F9: SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer A
from Vandenburg
SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer A is scheduled to launch no earlier than 12:29 AM PST (3:29AM EDT) on October 10th 2026. These developmental satellites from Space Development Agency will launch from Pad 4E in Vandenburg, California. It will launch on B1103 on its 6th flight previously having flown on NROL-179, SDA Tranche 1 Transport Layer E and three Starlink missions. B1103 will launch to the south and will be a RTLS and land at landing zone 4E at Vandenburg Space Force Base about seven minutes after launch.
The payload on this mission is a series of developmental military satellites that will give the military assured and reliable communication in the battle field. Onboard are 21 satellites developed and manufactured by Northrop Grumman and operate over the Ka band. These satellites are part of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture according to SDA "it will enhance our strategic advantage by serving the joint warfighting force with operational capabilities previously thought infeasible from LEO"
The importance of the Falcon 9 program continues to support both civilian and military applications to enhance our world.
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