USSF-124 is a mission being conducted with SSC partners at Missile Defense Agency. Itwill be launched onboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the eastern range into low earth orbit.
Discussion thread for the USSF-124 mission. Awarded on May 26, 2022 under NSSL Phase 2 with a target launch date of within the next two years. USSF-124 is a partnership between the US Space Force (USSF) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA).QuoteUSSF-124 is a mission being conducted with SSC partners at Missile Defense Agency. Itwill be launched onboard a Falcon 9 rocket from the eastern range into low earth orbit. https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Portals/3/Documents/PRESS%20RELEASES/SSC%20Issues%20Launch%20Task%20Orders%20for%20FY22%20NSS%20Missions.pdf?ver=eR_TvXz3KYJArhCmiTk9TA%3D%3D
Space Systems Command (SSC) ordered eight National Security Space (NSS) launch services under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement contract today; five to United Launch Alliance (ULA) for GPS III-7, USSF-23, USSF-43, WGS-11+, and USSF-16 using the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle, and three to Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) for USSF-124, USSF-62, and one SDA-Tranche 1 mission using the Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
They're not all happening within two years, and Vulcan missions aren't getting moved unless it's delayed a lot more.
USSF-124 is a partnership between the US Space Force (USSF) and Missile Defense Agency (MDA).
5SLS Mission Patch:Doesn't give us any information about the payload unfortunatly.
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 08/04/2023 10:52 am5SLS Mission Patch:Doesn't give us any information about the payload unfortunatly.Yes, it does. MDA is a clue
Meanwhile, the Missile Defense Agency plans to launch the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor mission into orbit later this year on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This new sensor will have improved sensitivity to detect and track hypersonic missiles, which have lower heat signatures from their exhaust plumes than larger long-range ballistic missiles, making them more challenging to see with the military's existing missile tracking satellites.
SN Space Development Agency to launch 13 satellites in late JuneQuoteMay 26, 2023<snip>Four L3Harris Tranche 0 satellites were scheduled to launch [on SDA Tranche 0B] but were taken off the manifest due to production delays, [SDA director Derek Tournear] said. The four satellites will fly to orbit on a separate mission planned by the Missile Defense Agency. MDA is preparing to launch two prototypes — one made by L3Harris and the other by Northrop Grumman — for its Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS). SDA and MDA are collaborating closely on missile tracking and missile defense architectures, said Tournear. The agencies agreed to deploy L3Harris’ wide field-of-view satellites made for SDA in the same orbit as the HBTSS medium field-of-view missile defense satellites.<snip>MDA has not yet announced a launch date for the HBTSS mission.
May 26, 2023<snip>Four L3Harris Tranche 0 satellites were scheduled to launch [on SDA Tranche 0B] but were taken off the manifest due to production delays, [SDA director Derek Tournear] said. The four satellites will fly to orbit on a separate mission planned by the Missile Defense Agency. MDA is preparing to launch two prototypes — one made by L3Harris and the other by Northrop Grumman — for its Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS). SDA and MDA are collaborating closely on missile tracking and missile defense architectures, said Tournear. The agencies agreed to deploy L3Harris’ wide field-of-view satellites made for SDA in the same orbit as the HBTSS medium field-of-view missile defense satellites.<snip>MDA has not yet announced a launch date for the HBTSS mission.
L3Harris exploring supplier partnerships for its satellite businessSeptember 18, 2023[...]Schedule setbacks caused by supplier issues delayed the delivery of four missile-detection tracking satellites L3Harris built for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency. These satellites will be part of a large network of sensors in low Earth orbit known as the Transport Layer. They were projected to ride to orbit along with other SDA Tranche 0 satellites in two recent launches but they were not ready. They are now on track to launch in October on USSF-124 with two Missile Defense Agency infrared sensor satellites.[...]
Scheduled for October according to SpaceNews:QuoteL3Harris exploring supplier partnerships for its satellite businessSeptember 18, 2023[...]Schedule setbacks caused by supplier issues delayed the delivery of four missile-detection tracking satellites L3Harris built for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency. These satellites will be part of a large network of sensors in low Earth orbit known as the Transport Layer. They were projected to ride to orbit along with other SDA Tranche 0 satellites in two recent launches but they were not ready. They are now on track to launch in October on USSF-124 with two Missile Defense Agency infrared sensor satellites.[...]
