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SpaceX Schedules Falcon 9 to Launch Classified USSF-153 From Vandenberg

The flight will use a highly reused first stage with a droneship landing attempt, signaling continued SpaceX support for U.S. national-security launches.

Overview

  • SpaceX is set to launch the USSF-153 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in a three-hour window opening at 8:37 a.m. PDT on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, with a backup window on Sept. 11.
  • The payload is reported as classified and will place an undisclosed number of satellites into low Earth orbit, with post-launch details intentionally limited by the customer.
  • The assigned Falcon 9 first stage is booster B1081 on its 27th flight and is planned to attempt a landing on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Media and public viewing options include live coverage from Spaceflight Now beginning about 30 minutes before liftoff and a KEYT webcast starting roughly 10 minutes ahead of launch alongside SpaceX’s X posts.
  • USSF-153 continues a 2026 run of SpaceX national-security launches and highlights the company’s operational emphasis on highly reused boosters, while local authorities warned residents to expect possible sonic booms during the mission.