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USSF-87 (GSSAP 7 & 8)
Launch Success
Liftoff Time (GMT)
09:22:00
Thursday February 12, 2026
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Mission Details
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Launch Notes
One of the GEM-63XL SRBs was observed to blown out its booster nozzle around T+69 seconds, causing reduced and asymmetric thrust during ascent, however the performance shortfall was fully compensated by Vulcan's other stages.
GSSAP 7 & 8
(Hornet 7 & 8, USA-582 & 583)
Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites are a space-based capability operating in the near-geosynchronous orbit regime, supporting U.S. Space Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network (SSN) sensor.
Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Operator: United States Space Force
Geosynchronous Orbit
2 Payloads
Propulsive ESPA
(USA-584)
Also onboard USSF-87 is a propulsive ESPA-Ring carrying research, development, and training systems that USSF Guardians will use to refine tactics, techniques and procedures for precision on-orbit maneuvers, as well as enhance and validate resiliency and protection in geosynchronous orbit. This will be the aft-payload.
Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman
Operator: United States Space Force
Geosynchronous Orbit
Rocket
Agency
ULARocket
Diameter: 5.4m
Height: 61.6m
Payload to Orbit
LEO: 24,600 kg
GTO: 11,693 kg
Liftoff Thrust
13,300 Kilonewtons
Fairing
Diameter: 5.4m
Height: 15.5m
Stages
2
Strap-ons
4
Launch Site
NE
SE
Launching
East
Stats
Vulcan Centaur
4th
Mission
1st
Mission of 2026
United Launch Alliance
170th
Mission
1st
Mission of 2026
2026
32nd
Orbital launch attempt