USSF-87

Mission

USSF-87 on Vulcan VC4S. Thu 12 Feb 2026, 09:22:00 UTC. Reported outcome: Success. Launch site: Space Launch Complex 41. Source: Launch Library 2.

USSF-87 will launch two identical Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites GSSAP-7 and GSSAP-8 directly to a near-geosynchronous orbit approximately 36,000 km above the equator. Data from the GSSAP will uniquely contribute to timely and accurate orbital predictions, further enabling space flight safety including satellite collision avoidance.

Mission type

Government/Top Secret

Orbit

Geostationary Orbit

Launch-site file imagery

Launch timeline

Times are relative to liftoff.

1. T-4.9 sThu 12 Feb, 10:21 CET

   Ignition

   Start of the engine ignition sequence

2. T+1 sThu 12 Feb, 10:22 CET

   Liftoff

   First upwards movement of the rocket

3. T+47.2 sThu 12 Feb, 10:22 CET

   Supersonic

   Vehicle is supersonic

4. T+1 min 2.5 sThu 12 Feb, 10:23 CET

   Max-Q

   Maximum dynamic pressure

5. T+1 min 37.2 sThu 12 Feb, 10:23 CET

   SRB Separation

   The solid rocket boosters are separated from the launcher.

6. T+4 min 57.5 sThu 12 Feb, 10:26 CET

   MECO

   Cut-off of the main engine

7. T+5 min 3.5 sThu 12 Feb, 10:27 CET

   Stage 2 Separation

   Separation of the second stage from the first

8. T+5 min 13.5 sThu 12 Feb, 10:27 CET

   SES-1

   First start of the second engine

9. T+5 min 21.5 sThu 12 Feb, 10:27 CET

   Fairing Separation

   Separation of the payload fairing

Slip history

Changes recorded by Space Right Now

No changes since we started tracking on Sat 10 Oct 2026, 11:18 UTC.

Launch pad

Space Launch Complex 41

Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA (US)

Coordinates: 28.58341025, -80.58303644