SpaceX puts 10 satellites into orbit to track hypersonic weapons

SpaceX was able to send a batch of satellites into space for the military on the second attempt. The Faclon 9 rocket launched 10 Space Development Agency (SDA) spacecraft into orbit.

Here's What We Know

Falcon 9 was launched from the US Space Force's Vandenberg Proving Ground in California. Initially the launch was scheduled for 30 March, but SpaceX had to postpone it for a few days. The reason was not specified.

The SDA was created in March 2019 to help the US Department of Defense form a more sustainable space architecture in low-Earth orbit. The first batch was named Tranche 0.

In total, the SDA wants to put 28 spacecraft into orbit. The second part of the Tranche 0 batch, consisting of 18 satellites, will be sent into orbit in June 2023. The spacecraft will be built by Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, York and SpaceX.

The satellites will detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles that can reach speeds of more than Mach 5 (6174km/h). The cost of launching and operating the spacecraft is estimated at $980 million through fiscal year 2025.

Source: Defence News