SpaceX launched the ‘military’s newest, most accurate GPS satellite to “deliver an upgraded global positioning satellite into the orbit.” The rocket was launched from Florida’s Cape Carnival Air Force on 30 June 2020. It was initially scheduled to take place in April but was delayed considering the health and safety over the past few months due to the ongoing pandemic.
“This is the third in the most advanced line of GPS satellites and joins a constellation of 31 GPS satellites in orbit,” according to the Space Force.
United States Space Command congratulated SpaceX and the team behind the launch of the third GPS satellite. “The next generation of GPS enables more resilient, precise navigation and timing to US & Allied warfighters & more than 4 billion users worldwide,” it says.
The launch was a tribute to Col. Thomas Falzarano. He was a commander of the 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado. He died in the month of May at age 47.
Air Force officials described him as a talented space officer who was heading to become a general officer in the Space Force, according to a source.
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, also known as SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk is an aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company. The private company aims to reduce space transportation costs and colonize Mars.