NASA's laser retroreflector array (LRA) is now operational aboard GPS III SV-09, the ninth Block III Global Positioning System satellite operated by the U.S. Space Force. The instrument became operational on March 9, following the satellite's launch on January 27.
The LRA consists of sets of mirrors designed to reflect laser beams back to ground stations with high precision. This laser ranging technology enables more accurate tracking of the satellite's orbital position, which in turn improves the accuracy of GPS positioning data transmitted to users on Earth.