U.S. Space Force Selects SpaceX Falcon 9 for GPS III SV09 Launch
The U.S. Space Force has shifted the launch of GPS III Space Vehicle 09 (SV09) from United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket to SpaceX's Falcon 9, with the launch expected in the coming weeks. In return, ULA will launch GPS III Follow-on (SV13) on Vulcan instead of Falcon Heavy, a move aimed at enhancing orbital efficiency and reducing costs. This decision continues a trend of provider swaps for GPS missions by the Space Force.
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The U.S. Space Force is switching the launch of GPS III Space Vehicle 09 (SV09) from United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket to SpaceX's Falcon 9. SpaceX is expected to launch SV09 in the coming weeks.
In exchange, ULA will launch GPS III Follow-on (SV13) on Vulcan instead of Falcon Heavy. This change aims for efficient orbital capability and cost savings for the government. SV09 was originally awarded to ULA under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 contract on October 31, 2023, while SV13 was initially set for a future Falcon Heavy launch. The Space Force has previously made similar provider swaps for GPS missions.
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