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Space Force Expands Launch Program to Meet Growing Demand

Space Force Expands Launch Program to Meet Growing Demand

The U.S. Space Force has announced a significant expansion of its National Security Space Launch program, increasing the number of planned missions from 60 to 170 over a five-year period. This expansion is driven by increased demand for launching government payloads, including satellites for various defense and surveillance purposes. The program's budget has been increased from $5.6 billion to $17 billion to accommodate this growth. The Space Force is also planning to increase the number of high-assurance missions, reflecting emergent requirements for national security.
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NASA Chooses SpaceX Falcon Heavy for SunRISE Mission Amid Vulcan Centaur Anomalies

NASA Chooses SpaceX Falcon Heavy for SunRISE Mission Amid Vulcan Centaur Anomalies

NASA has decided to launch its Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) mission on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket instead of the originally planned United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur. This change follows an anomaly in one of Vulcan's solid rocket boosters during a recent launch, prompting the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command to pause national security launches on Vulcan. SunRISE, a heliophysics study under NASA's Science Mission Directorate, involves six small satellites that will form a radio telescope to track solar radio bursts. These bursts can precede solar storms, which pose risks to satellites and astronauts. The mission aims to improve prediction models for space weather.
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Northrop Grumman Launches Advanced Robotic Servicing Satellite for Decade-Long Mission

Northrop Grumman Launches Advanced Robotic Servicing Satellite for Decade-Long Mission

Northrop Grumman Launches Advanced Robotic Servicing Satellite for Decade-Long Mission
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SpaceX Implements Dual Flow Operations to Boost Starship Launch Cadence

SpaceX Implements Dual Flow Operations to Boost Starship Launch Cadence

SpaceX Implements Dual Flow Operations to Boost Starship Launch Cadence
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NASA Chooses SpaceX Falcon Heavy for SunRISE Mission Amid Vulcan Centaur Concerns

NASA Chooses SpaceX Falcon Heavy for SunRISE Mission Amid Vulcan Centaur Concerns

NASA has decided to launch its Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE) mission using a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket instead of the initially planned United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur. This change comes after the Vulcan Centaur experienced an anomaly in one of its solid rocket boosters during a recent launch, prompting the U.S. Space Force to pause national security launches on the Vulcan. The SunRISE mission, consisting of six small satellites, aims to study solar radio bursts and provide early warnings for solar storms. These satellites will be launched as part of a rideshare mission sponsored by the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command.
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Space Force Increases Launch Budget by $11 Billion for 110 Additional Missions

Space Force Increases Launch Budget by $11 Billion for 110 Additional Missions

The U.S. Space Force has announced an $11.4 billion increase in the contract ceiling for its National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 program, raising the total budget to $17 billion. This increase will fund an additional 110 launches, bringing the total number of expected missions to 170 over the next decade. The decision to expand the program is driven by a growing demand for delivering critical capabilities to orbit. SpaceX, United Launch Alliance, and Blue Origin are among the companies selected to compete for these launch contracts.
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SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket with Satellite Servicing Vehicle to Extend Satellite Lifespan

SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket with Satellite Servicing Vehicle to Extend Satellite Lifespan

SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket with Satellite Servicing Vehicle to Extend Satellite Lifespan
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SpaceX Launches Northrop Grumman Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan

SpaceX Launches Northrop Grumman Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan

SpaceX Launches Northrop Grumman Mission to Extend Satellite Lifespan
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SpaceX Falcon 9 Successfully Launches Starlink Satellites After Rare Abort

SpaceX Falcon 9 Successfully Launches Starlink Satellites After Rare Abort

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 24 Starlink satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, following a rare launch abort. The initial attempt on July 20 was scrubbed due to an unexpected engine cutoff, but the issue was resolved, allowing for a successful liftoff on July 21. The Starlink satellites are part of SpaceX's global internet network, providing connectivity to remote areas and enabling in-flight wifi and direct-to-cell services. The launch marks SpaceX's 85th Falcon 9 mission of the year.
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Swedish Air Force Advances Space Program with New Satellite Launch

Swedish Air Force Advances Space Program with New Satellite Launch

The Swedish Air Force has detailed its space program, including the launch of its first intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellite from Planet Labs. The satellite was launched by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Base in California on May 3, 2026. This development is part of Sweden's broader strategy to enhance its space domain capabilities, which includes procuring up to 10 ISR satellites and establishing a national launch capability.
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Astronomers Warn of Potential Impact from Proposed Artificial 'Saturn's Ring'

Astronomers Warn of Potential Impact from Proposed Artificial 'Saturn's Ring'

Astronomers are raising concerns about the potential impact of several proposed satellite projects that could create a bright, artificial 'Saturn's ring' around Earth. Companies like SpaceX, Starcloud, Cowboy Space, Orbital, and Blue Origin have applied for licenses to launch over a million data center satellites. Additionally, Reflect Orbital plans to deploy 50,000 mirrors to reflect sunlight to solar power plants. These projects could result in a glowing band visible for hours after sunset and before sunrise, potentially outshining natural stars and planets. The satellites would be concentrated in a specific orbit to maintain constant sunlight, forming a visible ring in the night sky.
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SpaceX Implements Dual Flow Operations with Boosters 20 and 21

SpaceX Implements Dual Flow Operations with Boosters 20 and 21

SpaceX Implements Dual Flow Operations with Boosters 20 and 21