Engineering:USA-581
.jpg) Launch of GPS-III 09 | |
| Names | Navstar 85 GPS-III SV09 Ellison Onizuka |
|---|---|
| Mission type | Navigation |
| Operator | USSF |
| COSPAR ID | 2026-017A |
| SATCAT no. | 67588 |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft | GPS-III SV09 |
| Spacecraft type | GPS Block III |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 28 Jan 2026 04:53 |
| Rocket | Falcon 9 |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral, SLC-40 |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Geocentric orbit |
| Regime | Medium Earth orbit (Semi-synchronous orbit) |
USA-581,[1] also known as GPS-III SV09, NAVSTAR 85, and Ellison Onizuka, is a United States navigation satellite which forms part of the Global Positioning System.[2][3][4][5]
Satellite
SV09 was the ninth GPS Block III satellite to launch. The spacecraft is built on the Lockheed Martin A2100 satellite bus, and weighs in at 4,331 kg (9,548 lb).[6] The space vehicle manufacturing contract was awarded September 2016.[7] The satellite was named "Ellison Onizuka" on 12 May 2021 following its successful core mate assembly.[8][9] It was declared "Available for Launch" on 23 Aug 2022.[10]
Launch
The satellite's launch was originally awarded to ULA but it was later switched to SpaceX because of delays in ULA's Vulcan rocket certification. In exchange, ULA was awarded another GPS launch originally planned for Falcon Heavy.[11]
SV09 was launched by SpaceX on 28 January 2026 at 04:53 UTC, atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.[2][12]
References
- ↑ "CelesTrak SATCAT data for 2026-017A". https://celestrak.org/NORAD/elements/gp.php?INTDES=2026-017A. "NAVSTAR 85 (USA 581)"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "SpaceX launches advanced GPS satellite for US Space Force (photos)" (in en). 2026-01-26. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-gps-iii-sv09-launch-space-force.
- ↑ "GPS-3 (Navstar-3)" (in en). https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/navstar-3.htm.
- ↑ GNSS, Inside (2026-01-28). "SpaceX Launches GPS III SV09 ‘Ellison Onizuka’ After Space Force Swaps Mission from Vulcan" (in en-US). https://insidegnss.com/spacex-set-to-launch-gps-iii-sv09-ellison-onizuka-after-space-force-swaps-mission-from-vulcan/.
- ↑ Boyer, Charles (2026-01-27). "SpaceX Plans To Launch GPS III SV09 Tonight From The Cape" (in en-US). https://talkoftitusville.com/2026/01/27/spacex-plans-to-launch-gps-iii-sv09-tonight-from-the-cape/.
- ↑ "GPS Block III SV04 | Falcon 9" (in en-US). 4 November 2020. https://wpcstagingeverydayastronaut.wpcomstaging.com/gps-block-iii-sv04/.
- ↑ "SMC exercises contract options to procure two additional GPS III satellites" (Press release) United States Air Force 21 September 2016
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ↑ https://www.americaspace.com/2021/06/17/once-flown-falcon-9-smoothly-delivers-fifth-gps-block-iii-satellite-to-orbit/
- ↑ "SpaceX Delivers 5th GPS Block III Space Force Satellite to Orbit - AmericaSpace" (in en-US). 2021-06-17. https://www.americaspace.com/2021/06/17/once-flown-falcon-9-smoothly-delivers-fifth-gps-block-iii-satellite-to-orbit/.
- ↑ "GPS III Space Vehicle 09 declared "Available for Launch"" (in en-US). Space Systems Command. 26 August 2022. https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Portals/3/Documents/PRESS%20RELEASES/GPS%20III%20Space%20Vehicle%2009%20declared%20%E2%80%9CAvailable%20for%20Launch%E2%80%9D.pdf?ver=JI0soAFzUL1p41K7J0P73A%3d%3d.
- ↑ "After switch from ULA, SpaceX knocks out speedy national security launch" (in en-US). 2026-01-28. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/28/after-switch-from-ula-spacex-set-for-speedy-national-security-launch/.
- ↑ Casillas, Beverly (2026-01-29). "Falcon Goes 3 for 3 with Rapid Response GPS III-9 Launch" (in en-US). https://www.spacescout.info/2026/01/falcon-goes-3-for-3-with-rapid-response-gps-iii-9-launch/.
Template:Orbital launches in 2026
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