SpaceX successfully launched another spy satellite into orbit on Sunday. For the first time, the launch using a previously used rocket was made from Vandenberg Air Force Base Sunday afternoon after the originally scheduled Friday launch was delayed twice over the weekend.
In a statement, Space Launch Delta 30 commander Col. Rob Long said the NROL-85 launch sent “critical” equipment that would help secure “vital intelligence data.” The launch marked the first time a US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) satellite was launched into orbit on a used rocket. The same Falcon 9 was used to launch an NRO satellite in February.
“Today, the Western Range has partnered with the National Reconnaissance Office to deliver a critical national security payload that will provide our war fighters and decision makers with vital intelligence,” Long added.
“All launches are exciting, but this one, with our first-ever booster reuse, is a clear indication of how NRO is building innovation and resilience into everything we do,” said Colonel Chad Davis, director of the NRO Office of Space Launch. “By repurposing the booster shows, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible while providing greater value.”
SpaceX founder Elon Musk also took to Twitter to announce the launch. “Lift off,” Musk tweeted.
Take off! pic.twitter.com/b8ZCn4z61E
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 17, 2022
SpaceX also posted a video of Falcon 9 after landing.
The Falcon 9 first stage has landed pic.twitter.com/76VIqs22Dx
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 17, 2022
SpaceX launched a secret spy satellite for the US military for the first time on February 2nd. It wasn’t clear what the spy satellite was doing in space; its activities and instruments are classified like most of the NRO spacecraft that operate the United States spy satellite fleet.