SpaceX launched NROL-146 mission with Falcon 9 rocket

On May 22, 2024, at 1:00 am, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 mission featuring a NRO NROL-146 satellite to orbit. To maintain confidentiality, SpaceX has not revealed the details of the payload.

SpaceX lifted off the rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The weather was clear to support the launch.

Liftoff of the @NatReconOfc NROL-146 mission! pic.twitter.com/DYpkHpZPx8

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 22, 2024

Following the main engine cutoff and stage separation, the booster maneuvered back to Earth and landed on a droneship.

This is the 16th flight for the first stage and previously supported NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, and 9 Starlink missions.

Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship pic.twitter.com/7PKB0tA7n4

— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 22, 2024

SpaceX has not confirmed the deployment status of the NROL-146 mission to ensure further confidentiality.