A classified spy satellite has been boosted into orbit for the US military.
ADVERTISEMENTA classified spy satellite has been boosted into orbit for the US military. The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket breaks a ten-year monopoly held by a Lockheed Martin-Boeing partnership.
While it was SpaceX’s 34th flight, it was the company’s first for the Department of Defense.
Congratulations to the #NROL76 team, including @SpaceX and @45thSpaceWing on a successful launch! pic.twitter.com/4BwyHiegsH
— NRO (@NatReconOfc) May 1, 2017
After lift-off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and the successful detachment of the satellite, the rocket turned around and touched down at a nearby landing pad.
Split screen shot of Falcon 9 first stage as it returns to Earth and lands at Landing Zone 1. pic.twitter.com/5hlwTOTGKa
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 1, 2017