Pictured is an ESPAStar platform that can accommodate up to six payloads with independent mission objectives. Credit: © Northrop Grumman Corporation.

The US Space Systems Command (SSC), Northrop Grumman and other mission partners have successfully launched the US Space Force (USSF)-67 mission.

The mission lifted off from Launch Complex (LC)-39A at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, abroad SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket.

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The newly launched mission consists of two co-manifested satellites, namely Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM (CBAS)-2 and Long Duration Propulsive Evolved expendable launch vehicle Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA or LDPE-3A)

The forward spacecraft, CBAS-2, will be deployed in the geosynchronous orbit to deliver communications relay capabilities to support the country’s senior leaders and military combatant commanders.

The second satellite, LDPE-3A, will be responsible for delivering critical data to support the USSF’s future programmes.

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The satellite also carried two SSC payloads, named catcher and WASSAT, as well as three payloads developed and provided by the US Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SRCO).

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Out of the three SRCO payloads or operational prototypes, one will deliver secure space-to-ground communications. The other two will provide enhanced situational awareness to the warfighters.

Northrop Grumman is also responsible for providing a mission execution software system for the entire LDPE programme.

The USSF-67 mission marks the third launch under the Long Duration Propulsive Evolved (LDPE-3A) programme.

The first mission, carrying LDPE-1, under this programme was launched in December 2021. It preceded the launch of the second mission, named USSF-44, in November last year.

The LDPE-3A spacecraft has been developed using Northrop Grumman’s ESPAStar platform that provides rapid access to space.

Northrop Grumman national security systems vice-president Troy Brashear said: “From conception and development of next-generation space technology, like ESPAStar, to on-orbit command-and-control, we are prepared to support the full lifecycle of our customer’s missions throughout the ever-evolving threat environment.”