# GPS-III SV03

> GPS III satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q106405826](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106405826)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA-304)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gps-iii-sv03

## Summary
GPS-III SV03, also known as "Matthew Henson," is a third-generation GPS satellite launched by the United States Space Force to enhance global navigation and timing services. It is part of the GPS Block III series, designed to improve accuracy, signal strength, and anti-jamming capabilities for military and civilian users.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: June 30, 2020, at 20:10:46 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40.
- **Mass**: 4,311 kg (launch weight) and 2,269 kg (dry weight).
- **Operator**: United States Space Force.
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin Space, using the A2100 spacecraft bus.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5 (Booster B1060.1).
- **Orbit**: Medium Earth orbit.
- **Power Source**: Two spacecraft solar arrays and a LEROS engine.
- **Aliases**: GPS-3 3, GPS SVN 76, Navstar 79, GPS III-03, USA-304.
- **Preceded by**: GPS-III SV02.
- **Followed by**: GPS-III SV04.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GPS-III SV03?
A: GPS-III SV03 is a navigation satellite designed to provide improved positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services for both military and civilian users as part of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

### Q: Who launched GPS-III SV03?
A: It was launched by SpaceX using a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket under contract with the United States Space Force.

### Q: What are the key improvements in GPS Block III satellites?
A: GPS Block III satellites offer enhanced accuracy, stronger signals, better anti-jamming capabilities, and a longer operational lifespan compared to previous generations.

### Q: What is the significance of the name "Matthew Henson"?
A: The satellite is named after Matthew Henson, an African American explorer who was one of the first people to reach the North Pole.

### Q: How long is GPS-III SV03 expected to operate?
A: While the exact operational lifespan isn't specified, GPS Block III satellites are designed for a 15-year mission life.

## Why It Matters
GPS-III SV03 plays a critical role in modern navigation, communication, and military operations by providing highly accurate positioning and timing data. As part of the GPS Block III series, it introduces advancements that improve signal resilience against jamming and spoofing, ensuring reliable service for both civilian applications (e.g., aviation, maritime navigation, and smartphone GPS) and military operations. The satellite's enhanced capabilities contribute to global infrastructure, economic activities, and national security, making it a vital component of the U.S. space-based assets. Its successful deployment also demonstrates the collaboration between government agencies and private companies like SpaceX and Lockheed Martin in advancing space technology.

## Notable For
- **First GPS Block III satellite launched by SpaceX**, marking a shift from previous launch providers.
- **Named after Matthew Henson**, honoring an underrepresented figure in exploration history.
- **Enhanced anti-jamming features**, improving security for military and critical infrastructure users.
- **Part of a next-generation constellation**, with improved signal accuracy and strength over older GPS satellites.
- **Dual-power system**, utilizing both solar arrays and a LEROS engine for extended operational life.

## Body
### Overview
GPS-III SV03 is the third satellite in the GPS Block III series, a modernized generation of navigation satellites developed by the United States. It is designed to replace aging GPS satellites and provide superior performance in positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: The satellite has a launch mass of 4,311 kg and a dry mass of 2,269 kg.
- **Power System**: Equipped with two spacecraft solar arrays and a LEROS engine for propulsion and power.
- **Spacecraft Bus**: Built on Lockheed Martin's A2100 platform, a proven design for geostationary and medium Earth orbit satellites.
- **Orbit**: Operates in medium Earth orbit (MEO), typical for GPS satellites.

### Launch Details
- **Date and Time**: Launched on June 30, 2020, at 20:10:46 UTC.
- **Launch Site**: Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 (SCC-40).
- **Launch Vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 5, with booster B1060 on its first flight (B1060.1).
- **Contractor**: SpaceX, under contract with the United States Space Force.

### Mission and Role
GPS-III SV03 is part of the Global Positioning System, a constellation of satellites that provide PNT services worldwide. Its mission includes:
- **Improved Accuracy**: Offers better positioning precision for users.
- **Enhanced Signals**: Provides stronger and more resilient signals, particularly for military applications.
- **Anti-Jamming Capabilities**: Reduces vulnerability to interference and spoofing attacks.
- **Civilian and Military Use**: Supports a wide range of applications, from everyday navigation to critical military operations.

### Naming and Designation
- **Official Name**: USA-304.
- **Nickname**: "Matthew Henson," after the African American explorer who co-discovered the North Pole.
- **Other Designations**: GPS-3 3, GPS SVN 76, Navstar 79, GPS III-03.

### Context within GPS Block III
GPS-III SV03 follows GPS-III SV02 and precedes GPS-III SV04 in the Block III series. The Block III satellites represent a significant upgrade over previous GPS blocks, with features such as:
- **New Civilian Signal (L1C)**: Compatible with international navigation systems like Galileo.
- **Military M-Code Signal**: More secure and resistant to jamming.
- **Extended Lifespan**: Designed for 15 years of operation, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "GPS-III SV03",
  "description": "A third-generation GPS satellite launched by the United States Space Force to enhance global navigation and timing services.",
  "url": "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/GPS_Block_IIIA_(cropped).jpg",
  "sameAs": [
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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/navstar-3.htm)
2. Jonathan's Space Report