Image: SpaceX
SpaceX today successfully launched the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 mission, deploying multiple satellites to low-Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 7:29 a.m. PT (10:29 a.m. ET).
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/5c215blpg7
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 2, 2023
The Space Development Agency is a unit that reports directly to the U.S. Space Force. Its primary focus is to deploy disruptive space technology such as satellites for space-based missile defense.
“The space vehicles launched during this mission will serve a part of SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a new layered network of satellites in low-Earth orbit and supporting elements that will provide global military communication and missile warning, indication, and tracking capabilities,” said SpaceX.
SpaceX successfully recovered the rocket’s first stage when it landed on Landing Zone 4 approximately eight minutes after launch.
Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on Landing Zone 4 pic.twitter.com/BLWjuHjSOj
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 2, 2023
This was the second successful launch and landing for this particular Falcon 9 first-stage booster. The same rocket previously also launched a Starlink mission.
Tranche 0 was originally scheduled to launch on Thursday, March 30, but had to be delayed twice — the first time due to the Falcon 9 rocket having an auto abort just before liftoff, and a second time to allow more time for vehicle preparations.
Earlier this week, Astrolab announced a partnership with SpaceX to transport its Flexible Logistics and Exploration (FLEX) rover to the moon on the latter’s Starship launch and landing system as early as mid-2026. During the week, SpaceX also launched 56 additional Starlink satellites into orbit.
