SpaceX NROL-179 Falcon 9 Block 5
Trajectory
Trajectory profiles are typically finalized by the range a week prior to launch. Check back here for the trajectory and launch visibility map as the launch window approaches.
About the NROL-179 Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Unknown
- Launch Cost: $52,000,000
Fourteenth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.
This classified mission is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the U.S. government agency responsible for designing, building, and operating reconnaissance satellites. NRO missions support national security by providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities from space.
Understand National Reconnaissance Office satellite missions
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 4E
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
The Space Launch Complex 4E launch pad has hosted 272 rocket launches, including 272 orbital launch attempts. The Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA launch site has been the location for 888 total rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 5 Rocket
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
Booster Landing & Recovery
The Falcon 9 first stage will land on Landing Zone 4 after its flight. The rocket booster serial number is currently unknown. Check back for updates on booster recovery details and landing information.
Landing Zone 4 - LZ-4
LZ at Vandenberg
Return to Launch Site - RTLS
A return to launch site usually means that after stage separation the booster flips and does a burn back towards the launch site, landing near where it initially launched from.
A sonic boom may occur during booster recovery as the first stage returns to the landing zone. This atmospheric phenomenon creates a loud sound as the rocket breaks the sound barrier during its descent.
About SpaceX
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., known as SpaceX, is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. It was founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX operates from many pads, on the East Coast of the US they operate from SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and historic LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. They also operate from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, usually for polar launches. Another launch site is being developed at Boca Chica, Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-179 launch scheduled?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-179 launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-179 mission launching from?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the NROL-179 mission?
The NROL-179 mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
Will the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster for NROL-179 attempt a landing?
Yes, the Falcon 9 first stage booster will attempt a Return to Launch Site at a designated landing zone. Booster recovery allows SpaceX to reuse rocket components, significantly reducing launch costs. Watch the live stream to see the landing attempt in real-time. Learn more about the landing details.
What weather conditions could delay the SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-179 launch?
The SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-179 launch can be delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-179 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest SpaceX Falcon 9 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NROL-179 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official SpaceX live streams for the most immediate range updates.