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SpaceX Launches Classified USSF-432 Mission for U.S. Military, Deploying Suspected Starshield Satellites

SpaceX Launches Classified USSF-432 Mission for U.S. Military, Deploying Suspected Starshield Satellites

SpaceX successfully launched a classified mission, designated USSF-432, for the U.S. military on November 6. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying a mysterious payload into orbit. While official details about the mission remain undisclosed by both SpaceX and the U.S. Space Force, experts speculate that the payload consists of Starshield satellites. These satellites are believed to be part of the U.S. Space Force's Space-Based Sensing and Targeting program and are largely based on SpaceX's Starlink spacecraft platform, but designed for military applications. The Falcon 9's first stage booster, making its eighth flight, successfully landed on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean after launch. This mission marks the 119th Falcon 9 launch in 2026 and the 14th for national security purposes this year, with a significant portion of SpaceX's launches dedicated to its Starlink megaconstellation.

SpaceX Targets November 13 for Starship Flight 15 with Innovative Recovery Attempt

SpaceX Targets November 13 for Starship Flight 15 with Innovative Recovery Attempt

SpaceX Targets November 13 for Starship Flight 15 with Innovative Recovery Attempt

SpaceX Launches Classified USSF-432 Mission for U.S. Space Force

SpaceX Launches Classified USSF-432 Mission for U.S. Space Force

SpaceX successfully launched the classified USSF-432 mission for the U.S. Space Force aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on November 7. The mission, also designated R-4, carried an undisclosed payload into orbit. Neither SpaceX nor the Space Force has released specific details about the spacecraft's identity, capabilities, or exact mission objectives. However, analysts suspect the mission is linked to the military's Space Based Sensing and Targeting portfolio, a program designed to enhance the military's ability to gather information and support operations from space. The payload is believed by some to potentially include satellites based on SpaceX's Starshield platform, which is a specialized version of its commercial Starlink network tailored for government and national security clients, offering secure communications and Earth observation capabilities. The Falcon 9's first-stage booster, B1095, successfully landed on the 'Of Course I Still Love You' droneship in the ...

Rocket launches surge in 2026 in California. What happened to Florida?

Rocket launches surge in 2026 in California. What happened to Florida?

Florida will not even come close to setting a new launch record in 2026 as SpaceX, Blue Origin and others slow down cadences. Here's what's happening.

Blue Origin pushes New Glenn rocket launch to January, sources say

Blue Origin pushes New Glenn rocket launch to January, sources say

By Joey Roulette and Harshita Mary Varghese Nov 5 (Reuters) - Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin has pushed its New Glenn rocket launch to January 2027, the latest delay after a major explosion earlier this year, according to two people familiar with the matter and an internal memo from CEO Dave Limp seen by

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman takes leadership role at JPL

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman takes leadership role at JPL

Reid Wiseman, who announced he would transition to an emeritus role at NASA, will begin his job at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the end of November.

Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program

Want to fly to the moon? NASA is looking for new astronauts to help grow its Artemis program

Want to fly to the moon and help build a permanent lunar base

U.S. Space Force Leads International Wargame 'Partner to Win' with South Korea's Participation

U.S. Space Force Leads International Wargame 'Partner to Win' with South Korea's Participation

The U.S. Space Force is leading an international space wargame titled 'Partner to Win,' with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROK Air Force) participating for the first time. This exercise, taking place in Orlando, Florida, from the 2nd through the 6th, is designed to address hypothetical space crises through a tabletop exercise format. The 'Space Domain' has emerged as a critical arena for national defense and security, extending beyond traditional land, air, and cyberspace. The wargame aims to establish a multinational space security cooperation framework, moving away from a U.S.-centric, single-command structure towards a coalition-led strategy where allies participate from the initial scenario-design stage. Disruptions to military satellite networks and threats of asymmetric neutralization are recognized as tangible security crises that can severely impact modern military operations.

Artemis II moon launch was so powerful it punched a hole in atmosphere

Artemis II moon launch was so powerful it punched a hole in atmosphere

A study suggests the launch of NASA's Space Launch System rocket was so strong, it tore a hole in Earth's atmosphere during the Artemis II mission.

NASA's 101st ISS spacewalk aims to boost station power by 30%

NASA's 101st ISS spacewalk aims to boost station power by 30%

Two astronauts who just embarked on a spacewalk a week ago are due to once again exit the International Space Station. How to watch NASA's coverage.

U.S. Space Force Seeks Deputy Director for Force Development to Enhance Special Operations Capabilities

U.S. Space Force Seeks Deputy Director for Force Development to Enhance Special Operations Capabilities

The United States Space Force (USSF) at MacDill, FL, is actively recruiting a Deputy Director of Force Development to support its Special Operations Command (SPACEFOR-SOC). This high-impact leadership role is crucial for shaping and executing institutional visions, policies, and strategic plans that enable SPACEFOR-SOC to support U.S. Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) global missions, including persistent and irregular warfare. The incumbent will be responsible for directing the planning, coordination, and execution of Space Force capabilities into USSOCOM Joint and Service large force exercises. Key responsibilities include developing comprehensive exercise plans, integrating space domain awareness, satellite communications, and electronic warfare training objectives into tactical Special Operations Forces (SOF) environments to ensure Joint Force readiness. The position requires expertise in force development principles, analytical techniques for optimizing training and exercise operations, and stron...

U.S. Space Force Activates Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base

U.S. Space Force Activates Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base

The U.S. Space Forces Special Operations Command (SPACEFOR-SOC) was formally activated on Monday at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Colonel Peter “Charlie” Norsky has been appointed as its new leader. The command's primary mission will be to plan missions with highly trained Guardians, focusing on integrating space capabilities into special operations. Colonel Norsky emphasized that Guardians on a 'space special warfare team' will assist the military's top operators in identifying vulnerabilities, including electromagnetic threats, GPS jamming, and interference with battlefield communications. The activation of SPACEFOR-SOC is part of a broader initiative by the Space Force to establish components focused on space threats in various regions, including the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Pacific.