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The US Space Force has delivered advanced laser arrays to be attached to GPS III satellites ahead of their launch next year. These instruments will enable NASA to make sub-centimeter range measurements using laser ranging technology, benefiting the scientific community and improving GPS technology accuracy.
Two advanced laser arrays have been delivered to Lockheed Martin as part of NASA’s Space Geodesy Program. The instruments will be attached to GPS III satellites and enable NASA to precisely determine the Earth's center, or International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF).
On May 6th, the US Space Force GPS III Program Office—in partnership with NASA and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)—delivered two laser retroflector arrays (LRA) to Lockheed Martin. The lasers, which will be attached to two GPS III satellites—SV9 and SV10—are due for launch in 2025. US Space Force Col. Andrew Menschner commented, "We were able to add new capabilities to the GPS constellation years ahead of schedule while ensuring the billions of people who rely on our signals daily would be unaffected. We expect LRAs to be standard on future GPS vehicles and are pleased that SV9 and SV10 will have the capability prior to launch."
