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Firefly AerospaceFirefly Alpha Block 2Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

TacSat

Launch window

No countdown — this launch time is not yet known to the minute.

NET 2026Add to calendar

To Be Determined

Image: Firefly Aerospace / Jack Beyer

Summary

TacSat is expected to launch on a Firefly Aerospace Firefly Alpha Block 2 from Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA in 2026. It is Firefly Aerospace's 10th launch, 4th this year and humanity's 7,531st orbital launch attempt. It is planned as the 2nd Firefly Alpha Block 2 flight. The payload is bound for low Earth orbit (LEO).

Watch
No webcast announced yet.
Booster
No booster details available.
Mission
Technology · Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Milestone
Planned as the 2nd Firefly Alpha Block 2 flightFirefly Aerospace's 10th launch4th this yearhumanity's 7,531st orbital launch attempt358th orbital launch attempt this year

Flight preview

Orbit: representative

LEOOrbit
97.4°Inclination
189°Launch azimuth

Target site default for this orbit type. Not a catalogued object; this panel switches to the tracked orbit once the object is catalogued. Ascent drawn from padside's representative profile.

About this launch

First of up to 25 launches of Low Earth Orbit technology demonstration satellites to be built and operated by Lockheed Martin. TacSat is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance spacecraft with a mission to prove specialized sensing and communications capabilities on orbit. The satellite will participate in exercises that highlight cross-domain kill-web connectivity, enabling timely execution of tactical space missions. TacSat will host a proven Lockheed Martin infrared sensor on board that brings previously developed technology to space for the first time. This sensor produces high quality imagery and it can interface with federated Battle Management Command & Control (BMC2) combat systems to provide joint forces with a comprehensive view of threats. The satellite will also feature Lockheed Martin’s first 5G.MIL® payload on orbit. This provides cellular-like networking for military space assets, making satellite constellations more resilient. It also helps enable seamless connectivity with tools in the air, at sea and on land. Launch operation will also again demonstrate responsive space pre-launch operation capabilities.

Pad

Map of Space Launch Complex 2W

Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

Planned as the 102nd launch from Space Launch Complex 2W, 4th this year · 950th from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

99 launches from this pad · 919 from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA

293 days after the previous launch from this pad

Updates

NET 1H 2025.

Show 5 earlier updates
  • Updated payload.

    Cosmic_Penguin · 12/10/2024 · source

  • NET Q1 2025.

    Cosmic_Penguin · 11/14/2024 · source

  • NET Q4 2024.

    Cosmic_Penguin · 10/23/2024 · source

  • NET October.

    Cosmic_Penguin · 8/23/2024 · source

  • Added launch.

    Cosmic_Penguin · 6/5/2024 · source

Questions

When does TacSat launch?

TacSat is scheduled in 2026.

Where can I watch TacSat live?

No webcast has been announced yet.

What rocket is launching TacSat?

Firefly Alpha Block 2, flown by Firefly Aerospace. Firefly Alpha Block 2 spec sheet

Where is TacSat launching from?

Space Launch Complex 2W, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.

What orbit is TacSat going to?

Low Earth Orbit (LEO), a technology mission.