SpaceX F9 - NROL-87 - SLC-4E

[Grendal]

Launch Date: February 2
Launch Window: 12:18pm PST (3:18pm EST, 20:18 UTC) - 2 hour 31 minute launch window
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
Booster Recovery: RTLS
Booster Type: B1071-1
Fairings: Likely new - recovery by NRC Quest
Mass: None of your business - It's super secret spy stuff. (Not too heavy since it is an RTLS)
Orbit: SSO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, the U.S. government’s spy satellite agency. The mission is designated NROL-87.

A brand new booster B1071 will be used. This booster brings the potential F9 (not FH) booster line up to 12!

 

[Electroman]

RTLS !!

RTLS !!

 

[Electroman]

I could watch RTLS all day everyday. I will never get bored of it.

Every launch I kind of imagine, myself taking a ride on the booster on an RTLS mission, witnessing everything in close quarters. (not the Disney'sqe silly ride from BO.)

 

[favo]

Spaceflight Now reports February 2 launch at 2018 GMT (3:18 p.m. EST; 12:18 p.m. PST).

 

[ecarfan]

If I still lived in California I would definitely go see this launch! Rare opportunity to see an RTLS at Vandenburg when the weather forecast in Lompoc is clear skies instead of fog.

 

[808?]

 

[HVM]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1488974637845286912

 

[HVM]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1488998396778143752

 

[ICUDoc]

Wonderful view of the landing

 

[ggr]

If I still lived in California I would definitely go see this launch! Rare opportunity to see an RTLS at Vandenburg when the weather forecast in Lompoc is clear skies instead of fog.

It was fun.