A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the NROL-77 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 2:16 p.m. on 9 December 2025. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) are partnering to launch NROL-77 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. This mission carries a national security payload designed, built, and operated by NRO. Following stage separation, Falcon 9's first stage landed on Landing Zone 2 (LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

This is fourth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched KF-01, IMAP, and one Starlink mission.

The flying squirrel is a symbol of hard work and endurance – always active gathering foundational knowledge from the space domain for the nation and its allies.

Every mission counts, every decision matters, and every advancement propels us further. “Another One Gone – Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond” embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence. IMAGE CREDIT: NRO