U.S. Space Force – Spaceflight Now

Vulcan suffers solid rocket booster problem during USSF-87 launch

February 12, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The anomaly appears similar to the nozzle burn through seen during the launch of the second certification flight of a Vulcan rocket.

ULA to launch geosynchronous orbit surveillance satellite for the U.S. Space Force

February 11, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The USSF-87 will be the second national security flight for United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket and the fourth flight of this type of rocket to date. Liftoff from pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 UTC).

SpaceX launches GPS 3 satellite following switch from ULA Vulcan rocket

January 26, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

This was the third launch of a GPS satellite in as many years. Liftoff of the GPS 3-9 mission from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station launched at 11:53:16 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Jan. 27 (0453:16 UTC on Jan. 28).

U.S. Space Force switches rockets for upcoming GPS satellite launch

January 13, 2026 Will Robinson-Smith

The change will allow the U.S. Space Force to expedite the process of building out its GPS constellation in medium Earth orbit. The launch date for the next satellite, GPS III Space Vehicle 09, could be within weeks.

Former ULA president and CEO Tory Bruno joins Blue Origin

December 26, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

Bruno’s resignation from United Launch Alliance was announced just four days ago on Dec. 22. He led that company for nearly 12 years.

Rocket Lab launches 4 novel DiskSat satellites for U.S. Space Force, NASA

December 18, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The STP-S30 mission was moved up five months on the launch manifest for Rocket Lab. This was the 20th launch of an Electron rocket in 2025.

Blue Origin halfway through 4-flight certification to allow launch of national security missions

December 13, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The launch company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos launched two successful missions in 2025, including landing its first booster on its landing barge.

U.S. Space Force picks Blue Origin bid for expanding satellite processing at Cape Canaveral

October 9, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

This is the second award from the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Space Vehicle (SV) Processing Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) contract. Blue Origin will receive $78.25 million for the work.

SpaceX to launch 4 Falcon Heavy rockets as part of newest U.S. national security missions award

October 4, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command announced that SpaceX and ULA would launch five and two missions respectively as part of the latest round of National Security Space Launch contract assignments.

Department of the Air Force, FAA clear SpaceX to launch up to 120 Falcon 9 rockets annually from Cape Canaveral

September 12, 2025 Will Robinson-Smith

The move not only allows SpaceX to increase its allowed launches at pad 40 from 50 to 120, but it also permits the Texas-based company to construct a new landing site adjacent to the launch pad.