A Vulcan Centaur rocket is set to launch two key satellites for the U.S. military early Thursday morning. This mission, called USSF-87, will happen from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida during a two-hour window starting at 4:22 a.m. EST.
You can watch the launch live through United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) YouTube channel, with coverage beginning about 20 minutes before liftoff.
The two satellites are part of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP), designed to help the U.S. monitor space more effectively. So far, six GSSAP satellites have been launched since 2014, and they operate at an altitude of approximately 22,236 miles above Earth. This “geostationary orbit” allows them to maintain a constant position relative to the surface, making them ideal for surveillance and communication tasks.
According to the Space Force, these satellites act like a “neighborhood watch” for space, improving safety for all satellites in that area. They provide crucial data that helps predict potential collisions, ensuring better flight safety for nations using that orbit. This is increasingly important as the number of satellites in space grows, making it vital to avoid potential hazards.
The rockets also carry additional research payloads aimed at refining satellite maneuverability. This launch will mark the fourth mission for Vulcan Centaur, which is ULA’s new workhorse, replacing the well-known Atlas V rocket. The Vulcan rocket had its maiden voyage in January 2024, successfully deploying Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander.
Despite initial challenges, including a deployment anomaly with Peregrine, Vulcan Centaur has successfully completed subsequent missions. It has been certified for national security launches, which is a significant milestone, as it now joins SpaceX as one of the few launch providers for military satellites.
As more nations enter the space arena, the functionality of GSSAP satellites is likely to become even more critical. With trends in space advancing rapidly, the importance of tracking satellite positions and avoiding collisions will only grow, highlighting how crucial this mission is not just for the U.S. but for global space operations.
For more insights on the GSSAP and the importance of space surveillance, check out this NASA report.
