SpaceX Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) Falcon 9 Block 5
Rocket Launch Video Stream
SpaceX: Transporter-18 Mission (opens in a new tab)Rocket Launch Trajectory & Flight Path
Track the complete rocket launch trajectory with real-time flight data from FlightClub.io (opens in a new tab). View detailed telemetry including rocket velocity, altitude progression, thrust levels, acceleration, orbital insertion parameters, and 3D flight path visualization throughout all mission phases from liftoff to orbit.
Learn about rocket launch trajectory physics (opens in a new tab)
About the Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) Mission
| Type | Dedicated Rideshare |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Sun-Synchronous Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $52,000,000 |
Dedicated rideshare flight to a sun-synchronous orbit with dozens of small microsatellites and nanosatellites for commercial and government customers.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 4E
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
| Launches | 299 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 299 |
| Total Launches | 915 |
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 Rocket
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.
| Length | 70.0 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.7 m |
| Stages | 2 |
| Launch Mass | 549.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 7,607.0 kN |
| Apogee | 200.0 km |
| LEO Capacity | 22,800 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 8,300 kg |
| Launch Cost | $52,000,000 |
| Maiden Flight | 5/11/2018 |
Booster Landing & Recovery
Core B1082
| Serial Number | B1082 |
|---|---|
| Last Flight | 08/26/2026 |
| Successful Landings | 24 |
Falcon 9 Block 5 booster. The Falcon 9 first stage B1082 will land on Landing Zone 4 after its 25th flight.
Landing Zone 4 - LZ-4
LZ at Vandenberg
Return to Launch Site - RTLS
A return to launch site usually means that after stage separation the booster flips and does a burn back towards the launch site, landing near where it initially launched from.
A sonic boom may occur during booster recovery as the first stage returns to the landing zone. This atmospheric phenomenon creates a loud sound as the rocket breaks the sound barrier during its descent.
Understand rocket booster landing sonic booms (opens in a new tab)
About SpaceX
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.
| Total Launches | 731 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 715 |
| Failed | 15 |
| Pending | 127 |
| Consecutive Success | 215 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) launch scheduled?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where can I watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) launch live stream?
You can watch the SpaceX Falcon 9 launch live stream on this page. The official live video feed typically begins 15-30 minutes before liftoff and includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where is the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) mission launching from?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) mission?
The Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Will the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster for Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) attempt a landing?
Yes, the Falcon 9 first stage booster will attempt a Return to Launch Site at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows SpaceX to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Watch the live stream to see the landing attempt in real-time. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could delay the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) launch?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest SpaceX Falcon 9 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Transporter 18 (Dedicated SSO Rideshare) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official SpaceX live streams for the most immediate range updates.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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GO for launch.
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NET October 1, TBC.
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Added launch.