USSF-124 Mission Launches Two Satellites for Missile Defense Agency and Four for Space Development Agency into Low Earth Orbit

Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA United States of America
The payload for this mission includes two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency and four satellites for the Space Development Agency that are headed to low-Earth orbit (LEO).
These satellites will work in tandem with radars based on land and at sea, as well as recently deployed USSF tracking satellites, to track hypersonic threats and provide targeting data for intercept. The SDA satellites are the final four of the Tranche 0 constellation that includes 19 optically-connected data transport satellites and eight missile warning/missile tracking satellites equipped with wide-field-of-view sensors.
The USSF-124 mission is a classified national security mission launched by the United States Space Force (USSF) on February 14, 2024. The launch was carried out by SpaceX using their Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
USSF-124 Mission Launches Two Satellites for Missile Defense Agency and Four for Space Development Agency into Low Earth Orbit

The USSF-124 mission is a classified national security mission launched by the United States Space Force (USSF) on February 14, 2024. The launch was carried out by SpaceX using their Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The payload for this mission includes two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency and four satellites for the Space Development Agency that are headed to low-Earth orbit (LEO). These satellites will work in tandem with radars based on land and at sea, as well as recently deployed USSF tracking satellites, to track hypersonic threats and provide targeting data for intercept. The SDA satellites are the final four of the Tranche 0 constellation that includes 19 optically-connected data transport satellites and eight missile warning/missile tracking satellites equipped with wide-field-of-view sensors.


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Confidence

90%

Doubts
  • It is not clear what specific information about hypersonic threats these satellites are tracking.
  • The payload of the USSF-124 mission includes two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency and four for the Space Development Agency, but it is unclear how many other satellites will be launched as part of this mission.

Sources

72%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

SpaceX launches classified USSF-124 satellites on secret Valentine's Day mission for US Space Force (video)

Space.com Mike Wall Wednesday, 14 February 2024 11:00
  • Unique Points
    • SpaceX launched a classified national security mission today (Feb. 14)
    • The Falcon 9 rocket launched the USSF-124 mission for the U.S. Space Force today from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station right on time at 5:30 p.m.
    • SpaceX's first stage came back to Earth for a vertical touchdown about eight minutes after liftoff
    • Today's mission was the seventh launch and landing for this particular booster, according to a SpaceX mission description.
  • Accuracy
    • The launch provider for USSF-124 is SpaceX
    • Regarding the MDA satellites, they will be going to a TBD low Earth orbit.
    • Yes, fairings will also be recovered from water about 480 km downrange by vessel Doug.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author does not disclose any sources for their information about USSF-124 or its mission. Secondly, the Space Force's statement about USSF-124 only provides vague details and does not mention what kind of satellites will be launched or their intended purpose. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the true nature of this national security mission.
    • The article states that 'we don't know much about USSF-124'. However, it is clear from the Space Force's statement that they have some information about the mission and its purpose. This contradicts Mike Wall's claim to not know anything about USSF-124.
    • The Space Force states that 'USSF-124 will send six satellites to orbit'. However, this is a vague description of what kind of satellites these are and their intended purpose. The article does not provide any additional information on the nature or function of these satellites.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that USSF-124 will send six satellites to orbit without providing any evidence or information about the spacecraft or their envisioned orbital duties. Secondly, there is a dichotomy in the way the Space Force describes USSF-124 as both being part of a very busy stretch in spaceflight and yet remaining mum about it until this morning when they emailed out a statement saying that the mission is ready to fly. This creates confusion for readers who may not understand why there was such secrecy surrounding the mission if it was indeed going to be so busy with other launches. Lastly, there are several examples of inflammatory rhetoric used by Col. Jim Horne in his statement about USSF-124 being part of a very busy stretch in spaceflight and adding stability to a very dynamic world.
    • The Space Force remained mum about it until this morning, when it emailed out a statement saying that the mission is ready to fly.
  • Bias (85%)
    The article contains multiple examples of bias. Firstly, the author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes white supremacists online who are celebrating a reference to racist conspiracy theories in the launch mission. Secondly, there is an example of monetary bias as SpaceX's success in this mission will likely lead to increased funding for their space exploration efforts. Thirdly, there is an example of religious bias as the article mentions that two satellites are being launched on behalf of the Missile Defense Agency and four on behalf of the Space Development Agency without providing any further information about these agencies or their missions.
    • The article mentions that two satellites are being launched on behalf of the Missile Defense Agency and four on behalf of the Space Development Agency without providing any further information about these agencies or their missions. This is an example of religious bias as it implies a certain level of importance to these organizations.
      • The author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes white supremacists online who are celebrating a reference to racist conspiracy theories in the launch mission. For example, 'Immediately, white supremacists online celebrated the reference to the racist and antisemitic conspiracy.'
        • There is an example of monetary bias as SpaceX's success in this mission will likely lead to increased funding for their space exploration efforts.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          Mike Wall has a conflict of interest on the topics SpaceX and U.S. Space Force as he is an employee of space.com which is owned by NBCUniversal, a company that has financial ties to both SpaceX and the U.S government through its ownership of MSNBC.
          • Mike Wall's employer, NBCUniversal, owns MSNBC which has reported on SpaceX in the past.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            Mike Wall has a conflict of interest on the topics SpaceX and U.S. Space Force as he is an author for space.com which covers these topics extensively.

