SpaceX scrubs Falcon 9 launch of 21 SDA data satellites

SpaceX scrubbed an uncrewed launch attempt carrying 21 data transport satellites in the final minute of the countdown, Spaceflight Now reported. The launch was scheduled to lift off from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base before the rocket aborted as it was shifting into its automated startup sequence. Spaceflight Now reported that SpaceX will wait at least another day before trying again. [1]

The uncrewed mission, designated Tranche 1 Transport Layer A, is being conducted for the Space Development Agency, according to Spaceflight Now. Spaceflight Now reported that this flight is the fourth mission sending production satellites into orbit for the agency, which operates as a direct-reporting unit of the United States Space Force. [1][10]

The Space Development Agency was established to deploy disruptive space technologies, including space-based missile tracking using constellations in low Earth orbit. The agency primary programs include the Transport Layer for low-latency military communications and the Tracking Layer for missile warning systems. [10][12]

SpaceX aims to reschedule the launch to send the payload into low Earth orbit for the Space Development Agency, according to Spaceflight Now. [1]