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Falcon Heavy Flies First NRO Mission
SpaceX launches first U.S. spy satellite mission using Falcon Heavy.
In brief
SpaceX launches first U.S. spy satellite mission using Falcon Heavy. SpaceX successfully launched the first National Reconnaissance Office payload on Falcon Heavy for U.S. spy satellites. Originally reported by Spaceflightnow.
First NRO Payload
SpaceX launched the National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-97 mission on Oct. 1, 2026.
First Falcon Heavy Flight
This was the first NRO payload to fly on a Falcon Heavy rocket.
Launch Details
The rocket blasted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC).
Falcon Heavy Composition
The heavy-lift rocket consists of three Falcon 9 boosters and an upper stage, topped by a payload fairing.
First NRO Mission
This was the first NRO mission procured through the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 2 contract in 2025.
Booster Status
The Falcon Heavy core stage (serial number B1106) was brand new and expended on this mission.
What matters most
SpaceX successfully launched the first National Reconnaissance Office payload on Falcon Heavy for U.S. spy satellites.
