SpaceX shipped in 2020 astronauts in orbit for the first time and saw the explosive debut of its latest Starship prototype. But it has one more launch scheduled to wrap up in 2020.
A Falcon 9 rocket will send a new spy satellite to space from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida Friday morning for the US National Reconnaissance Office. The launch was initially scheduled for Thursday morning, but was delayed a day after some erratic pressure readings triggered an automatic abortion.
The pressure is slightly high in the liquid oxygen tank in the top stage. Review underway.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 17, 2020
The classified national security mission is called NROL-108 and will be the sixth launch of 2020 for the NRO.
Like most other NRO launches, this one has a somewhat cryptic poster and tagline, in the shape of a cartoon gorilla slapping its chest and the phrase ‘peace through strength’.
“Gorillas are peaceful animals, but can be fierce if needed,” the NRO explained on Twitter. “Like the gorilla, ours # NROL108 mission is constantly vigilant and ready to defend its own mission. ”
Gorillas are peaceful animals, but can be fierce if necessary. Like the gorilla, ours # NROL108 mission is constantly vigilant and ready to defend its own mission, demonstrating the NRO’s commitment to protecting US war fighters, interests and allies. NET launch planned December 17 with @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/M5k7obXk08
– NRO (@NatReconOfc) December 14, 2020
A recent NRO mission, launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on Nov. 13, featuring a mysterious Lord of the Rings theme, including an elf script.
“I think we just have a few Lord of the Rings fans,” an NRO spokesperson told me later via email.
The weather forecasts look favorable for Friday’s mission to release during the three-hour launch window between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. PT (9 a.m. to noon ET). The Falcon 9’s first-stage booster will attempt to make landfall at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
SpaceX will live stream the launch and you can watch it above.