U.S. Space Force Reassigns GPS III Launch from ULA's Vulcan to SpaceX's Falcon 9

The U.S. Space Force has switched its upcoming GPS III-8 satellite launch from United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket to SpaceX's Falcon 9 due to an ongoing investigation into Vulcan's solid rocket booster anomalies. The launch is now scheduled for no earlier than late April from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This decision reflects the Space Force's commitment to maintain GPS deployment schedules amid the investigation and ensures the continued delivery of critical GPS capabilities.

Published Mar 21, 2026

The U.S. Space Force has reassigned the GPS III-8 satellite launch from United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket to SpaceX's Falcon 9, with a launch date set for no earlier than late April. This change follows a solid rocket booster anomaly observed during the Feb. 12 USSF-87 mission, prompting a pause in Vulcan's operations.

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The reassignment aims to ensure the timely deployment of GPS satellites, which are vital for military and civilian navigation. SpaceX has launched most GPS III satellites, and this marks the fourth consecutive reassignment of a GPS mission from ULA to SpaceX. ULA's Vulcan will take over the USSF-70 mission, now scheduled for summer 2028.