US Edition
ULA Prepares to Launch U.S. Space Force Tracking Satellites
The USSF-87 mission will deploy multiple GSSAP satellites to enhance space surveillance and flight safety in geostationary orbit, supporting U.S. Space Command operations.
- Early Thursday, Feb. 12, a Vulcan Centaur launched USSF-87 from Cape Canaveral at 4:22 a.m. ET, carrying GSSAP satellites and a propulsive ESPA ring, declared a success by ULA.
- The U.S. Space Force certified Vulcan Centaur for national-security flights, and Vulcan flew its first national-security mission on Aug. 12, 2025 to replace Atlas V and Delta IV.
- Flying in a VC4S configuration, the rocket used four side-mounted Graphite Epoxy Motor 63XL solid rocket boosters burning about 90 seconds and BE-4 main engines producing over 3 million pounds of thrust.
- Guardians will use the new data to refine tactics and validate resiliency in geostationary Earth orbit, enhancing USSF space operations, according to SSC.
- With nearly two dozen national-security launches assigned to Vulcan, United Launch Alliance projects 18 to 22 Vulcan launches in 2026, joining SpaceX as one of two certified military launch providers.
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12 Articles
Space surveillance for the US military
Caller Times
ULA Vulcan rocket launches on biggest mission yet. What to know
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Live coverage: ULA to launch geosynchronous orbit surveillance satellite for the U.S. Space Force
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, designation V-005, is seen at the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station prior to the launch of the USSF-87 mission for the U.S. Space Force. Image: Michael Cain/Spaceflight Now United Launch Alliance is gearing up for a predawn launch of its Vulcan rocket on Thursday morning, the companies first flight of the year. The United States Space Force (USSF)-87 mission consists of m…
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Spectrum News 13ULA prepares to launch U.S. Space Force tracking satellites
ULA’s Vulcan rocket will be sending up USSF-87 mission from Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
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