A rocket launch happened from Florida. It carried special satellites into space
A rocket launch happened from Florida. It carried special satellites into space
The launcher is called Vulcan Centaur, by United Launch Alliance (ULA).
The launcher is called Vulcan Centaur, by United Launch Alliance (ULA).
This mission is called
USSF-87
. It serves the U.S. Space Force.
This mission is called
USSF-87
. It serves the U.S. Space Force.
It carried special space surveillance satellites. Think of them as space “watchers.”
It carried special space surveillance satellites. Think of them as space “watchers.”
These satellites monitor other spacecraft high above Earth.
These satellites monitor other spacecraft high above Earth.
Space is crowded. Satellites help avoid collisions.
Space is crowded. Satellites help avoid collisions.
They fly in
geosynchronous orbit
~22,000 miles above Earth.
They fly in
geosynchronous orbit
~22,000 miles above Earth.
“Geosynchronous” means they stay “above” one place on Earth.
“Geosynchronous” means they stay “above” one place on Earth.
Knowing where objects are keeps space safe for everyone.
Knowing where objects are keeps space safe for everyone.
This mission blends science, engineering, and teamwork.
This mission blends science, engineering, and teamwork.
Try This at Home
Draw the rocket’s path to space. Where does it go?
Try This at Home
Draw the rocket’s path to space. Where does it go?
What would you track in space if you were a satellite?
What would you track in space if you were a satellite?
Build a paper rocket. Guess how high real ones go.
Build a paper rocket. Guess how high real ones go.
Space science is real learning — fun and inspiring.
Space science is real learning — fun and inspiring.
Keep exploring! Ask questions. Discover more.
Keep exploring! Ask questions. Discover more.
Learn more