SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket from Vandenberg launch site in California, USA at 1425 GMT on 2 September 2023. The vehicle was carrying eleven Tranche 0 Transport Layer 0 relay (A and B class) satellites and two Tranche 0 Tracking Layer missile tracking satellites were launched on behalf of the military US Space Development Agency (SDA). The reusable B1063 first stage, on its13th flight, landed back at Vandenberg on Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4). Details of the orbit have been kept secret.
Update on 12 September 2023: New identifications have been made by tracking authorities. The Lockheed Martin-built SDA Transport Layer satellites launched are WILDFIRE 1 to 10 along with the York Space-built Checkmate 10 and SpaceX’s BB 3 and 4. Our thanks to Jonathan McDowell for the identification update.
Falcon 9v1.2FT Block 5 rocket launches Tranche 0 satellites. on 2 September 2023. Courtesy: SpaceX
Jonathan Freeman contributed to this report
