SpaceX successfully launched the NROL-186 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday, June 28. This marks the eighth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Crew-7, CRS-29, PACE, Transporter-10, EarthCARE and two Starlink missions.
The Falcon 9 rocket carried a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), a government agency in charge of designing and building spy satellites for the US. The launch window opened at 8:14 p.m. PT, with a backup opportunity available on Saturday, June 29 starting at 8 p.m.
Following stage separation after liftoff, the Falcon's reusable booster made a pinpoint landing back on the spaceport drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You,' which is stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
Despite some differences in reporting, all sources agree that this mission marks an important step forward for SpaceX and the NRO's new 'proliferated architecture.' This network will consist of numerous, smaller satellites designed for capability and resilience. The exact nature of these satellites and their capabilities remain undisclosed.
SpaceX has been on a roll this year, with 66 launches already in 2024. Forty-seven of these launches have been dedicated to building out SpaceX's Starlink broadband megaconstellation in low Earth orbit.
