# The rocket will carry a Lockheed Martin-built GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force.

*aerospace · news · 2026-01-23 · Herald-Tribune*

## Key points

- The GPS III (SV09) satellite mission was switched from Vulcan to Falcon 9 for launch.
- SpaceX is limited to launching from Complex 40 while finalizing the Starship pad at Pad 39A.
- The Falcon 9 rocket will land at sea, so no sonic boom will occur on Florida’s coast.
- This launch's timeline was shortened due to improved rocket processing and satellite integration procedures.
- The GPS satellite is named after Challenger astronaut Col. Ellison Onizuka.

**Companies:** SpaceX, Lockheed Martin
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Herald-Tribune](https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2026/01/23/next-spacex-rocket-launch-from-cape-canaveral-florida-falcon-9-set-to-close-out-weekend/88297548007/)

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