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.
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?
Starting to sound like a military payload like the ones been going on for decades. Maybe not, just a guess.
Title and date updated. It is confirmed that NROL-108 will launch NET October 25th. Maybe on a previously flown booster since there isn't a new booster available that we know of. NRO reveals plans for previously-undisclosed SpaceX launch this month – Spaceflight Now
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.
Hah that NRO video show all the competitors before any SpX footage... The booster is back at land, and spysat going up.
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.