Vulcan | GPS III SV10

Vulcan Rocket Set to Conclude GPS III Era with SV10 Launch

On March 31, 2026, United Launch Alliance (ULA) is scheduled to launch the Vulcan rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying the GPS III Space Vehicle 10 (SV10). This mission marks the culmination of a decade-long effort to deploy the third generation of Global Positioning System satellites, a program that has significantly advanced global navigation capabilities.

The primary objective of the Vulcan | GPS III SV10 mission is to place the final GPS III satellite into medium Earth orbit, approximately 20,200 kilometers above the planet. Built by Lockheed Martin, the GPS III satellites are designed to provide enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing services for both military and civilian users. SV10, like its predecessors, features improved signal accuracy—up to three times better than earlier GPS generations—along with anti-jamming measures and a new civil signal (L1C) compatible with international systems like Europe's Galileo. The payload's capabilities extend to a 15-year operational lifespan, nuclear detonation detection sensors, and the ability to broadcast more powerful signals, ensuring reliability in contested environments. This satellite will integrate into the existing constellation, boosting overall system resilience and supporting applications from smartphone mapping to precision-guided munitions.

At the heart of the mission is the Vulcan rocket, ULA's next-generation launch vehicle engineered to replace the aging Atlas V and Delta IV fleets. Vulcan stands about 61 meters tall in its standard configuration, with a diameter of 5.4 meters. Its first stage is powered by two BE-4 engines from Blue Origin, fueled by liquid natural gas and liquid oxygen, delivering over 1 million pounds of thrust. The upper stage, a redesigned Centaur V, uses two RL10 engines for efficient orbital insertion. Vulcan's modular design allows for up to six solid rocket boosters, enabling it to lift payloads ranging from 10,000 to 27,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit, depending on configuration. This flexibility, combined with cost-saving reusable engine elements, positions Vulcan as a competitive player in the commercial launch market.

Vulcan's performance history has been building steadily since its inaugural flight in January 2024, which successfully deployed the Peregrine lunar lander. By early 2026, the rocket is expected to have completed several missions, including national security payloads and commercial ventures, demonstrating a reliability rate above 95%. Early challenges, such as engine certification delays, have been overcome, allowing Vulcan