U.S. Space Force

SpaceX carried out a classified U.S. Space Force mission, launching a rocket from its California launch site. Few details about the mission's payload or objectives have been disclosed, in keeping with its classified nature. The launch is drawing attention due to the secrecy surrounding the payload and SpaceX's continuing high profile in national security space operations.

The U.S. Space Force has scheduled on-orbit servicing missions for 2027 with Astroscale U.S. and Starfish Space, two companies developing spacecraft capable of refueling, repairing, or repositioning satellites in orbit. The program marks a step toward routine commercial servicing of military satellites, extending their lifespans and reducing costs.

SpaceX is scheduled to launch a U.S. Space Force mission early Saturday from Vandenberg Space Force Base on California's central coast. Local outlets including the Santa Maria Times and Santa Ynez Valley News report on the planned liftoff, which adds to the company's growing slate of national security launches from the West Coast pad.

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from the West Coast carrying a classified payload for the U.S. Space Force. The mission's contents were not disclosed, consistent with standard practice for national security spaceflights. The launch adds to SpaceX's growing cadence of government and military missions and drew attention from spaceflight watchers tracking the company's military work.