SpaceX Launches Another Secret Mission for US Space Force

Another Secret Launch from California

SpaceX has launched a Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Known as USSF-627, the mission was conducted on behalf of the US Space Force and took place in the early hours of November 12, Tbilisi time. Notably, this is the company's second such operation in the last six days, following the launch of a similar classified mission, USSF-432, from Vandenberg on November 6.

What Is Known About the Mission?

Although SpaceX and the US Space Force have not released official details, experts suggest that both missions are intended to deploy Starshield satellites into orbit. This program is part of the Space Force's "Space Based Sensing and Targeting" portfolio, which assists the military in tracking potential targets globally.

SpaceX ended the live stream of both launches immediately after the first stage of the rocket returned to Earth, which is standard procedure for classified missions. In both instances, the first stage of the rocket successfully landed on the SpaceX drone ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean, named "Of Course I Still Love You."

Record Pace and Statistics

The Falcon 9 booster used for the USSF-627 mission was on its seventh flight. This launch marks the 120th mission conducted in 2026 and the 15th flight carried out for national security purposes this year. For comparison, SpaceX completed a total of 165 missions in 2025, which was an unprecedented figure at the time.

While most launches serve to expand the Starlink global internet network, which now includes over 11,000 satellites, collaboration with US military agencies remains strategically critical for SpaceX. The frequency of these launches confirms that private space companies are playing a decisive role in addressing modern geopolitical and security challenges.