(Update: Launched)) SpaceX to launch upgraded GPS satellite for US Space Force | Watch live

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch the U.S. Space Force's GPS III Space Vehicle 06 mission on Wednesday, January 18 at 7:10 a.m. ET (12:10 UTC).

The Falcon 9 rocket will liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 7:10 a.m. ET (12:10 UTC). This will be SpaceX's fifth GPS III mission and second National Security Space Launch of 2023.

The first stage booster for this mission previously flew on Crew-5. After stage separation, the booster will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

A live webcast of the launch will start 15 minutes before liftoff. If the launch is delayed, a backup opportunity is available on Thursday, January 19 at 7:05 a.m. ET (12:05 UTC).

For the unversed, Falcon 9 is a reusable two-stage rocket developed and designed by Elon Musk-owned SpaceX. The rocket is designed to carry payloads into low Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and beyond. Since its launch in 2010, the rocket has been used to deliver a variety of payloads, including commercial and government satellites, cargo to the International Space Station (ISS), and the Dragon spacecraft for NASA's Commercial Resupply Services program.

Targeting Wednesday, January 18 at 7:10 a.m. ET for launch of the GPS III Space Vehicle 06 mission from SLC-40 in Florida → https://t.co/vLxHQ3WoRU pic.twitter.com/sg9yH1jjuB

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 17, 2023

Update 1

SpaceX is now targeting 7:24 a.m. ET today for Falcon 9's launch of the GPS III 06 mission.

Update 2

Falcon 9 has successfully launched the GPS III satellite to orbit. The rocket's first stage booster has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship.

Falcon 9’s first stage booster has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship pic.twitter.com/3Bn8p1vGxF

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 18, 2023