Overview
- SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 mission called NROL-172 to carry reconnaissance satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office from Vandenberg’s SLC-4E during an afternoon window, with the booster aiming for a landing on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You.
- An FAA operations plan advisory lists a backup opportunity the next day if a postponement is needed.
- SpaceX will stream the liftoff on its website and in the X TV mobile app starting about five minutes before launch.
- The southeast flight path could make the rocket visible from parts of Arizona, though daylight may make it hard to see.
- A separate Starlink launch from the same pad later in the week will carry 24 satellites and target the same droneship, highlighting the company’s quick turnaround at Vandenberg.