Jun 30, 2020: The Space Force successfully launched the third GPS III satellite into orbit.Nov 5, 2020: The Space Force and its partners successfully launched the fourth GPS III satellite into orbit.Dec 1, 2020: GPS III SV04 received operational acceptance.Apr 6, 2021: The fifth GPS III satellite arrived at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for launch.Jun 17, 2021: The Space Force and its partners successfully launched the fifth GPS III satellite into orbit.Jun 28, 2021: The Space Force transferred Satellite Control Authority of the fifth GPS III satellite to the 2nd Space Operations Squadron.May 25, 2022: The Space Force set the fifth GPS III satellite to healthy (usable) status.IIIF: laser reflectors search & rescue payloadĪs of July 3, 2023, there were a total of 31 operational satellites in the GPS constellation, not including the decommissioned, on-orbit spares.įor more up-to-date constellation status information, visit the NAVCEN website.

Enhanced signal reliability, accuracy, and integrity.Improved accuracy, signal strength, and quality.Flexible power levels for military signals.New military M code signals for enhanced jam resistance.Precise P(Y) code on L1 & L2 frequencies for military users.Coarse Acquisition (C/A) code on L1 frequency for civil users.Technical details about the orbits, coverage, and performance of the GPS satellite constellation are documented in the GPS Performance Standards. As a result, GPS now effectively operates as a 27-slot constellation with improved coverage in most parts of the world. Three of the 24 slots were expanded, and six satellites were repositioned, so that three of the extra satellites became part of the constellation baseline. In June 2011, the Air Force successfully completed a GPS constellation expansion known as the 'Expandable 24' configuration. The extra satellites may increase GPS performance but are not considered part of the core constellation. The Space Force normally flies more than 24 GPS satellites to maintain coverage whenever the baseline satellites are serviced or decommissioned. This 24-slot arrangement ensures users can view at least four satellites from virtually any point on the planet. Each plane contains four 'slots' occupied by baseline satellites. The satellites in the GPS constellation are arranged into six equally-spaced orbital planes surrounding the Earth. Expandable 24-Slot satellite constellation, as defined in the SPS Performance Standard.

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