US Space Force moves GPS III satellite launch to SpaceX Falcon 9

The U.S. Space Force has announced a change in plans for its upcoming GPS III-8 satellite launch, shifting the mission to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket due to ongoing technical issues with the Vulcan Centaur rocket.

Initially scheduled to launch atop United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket, the GPS III-8 mission is now set to utilize SpaceX's Falcon 9 as the launch vehicle. This decision follows a series of performance anomalies detected in the solid rocket boosters (SRBs) of ULA's Vulcan Centaur.

"With this change, we are answering the call for rapid delivery of advanced GPS capability while the Vulcan anomaly investigation continues", said Col. Ryan Hiserote, commander of Space Systems Command System Delta 80 and program director for the National Security Space Launch system.

Addressing Vulcan Centaur Glitches

Vulcan Centaur, ULA's next-generation rocket and successor to the Atlas V, has experienced SRB-related issues during two of its four launches since debuting in January 2024. These anomalies occurred during Vulcan's national security payload certification flight in October 2024 and, most recently, during the USSF-87 mission last month. Despite these challenges, both missions successfully achieved orbit and met their objectives. However, the U.S. Space Force paused national security launches on Vulcan in February to allow time for investigation.

"We are once again demonstrating our team's flexibility and are fully committed to leverage all options available for responsive and reliable launch for the nation", Hiserote added.

GPS III-8 Mission Details

The GPS III-8 satellite, which marks the 10th and final spacecraft in the GPS III series, is now slated to launch no earlier than late April from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission underscores the Space Force's commitment to maintaining the timeline for delivering advanced GPS capabilities despite the temporary grounding of Vulcan Centaur for national security missions.

Future of Vulcan Centaur

While the GPS III-8 mission shifts to SpaceX, Vulcan Centaur remains integral to the Space Force's plans. ULA has over two dozen launches booked on the vehicle in the coming years, highlighting its importance in national security operations. The next scheduled mission for Vulcan Centaur, USSF-70, will carry a national security payload and is set to launch no earlier than the summer of 2028. This mission was originally intended for a SpaceX Falcon Heavy.

As ULA works to resolve the SRB anomalies and regain certification for national security flights, the Space Force continues to adapt its strategies to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical space capabilities.

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