SpaceX is preparing to launch 21 data transport satellites for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency. The mission, designated Tranche 1 Transport Layer A, is scheduled to lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base at 1:17 a.m. PDT.
The mission utilizes a Falcon 9 rocket with booster B1103, marking its sixth flight. SpaceX intends to land the booster at Landing Zone 4 less than 7.5 minutes after launch. This would represent the 37th landing at this site and the 668th Falcon booster recovery overall.
The 21 satellites for this mission were manufactured by Northrop Grumman. They are part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a constellation designed to provide military capabilities including secure communications and missile tracking.
The Tranche 1 layer is expected to reach operational status in 2027. Once fully deployed, the constellation will include 126 transport satellites, 28 tracking satellites, and four demonstration spacecraft, operating at altitudes between 750 km and 1,200 km.
