The number of satellites orbiting Earth is rising fast, thanks to private companies such as SpaceX. But just how big will these "megaconstellations" become? And what problems might they cause?

For years, the commercial space sector has been abuzz about the prospect of satellite "super constellations" in Earth orbit. These satellites would provide everything from communications and navigation to broadband internet services.

Ground Operations for Space Security In addition to building the spacecraft at its Littleton, Colorado facility, and providing early on-orbit operations, Lockheed Martin plays a major role in the continuation and maintenance of the modernized GPS ground segment—also known as the Architecture Evolution Plan.

Rocket Lab will stream the launch live, beginning 30 minutes before liftoff. You can watch live via the company and here at Space.com if, as expected, Rocket Lab makes the webcast available. The mission, which Rocket Lab calls "Full Stream Ahead," will send the Gen-3 satellite to a circular orbit 292 miles (470 kilometers) above Earth.