It's leaner, lighter, and more capable, with the potential for additional missions after cargo transfer.

Combined with Starship launches, SpaceX has launched 138 rockets in 2025, beating its 2024 record for total launches, too.

No rest for the wicked cool.

US Space Command has previously requested further development of orbital warfare capabilities.

"We're in a race against China," NASA acting head Sean Duffy says.

Deployment should only accelerate once Starship is fully viable and can deploy the latest-generation satellites.

The final welds and paint job on Haven-1 are now complete.

China's launch cadence is increasing as it races to expand its presence in LEO and beyond.

SpaceX's launch vehicle is still well behind schedule, but a second successful launch and return is a good sign of progress.

Liftoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Ariane 6 gives the ESA its own rocket, but it's not reusable, which means US organizations like SpaceX have a huge advantage.

But it might be the only at-risk mission to survive.