SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches On National Security Mission for NRO Written 6 September 2024
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches on U.S. spy satellite agency mission. | Credit: Spaceflight Now; YouTube; Framegrab
Spaceflight Now reports, “SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket with an undisclosed number of satellites on behalf of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The spacecraft, which are believed to be Starshield satellites, make up the third batch of what the NRO calls its 'proliferated architecture.'” Liftoff of the NROL-113 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base took place at 8:20 p.m. PDT.
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)
Video
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from California on U.S. spy satellite agency mission (Launch at 00:30:29 mark)
(Spaceflight Now; YouTube)