SpaceX scrubs SDA satellite launch a third time, retargets Saturday

SpaceX has scrubbed its Falcon 9 launch of 21 Space Development Agency (SDA) satellites for the third time in a row, and is now targeting a launch window between 12:29 and 12:51 a.m. PT on Saturday, October 10, according to a launch alert (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/california/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-today-scrub/92115829007/).

The company, which has been trying to fly the mission since October 5, has not publicly given reasons for any of the three delays (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/california/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-today-scrub/92115829007/).

The Tranche 1 Transport Layer A mission is due to lift off from Space Launch Complex 4-East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s two-stage, 230-foot Falcon 9 (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/california/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-today-scrub/92115829007/).

The payload — the fourth batch of Tranche 1 satellites SpaceX will deliver for the SDA, bringing the layered network total to 154 — is set to provide global military tactical communication and missile defence by 2027 once in low-Earth orbit (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/california/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-today-scrub/92115829007/).

The Falcon 9’s booster will return to the base rather than a drone ship, meaning Surf Beach near Lompoc — one of the most popular launch-viewing spots — will be closed for the attempt (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/california/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-today-scrub/92115829007/).

Weather could threaten the retargeted attempt: the National Weather Service forecasts patchy dense fog and clouds after 11 p.m. in Santa Barbara County on October 8 (https://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/california/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-today-scrub/92115829007/). The retargeting was also corroborated by the Palm Springs Desert Sun (https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/local/2026/10/07/spacex-vandenberg-rocket-launch-watch/92115914007/).