The 5th GPSIII satellite has been launched from Cape Canaveral.
The launch of GPSIII-05 took place at 1609 UTC (1209 local) on 17 June from Space Launch Complex-40, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 reused booster, which itself returned safely.
GPSIII-05 has become SVN-78, using code PRN-11 in the constellation’s D plane. The position is currently occupied by SVN-61, which itself is to be moved elsewhere in the D plane. As a result of these moves, SVN-46, launched into the D plane in October 1999, will be removed from service after over 20 years - more than 12 years beyond its designed service life.
The satellite was deployed at ~1h 30m after launch and will eventually use its own propulsion to circularise its orbit. Space Force state that they will be performing an extended navigation test with SVN-78/PRN-11, so the satellite is not expected to be set healthy to users until sometime in September 2021.
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