Space Systems Command, mission partners prepares USSF-87 for National Space Security Launch on ULA’s Vulcan Centaur

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) and its mission partners are preparing USSF-87 as its next mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The mission will launch using a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan Centaur from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41.

A two-hour launch window is planned for Feb. 12, 2026 between 3:30-5:30 a.m. EST (12:30-2:30 a.m. PST). Launch coverage will be available at https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/vulcan-ussf-87 or on various media streaming sites such as NASASpaceflight.com, Space.com, SpaceflightNow.com, YouTube.com, etc.

This Vulcan will be the second to launch since achieving certification under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. The Vulcan Centaur family of vehicles will continue the legacy of the Atlas V and Delta IV launch systems to place critical War Department and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) capabilities into orbit for years to come.

As with the USSF-106 launch, this is a Vulcan VC4S configuration with a Centaur V upper stage, four solid rocket boosters attached to the first stage, and a standard payload fairing.

The USSF-87 mission will carry a variety of payloads that will promote the advancement of space technology to benefit future programs of record. The primary payload is the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) space system, built by Northrop Grumman; a capability supporting the U.S. Space Command space surveillance operations as a high-performance, dedicated Space Surveillance Network sensor. They provide ‘neighborhood watch’ services in the geostationary Earth arena, improving flight safety for all spacefaring nations operating in that orbit.

Enhanced positional knowledge of satellites within the increasingly crowded GEO drastically speeds USSF space operators’ ability to warn others if another object is anticipated to approach too closely or creates a hazardous situation. Data from the GSSAP will uniquely contribute to timely and accurate orbital predictions, enhancing our knowledge of the GEO environment and further enabling space flight safety, including satellite collision avoidance.

In addition to the GSSAP payload, USSF-87 will include additional research, development and training systems. Guardians will use these systems to refine tactics, techniques and procedures for precision on-orbit maneuvers. These systems will also enhance and validate resiliency and protection in geosynchronous orbit.

SSC’s Systems Delta 80 (SYD 80) executes the U.S. Space Force's core function of Space Access, performing space lift and range control missions in close partnership with the 30th and 45th Space Launch Deltas (SLD 30, SLD 45).

Additionally, the delta develops resilient and ready launch and test infrastructure to expand U.S. economic, technological, and scientific leadership. Furthermore, SYD 80 delivers servicing, mobility, and logistics capabilities that operate in, from, and to the space domain.

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations.