Space Systems Command Launches Six satellites Aboard Falcon 9

Ibadan, 15 February 2024. – The US Space Systems Command (SSC) and its mission partners have successfully launched the U.S. Space Force (USSF)-124 mission on a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.  Furthermore, the satellites for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA) were safely delivered to their intended orbit.

USSF-124’s mission was to place a new generation of missile detection, missile tracking and networked communications satellites into orbit, bringing new capabilities to the nation and its Allies. This was the first NSSL mission of 2024 to use a flight-proven Falcon 9 booster that previously supported six earlier missions.

“We’re reaping the benefits of this innovation with every launch. We began working on this concept seven years ago, understanding the economic benefits and efficiencies that come with this formula, and now we’re executing a common plan,” said Dr. Walt Lauderdale, AATS mission director at SSC.  “As we move forward together with SpaceX, we’re methodically expanding reuse to leverage the benefits for the USSF and our space vehicle teammates.”

The mission director also added, “The mission team was able to add the Tranche 0 satellites to USSF-124 in under 30 days, less than six months from the then-scheduled launch date. This unprecedented responsiveness is a needed capability for the Space Force to confront today’s threat environment.”

Likewise, U.S. Space Force Col. Jim Horne said, “We worked side-by-side with our launch service provider and space vehicle partners to achieve the mission on time and with precision. Today’s mission supports our global warfighters and people across the globe in every facet of life.”