StoryManufacturing
First GPS IIIF satellites run 8 to 11 months late on mission data unit problems
The Space Force said the first batch of GPS IIIF satellites is 8 to 11 months behind its preferred schedule because of manufacturing problems at Lockheed Martin, mainly with the Mission Data Unit built by subcontractor L3Harris. The first satellite's availability for launch moved from April 2026 to November 2026, and Lockheed lost some incentive payments.
- GPS IIIF is a $9.2 billion program for up to 22 satellites.
- Lockheed was reported on track for its contracted dates, though not the Space Force's.
- New features include better accuracy, stronger anti-jam signals and search and rescue.