A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket delivered a Space Force Global Positioning System satellite into orbit Tuesday.
The Lockheed Martin-built GPS III SV03 satellite joins a fleet of 31 other GPS satellites circling the Earth twice each day, according to the Space Force
This satellite is more accurate and powerful than previous GPS satellites, Space Force officials said. It allows the use of the new L1C civilian GPS signal, which will allow use with international navigation systems. The signal was developed as a common signal to be used by both the U.S. GPS and European Galileo systems. Japanese and Chinese satellites are adopting similar signals, too.
“Your GPS just got slightly better,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted following the successful launch.
