SpaceX Launches Classified Payload for NRO

A classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, known as NROL-95, is set to launch on Thursday, July 30. The mission will take place at Space Launch Complex 40, located at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:10 a.m. EDT (0710 UTC).

SpaceX will provide live coverage of the event, starting about one hour before the launch. Meteorologists from the 45th Weather Squadron predict a 70% chance of suitable weather for the launch. They are keeping an eye on possible cloud cover and thunderstorms that might affect the launch.

Weather officers noted that there is some uncertainty about the weather during the overnight hours. This means the risk of weather issues during both the primary and secondary launch windows is higher than usual for summer launches. However, they still see a good chance for acceptable weather.

The Falcon 9 rocket used for this mission has the tail number B1096. This launch will be its seventh flight, following several previous missions including NASA’s IMAP and Starlink 6-87. After liftoff, B1096 aims to land at Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral, marking the 18th landing at that site and the 642nd successful booster landing for SpaceX.

The NROL-95 mission is part of a contract managed by the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command, awarded to SpaceX in August 2024.

How much do you know?

What is the launch date for the NROL-95 mission?

July 30

August 28

September 12

June 25

At what time is liftoff scheduled for the NROL-95 mission?

1:00 a.m. EDT

3:10 a.m. EDT

5:45 a.m. EDT

7:30 a.m. EDT

Which rocket is being used for the NROL-95 mission?

Falcon Heavy

Falcon 9

Atlas V

Delta IV

What is the tail number of the Falcon 9 rocket for this mission?

B1095

B1096

B1097

B1098

Which organization is managing the NROL-95 contract?

NASA

U.S. Space Force

National Reconnaissance Office

SpaceX

What percentage chance of suitable weather did meteorologists predict for the launch?

50%

60%

70%

80%

The NROL-95 mission is set to launch at Cape Kennedy.

True False

Live coverage of the NROL-95 launch will begin one hour before liftoff.

True False

The Falcon 9 rocket is making its first flight with the NROL-95 mission.

True False

Meteorologists predict a 30% chance of unsuitable weather for the launch.

True False

The NROL-95 mission will take place at Space Launch Complex 40.

True False

B1096 will land at Landing Zone 2 after the NROL-95 launch.

True False

The NROL-95 mission is scheduled to launch on July 30 at a.m. EDT.

Live coverage of the NROL-95 launch will be provided by .

There is a chance of suitable weather for the NROL-95 launch.

The Falcon 9 rocket used in this mission has the tail number .

The NROL-95 mission is part of a contract managed by the U.S. Space Force’s Command.

This launch will mark the successful booster landing for SpaceX.

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