📌 UPDATE — May 12, 2026
SpaceX has successfully launched the Falcon 9 carrying the NROL-172 mission to orbit from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff was confirmed at 07:30 UTC on May 12, 2026, with SpaceX officially announcing the successful orbital delivery shortly after. The mission marks another successful national security payload launch for the National Reconnaissance Office aboard Falcon 9.
📡 Source: @SpaceX on X
📌 UPDATE — May 12, 2026
SpaceX successfully launched the NROL-172 mission at 02:15 UTC from SLC-4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying payloads for the NRO and USSF aboard Falcon 9 booster B1097 on its ninth flight. Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the first stage booster executed a successful landing on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship at sea.
SpaceX is pressing ahead with tonight's NROL-172 mission from California, confirming all systems are healthy and weather conditions are cooperating. Propellant loading — the final major pre-launch milestone before ignition — was set to begin as of the company's latest status update.
NROL-172 is a national security payload launching aboard a Falcon 9. The mission is operated in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office, which oversees the U.S. government's fleet of reconnaissance satellites. Details about the payload itself remain classified, as is standard for NRO missions.
Propellant loading marks the point of no return in SpaceX's countdown sequence — once the liquid oxygen and RP-1 kerosene begin flowing into the rocket, the launch team is committed to either liftoff or a scrub. A clean weather forecast at this stage is a meaningful green light. For those tracking the mission, SpaceX's live webcast typically goes live roughly 15–20 minutes before the launch window opens. Follow @SpaceX for real-time updates as the countdown progresses.
Sarah focuses on Tesla Energy, SpaceX missions, and the broader Musk AI portfolio. Former data analyst in clean energy. Based in San Francisco.
Sources verified at publish time. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email editorial@basenor.com.