NextSpaceflight (Updated August 21/22)Launch NET November 2023https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 09/18/2023 06:15 pmScheduled for October according to SpaceNews:QuoteL3Harris exploring supplier partnerships for its satellite businessSeptember 18, 2023[...]Schedule setbacks caused by supplier issues delayed the delivery of four missile-detection tracking satellites L3Harris built for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency. These satellites will be part of a large network of sensors in low Earth orbit known as the Transport Layer. They were projected to ride to orbit along with other SDA Tranche 0 satellites in two recent launches but they were not ready. They are now on track to launch in October on USSF-124 with two Missile Defense Agency infrared sensor satellites.[...]NextSpaceflight (Updated September 18th)Launch NET October 31sthttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961
I know there's been quite a lot of confusing jumps on the schedule of certain classified missions for SpaceX. This is not just for them but also ULA and such and if you remember it's also been a problem for a while as well (see USSF-44 being delayed 2 years). Not sure what's going on but it doesn't look like military payloads have had the best of luck lately trying to be on schedule. This is in relation with the USSF-124 mission jumping back and forth on nextspaceflight from NET November to NET October 31st, etc. We'll see what happens with that mission - same with USSF-52 and friends.
NextSpaceflight (Updated October 28th)Launch NET December 17th, 2023https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 10/28/2023 02:36 pmNextSpaceflight (Updated October 28th)Launch NET December 17th, 2023https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961Any info on where this info came from? I did some searching and I can't find any sources. <insert complaint about nextspaceflight never giving any kind of clarification how certain they are of dates>
https://www.launchphotography.com/Launch_Viewing_Guide.htmlQuoteUPDATED NOVEMBER 1, 2023...FALCON 9The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on November 3 around 7 p.m. EDT or later. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS from pad 39A on November 7 at 9:16 p.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch on November 7 around 11 p.m. EST or later. A Falcon 9 will launch the mPOWER-C internet satellites for SES from pad 40 on November 12 at 4:08 p.m. EST. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon Heavy will launch the USSF-52 mission for the U.S. Space Force from pad 39A on December. The side boosters will land back at the Cape eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the USSF-124 mission for the U.S. Space Force from pad 40 on mid-December. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.ATLAS V & VULCANThe first flight of the Vulcan rocket will send the Astrobiotic Peregrine lunar lander to the moon on December 24 at 1:49 a.m. EST. If the launch does not take place by December 26, the next opportunity will be in January. Check back for info on the next Atlas V launch.
UPDATED NOVEMBER 1, 2023...FALCON 9The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a Starlink batch from pad 40 on November 3 around 7 p.m. EDT or later. A Falcon 9 will launch the CRS-29 resupply mission to the ISS from pad 39A on November 7 at 9:16 p.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch a Starlink batch on November 7 around 11 p.m. EST or later. A Falcon 9 will launch the mPOWER-C internet satellites for SES from pad 40 on November 12 at 4:08 p.m. EST. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon Heavy will launch the USSF-52 mission for the U.S. Space Force from pad 39A on December. The side boosters will land back at the Cape eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the USSF-124 mission for the U.S. Space Force from pad 40 on mid-December. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.ATLAS V & VULCANThe first flight of the Vulcan rocket will send the Astrobiotic Peregrine lunar lander to the moon on December 24 at 1:49 a.m. EST. If the launch does not take place by December 26, the next opportunity will be in January. Check back for info on the next Atlas V launch.
Dr. Tournear gave an "early 2024" estimate for the launch today
Tournear said SDA’s immediate priority early next year will be to launch these four L3Harris missile-tracking satellites. They are scheduled to fly to orbit alongside other Missile Defense Agency satellites on the USSF-124 Space Force mission but no launch date has yet been announced.
