better accuracy
Up to 8X improved anti-jamming capabilities
A new L1C civil signal compatible to other global navigation satellite systems, improving civilian connectivity
Modular design that allows for future technology and capability upgrades

GPS IIIF

60X greater anti-jamming to ensure U.S. and allied forces cannot be denied access to GPS in hostile environments
Accuracy-enhancing laser retroreflector array
New search and rescue payload
Fully digital navigation payload
New LM2100 Combat Bus™ for SV13, providing increased cyber-hardening, improved spacecraft power, propulsion and electronics. Capable of hosting on-orbit upgrade ASPIN software

Advanced Ground Capabilities

For more than a decade, Lockheed Martin has been supporting and sustaining operational GPS ground capability, providing secure, resilient, and mission-proven services to the U.S. Space Force.

Working hand-in-hand with the space segment, the ground segment supports seamless end-to-end warfighter capability and meaningful civilian infrastructure.

Through the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP), and recent awards to modernize the ground segment, incremental system upgrades to the system’s software, hardware and communications are taking place today. These system upgrades enhance security controls, continuous monitoring and hardened networks that protect the ground system from emerging threats.

By simultaneously delivering satellite capabilities and sustaining the ground control architecture, Lockheed Martin ensures an uninterrupted, end‑to‑end GPS enterprise for military and civilian users.