The Journal of Space Commerce

The Journal of Space Commerce

Experimental Navigation Satellite System Launched by ULA

NTS-3 is the First Fully Programmable PNT Satellite

Tom Patton's avatar
Tom Patton
Aug 19, 2025
∙ Paid
Share

When the ULA Vulcan rocket launched from Cape Canaveral last week, it carried the L3Harris-built advanced Navigation Technology Satellite-3 into orbit. NTS-3 is the Department of Defense’s first experimental navigation satellite system in nearly 50 years.

“The successful launch of the NTS-3 system is the first step in updating 20th century technology to…

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to The Journal of Space Commerce to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Ex Terra Media, LLC
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture