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Falcon 9: NROL-76 (US spy satellite) Best landing video EVER!

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  • #1

    Falcon 9: NROL-76 (US spy satellite) Best landing video EVER!

    NROL-76 = National Reconnaissance Office Launch #76

    Purpose: CLASSIFIED
    Orbit: CLASSIFIED
    Inclination: CLASSIFIED

    Coverage: Launch through Stage 2 separation, or fairing separation, then the stage landing at KSC LZ-1. NO upper stage video, likely NO LaunchNet technical stream. The security around this one has been nuts.

    Launch Site: LC-39A
    Static Fire: Completed
    Launch Date: Sunday, March 30
    Launch Window: 0700 - 0900 Eastern

    NRO patch


    NRO ✔ @NatReconOfc
    #NROL76 Mission Patch depicts Lewis & Clark heading into the great unknown to discover and explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory.
    11:36 AM - 27 Apr 2017

    SpaceX patch
    Last edited by Dr Mordrid; 28 April 2017, 01:37.
    Dr. Mordrid
    ----------------------------
    An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

    I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Hello....Spy satellite encapsulated in the F9 payload fairing.

    Looks like SpaceX will be attempting fairing recovery this time - one more step to a 100% reusable rocket. The new fairing upgrades include reaction control thrusters and a GPS guided parafoil in each half. One fairing half was recovered after the SES-10 mission (the only side with the upgrades.)

    Upper stage recovery experiments commence on the Falcon Heavy maiden flight later this summer.

    Last edited by Dr Mordrid; 29 April 2017, 03:06.
    Dr. