Falcon 9: SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer E Launch — 30 September 2026

When is the launch?

SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 Block 5 carrying the SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer E mission on 30 September 2026, with a no-earlier-than (NET) liftoff time of 00:00 UTC. The launch status is currently listed as TBD, so the exact time and date may shift as the target window is refined. Check the rocket launch schedule for the latest confirmed timing.

The mission lifts off from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, SpaceX's dedicated West Coast pad for polar and sun-synchronous orbital launches.

How to watch live

SpaceX typically begins its webcast about 10–15 minutes before liftoff, streaming on its official channels. You can follow the countdown, track the rocket in real time, and watch the deployed satellites appear in orbit on Cosmik's live 3D solar system and satellite map. For the full mission feed and updated timing, see our SpaceX launch hub and the Vandenberg launch page.

What time is liftoff in my timezone?

What is the payload?

The payload is a batch of satellites for the Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer. The Tracking Layer is the missile-warning and missile-tracking component of the SDA's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture — a large constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit designed to detect and track advanced missile threats, including hypersonic vehicles, using wide- and medium-field-of-view infrared sensors.

The SDA architecture is built in "tranches," each adding more capability and satellites. Tranche 1 represents the first operational generation, following the demonstration satellites of Tranche 0. The Tracking Layer works alongside the SDA Transport Layer, which provides a resilient, mesh-networked communications backbone connecting sensors to shooters across the battlefield.

These satellites operate in low Earth orbit, which is well suited to Vandenberg's polar launch corridor. Once separated, they'll join the growing SDA fleet — objects you can follow on Cosmik's 3D orbital map.

Why launch from Vandenberg?

Vandenberg Space Force Base sits on the California coast, allowing rockets to fly south over open ocean into polar and sun-synchronous orbits without overflying populated areas. SLC-4E has become one of SpaceX's busiest pads, hosting frequent Falcon 9 flights including Starlink, Earth-observation, and national-security missions.

Will the booster land?

SpaceX routinely recovers Falcon 9 first stages on West Coast missions, landing either back at Landing Zone 4 near the pad or on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You stationed in the Pacific. Recovery specifics for this flight will be confirmed closer to launch. Follow our latest launch news for updates.

About the Falcon 9 Block 5

The Falcon 9 Block 5 is the final, most reliable iteration of SpaceX's workhorse two-stage rocket, designed for rapid reusability. Its first stage is powered by nine Merlin 1D engines burning RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen, while a single vacuum-optimized Merlin powers the second stage. Block 5 has become the most-flown orbital rocket in the world, launching commercial, government, and defense payloads at a record cadence.

The Space Development Agency, part of the U.S. Space Force, procures these launches to rapidly field its proliferated LEO constellation. Launch data for this article is sourced from The Space Devs Launch Library.

Track it live on Cosmik

Don't miss liftoff. Follow the SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer E countdown on Cosmik, watch the Falcon 9 climb toward orbit, and see the new satellites join the fleet on our live 3D map. Enable free launch alerts so you're notified before the rocket leaves the pad.