Pentagon agencies team up in upcoming launch of hypersonic tracking satellitesSatellites developed by the Missile Defense Agency and the Space Development Agency will be part of a national security space mission currently projected for the second quarter of 2024December 28, 2023The Missile Defense Agency confirmed that a national security space mission that had been projected to launch in December 2023 is being delayed until the second quarter of 2024 due to technical issues with one of the spacecraft.“One vendor’s space vehicle was ready to support a December 2023 launch; however, the launch was delayed to no earlier than the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 due to technical issues encountered by the other vendor during final integration testing,” MDA spokesman Mark Wright said in a statement. [...]MDA did not disclose which of the two HBTSS payloads is having technical issues. A source close to SDA said “any delay at this point is not related to the L3Harris” Tracking Layer satellites. [...]
Delayed to Q2 2024 due to a technical issue with one of the HBTSS satellites:QuotePentagon agencies team up in upcoming launch of hypersonic tracking satellitesSatellites developed by the Missile Defense Agency and the Space Development Agency will be part of a national security space mission currently projected for the second quarter of 2024December 28, 2023The Missile Defense Agency confirmed that a national security space mission that had been projected to launch in December 2023 is being delayed until the second quarter of 2024 due to technical issues with one of the spacecraft.“One vendor’s space vehicle was ready to support a December 2023 launch; however, the launch was delayed to no earlier than the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 due to technical issues encountered by the other vendor during final integration testing,” MDA spokesman Mark Wright said in a statement. [...]MDA did not disclose which of the two HBTSS payloads is having technical issues. A source close to SDA said “any delay at this point is not related to the L3Harris” Tracking Layer satellites. [...]
090947Z FEB 24NAVAREA IV 146/24(11,26).WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.FLORIDA.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 142230Z TO 150300Z FEB, ALTERNATE 2230Z TO 0230Z DAILY 15 THRU 20 FEB IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 28-38.28N 080-37.18W, 28-45.00N 080-18.00W, 28-43.00N 080-09.00W, 28-36.00N 080-07.00W, 28-28.00N 080-20.00W, 28-27.11N 080-31.61W. B. 29-58.00N 077-39.00W, 30-42.00N 076-26.00W, 31-00.00N 075-43.00W, 30-34.00N 075-28.00W, 30-21.00N 075-53.00W, 29-53.00N 077-35.00W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 210330Z FEB 24.//
Here are the 2nd stage re-entry NOTAMs in the Indian Ocean that confirms the date:
NGA Rocket Launching notice.
081626Z FEB 24HYDROPAC 483/24(61).INDIAN OCEAN.FRENCH SOUTHERN AND ANTARCTIC LANDS.DNC 02, DNC 03.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS 0056Z TO 0519Z DAILY 15 THRU 21 FEB IN AREA BOUND BY 36-40.00S 078-41.00E, 34-50.00S 079-51.00E, 26-27.00S 060-32.00E, 28-17.00S 059-28.00E.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 210619Z FEB 24.
I think this NGA Space Debris is probably for this launch, though the times and coordinates don't exactly match the S2 NOTAM posted above.
SPACE X/USSF-124 (X1877), CCSFS/KSC, FLPRIMARY: 02/14/24 2230Z-0300ZBACKUP: 02/15/24 2230Z-0300Z 02/16-20/24 2230Z-0230Z
IM-1 scheduled 16 hours before. Is that enough time for analysis or is a delay to one or other assured/probable?
I noticed this in Ben Cooper's latest schedule updates:Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide [probably late Feb 7 or just before PACE launch Feb 8]; his bold:QuoteThe next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite from pad 40 on February 8 at 1:33 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Intuitive Machines & NASA IM-1 Nova-C commercial lunar lander from pad 39A on February 14 at 12:57 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch from pad 40. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the Telkomsat communications satellite for Indonesia from pad 40 on mid-late February TBD. A Falcon 9 will launch the next crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, Crew-8, from pad 39A on February 22 at the earliest, around 3 a.m. EST, or around February 29-March 1 at midnight (the latter date if IM-1 proceeds as planned). The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.This was originally a Starlink launch (6-39, see that thread where NOTAMs around the Cape has just been retracted), but I really wonder if something else is launching that goes RTLS as the next SLC-40 launch...sometimes this is a typo and sometimes it isn't.The obvious candidate is USSF-124 which has been noted to launch in the first quarter for quite some time (delayed from late last year), the missile warning satellites payload seems light enough for RTLS (previous sources indeed list it going RTLS and polar orbit, just like PACE today) too. So...
