3 More GPS III Launches Seen Possible This Year

With the fifth next-generation GPS III satellite launched in June, six through eight are available for launch later this year, Space Force Space Systems Command Capt. Jonathan Teer said Tuesday at a Civil GPS Service Interface Committee meeting. Thirty-seven GPS satellites are in orbit, and prototyping and planning for better future capabilities and new ground systems are constantly underway, Teer said. He said the ninth and 10th GPS III satellites are under production. He said all 17 next-gen GPS III operational control system monitoring stations were complete as of July and transition of operations to them is expected in Q4 2022.