SpaceX Successfully Launches Rocket Carrying Missile-Detecting Satellites from Vandenberg

​​​Update by the Space Development Agency
September 2, 2023

Space Development Agency Completes Second Successful Launch of Tranche 0 Satellites – SDA delivers 13 additional satellites on orbit for Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture demonstrations

The Space Development Agency (SDA) today announced the second successful launch of space vehicles from the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The launch included Transport and Tracking Layer satellites that will demonstrate low-latency tactical data links to deliver space-based capabilities to the warfighter, including tracking of advanced missile threats, through a resilient constellation in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

The next 13 of the 28 Tranche 0 satellites launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 reusable rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The final manifest included 10 Transport satellites from Lockheed Martin Space, one Transport satellite from York Space Systems, and two Tracking satellites from SpaceX.

The launch vehicle deployed the satellites into an insertion orbit where SDA will begin test and checkout procedures, which will eventually include orbit raising to reach the intended orbit at approximately 1,000 km. Tranche 0 ground support is provided by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

A third and final group of four Tranche 0 Tracking satellites are scheduled to launch aboard a planned Missile Defense Agency launch later this year. With the full constellation on orbit, Tranche 0 will include 19 optically-connected data transport satellites and eight missile warning/missile tracking satellites equipped with wide-field-of-view sensors. One Tranche 0 Transport Layer satellite remains on the ground to serve as a software testbed.

“I’m very pleased with the initial operation of the first group of satellites we launched in April,” said Derek Tournear, SDA director. “Through these first two T0 launches, we’ve demonstrated that SDA can keep a schedule to deliver enhanced capabilities every two years. While the launch is very exciting news, it’s what we will demonstrate on orbit that really matters– the ability to provide the warfighter with tactical data links, beyond line of sight targeting, and the missile warning/missile tracking of advanced missiles.”

In August 2020, SDA awarded firm-fixed-price T0 Transport satellite contracts resulting in a cost of approximately $15 million per satellite. The agency began fielding Transport satellites approximately 30 months from order to orbit. Additionally, SDA awarded the T0 Tracking satellite contracts in October 2020, moving from order to orbit in approximately 27 months.

Tranche 0 will demonstrate the feasibility of the following:

* Low latency data connectivity

* Beyond line of sight targeting

* Missile warning/missile tracking

* On-orbit fusion

* Multi-phenomenology ground-based sensor fusion

SDA has begun the build phase of Tranche 1 satellites and plans to field the first operational generation of the PWSA beginning in late 2024. Tranche 1 will include approximately 150 Transport and Tracking satellites. Tranche 1 will be operated by SDA’s groundbreaking space operations centers based heavily on commercial space operations models.

Photo: SpaceX

​​Update by the edhat staff
September 1, 2023

SpaceX is standing down from Thursday’s launch attempt. The next available opportunity is on Saturday, September 2, at 7:15 a.m.

​Update by the edhat staff
August 31, 2023

SpaceX is standing down from Thursday’s launch attempt. The next available opportunity is on Friday, September 1 at 7:26 a.m.

By the edhat staff
August 30, 2023

SpaceX is preparing to launch a rocket carrying missile-detecting satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The space mission, known as the Space Development Agency’s second Tranche 0, is scheduled to take place on Thursday.

The launch will be facilitated by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is set to take place at 7:26 a.m. A backup opportunity is available at the same time on Friday.

After the rocket’s first stage separation, SpaceX will attempt to land the booster back on land at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The booster, which has been previously used in 12 other missions, will undertake this crucial return maneuver. Similar landings have been known to generate sonic booms that can be heard across a wide area.

The Tranche 0 mission is the first phase of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a satellite network designed for advanced missile detection and tracking. The initial Tranche 0 mission took place in April at Vandenberg Space Force Base, successfully deploying ten satellites into low-Earth orbit. Thursday’s launch will contribute an additional 18 satellites to this expanding network.

The Space Development Agency is spearheading this critical initiative, with the Tranche 1 series of satellites expected to launch in 2024. These endeavors reportedly aim to show an ongoing commitment to advancing space technology for the benefit of national defense and security.

A live webcast of the Thursday launch is set to begin approximately 15 minutes before liftoff, offering spectators the opportunity to witness this significant event remotely.