The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), in partnership with U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s (SSC), System Delta 80, Space Launch Delta 45, and SpaceX, successfully launched the NROL-95 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station July 30, 2026, at 3:10 a.m. ET.
The Falcon 9 first stage booster safely returned to Landing Zone 2 after delivering the national security payload to orbit. This successful mission highlights the close working relationship between NRO and SSC to ensure reliable and cost-effective access to space for national security missions.
“The collaboration between NRO, U.S. Space Force, and SSC continues to advance our nation’s intelligence architecture through next-generation satellite technology and integrated operations,” said Col. Kathryn Cantu, director, NRO Office of Space Launch, and NROL-95 mission director. “This collaboration enables us to swiftly field resilient intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems while preserving the flexibility and persistence required to counter evolving challenges.”
NROL-95 is the third NRO mission launched with SpaceX from the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 contract awarded in August 2020. NSSL, a government launch acquisition partnership program between SSC and NRO aimed at ensuring continued assured access to space for national security missions, is overseen and operated by SSC’s System Delta 80 headquartered at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
“The successful NROL-95 launch is a testament to the powerful partnership between System Delta 80, NRO, and SpaceX,” said Col. Ryan Hiserote, System Delta 80 commander and NSSL program manager. “Our combined team of experts rigorously validated the flight hardware and integration elements, significantly minimizing risk and ensuring mission success. Furthermore, the exceptional performance of our SLD 45 teammates in operating the range infrastructure guaranteed that we hit the mark on this critical NSSL mission for our nation and allies.”
Source: NRO
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