Orbital launches are now planned and executed faster than you could even pick a date in the old days. But that doesn't mean they're any less complicated. Aerospace recently supported a Space Force launch that demonstrated how accelerating timelines don't need to compromise on safety or rigor.

On May 30, a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched with the eighth satellite in the growing GPS-III constellation on board. This new generation of satellites provides improved accuracy and jamming resistance for the GPS service relied on by billions.

Such a mission in the National Security Space Launch program would, not long ago, have taken two years to go from planning to launch. But this operation was the fastest yet, going from kickoff to payload deployed in under three months. Aerospace helped make that happen by accelerating launch vehicle certification, system integration, and other mission assurance services.

"It’s a strong example of how government, industry and partners are adapting to meet the pace of modern mission needs and enable faster delivery of vital capabilities," said Randy Kendall, Aerospace's VP of Launch, Missiles, and Mobility.

You can read more about the launch here or at the Space Force website.