SpaceXTBD
Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer A
Pad: Space Launch Complex 4E · Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Tranche 1 Tracking Layer A is one of five missions by the United States Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer constellation, which will provide global indications, warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.
Mission StatusUTC / SYNCED
MISSION WINDOW CONCLUDED
Falcon 9
LiftoffFalcon 9 Liftoff with Dragon Spacecraft
Photo: SpaceX
Get Alerted for Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer A
Receive an email alert 1 hour prior to liftoff with live webcast links.
Mission Broadcast Archive
Falcon 9 Block 5 | SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer A Live Coverage
Official Webcast Feed Scheduled
Live broadcast embeds typically go live 15 to 20 minutes prior to launch window liftoff. Check the official SpaceX channels or Spaceflight Now for live feeds.
Host: SpaceX Flight OpsWindow: Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT
Status: TBD
🛰️ Mission Orbital & Environment Matrix
- Target Orbit
- PO
- Target Altitude
- 550 km
- Inclination
- 53.2°
- Weather Violation Risk
- 10%
- Primary Payload
- SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer A
- Launch Window
- Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC – 12:00 AM UTC
♻️ Hardware Reusability & Recovery Matrix
- Booster Core
- Flight Proven Core
- Flight Count
- Operational Flight
- Recovery Strategy
- Autonomous Drone Ship (ASDS)
- Fairing Recovery
- Flight Proven
- Landing Vessel / Zone
- Designated Drone Ship (ASDS)
- Vehicle Architecture
- Falcon 9 Technical Specs & Flight Geometry →
⏱️ Operational Timeline Milestones & Staging Sequence
Target T-0: 2026-09-30Terminal Count
T-00:15:00Autonomous launch sequence start
Auto Sequence
T-00:03:00Flight computer assumes control
Liftoff
T-00:00:00Stage 1 main engine ignition & liftoff
MECO & Stage Sep
T+00:02:40Main engine cut-off and stage separation
Stage 1 Landing
T+00:08:30Booster touchdown on recovery vessel / zone
Payload Deploy
T+00:45:00Spacecraft insertion into target orbit
Launch Complex & Spaceport
Space Launch Complex 4E
Vandenberg Space Force Base · Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch Mount
Vandenberg SLC-4E Coastal Liftoff
Falcon 9 ascending from Space Launch Complex 4E overlooking the Pacific coastline at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Photo Credit: U.S. Space Force / Michael PetersonSLC-4E is the premier West Coast spaceport for polar, sun-synchronous (SSO), and retrograde orbital insertions. Situated on a dramatic coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it enables rockets to fly south over open ocean without crossing populated landmasses.
Operator
U.S. Space Force / SpaceX
Elevation
112 meters (ASL)
Azimuth Range
140°
Flight History
120+ Polar Missions
Key Pad Facilities & Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4)Concrete booster landing pad located just 400 meters from the active launch mount for immediate RTLS recovery.
Pacific Overlook StrongbackHeavy transporter erector engineered for coastal high-wind resistance and marine salt fog mitigation.
Polar Optical Tracking ArrayRadar and high-speed telemetry optical suites tracking southern trajectory azimuths.