Space Force shifts military satellite launch from ULA to SpaceX

On April 7, 2025, the Space Force announced its decision to transfer the launch of a Global Positioning System satellite from United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket to SpaceX's Falcon 9. This particular satellite, GPS III SV-08, which was already complete and in storage, is critical for maintaining the constellation of navigation satellites used for military and civilian applications globally. The reassignment was necessitated by delays in ULA's launch schedule; despite being certified to carry military payloads, the Vulcan rocket was not ready in time for the urgent launch requirements of the Space Force. The previous slot secured by the Space Force for the launch of GPS III SV-08 was when ULA planned to initiate military satellite flights. With the current challenge in the ULA schedule, the Space Force opted for a more immediate solution, thereby highlighting its capability to respond rapidly to satellite readiness demands. This is not the first instance where SpaceX has been called upon to expedite satellite readiness for urgent military needs, as a similar event occurred the previous year. In that earlier case, a GPS satellite was swiftly prepared for launch on a Falcon 9 rocket within five months, instead of waiting through a backlog with ULA. This action is an emphatic display of the Space Force's ability to adjust its launch manifest to accommodate emerging exigencies. The GPS III SV-08 will ultimately replace older satellites within the GPS constellation, which currently has 31 operational satellites. Notably, many of these satellites are aging and in dire need of replacement to ensure reliable navigation for both military and civilian users worldwide. Furthermore, in compensating ULA for this alteration, the Space Force has decided to reallocate a later GPS satellite launch from SpaceX's Falcon Heavy back to ULA's Vulcan. The formalization of these launch arrangements indicates a collaborative effort between the entities involved, showcasing the flexibility and strategic agility necessary for maintaining national security through reliable satellite positioning services. This developing partnership between SpaceX and the U.S. military underscores the evolving landscape of satellite deployments where rapid response capabilities become increasingly critical for future missions.