The rocket lifted off at 4:22 a.m. EST (1:22 a.m. PST) from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with Space Systems Command’s System Delta 80 and mission partners overseeing the operation.
“We’re proud of everyone and the work they’ve done to make today’s launch a success and increase America’s warfighting capability.” said Mr. Stephen Burke, Vulcan System Program Director.
The Vulcan rocket delivered the mission to its designated orbits despite an anomaly observed early in flight on one of its four solid rocket motors.
The U.S. Space Force System Delta 80 team will work closely with United Launch Alliance under its mission assurance space flightworthiness process before the next Vulcan national security space mission.
The USSF-87 mission carried multiple payloads intended to advance space technology and support current and future programs of record.
Among them was the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program space system, a high-performance, dedicated Space Surveillance Network sensor supporting U.S. Space Command’s space surveillance operations.
Built by Northrop Grumman, the system was deployed about 6.5 hours after liftoff.
The mission flew in the Vulcan “VC4S” configuration, which includes a Centaur V upper stage, four solid rocket motors and a standard payload fairing, leveraging United Launch Alliance’s industrial base to provide national security space capabilities.
In addition to the GSSAP system, USSF-87 carried research, development and training systems that Guardians will use to refine tactics, techniques and procedures for precision on-orbit maneuvers.
These systems are also designed to enhance and validate resiliency and protection in geosynchronous orbit.
System Delta 80, which directed the mission, executes the U.S. Space Force’s core Space Access function by performing space lift and range control missions in partnership with the 30th and 45th Space Launch Deltas, while developing resilient launch and test infrastructure and delivering servicing, mobility and logistics capabilities that operate in, from and to the space domain.
