On Saturday, April 12 at 5:25 a.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched the NROL-192 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Photos by Satnews.
This was the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153 and 14 Starlink missions.
The two other NROL missions are:
- April 16 NROL-174 from Vandenberg
- April 19 NROL-145 from Vandenberg
SpaceX plans NROL-192 launch of spy satellites on secret mission this Saturday
SpaceX is targeting Saturday, April 12 for a Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-192 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 5:25 a.m. PT. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Sunday, April 13 starting at 5:09 a.m. PT.
The mission payload contains a batch of spy satellites that will join up with a proliferated architecture constellation constructed by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman on behalf of the National Reconnaissance Office.
The satellite constellation, once completed, will deliver space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems designed to be responsive to future national security challenges, according to NRO officials.
No sonic boom is expected to be heard locally.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX.
This is the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153, and 14 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.