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch NASA's Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite from pad 40 on February 8 at 1:33 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Intuitive Machines & NASA IM-1 Nova-C commercial lunar lander from pad 39A on February 14 at 12:57 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch from pad 40. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the Telkomsat communications satellite for Indonesia from pad 40 on mid-late February TBD. A Falcon 9 will launch the next crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, Crew-8, from pad 39A on February 22 at the earliest, around 3 a.m. EST, or around February 29-March 1 at midnight (the latter date if IM-1 proceeds as planned). The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.
Ben Cooper's Launch Photography Viewing Guide; updated February 8 after PACE launch; my bold:QuoteThe next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Intuitive Machines & NASA IM-1 Nova-C commercial lunar lander from pad 39A on February 14 at 12:57 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the USSF-124 mission for the U.S. Space Force from pad 40 on February 14 in the late afternoon to evening EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Telkomsat communications satellite for Indonesia from pad 40 on February 20. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the next crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, Crew-8, from pad 39A on late February at the earliest, around 12-1 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.
The next SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Intuitive Machines & NASA IM-1 Nova-C commercial lunar lander from pad 39A on February 14 at 12:57 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the USSF-124 mission for the U.S. Space Force from pad 40 on February 14 in the late afternoon to evening EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch. A Falcon 9 will launch the Telkomsat communications satellite for Indonesia from pad 40 on February 20. Upcoming launches include more Starlink batches from pad 40. A Falcon 9 will launch the next crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, Crew-8, from pad 39A on late February at the earliest, around 12-1 a.m. EST. The first stage will land back at the Cape about eight minutes after launch.
NextSpaceflight (Updated February 8th)Launch NET February 15th, 2024, at 00:51 UTChttps://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961
NextSpaceflight (Updated February 11th)First stage B1078-7https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961
Quote from: GewoonLukas_ on 02/11/2024 04:32 pmNextSpaceflight (Updated February 11th)First stage B1078-7https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961LZ-1 or LZ-2? Like that sole LZ-2 F9 landing in clash during oneweb launch
Casual Sunday at KSC - B1078.7 rolling past the VAB, onwards to SLC-40 for the USSF-124 mission later this week.But what’s not so casual is the appearance of the mission extension kit on the second stage, first time we’ve seen this on Falcon 9 in quite some time. 📸 - @NASASpaceflight 📺 - http://nsf.live/spacecoast
NextSpaceflight, updated February 11:First stage B1078-7
Falcon 9 first stages are now apparently cleared for use up to twenty times for non-crewed launches, although that number is apparently more restricted for Cargo Dragon or Cygnus than these other payloads.
What does "cleared for use" mean? Who is the clearing authority? Does the launch customer have any input into this? Does anybody except SpaceX and the launch customer have any input?In the case of Starlink, SpaceX is both launch service provider and the customer.Given this specific thread, USSF is the customer. Have they "cleared for use" a twenty-timer for this launch?
Two Falcon 9 launches & two LZ landings in a row are on tap from Cape Canaveral overnight tonight and tomorrow afternoon, carrying a lunar lander & a Space Force mission.
SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, February 14 at 5:30 p.m. ET for Falcon 9’s launch of the USSF-124 mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. If needed, a backup opportunity is available Thursday, February 15 at the same time.A live webcast of this mission will begin on X @SpaceX about 15 minutes prior to liftoff. Watch live.This will be the seventh launch of the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-6, SES O3b mPOWER, and four Starlink missions (=B1078-7). Following stage separation, the first stage will land on Landing Zone 2 (LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Falcon 9 rolled out to pad 40 in Florida and is now vertical for today's launch of USSF-124 → spacex.com/launches
Four SpaceX rockets vertical on SpaceX's four launch pads in Florida, California, and Texas
Less than one hour until Falcon 9 launches USSF-124 to orbit. All systems are looking good and weather is lovely for liftoff → spacex.com/launches
Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will return to Earth and land at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 2
SpaceX Falcon 9 B1078-7 launches USSF-124 from SLC-40.Overview:nasaspaceflight.com/2024/02/ussf-1…Livestream:youtube.com/watch?v=kdpbgy…
Staging 1-2.
