SpaceX Scrubs Launch Of 21 Space Development Agency Satellites
· TexaHub · Space & Aerospace, Defence & Security
A Falcon 9 carrying 21 Northrop Grumman-built transport satellites for the Space Development Agency aborted at the last moment on 5 October.
Last-Second Abort
SpaceX scrubbed the Tranche 1 Transport Layer A (T1TL-A) launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the final minute of the count on 5 October, as the Falcon 9 shifted into its automated startup sequence, Spaceflight Now reported [1]. SpaceX said the vehicle had an auto abort just prior to T-0 and that vehicle and payload were in good health [2]. The company did not specify which parameter triggered the abort [2].
A second attempt planned for 6 October was also waived off, with the next opportunity listed as Thursday, according to Spaceflight Now [1].
The Payload
The mission carries 21 data transport satellites built by Northrop Grumman for the U.S. Space Force's Space Development Agency. The agency's Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture has 63 satellites in orbit from three completed missions, and Tranche 1 is planned to total 126 Transport Layer satellites, 28 Tracking Layer satellites and four missile-defence spacecraft [1].
Sources
[1] SpaceX scrubs launch attempt for 21 data transport satellites for the Space Development Agency — Spaceflight Now, 5 Oct 2026
[2] SpaceX Scrubs SDA Tranche 1 Falcon 9 Launch Moments Before Liftoff — Teslanorth, 5 Oct 2026