SpaceX launched the USSF-385 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 26, 2026, marking the third flight in a rapid deployment of classified military satellites. The Falcon 9 lifted off at 7:00 a.m. PDT in dense fog, carrying a payload believed to consist of Starshield satellites for the U.S. Space Force. This launch follows two similar missions in August and September, each deploying 23 satellites, and a fourth flight in September that placed 17 satellites in a different orbit. The booster, B1100, completed its 10th flight and landed on a drone ship. This mission was the sixth Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg in September, reflecting a strategic shift as SpaceX prioritizes Starship operations at Cape Canaveral. While the Space Force withheld details, the consistent satellite counts suggest a standardized constellation buildout. Local observers in Southern California had early morning viewing opportunities, though weather conditions were mixed. The launch underscores the increasing reliance on commercial providers for national security space infrastructure.
