The NROL-85 mission is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Friday, April 15.
NROL-85 is the second partnership between SpaceX and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) this year.
It will be the first NRO launch to reuse a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster. The plan is to reuse the same SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster used in the February NROL-87 launch.
Following the launch, the rocket's first stage will return to land on Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Air Force Base.
People from Ventura to San Luis Obispo counties may hear several sonic booms as the vehicle breaks the sound barrier upon re-entry.
Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting Friday, April 15 for launch of the NROL-85 mission from Vandenberg in California. The Falcon 9 first stage supporting this mission previously launched NROL-87 in February. pic.twitter.com/PlrARy0G2s
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 5, 2022
The rocket will carry a national security payload designed by the NRO.
The launch is scheduled to take place between 5:59 a.m. and 7:25 a.m.
