Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-29-2017 04:38 PM
SpaceX to launch NROL-76
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will deliver NROL-76 to orbit.
SpaceX is targeting launch of NROL-76 from Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A two hour launch window opens on Sunday, April 30, at 7 a.m. EDT (11:00 GMT). A backup launch window opens on Monday, May 1 at the same time.
This marks SpaceX's first dedicated launch in support of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) since being certified by U.S. Air Force to fly national security payloads. The NRO has not released details as to the nature of the mission.
Following stage separation, Falcon 9's first stage will attempt to land at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-29-2017 06:21 PM
From SpaceX on Twitter:
Falcon 9 and NROL-76 vertical on Pad 39-A. Launch window opens tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. EDT, 11:00 UTC.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-30-2017 05:51 AM
From SpaceX on Twitter:
Updated launch window opens at 7:15 a.m. EDT, 11:15 UTC.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-30-2017 06:16 AM
Hold! Launch scrubbed due to a sensor issue on the first stage. Next launch attempt tomorrow (May 1). From SpaceX on Twitter:
Standing down today due to a sensor issue; backup launch opportunity tomorrow morning.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-01-2017 05:51 AM
From SpaceX on Twitter:
All systems go for launch of NROL-76. Currently tracking upper level winds. Targeting liftoff at 7:15 a.m. EDT, 11:15 UTC.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-01-2017 06:28 AM
On-time liftoff and successful recovery of the first stage. From SpaceX on Twitter:
Falcon 9 first stage has landed at LZ-1.
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Launch and landing of the NRO spy satellite was good. Tough call, as high altitude wind shear was at 98.6% of the theoretical load limit.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-01-2017 01:36 PM
SpaceX photos
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999