SpaceX to launch classified USSF-481 national security payload for the U.S. Space Force from California

SpaceX is scheduled to launch a classified national security payload for the U.S. Space Force from California this evening. The Falcon 9 rocket will lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base during a four-hour window beginning at 7:44 p.m. EDT. The flight marks the 28th mission for the Falcon 9 first-stage booster, designated 1081.

This specific booster previously supported sixteen Starlink broadband megaconstellation flights, alongside scientific and national security missions including Crew-7, PACE, and EarthCARE. Following liftoff, SpaceX expects the booster to land on the Pacific Ocean drone ship named "Of Course I Still Love You" about eight minutes into the flight.

The launch initiates the USSF-481 mission, delivering classified payloads to an undisclosed destination. SpaceX stated that its live webcast will likely conclude shortly after the booster touchdown and will not provide additional details regarding the cargo. This flight represents the 114th Falcon 9 mission of the year. SpaceX notes that more than 70 percent of its rocket flights in 2026 have supported the deployment of its low Earth orbit Starlink satellites.