SpaceX Launches U.S. Spy Satellite Without Revealing Payload Details

SpaceX prepares to launch a classified U.S. spy satellite mission while withholding key details about the payload.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) mission NROL-105 is scheduled for liftoff on January 16 at 11:18 p.m. EST from Vandenberg Space Force Base. According to the NRO’s official press kit, this mission represents the 12th in its 'proliferated architecture' satellite constellation program, which leverages small satellites to enhance operational capabilities.

NRO Director Chris Scolese emphasized the strategic value of this approach, stating, 'Having hundreds of small satellites on orbit is invaluable to the NRO's mission...' (per press kit).

The program combines spacecraft built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, though specific technical parameters of the satellite remain undisclosed in the mission description.

The Falcon 9 rocket will attempt a second landing of its first stage at Vandenberg approximately 7.5 minutes post-liftoff. However, the webcast for the launch will conclude after the landing phase, as requested by the NRO—a practice consistent with prior architecture missions.

Satellite deployment details, including the number of satellites, orbital location, and timeline, are not provided in the mission description.