The first of a new constellation of updated GPS satellites, which are three time more accurate than previous satellites, is to be launched today.

Current GPS accuracy is 10 to 33 feet, depending on conditions, and the new, GPS III satellites, will be accurate to  between three and ten foot.



The satellite is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

This will be the first of 32 planned GPS III satellites that will replace older ones now in orbit. Lockheed Martin is building the new satellites outside Denver.

GPS III satellites will have a beefed up military signal that’s harder to jam – a requirement after Norway accused Russia of disrupting GPS signals during a NATO military exercise.

GPS III also will provide a new civilian signal compatible with other constellations such as Baidu and Galileo.

The price of the first 10 satellites is estimated at $577 million each.

Thecsecond GPS III satellite is complete and ready to be transported to Cape Canaveral.

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