SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B launch time, date and countdown
TBD 2026 (date TBD)
No launch date has been set yet (listed as 2026). The countdown starts once a date is announced.
Launch details
- Target
- 2026 (date TBD)
- Status
- TBD To Be Determined
- Provider
- United Launch Alliance (Commercial)
- Rocket
- Vulcan
- Mission
- SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B
- Mission type
- Government/Top Secret
- Orbit
- Polar Orbit
- Pad
- Space Launch Complex 3E
- Location
- Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
- Country code
- USA
Times can change. Central time is America/Chicago (CST/CDT). Source: Launch Library 2.
About this launch
SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B is a launch of the Vulcan rocket operated by United Launch Alliance. No launch date has been set yet. Launch Library 2 currently lists it as no earlier than 2026, so the date and time shown on this page are placeholders until a real date is announced. The launch site is Space Launch Complex 3E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. The target orbit is Polar Orbit. Mission type: Government/Top Secret. Launch Library 2 lists the current status as “To Be Determined”.
Mission description
Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B is one of five missions by the United States Space Force Space Development Agency (SDA) for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 1 Tracking Layer constellation, which will provide global indications, warning, tracking, and targeting of advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems.
How to watch
When Launch Library 2 lists an official YouTube webcast, T-ZERO embeds it here (click play to load the YouTube player). We do not host video ourselves; the stream stays on YouTube. Launch times often move, so reload this page for the latest schedule. External links below if the player fails.
No per-launch YouTube stream is listed yet. Try the provider’s channel, which often carries the webcast when it starts:
- United Launch Alliance on YouTube channel page — may not be this launch
What to expect from SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B
SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B is set to fly on a Vulcan from Space Launch Complex 3E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, with United Launch Alliance as the launch provider.
Launch Library 2 files this under Government/Top Secret, so payload details are often limited and public information can stay thin until after liftoff.
Target orbit: Polar Orbit. A polar orbit passes over or near both poles, so over time the spacecraft sees the whole surface of Earth.
Rocket and provider in our data
T-ZERO currently lists 13 launches of the Vulcan: none completed yet; 13 upcoming. United Launch Alliance has 15 launches across 3 rockets in our data, about 11% of the 140 launches we list. Space Launch Complex 3E is listed for 6 other launches in our data. These counts only cover launches from about the last two months and everything on the schedule, not the full history of the rocket or provider.
Timing
The target listed is no earlier than 2026, and the day and time are still to be determined. NET means “no earlier than”; this page shows a countdown once a real date is published. The status “TBD” means the launch date has not been determined.
Watching
California Central Coast has public viewing areas. Access rules, safety notes and spots are in our California Central Coast viewing guide. Launch Library 2 lists 1 official webcast link for this launch; it opens on the provider’s own channel.
Where to watch this launch in person
Public viewing: Yes California Central Coast. Several public beaches, parks and ticketed venues offer views of the launch pads.
Crowd estimate for this launch: Medium large vehicle (+1). An estimate from launch type and time, not a measurement.
Nearest viewing spots we have checked:
- Ocean Park (Lompoc)
- West Ocean Avenue, Lompoc (13th St & Arguello Blvd, Renwick Ave, Floradale Ave)
- Allan Hancock College (Lompoc)
Access rules, all viewing spots, closure links and tips for California Central Coast
Frequently asked questions about SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B
When is the SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B launch?
No launch date has been set yet; Launch Library 2 lists it as no earlier than 2026.
Where does SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B launch from?
Launch Library 2 lists Space Launch Complex 3E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. That is part of California Central Coast; T-ZERO has a viewing guide for it at /where-to-watch/vandenberg/.
What rocket is used for SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B?
Vulcan from United Launch Alliance. In T-ZERO’s data the Vulcan has 13 launches: 0 completed and 13 upcoming.
Where can I watch the SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B launch live?
Launch Library 2 lists 1 official webcast link for this launch, which opens on the provider’s own channel. When a YouTube link is listed, this page can embed the official player; otherwise use the external webcast links. T-ZERO does not host the video file itself.
Which orbit is SDA Tranche 1 Tracking Layer B headed to?
Launch Library 2 lists the target orbit as Polar Orbit.
Reminders
Subscribe (.ics) to all upcoming launches, or add webcal://t-0.space/calendar.ics in your calendar app and set a 1-hour alert there. Also this provider’s calendar (webcal://t-0.space/providers/united-launch-alliance/calendar.ics).
Email me 1 hour before
Optional email ~1 hour before launches with a firm countdown time (not TBD). Double opt-in; unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.
Enjoying the countdown? Buy us a coffee to help keep T-ZERO free.
Notify this device
Optional banner on this phone or computer about an hour before a firm countdown. We store a browser push endpoint, not your email. On iPhone, add T-ZERO to the Home Screen first.