SpaceX Launches Classified Payload For National Reconnaissance Office On NROL-77 Mission

On a recent day in December, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on the NROL-77 mission. The launch, which took place on December 9, was a national security mission that required precise conditions, with the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron forecasting a greater than 95% chance of “go for launch” conditions. According to the NRO’s NROL-77 press kit, obtained by USA TODAY, the agency is renowned for providing overhead intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to over half a million government users, including members of the Intelligence Community, domestic agencies, the military, lawmakers, and decision-makers. However, the press kit did not disclose details about the secretive payload.

As the Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky along a northeasterly trajectory, the first-stage booster descended for a return to Earth at Landing Zone 2 near the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse. This maneuver was expected to produce sonic booms in Brevard County. Following the successful liftoff, Brevard County Emergency Management officials deactivated the agency’s launch operations support team.