SpaceX Launches New Spy Satellites

In an exciting development, SpaceX is set to launch another batch of U.S. spy satellites from California’s central coast tonight, January 9th.

Launch Details

The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for liftoff from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 10:52 p.m. EST (7:52 p.m. local time; 03:52 GMT on January 10th) as part of the NROL-153 mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Live Coverage

The launch will be streamed live on SpaceX’s X account, with coverage starting approximately 10 minutes before the countdown.

Significance of the Launch

This marked milestone is significant as it represents the seventh launch in support of the NRO's "proliferated architecture" strategy.

The Secrecy Surrounding the Satellites

The details surrounding these launches are typically shrouded in secrecy, with the NRO known for keeping information about its satellites closely guarded.

Speculations About the Satellites

However, it is speculated that the satellites involved in the NROL-153 mission are part of the so-called "Starshield" program.

History of Previous Launches

This mission follows a series of six successful launches of similar architecture that took place between May and December of the previous year.

Falcon 9's First Stage Landing

If everything proceeds according to plan, after approximately eight minutes into the flight, the Falcon 9's first stage will make a landing on the drone ship named "Of Course I Still Love You."

Clandestine Payload Deployment

The rocket’s upper stage will remain in operation to deploy the clandestine payload into orbit.

Anticipation of New Capabilities

As we eagerly anticipate the launch, experts and fans alike are left wondering: What groundbreaking capabilities will these next-gen spy satellites bring to the U.S. intelligence community?