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DAF sends NTS-3 Vanguard into space on ULA Vulcan rocket
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) launches the Navigation Technology Satellite-3 (NTS-3) Vanguard on the USSF-106 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, Aug. 12, 2025. NTS-3 is a payload for the first U.S. national security launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket.
AFRL designed NTS-3 to provide more robust, resilient and responsive positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) functionality in space, thereby increasing the security and efficacy of PNT systems like GPS.
NTS-3 features a space-based satellite, a ground-based control system and agile user receivers, all linked by reprogrammable software. This allows for rapid, on-orbit or in-the-field updates to all three segments, a significant advancement over previous GPS satellites that required hardware replacements for upgrades.
Now, much like downloading a new smartphone app, NTS-3 software updates can be pushed routinely to users without the recapitalization effort typically required to upgrade or take advantage of new signals.
The NTS-3 team is optimistic that the launch will bring significant benefits to civilian users as well, who rely on GPS satellite navigation systems daily for purposes including banking, farming, cellular networking and air traffic control.
Designated as one of three initial Department of the Air Force Vanguard programs in 2019, NTS-3 is closely integrated between AFRL and partner Program Executive Office organizations from Space Systems Command and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to speed delivery of innovative, game-changing capabilities.
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