ULA Launches Geosynchronous Satellite for U.S. Space Force

Vulcan rocket's longest mission to date deploys GSSAP and other payloads

Feb. 11, 2026 at 3:31pm

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United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket has launched on its longest mission to date, deploying a Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellite and other payloads for the U.S. Space Force. The USSF-87 mission lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking ULA's second national security launch using the Vulcan rocket.

Why it matters

The GSSAP satellites are designed to enhance the U.S. Space Command's awareness of activities in geosynchronous Earth orbit, which is a critical region for national security and commercial space operations. This launch demonstrates the Vulcan rocket's capabilities to support complex, multi-payload missions to challenging orbits.

The details

The Vulcan rocket flew in a VC4S configuration with four solid rocket boosters. After booster separation, the Centaur 5 upper stage took over to deliver the GSSAP satellite and other payloads to geosynchronous orbit over a 10-hour mission duration. The exact number of GSSAP satellites on this flight was not disclosed, but historically these satellites have launched in pairs.

  • Liftoff occurred at 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 UTC) on February 11, 2026.
  • The total mission duration from launch to end of mission was 10 hours.

The players

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing that provides launch services for the U.S. government and commercial customers.

U.S. Space Force (USSF)

The space service branch of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for space operations.

Northrop Grumman

An American global aerospace and defense technology company that built the GSSAP satellites and the ESPAStar platform for this mission.

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What’s next

The U.S. Space Force will use the GSSAP and other payloads deployed on this mission to enhance space situational awareness and refine tactics for operations in geosynchronous orbit.

The takeaway

This Vulcan rocket launch demonstrates ULA's ability to support complex, multi-payload national security missions to challenging orbits, further cementing the company's role as a critical launch provider for the U.S. Space Force.