For the second time in six months, SpaceX will deploy a US military satellite, GPS III SV-08 (Space Vehicle-08), which was previously stored and waiting for a launch slot on United Launch Alliance’s schedule. The Space Systems Command has reassigned the launch to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from ULA’s Vulcan rocket.
The Space Force booked the Vulcan rocket to launch this spacecraft in 2023, but now plans to send it into space as early as May. This change allows the Space Force to utilize its launch capability more efficiently and showcases its ability to complete high-priority launches on a rapid timescale.
The ULA rocket’s manufacturing backlog has increased due to delays, with 89 missions currently awaiting launch. The company aims to launch Vulcan twice per month in the future. A recent letter from the Pentagon expressed concerns about ULA’s ability to scale the manufacturing of the Vulcan rocket.
This switch highlights the Space Force’s flexibility and ability to respond quickly to changing needs. The successful launch demonstrates the capability to utilize available resources efficiently, such as launching a satellite just three months after receiving approval for its launch.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/a-military-satellite-waiting-to-launch-with-ula-will-now-fly-with-spacex