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U.S. Space Force Launches Multiple Satellites on Vulcan and Falcon 9 Rockets

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U.S. Space Force Launches Satellites with ULA and SpaceX

The U.S. Space Force has conducted several recent satellite launches using rockets from United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX. These missions include the deployment of space surveillance satellites to geosynchronous orbit and the final satellites for the current generation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation. Several of these missions involved changes to the originally assigned launch vehicles.

Vulcan Centaur Launches USSF-87 Mission

On February 12 at 4:22 a.m. EST, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on the USSF-87 mission.

Primary Payload: The mission's primary payloads were satellites for the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), a U.S. Space Force system. The Space Force did not confirm the exact number of satellites launched. According to program history, GSSAP satellites have previously launched in pairs.

The GSSAP spacecraft are designed to operate in geostationary orbit, approximately 22,236 miles above Earth, to monitor other objects and enhance spaceflight safety and collision avoidance.

Additional Payloads: The mission also carried research, development, and training payloads. These systems are intended for Space Force personnel to practice on-orbit maneuvers and test technologies to improve satellite resilience.

Rocket Performance: During the initial flight phase, an unexpected performance issue was detected with one of the rocket's four solid rocket boosters. ULA confirmed the main booster and upper stage performed as intended, successfully delivering the payloads to their intended geosynchronous orbit. The company stated it is investigating the anomaly.

Program Context: This was the fourth flight of the Vulcan Centaur rocket and its second mission certified under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program for U.S. national security payloads. The rocket is intended to replace ULA's older Atlas V and Delta IV vehicles.

Falcon 9 Launches Final GPS III Satellites

SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets launched the ninth and tenth satellites in the U.S. Space Force's GPS III series.

GPS III Space Vehicle 09 (SV09) Launch

  • The satellite, named "Ellison Onizuka," launched on January 27 at 11:53 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch was delayed one day from January 26 due to weather conditions.
  • The satellite was built by Lockheed Martin and incorporates M-Code technology, which the Space Force states provides enhanced accuracy and resistance to jamming.
  • The Falcon 9's first stage booster landed on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff. The satellite was deployed into medium-Earth orbit about 90 minutes later.

GPS III Space Vehicle 10 (SV10) Launch

  • The satellite, named "Hedy Lamarr," launched on April 20, 2026, at 2:53 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This launch was also delayed by one day due to weather.
  • This satellite completed the 10-satellite GPS III series. According to a Space Force statement, GPS III satellites offer improved accuracy and jam resistance over prior versions.
  • The Falcon 9's first stage landed on the droneship Just Read the Instructions. The satellite was deployed approximately 90 minutes after launch and will undergo orbit-raising and testing before becoming operational.

Launch Provider Swaps and Contract Flexibility

The launches of GPS III SV09 and SV10 were part of a series of adjustments to the original launch manifest under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program.

According to Space Force statements, missions were reassigned to expedite the deployment of satellite capabilities and resulted in overall net cost savings. The changes required agreement from both companies involved.

Original Assignments: Under the NSSL Phase 2 contract, ULA was initially assigned to launch GPS III satellites SV07, SV08, and SV09 on its Vulcan rocket. SpaceX was assigned SV10.

Subsequent Changes:

  • SV07 launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in December 2024.
  • SV08 launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in May 2025.
  • SV09 launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in January 2026.
  • SV10 launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in April 2026.

Compensatory Adjustments: As part of these swaps, ULA received other missions originally assigned to SpaceX. Specifically, ULA will launch the USSF-70 mission, originally assigned to a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, on a Vulcan rocket no earlier than summer 2028. ULA also received the launch contract for the GPS IIIF SV13 satellite, which was originally scheduled for a Falcon Heavy.

A Space Force official stated that the contractual flexibility of the NSSL program allows for adaptation to changing circumstances, including launch vehicle readiness.