Watch live: SpaceX launches satellites for US Space Development Agency
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SpaceX is hoping to launch satellites for the US Space Development Agency today (2 September), following a two-day delay.
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 13 military satellites will lift off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base.
The two previous attempts took place on 31 August and 1 September, but reasons were not given as to why they were postponed, with the second being scrapped just 20 minutes before launch.
According to their online description, the mission will be in support of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), “a new layered network of satellites in low Earth orbit and supporting elements that will provide global military communication and missile warning, indication and tracking capabilities.”
The long-term aim of the mission is to invigorate new military communications and missile tracking constellation in space.
Falcon 9’s first stage booster supporting this mission previously launched Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, DART, Transporter-7, Iridium OneWeb, and eight Starlink missions.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments