SpaceX launches spy satellite from Air Force base, California

The National Reconnaissance Office launched a spy satellite on Sunday, following the postponement of its previous attempts. NRO's latest spy satellite was successfully ascended into the orbit higher up than a reusable SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Initially scheduled for Friday, the launch was delayed twice over the weekend and finally took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base on Sunday afternoon. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) that is in control of U.S. Space Force missions reported that the rocket launched at 12:27 pm local time, i.e. 20:27 GMT, from the Vandenberg Air Force base located in California.

Space Launch Delta 30’s commander namely Colonel Rob Long, said that NROL-85 launched critical equipment that would prove to be vital in providing assistance in securing "vital intelligence data." He also reported that the warfighters and decision-makers will receive critical intelligence data from the Western Range, which has teamed up with the National Reconnaissance Office.


NROL-85, a mission of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), will be orbited by the rocket. Little information has been released about this mission.

In the vicinity of the launch site, the first stage of the rocket has already landed. The rocket has previously been used for launching another intelligence satellite.

The NRO is a U.S. government agency that is responsible for developing, building, launching and operating U.S. spy satellites. These satellites provide intelligence data to the 18 U.S. intelligence community agencies and the Defense Department. The National Reconnaissance Office has so far launched 16 different satellites over the tenure of last two years.

Since 2014, SpaceX has maintained its position in the area of space travel, assisting the government of United States with private launches. The company recently renewed its contract with the government, worth nearly $3.5 billion, to conduct International Space Station launches to assist in crew transportation service which is planned to take place in the year 2028.