LOS ANGELES (CNS) – U.S. Space Force officials and industry partners will discuss Friday an upcoming satellite mission honoring actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr, whose work helped lay the foundation for modern wireless communication.
The mission, known as GPS III-8 (SV10), is named “Hedy Lamarr” in recognition of her pioneering frequency-hopping technology, which she co- developed with composer George Antheil and patented in 1942, a breakthrough that later contributed to the development of secure Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth, according to the Space Force.
Officials said the satellite is designed to deliver stronger signals, improved accuracy and greater resilience for both military and civilian users. It will also expand capabilities such as enhanced timing and additional civilian signals to improve performance in urban areas.
The launch is expected later this month from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
“The National Security Space Launch Program’s strategic emphasis is resiliency to safely deliver capabilities to orbit as soon as prudent,” Space Force Col. Ryan Hiserote, mission director and program manager, said in a statement.
Officials said the satellite will increase the GPS constellation to 32 active satellites, with additional backups in orbit, strengthening positioning, navigation and timing services used worldwide.
Lamarr rose to fame during Hollywood’s Golden Age, starring in films such as “Samson and Delilah” and “White Cargo.”
Despite her success on screen, her scientific work was largely overlooked during her lifetime. During World War II, she co-developed the frequency-hopping communication system with Antheil as a way to prevent enemy forces from jamming radio-controlled torpedoes.
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