BUSINESS

SpaceX Launches Classified Payload for U S Space

PUBLISHED Oct 16, 2026, 12:23 AM ET

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SpaceX, the American aerospace manufacturer, launched a classified payload for the U.S. Space Force from Vandenberg Air Force Base on October fifteenth, 2026. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at five o’clock and one minute Pacific Daylight Time, carrying the USSF‑481 mission into orbit. After reaching its destination, the booster landed safely on the droneship, a first for a classified national‑security flight. The launch underscores SpaceX’s growing role in supporting U.S. defense and its continued expansion of commercial and government launch services. The company’s history of rapid growth began in 2002 when it was founded to revolutionize space technology. Since then, SpaceX has flown more orbital launches annually than any other launch provider, with the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy families delivering payloads to a variety of missions. The October launch adds to a series of national‑security flights, including missions in January

By Claire D. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2002 — SpaceX founded to revolutionize space technology
2018 — First Falcon Heavy flight carried a classified government satellite
2023 — Jupiter‑3 became heaviest payload launched to GTO by Falcon 9

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