A Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-179 mission has been scheduled from Vandenberg Space Force Base’s Space Launch Complex 4E for early Friday morning. The 35-minute launch window will open at 1:40 a.m. and last until 2:15 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2026, and a backup launch window has been designated for the following day, Saturday, June 20 starting at 1:26 a.m.
National Reconnaissance Office Mission
The mission, on behalf of the National Reconnaissance Office, is intended to add to the existing constellation of surveillance satellites. The National Reconnaissance Office’s satellites and other space-based sensors collect data used by more than half a million government users, including two dozen domestic agencies, as well as select scientists who have used its images to predict climate change impacts, assess crop production, and track oil spills.
A live webcast of the launch will begin about ten minutes before liftoff. Following first-stage separation, the booster assigned to this mission will return to Earth to land at Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base. There is the potential for sonic booms associated with the launch to be heard across the region, but how far the sound travels will depend on weather and other conditions at launch time.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
