The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) and United Launch Alliance (ULA) have completed the first National Security Space Launch (NSSL) mission aboard a Vulcan VC4S rocket. Liftoff occurred Aug. 12 at 5:56 p.m. PDT (8:56 p.m. EDT) from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Spacecraft separation took place about seven hours later, placing the payload into geosynchronous Earth orbit and marking mission success.

"It's an exciting day for us as we launched the first NSSL flight of Vulcan, an outstanding achievement for United Launch Alliance and the nation's strategic space lift capability. This is an important milestone for the Space Force and all involved," said Col. Jim Horne, USSF-106 Mission Director.

ULA CEO Tory Bruno noted the mission's s

See Full Page