The U.S. Space Force is set to launch the GPS 3 Space Vehicle 09 (SV09) satellite into medium Earth orbit tonight, January 26, 2026. The satellite will be lifted aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This mission represents a significant shift, as the spacecraft was initially intended to be launched using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket.
The GPS 3-9 mission, which is part of the U.S. military’s third-generation Global Positioning System, will see SV09 deployed approximately 1.5 hours after liftoff. This new satellite incorporates advanced M-Code technology, which the Space Force emphasizes as crucial for providing enhanced accuracy and resilience against jamming, vital for modern military operations.
Launch Details and Weather Concerns
The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch at 11:42:23 p.m. EST (04:42:23 UTC on January 27). The launch was postponed by one day due to weather considerations, with SpaceX noting on social media that it was monitoring recovery weather conditions. The 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 40 percent chance of favorable conditions during the 15-minute launch window, citing concerns over wind speeds at liftoff and potential issues with booster recovery due to a winter storm affecting the region.
SpaceX will utilize the Falcon 9 first-stage booster designated B1096 for this mission, marking its fifth flight. Previous missions for this booster include NASA’s IMAP ride share and other notable launches. Approximately 8.5 minutes after launch, the booster is expected to land on the drone ship, ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas,’ stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. If successful, this landing would mark the 141st successful recovery on that vessel and the 564th booster landing overall for SpaceX.
Strategic Implications and Satellite Management
This mission is the second national security flight for SpaceX in 2026, following the successful launch of the NROL-105 mission on January 16. The GPS 3-9 launch also highlights a notable pattern of shifting satellite launches between SpaceX and ULA, reflecting the dynamic nature of military satellite deployment. This marks the third occasion where the Space Force has moved a satellite from a Vulcan rocket to a Falcon 9, a trend driven by operational flexibility and the need to expedite critical capabilities.
Col. Ryan Hiserote, Commander of the Space Systems Command’s System Delta 80, explained that the adjustments to the launch manifest are essential for maintaining responsiveness to changing circumstances. “Our commitment to keeping things flexible – programmatically and contractually – means that we can pivot when necessary to changing circumstances,” Hiserote stated. This adaptability is crucial as the GPS constellation supports a wide array of military and civilian applications.
The GPS constellation, which remains one of the most vital capabilities of the Department of Defense, underpins crucial services across various sectors, including aviation, communications, and scientific research. With the ongoing evolution of satellite technology, the demand for reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services continues to grow.
As a tribute, the SV09 satellite is named after Col. Ellison Onizuka, a U.S. Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut who lost his life during the Challenger disaster. His legacy is honored through the ongoing advancements in space technology and the critical functions these satellites provide.
In summary, the launch of the GPS 3-9 satellite tonight represents not just a technological feat but also a strategic move to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. military and its allies, reinforcing the importance of reliable and secure satellite communications in today’s complex operational landscape.
