Subject: Tracking of the GPSIII SV9 satellite From: Carabajal, Claudia C. (GSFC-61A.0)[SCIENCE SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS INC] Dear ILRS colleagues, We have received approval for unrestricted tracking of the GPSIII SV9 satellite. The GPS III satellites developed by Lockheed Martin (https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/gps.html) have 3X better accuracy than the previous generation of GPS satellites and a new L1C civil signal that is compatible with other global navigation satellite systems. GPS III Space Vehicles 9 and 10 also host NASA-provided laser retroreflector arrays (LRA’s) for improved precision orbit determination and improved realizations of the WGS84 and International Terrestrial Reference Frames. Predictions are being delivered from NASA to the CDDIS. Mission Parameters: Satellite: GPSIII-SV09 (GPS-82) Sponsor: United States Space Force Expected Life: 15 years (planned) Primary Applications: Positioning and time transfer COSPAR ID: 2026-017A ILRS ID: 2601701 SIC Code: 5082 Satellite Catalog (NORAD) Number: 67588 PRN: PRN20 (G20) Launch Date: 28-Jan-2026 RRA Size: 16 inches diameter RRA Shape: Planar Reflectors: 48 recessed Suprasil‐1 corner cubes Size of Reflector: 1.6 inches diameter Orbit: Near-circular Orbital period: 717.99 minutes (11 hours 58 minutes) Inclination: 55.01 degrees Altitude (Perigee): 20179.911 km Eccentricity: < 0.001 Satellite name: gps082 Additional information: • GPS.gov > • United States Coast Guard Navigation Center < https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/global-positioning-system-overview> • Lockheed Martin, All questions regarding SLR to GPS III and GPS IIIF should go through NASA and the ILRS. Stephen Merkowitz is the Point of Contact (POC) . Please let us know if you have questions. Regards, Claudia. ---- Claudia C. Carabajal Research Scientist SME HBG Geodesy & Geophysics Group Lead Secretary, ILRS Central Bureau Geodesy and Geophysics Laboratory, 61A NASA Goddard Space Flight Center