Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and the U.S. Space Force launched GPS III Space Vehicle 10, the final satellite in the GPS III series, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:53 a.m. Eastern time on April 21.

The satellite includes an optical crosslink demonstration payload that enables direct communication between GPS satellites in space. SV10 also carries a demonstration Digital Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard clock for precise timekeeping capabilities.

GPS III satellites provide three times greater accuracy than legacy spacecraft, eight times stronger anti-jamming capability, and secure M-Code signals. The launch marks the fourth consecutive GPS launch on an accelerated schedule.

The satellite secured signal acquisition after launch and is currently managed at Lockheed Martin's Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center pending formal acceptance into the GPS operational control network.

"The final GPS III deployment is an important milestone as we continue strengthening the GPS constellation," said Fang Qian, vice president of GPS at Lockheed Martin. "By launching SV10 into orbit, we're not only adding to the resiliency of today's GPS capabilities – we're opening the door to the next generation of GPS IIIF satellites."

Lockheed Martin is producing GPS IIIF satellites at its Denver, Colorado facility. The company is under contract to build 12 GPS IIIF satellites, which will feature Regional Military Protection capability providing more than a 60-fold boost in anti-jamming performance.

More than 30 GPS satellites currently operate in orbit, providing positioning, navigation and timing services to military, civilian and commercial users worldwide.