SpaceX Plans Record Falcon 9 Launch to Deploy NROL-57 Satellites

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. — The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is gearing up for the launch of its NROL-57 mission, scheduled for March 20 at 11:49 p.m. PDT. A Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX will carry an undisclosed number of reconnaissance satellites designed to build the NRO’s prominent satellite constellation.

This launch represents a critical milestone for SpaceX and the Falcon 9 program, marking its 450th overall launch. The Falcon 9 booster, designated B1088, will aim for a record-fast turnaround by completing the launch in just over nine days since its last mission. If successful, this tight schedule will break the previous record held by B1080, which was 13.5 days.

The NROL-57 mission is part of a series of launches that reinforce the United States’ satellite capabilities in low Earth orbit. According to the NRO, the objective is to deploy “hundreds of small satellites” to improve national security and efficiency in reconnaissance. “The NRO continues to build and fortify the largest government constellation in history,” the agency stated, emphasizing the strategic importance of these satellites.

About 7.5 minutes after launch, the rocket’s first stage is predicted to return to Earth, targeting Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg. A successful landing would mark the 421st booster landing overall and the 26th at LZ-4. “The NRO missions are invaluable for our nation and our partners, providing increased coverage and faster access to crucial data,” an NRO spokesperson remarked.

SpaceX’s preparations for the NROL-57 mission come shortly after it completed NROL-153 in January 2025. Since then, the company has continued to expand its launch schedule, including plans for several more missions in the coming months.

As the launch date approaches, SpaceX has announced a live webcast starting approximately 30 minutes prior to the liftoff. U.S. residents in surrounding areas, including Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, may hear sonic booms from the booster’s landing.

“This mission is a significant step in demonstrating our capabilities,” said SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. “With ongoing advancements, we look forward to contributing to our nation’s space objectives.”

In total, the NRO has around a dozen launches planned for 2025, with nearly half dedicated to its proliferated architecture constellation. Upcoming missions already listed include NROL-192, NROL-48, and NROL-145, although specific launch dates remain undisclosed.