This marks the second consecutive GPS III satellite to be switched from ULA to SpaceX, following December’s launch of GPS III SV-07. ULA’s Vulcan, which received certification to launch national security missions, continues to face delays and has accumulated a backlog of military launches.

The launch was the second in a series the Space Force is running to test its ability to launch high-value satellites in response to operational needs.

SpaceX launched Lockheed Martin's seventh GPS III satellite from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station into orbit 12,550 miles above Earth.