Falcon 9 • NROL-179

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched an unknown number satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office. These are believed to be Starshield satellites, an alternate version of Starlink satellites, which are designed for government use. This was the 14th overall launch supporting the NRO’s proliferated architecture satellite constellation and third such mission in 2026. The Falcon 9 first stage booster, tail number B1103, launching for a third time, returned for a landing at Landing Zone 4 less than eight minutes after liftoff. Watch a replay of live coverage.