Tag: SpaceX’s

SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launches Classified NRO Mission from Kennedy Space Center

Spaceflight Now reports a SpaceX Falcon Heavy launched a classified National Reconnaissance Office mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center late Thursday, marking the rocket’s first flight for the U.S. spy satellite agency. Codenamed NROL-97, the mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at 11:54 p.m. EDT and “took a north-easterly trajectory” after departing Florida’s Space Coast. SpaceX successfully landed both Falcon Heavy side boosters following the launch.
Full Story (Spaceflight Now)



Video

SpaceX Falcon Heavy launches its first mission for U.S. spy satellite agency (Launch occurs at the 2:01:20 mark).
Spaceflight Now; YouTube

Starship Reaches Orbit for First Time on Flight 14

The New York Times reports that SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit for the first time Monday during its 14th test flight, marking a major milestone for the company’s next-generation launch system. The achievement is an important step toward Starship’s planned roles in deploying satellites and supporting future missions to the moon and Mars, with the Times noting that the vehicle first “has to enter orbit” to accomplish those goals. Starship went on to deploy 26 Starlink satellites, its first operational payload, after reaching orbit.
Full Story (New York Times – Subscription Publication)



Video

SpaceX Starship launches to orbit for first time (Launch occurs at the 0:15 mark).
VideoFromSpace; YouTube