TMinusZero
Loading
Preparing the latest launch data.
Launch Detail
Loading launch detail
Pulling launch timing, vehicle context, weather signals, and mission evidence.
Launch detail
SpaceX • Falcon 9 Block 5 • Space Launch Complex 4E (CA)
Tranche 1 Transport Layer E is one of six missions by the United States Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer constellation, which will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms from Low Earth Orbit satellites. The constellation will be interconnected with Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) which have significantly increased performance over existing radio frequency crosslinks. It is expected to operate over Ka band, hav...
Live targets are highlighted across the sequence.
On Thursday, July 16 at 1:32 p.m. PT, SpaceX launched the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) third Tranche 1 data transport mission to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This was the third of nine Tranche 1 missions Falcon 9 will launch on behalf of the SDA.
This was the fourth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-179 and two Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
The space vehicles launched during this mission provide data transport as part of the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture , a mesh network of optically connected satellites in low-Earth orbit that enable global military tactical communications and missile warning, indication, and tracking capabilities.
There was the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may have heard one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experienced was dependent on weather and other conditions.
Premium keeps the launch-by-launch change log visible so you can review slips, window edits, and status changes without waiting for an error-driven upgrade prompt.
Free-to-share photography matched to this launch. Tap a photo to view it at full resolution.
SDA-T1TL-EMatched SpaceX launch-page assets and outbound media links for this launch.
Provider, rocket, pad, and booster history tied to this launch.
Core-level mission cadence associated with this launch.
Tranche 1 Transport Layer E is one of six missions by the United States Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer constellation, which will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms from Low Earth Orbit satellites. The constellation will be interconnected with Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) which have significantly increased performance over existing radio frequency crosslinks. It is expected to operate over Ka band, have stereo coverage and be dynamically networked for simpler hand-offs, greater bandwidth and fault tolerance. This launch carries 21 satellites manufactured by York Space Systems.
Premium unlocks this provider resource inside T-Minus Zero.
Stream links and embedded coverage.
Official WebcastOfficial SpaceX post matched to this launch.
Open the launch pad in Google Maps satellite mode using the pad coordinates.
Tranche 1 Transport Layer E is one of six missions by the United States Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 1 Transport Layer constellation, which will provide assured, resilient, low-latency military data and connectivity worldwide to the full range of warfighter platforms from Low Earth Orbit satellites. The constellation will be interconnected with Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISLs) which have significantly increased performance over existing radio frequency crosslinks. It is expected to operate over Ka band, have stereo coverage and be dynamically networked for simpler hand-offs, greater bandwidth and fault tolerance. This launch carries 21 satellites manufactured by York Space Systems.
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
All Times Approximate
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
f33d64f7718ca399fb9338f98a8dabe9597e9663e5a30118b8c042bc28ea6e86Linked via Spaceflight News API (SNAPI).
ArticleWith the launch of 21 York Space Systems satellites, the Space Development Agency has now placed half of its planned Tranche 1 Transport Layer constellation...
ArticleThe Tranche 1 Transporter Layer E (T1TL-E) mission is the third batch of operational satellites launched to support the SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space A...
Launch-stage and landing context surfaced from LL2 when it exists.
The Falcon 9 first stage B1103 has landed on ASDS OCISLY after its 4th flight.
A launch-area reference. Use your location for a viewpoint-specific result.
The sky is too bright at the launch site
A broad, sunlit jellyfish-style plume is not expected at the launch area under the current model. The rocket may still be visible as a point.
A planning call from the viewing model, not a percent chance or a guarantee.
If needed, your browser asks permission only after you choose this. The launch-area result is not a forecast for your viewpoint.
This call uses a modeled ascent corridor rather than an exact mission path. The overall call remains useful; direction and timing are approximate.
No broad, sunlit jellyfish plume is currently expected at the modeled viewpoint.
This outlook evaluates whether a broad, sunlit ascent plume could stand out. It does not yet predict whether a specific vehicle will produce one, and a no-jellyfish call does not mean the rocket itself will be invisible.
