SpaceX Falcon 9 launches NROL-153 mission

On January 9, 2024, SpaceX launched a new Falcon 9 rocket into orbit with the National Reconnaissance Office’s NROL-153 mission. The company has not revealed any details about the orbit class due to the mission’s confidentiality.

The rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The weather update from the rocket maker confirmed it was favorable for the liftoff.

This was the 22nd flight for the first stage booster, which landed on a droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean after completing a final burn. It previously supported NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2 and 13 Starlink missions.

Note – NROL-153 accounts as the fourth SpaceX Falcon 9 flight for 2025