Watch SpaceX launch classified mission for the US Space Force today
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying a classified payload for the U.S. Space Force. The mission, designated USSF-481, marks another successful deployment for the company's reusable booster technology.
Why it matters
The launch highlights the growing reliance of the U.S. military on private aerospace companies for classified space operations.
Launches & Spacecraft SpaceX launches classified mission for the US Space Force (video) News By Mike Wall Last updated 16 October 2026 Launch of the USSF-481 mission is scheduled for today (Oct. 15) at 7:44 p.m. ET.
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Click for next article Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter SpaceX launched a classified mission for the U.S. Space Force from California this evening (Oct. 15).
A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base today at 8:01 p.m. EDT (5:01 p.m. local time; 0001 GMT on Oct. 16), rising into clear blue skies above the Golden State's central coast.
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