The Second Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado officially took control of the second GPS III satellite in orbit on March 23. GPS III SV02 was designed and built by Lockheed Martin, with a payload provided by L3Harris.
A video rendering of a GPS III satellite gives a slightly vertigo-inducing experience of a ballet through space and above the Earth.
There is no official word yet on when the satellite will be set healthy and active to users. GPS III SV01 was set healthy and active to users earlier this year, on Jan. 13, 2020, after being transferred to 2SOPS control in late 2019.
Play this video, full-screen for maximum effect.
The third GPS III satellite now resides at Cape Canaveral, Florida, but only temporarily. It’s getting ready for an April launch.
Photo and video courtesy Lockheed Martin.