Falcon 9 has landed at LZ-2!
Booster shoves Upper Stage and passenger into space. Booster comes home ready to fly again. This Is The Way.youtube.com/watch?v=kdpbgy…
Heck yeah, captured SpaceX's Falcon 9 entry burn coming to an end this afternoon as the first stage prepared to reenter Earth's atmosphere and softly touch down at Landing Zone-2.
First stage separation.Ignition.T+3 minutes.
Falcon 9 lands on LZ-2 at sunset
Quote from: Chinakpradhan on 02/11/2024 05:00 pmQuote from: GewoonLukas_ on 02/11/2024 04:32 pmNextSpaceflight (Updated February 11th)First stage B1078-7https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961LZ-1 or LZ-2? Like that sole LZ-2 F9 landing in clash during oneweb launchYeah, likely the first one goes to LZ-1, and second one goes to LZ-2.Also booster passed by the VAB earlier, its got a greyband on the second stage. Gonna be a long mission I guess.
Quote from: spacenuance on 02/11/2024 05:12 pmQuote from: Chinakpradhan on 02/11/2024 05:00 pmQuote from: GewoonLukas_ on 02/11/2024 04:32 pmNextSpaceflight (Updated February 11th)First stage B1078-7https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/6961LZ-1 or LZ-2? Like that sole LZ-2 F9 landing in clash during oneweb launchYeah, likely the first one goes to LZ-1, and second one goes to LZ-2.Also booster passed by the VAB earlier, its got a greyband on the second stage. Gonna be a long mission I guess.forgot to ask Was USSF-124 using medium or long coast mission-extension kit any word from SpaceX?
Launch success press release from the USSF Space Systems Command
Success! Liftoff of the @SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with new generation of missile detection, missile tracking and communications satellites on board. Congratulations to the entire team of #PartnersInSpace! More: https://ssc.spaceforce.mil/Portals/3/Documents/PRESS%20RELEASES/Space%20Systems%20Command%20successfully%20launches%20six%20satellites%20for%20Missile%20Defense%20Agency%20and%20Space%20Development%20Agency%20on%20SpaceX%20Falcon%209%20rocket.pdf?ver=oZ9CYkN4wPi1rnLXDTy1Kg%3d%3d#USSF #SpaceStartsHere #SpaceSystemsCommand
The six missile tracking sats launched by Falcon 9 earlier tonight have been cataloged in 1000 km circular orbits at an inclination of 40.0 deg.
/twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1757943491999797436twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1757943842874290255
QuoteThe six missile tracking sats launched by Falcon 9 earlier tonight have been cataloged in 1000 km circular orbits at an inclination of 40.0 deg.https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1757989715062464716
Lots of observations of the St2 deorbit burn over eastern US around 0020-0030 UTC
USSF-124 launch up close
Four fairing halves were delivered back to Florida today as SpaceX recovery ships Bob and Doug returned from the IM-1 and USSF-124 missions! 📸http://nsf.live/spacecoast
https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1757895458758787272QuoteWilliam Harwood @cbs_spacenewsF9/USSF-124: LIFTOFF! At 5:30pm EST (2230 UTC)
William Harwood @cbs_spacenewsF9/USSF-124: LIFTOFF! At 5:30pm EST (2230 UTC)
A hypersonic test bed built by Kratos took its first flight last month, launching experiments for the Missile Defense Agency and hitting speeds above Mach 5.MDA announced the successful flight of its first Hypersonic Testbed, HTB-1, June 14, which took off from Wallops Island in Virginia. Not only did it provide a high-speed test platform for the agency, but it allowed its two missile tracking satellites — launched in February and designed to detect advanced threats — to catch their first tracks of a hypersonic vehicle.