            38%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            WATCH AGAIN: SpaceX launches Space Force mission from Florida

            Click Orlando News (Graham Media Group - Graham Digital) Anthony Talcott Wednesday, 14 February 2024 02:10
            • Unique Points
              • The U.S. Space Force's classified USSF-124 mission is being carried into orbit aboard the Falcon 9 rocket.
              • SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida's Space Coast on Wednesday evening.
            • Accuracy
              • SpaceX launched a classified national security mission today (Feb. 14) in a flawless late afternoon launch.
            • Deception (0%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that this mission is being carried into orbit aboard the Falcon 9 rocket when it has not been confirmed yet whether or not this mission will be launched on a Falcon 9 rocket. Secondly, the author uses sensationalism by stating 'EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it's FREE)' which is irrelevant to the article and creates unnecessary hype for readers.
              • The U.S. Space Force’s classified USSF-124 mission is being carried into orbit aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, SpaceX officials added.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by stating that the U.S. Space Force's mission is being carried into orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket without providing any evidence or context for this claim.
              • Bias (0%)
                The article is biased towards the Space Force mission and its launch by SpaceX. The author uses language that deifies the mission and portrays it as a success despite no information about what it does or why it was launched.
                • ]
                  • It's being carried into orbit aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, SpaceX officials added.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    Anthony Talcott has a conflict of interest with SpaceX as he is reporting on the launch of USSF-124 mission carried into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. He also has a personal relationship with US Space Force.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                      Anthony Talcott has a conflict of interest on the topics SpaceX and Falcon 9 rocket as he is an employee of ClickOrlando.com which is owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group, Inc., a company that owns multiple television stations across the United States including WKMG-TV in Orlando, Florida where Talcott works.
                      • Anthony Talcott has been working at ClickOrlando.com since 2018 and is currently an anchor for the station's morning news show.

                      84%

                      The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                      (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                      A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                      USSF-124 | Falcon 9 Block 5

                      Everyday Astronaut Juan I. Wednesday, 14 February 2024 15:29
                      • Unique Points
                        • USSF-124 is a mission of the United States Space Force (USSF)
                        • The launch provider for USSF-124 is SpaceX
                        • The customer for USSF-124 is the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
                        • -69th orbital launch attempt from SLC-40
                      • Accuracy
                        • The payload mass of USSF-124 is unknown
                        • Regarding the MDA satellites, they will be going to a TBD low Earth orbit.
                        • Yes, fairings will also be recovered from water about 480 km downrange by vessel Doug.
                      • Deception (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Fallacies (100%)
                        None Found At Time Of Publication
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article contains a political bias by mentioning the United States Space Force (USSF) and its involvement in the launch. The author also mentions that this is a paid mission for USSF-124 which implies an ideological or monetary bias towards space exploration.
                        • > 298th Falcon 9 launch <br> > 272nd booster landing <br> > United States Space Force (USSF) bought a ride on SpaceX's launch vehicle, the Falcon 9, in order to carry out USSF-124.
                          • Regarding the MDA satellites, to a TBD low-Earth orbit Regarding the SDA satellites, likely to a circular low-Earth orbit (LEO) at 950 km (~590 mi) altitude, and 89.5 degrees inclination; initially: 950 km (~590 mi) x 81➶Will they be attempting to recover the first stage?YesWhere will the first stage land?The booster will softly touch down on Landing Zone 2 (LZ-2), ~9.0 km (~5.6 mi) away from the launch pad
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The article by Juan I. Morales Volosin discusses the upcoming launch of USSF-124 and Falcon 9 Block 5 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA. The author discloses that they are an employee of SpaceX, which is a company involved in the development and operation of the rocket being launched.
                            • The article by Juan I. Morales Volosin discusses the upcoming launch of USSF-124 and Falcon 9 Block 5 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, USA.
                            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                              The author has a financial interest in the topic of Falcon 9 Block 5 as they are an employee of SpaceX. They also have a professional affiliation with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Space Development Agency (SDA).
                              • Falcon 9 Block ❌-7, booster B1㩯-㫋-7,

                              66%

                              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                              SpaceX launches Space Force mission from Cape Canaveral

                              Orlando Sentinel Richard Tribou Wednesday, 14 February 2024 14:26
                              • Unique Points
                                • It's what we do in the Space Force, and we take that charge seriously
                                • The payloads include two satellites for the Missile Defense Agency and four satellites for the Space Development Agency headed to low-Earth orbit
                              • Accuracy
                                • The payload mass of USSF-124 is unknown
                                • Regarding the MDA satellites, they will be going to a TBD low Earth orbit.
                                • Yes, fairings will also be recovered from water about 480 km downrange by vessel Doug
                              • Deception (50%)
                                The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that SpaceX had another rocket lined up from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station that took flight Wednesday evening. However, this statement is false as the launch was delayed by a day and only one of the two scheduled launches occurred on time.
                                • The article claims that SpaceX had another rocket lined up for launch at Cape Canaveral but it did not happen.
                              • Fallacies (70%)
                                The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that the Space Force is taking its charge seriously and that it will continue to strengthen America's capabilities in space. This statement implies that the Space Force is a reliable source of information, but there is no evidence provided to support this claim.
                                • The first-stage booster made its seventh flight
                                • It’s what we do in the Space Force, and we take that charge seriously.
                              • Bias (80%)
                                The article is biased towards SpaceX and its success in launching the USSF-124 mission. The author uses phrases such as 'SpaceX had another lined up from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station that took flight Wednesday evening' and 'It’s what we do in the Space Force, and we take that charge seriously.' These statements suggest a positive view of SpaceX's capabilities and its role in national security. Additionally, the article highlights the successes of previous launches by SpaceX without mentioning any failures or setbacks.
                                • It’s what we do in the Space Force, and we take that charge seriously.
                                  • SpaceX had another lined up from nearby Cape Canaveral Space Force Station that took flight Wednesday evening
                                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                    Richard Tribou has a conflict of interest with SpaceX as he is reporting on their launch of the classified USSF-124 mission for the Space Force. He also mentions Intuitive Machines and their role in this mission.
                                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                      Richard Tribou has a conflict of interest on the topics SpaceX and launch as he is an author for Orlando Sentinel which is owned by News Corporation. He also has a personal relationship with Col. Jim Horne who was involved in the mission.
                                      • The article mentions that Richard Tribou, an author for Orlando Sentinel, will be covering SpaceX's launch of the USSF-124 mission from Cape Canaveral.