# SpaceX and US Space Force satellite launch cooperation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spacex-and-us-space-force-satellite-launch-cooperation
> Updated: 2026-08-15T20:56:49.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 2.

The U.S. Space Force has entered into a $1.6 billion contract with SpaceX to conduct 18 Falcon 9 launches through the end of 2027. Issued under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 program, these missions are intended to deploy Pentagon-owned satellites for space-based sensing, targeting, and the new Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator (SB-AMTI) system to improve threat detection.

On August 15, 2026, SpaceX set a new company record for the shortest interval between orbital launches by conducting two Falcon 9 missions just 38.5 minutes apart. The dual launches were executed from opposite coasts of the United States.

The first mission launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, deploying eight Globalstar satellites developed by MDA Space to support direct-to-device and IoT communications. The first-stage booster, B1090, successfully landed at Cape Canaveral for its 14th flight.

Shortly after, a second Falcon 9 launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base for the USSF-366 mission. This classified U.S. Space Force operation involved a payload that observers suggest may involve Starshield technology. The booster for this mission, B1088, completed its 18th flight and landed on the autonomous droneship ‘Of Course I Still Love You’ in the Pacific Ocean. This successful recovery marked the 650th Falcon booster landing in SpaceX history.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: SpaceX sets record with dual Falcon 9 launches in 38 minutes

SpaceX set a new record by launching two Falcon 9 rockets within 38 minutes, deploying Globalstar satellites in Florida and a classified US Space Force payload in California.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spacex-scheduled-for-dual-falcon-9-launches-this-weekend

### 2026-08-05: US Space Force Awards SpaceX $1.6 B Contract for 18 Falcon 9 Military Launches

The U.S. Space Force gave SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract for 18 Falcon 9 launches through 2027, supporting Pentagon satellites for targeting and airborne threat detection.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-space-force-awards-spacex-16-b-contract-for-18-falcon-9-military-launches

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Cite as: SpaceX and US Space Force satellite launch cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spacex-and-us-space-force-satellite-launch-cooperation