United Launch Alliance – USSF-87 (GSSAP 7 & 8)

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Date: Feb 12, 2026

Location: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Launch Time: TBD

Launch Vehicle: Vulcan Centaur
🛰 Payload: GSSAP-7 & GSSAP-8
🎯 Mission Type: National Security / Space Domain Awareness

Mission Overview & Payload Insight

USSF-87 will deploy GSSAP-7 and GSSAP-8, the next pair of satellites in the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) operated by the United States Space Force.

GSSAP satellites operate in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) and are designed to provide high-fidelity tracking and characterization of objects in this critical orbital regime. Unlike traditional wide-area surveillance satellites, GSSAP spacecraft can maneuver near other satellites to collect detailed observations, supporting attribution, anomaly resolution, and long-term space safety.

This mission also advances the operational deployment of United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur for high-priority national security payloads under the NSSL program.

Technical & Strategic Highlights

  • Space Domain Awareness: Improves monitoring of GEO, where many critical communications and defense satellites operate

  • Maneuverable Platforms: Capable of proximity operations for detailed inspection and characterization

  • Resilient Architecture: Enhances U.S. ability to detect, attribute, and respond to on-orbit anomalies

  • Launch Vehicle Milestone: Further validates Vulcan Centaur for sensitive national security missions

Why This Launch Matters

  • Strengthens U.S. leadership in space security and orbital safety

  • Expands the GSSAP constellation, improving coverage and revisit rates in GEO

  • Demonstrates the Space Coast’s role in launching high-consequence national security missions

  • Marks another step in Vulcan Centaur’s transition to routine operational service

Visitor & Viewing Tips

  • Best Viewing Locations: Jetty Park, Playalinda Beach, Titusville riverfront parks, Cocoa Beach Pier

  • Arrive Early: National security launches often draw large crowds and have limited public detail

  • What to Bring: Camera, binoculars, water, sunscreen, folding chair

  • Livestream: ULA typically provides a webcast, though mission commentary may be limited due to classification

Launch Note

As a national security mission, specific payload operations and orbital details will remain classified. Launch timing is subject to change based on vehicle readiness, range availability, and mission priorities. Check FLspaceTourism.com and official ULA/Space Force updates for final confirmation.

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