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SpaceX F9 - NROL-108 - SL-39A

Discussion in 'SpaceX' started by Grendal, Oct 1, 2020.

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  1. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    #1 Grendal, Oct 1, 2020
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 20, 2020
    Launch Date: December 19
    Launch Window: 1400-1700 GMT (9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. EST)
    Launch Site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
    Booster Recovery: RTLS
    Booster: B1059.5
    Mass: A Secret - Wouldn't you like to know...
    Orbit: None of your business - possibly LEO-ish

    A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a classified spacecraft payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The mission is designated NROL-108. The first stage booster is expected to attempt a return to launch site landing at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
     
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  2. Electroman

    Electroman Supporting Member

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    All right, but why can't they publish what the paylod is, what the instruments are, how will it be used, what is the mission is and the target entity?
     
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  3. Silicon Desert

    Silicon Desert Active Member

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    Starting to sound like a military payload like the ones been going on for decades. Maybe not, just a guess.
     
  4. ecarfan

    ecarfan Well-Known Member

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    I think it is clear that the payload is military.
     
  5. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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  6. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    I'm going to guess that this launch is a test for the NRO to use a previously flown booster with little notice. The military/NRO just recently decided that previously flown boosters are acceptable. Another important test will be to determine that SpaceX can launch with short notice for them. So this can combine both new concepts and get some undisclosed payload into orbit.

    Just speculation on my part about this. It could be some payload that the military has been working on with SpaceX for years.
     
  7. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    First post updated with known information. It will use a previously flown booster...
     
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  8. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    Updated again. Launch time is not known yet.

    26th launch of the year.
     
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  9. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    [​IMG]
     
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  10. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    The mission patch:
    [​IMG]
     
  11. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Am not getting much "peace" from it...
     
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  12. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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  13. 808?

    808? Member

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  14. Cosmacelf

    Cosmacelf Well-Known Member

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    Abort. Second stage tank pressure too high.
     
  15. e-FTW

    e-FTW New electron smell

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    Officially scrubbed until tomorrow. LOX pressure in second stage a tad high.
     
  16. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    Scrubbed until Saturday.
     
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  17. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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    New NSF webcast:
     
  18. HVM

    HVM Savolainen

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    Hah that NRO video show all the competitors before any SpX footage...
    The booster is back at land, and spysat going up.
     
  19. HVM

    HVM Savolainen

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    No. NRO is civilian operation because is would be against agreement with Russia to use RD-180 to military operations. Merlin Raptor and BE-4 don't have this problem. When Atlas stop flying we can see what NRO does.
     
  20. Grendal

    Grendal SpaceX Moderator

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