United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its Vulcan rocket on Thursday morning. This will be ULA’s first flight of the year and an important mission for the U.S. Space Force.
The USSF-87 mission will deploy several satellites, although the exact number hasn’t been revealed yet. This mission is notable; it’s ULA’s second national security launch with the Vulcan and the company’s longest mission so far. “This mission is designed for complex payloads and orbits, showcasing Vulcan’s capabilities,” said Gary Wentz, ULA’s vice president.
Liftoff is scheduled for 3:30 a.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with a two-hour launch window. The launch trajectory will take the rocket eastward.
The weather forecast looks promising, with a 95% chance of good conditions at launch. However, officials are watching for potential solar activity that may affect visibility. “Light winds could cause early morning mist,” warned launch weather officers.
The Vulcan rocket (V-005) is decked out with four solid rocket boosters and a large payload fairing. After just under two minutes, those boosters will separate. The Vulcan will then detach from its upper stage about five minutes in.
What’s being launched? The primary payload is the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) system. This setup helps the U.S. monitor activities in geostationary orbit, about 22,000 miles above Earth. Traditionally, these satellites fly in pairs, but the exact number for this mission remains classified.
Historically, the first two pairs of GSSAP satellites launched back in 2014 and 2016, with the latest pair going up in January 2022. One old satellite was recently taken out of service. The Space Force is also building two new GSSAP satellites, indicating an ongoing investment in space surveillance.
In addition to the GSSAP satellites, USSF-87 will include other systems for research and training. These systems will help improve on-orbit maneuvering tactics. The payloads will be mounted on Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar platform, which can handle multiple missions at once.
This mission represents a critical step for the U.S. in ensuring national security and maintaining awareness in space. As we look to the future, missions like these will be vital for monitoring and responding to activities in our orbital neighborhood.
