(Washington) A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a spy satellite into orbit on Wednesday for the US Space Force, announced the National Reconnaissance Office, responsible for the design and management of the military satellite network of United States.
Posted at 7:30 p.m.
The rocket carrying the NROL-87 satellite lifted off at 12:27 p.m. local time (3:27 p.m. EST) from Vandenberg Army Base, Calif., and launched it into orbit before returning to land safely at the base, said the NRO said in a statement.
“The NROL-87 satellite was designed, built and operated by the NRO as part of its space reconnaissance mission,” said this military intelligence agency without further details, citing “defense secrecy”.
The NRO, which reports to the Pentagon and monitors international maritime traffic and communications from adversaries of the United States, said it was the first satellite launched this year, but on 17and for two years.
It is intended in particular for the command of the Space Force, in Los Angeles.