WASHINGTON — A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched the NROL-113 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office on Sept. 5.
The rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 11:20 p.m. Eastern Time.
NROL-113 was the third batch of satellites in a new imaging satellite constellation being built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The number of satellites on this mission was not disclosed.
The Falcon 9 first stage rocket completed its 20th flight. After separating the stages, it landed on an unmanned ship stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
The NRO designs and operates secret surveillance and intelligence satellites for the U.S. government. SpaceX launched the first two batches of the agency's proliferating constellation into low-Earth orbit in May and June.
The blue circles of the NROL-113 emblem artistically depict a proliferating constellation of satellites. The motto, “Strength in Numbers,” describes the NRO’s new strategy of a large air architecture: numerous smaller satellites designed for capability and endurance.
Additional launches supporting NRO’s proliferated architecture are expected through 2028.
The completion of three launches in just four months, the NRO said, “highlights the rapid pace of implementation of this program.”
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