SpaceX Launches Classified NROL‑97 Mission on Falcon Heavy
On October 1, 2026, SpaceX launched its Falcon Heavy rocket carrying the National Reconnaissance Office’s NROL‑97 payload. The launch took place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s Space Coast, marking the first time a Falcon Heavy has carried an NROL mission.
The rocket lifted off at 11:53 pm Eastern Daylight Time, departing from Pad 39A. The launch was described as a classified spy mission, with the payload intended for national reconnaissance purposes.
Prior to liftoff, SpaceX rolled the Falcon Heavy to Pad 39A in preparation for the October 1 launch. The vehicle’s deployment and launch were covered by multiple media outlets, including TeslaNorth.com and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Key Details
- Rocket: Falcon Heavy
- Mission: NROL‑97, a top‑secret National Reconnaissance Office mission
- Launch Date & Time: October 1, 2026, 11:53 pm EDT
- Launch Site: Pad 39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- Mission Type: Classified spy mission
- Additional Note: More sonic booms were expected on the Space Coast during the launch
The launch was reported by WESH, Spectrum News 13, and other outlets, confirming the mission’s classified nature and the use of Falcon Heavy for this high‑profile payload.