SpaceX Successfully Launches USSF-62 National Security Mission
On April 11, SpaceX celebrated another successful launch as they sent the USSF-62 national security mission into space from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base. The mission carried the Weather System Follow-on — Microwave (WSF-M) satellite to low Earth orbit, a critical addition to military operations.
Developed and built by BAE Systems, the WSF-M satellite is equipped with a primary instrument – a microwave imager that will be used to measure sea surface winds and provide valuable weather intelligence. In addition, a space weather sensor provided by the U.S. government is also on board the satellite.
One of the highlights of this mission was the safe return of the Falcon 9’s first stage to Earth at Vandenberg’s Landing Zone 4. This marked the third successful launch and landing for the particular booster, a remarkable feat. Furthermore, the rocket’s payload fairing, which is a spaceflight veteran, made history by being used for a national security launch for the first time.
This launch marked SpaceX’s 37th launch of 2024 and their second mission for the U.S. Space Force this year, following the USSF-124 mission launched in February. With each successful launch, SpaceX continues to prove itself as a reliable partner for national security missions and a key player in the space industry.
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