ULA USSF-87 Vulcan VC4S
Rocket Launch Video Streams
Weather Forecast During Launch
According to weather officials, there's a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch. Officials are monitoring weather conditions with concerns related to Cumulus Cloud Rule.
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 USSF-87 Mission
| Type | Government/Top Secret |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Geostationary Orbit |
USSF-87 will launch two identical Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites GSSAP-7 and GSSAP-8 directly to a near-geosynchronous orbit approximately 36,000 km above the equator.
Data from the GSSAP will uniquely contribute to timely and accurate orbital predictions, further enabling space flight safety including satellite collision avoidance.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 41
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
| Launches | 125 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 125 |
| Total Launches | 1130 |
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Rocket Launch Timeline
Track every phase of the rocket launch with our detailed mission timeline. From T-minus countdown events and pre-launch preparations through liftoff, stage separation, and orbital insertion, follow each critical milestone in real-time. Our comprehensive launch sequence timeline includes payload integration, propellant loading, engine ignition, and post-launch telemetry tracking.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| T- 00 : 00 : 00 | Ignition Start of the engine ignition sequence |
| T+ 00 : 00 : 01 | Liftoff First upwards movement of the rocket |
| T+ 00 : 00 : 00 | Supersonic Vehicle is supersonic |
| T+ 00 : 01 : 00 | Max-Q Maximum dynamic pressure |
| T+ 00 : 01 : 00 | SRB Separation The solid rocket boosters are separated from the launcher. |
| T+ 00 : 04 : 00 | MECO Cut-off of the main engine |
| T+ 00 : 05 : 00 | Stage 2 Separation Separation of the second stage from the first |
| T+ 00 : 05 : 00 | SES-1 First start of the second engine |
| T+ 00 : 05 : 00 | Fairing Separation Separation of the payload fairing |
ULA Vulcan VC4S Rocket
Vulcan Centaur is a two-stage-to-orbit, heavy-lift launch vehicle under development by United Launch Alliance (ULA) since 2014. It is principally designed to meet launch demands for the U.S. government's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program for use by the United States Space Force and U.S. intelligence agencies for national security satellite launches. It will replace both of ULA's existing launchers (Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy) in this role, as these launchers are retiring.
| Maiden Flight | 8/13/2025 |
|---|
About ULA
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ULA was formed in December 2006 by combining the teams at these companies which provide spacecraft launch services to the government of the United States. ULA launches from both coasts of the US. They launch their Atlas V vehicle from LC-41 in Cape Canaveral and LC-3E at Vandeberg. Their Delta IV launches from LC-37 at Cape Canaveral and LC-6 at Vandenberg.
| Total Launches | 175 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 175 |
| Pending | 73 |
| Consecutive Success | 175 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 launch scheduled?
The ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 launch was scheduled for:
.
Where can I watch the ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 launch video?
You can watch the ULA Vulcan VC4S launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 mission launch from?
The ULA Vulcan VC4S rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the USSF-87 mission?
The USSF-87 mission launched aboard a ULA Vulcan VC4S rocket. Vulcan Centaur is a two-stage-to-orbit, heavy-lift launch vehicle under development by United Launch Alliance (ULA) since 2014. It is principally designed to meet launch demands for the U.S. government's National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program for use by the United States Space Force and U.S. intelligence agencies for national security satellite launches. It will replace both of ULA's existing launchers (Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy) in this role, as these launchers are retiring. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 launch?
The ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 launch could have been 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.
How can I get updates if the ULA Vulcan VC4S USSF-87 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest ULA Vulcan VC4S launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the USSF-87 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official ULA live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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Launch success.
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Liftoff!
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Official Webcast by United Launch Alliance has started
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New T-0 09:22 UTC
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Updated launch weather, 95% GO.
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Updated launch weather, 95% GO.
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Updated launch window.
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Added launch window.
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Delayed to NET February 12.
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Changed rocket configuration.
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NET February 2.
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NET January.
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No more ULA (Vulcan) launches for 2025.
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NET early 2025.
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NET late 2024.
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Reportedly targeting December
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NET late 2024.