Air Force clears first GPS III satellite for launch

The Air Force has cleared the first GPS III satellite for launch.

The Available for Launch clearance marks the Air Force’s final approval before the GPS III SV01 is sent into orbit in 2018.

“GPS III SV01 now awaits a call up to begin pre-launch preparations,” said a news release by manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

“In the meantime, the advanced satellite is stored in an environmentally controlled clean room, where engineers can perform maintenance and continue to service the satellite.”

The GPS III satellites are more accurate than older models, have better resistance to jamming and are built to function in orbit for 15 years. Lockheed Martin is building 10 of the satellites for the Air Force.

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