SpaceX Launches USSF-259 for U.S. Space Force
On the night of September 16, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched its second classified mission for the U.S. Space Force in under a week. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 9:07 p.m. EDT (6:07 p.m. local time).
Not much is known about the USSF-259 mission, as the SpaceX webcast concluded shortly after the Falcon 9’s first stage returned to a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean, marking a 13th successful touchdown for booster 1097.
Key Highlights:
- This launch is part of a busy launch schedule, with SpaceX’s 110th flight taking place in 2026.
- The Falcon 9 continues to dominate SpaceX’s 2026 launches, with 106 of the year’s missions attributed to this rocket.
- The next major launch involving SpaceX’s Starship is anticipated within the next two weeks, as it aims for its first orbital flight.
For more about SpaceX and its missions, click here.
Image Caption: The Falcon 9’s first stage rests on a drone ship after the successful USSF-259 mission.
(Image credit: SpaceX)
