Live coverage: SpaceX to launch national security payload for the U.S. Space Force on Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg

SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 with the USSF-259 mission for the U.S. Space Force from Vandenberg on September 23 at 02:18 UTC. The classified payload will be placed in low orbit at about 80 degrees inclination; first stage B1097 will make its 13th flight and land on the Of Course I Still Love You platform.

• USSF-259 launch scheduled for 02:18 UTC on September 23
• Payload to be placed in low orbit at ~80° inclination
• Stage B1097 flies for the 13th time and lands on sea platform
• This is SpaceX's third NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 launch this month