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.

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.

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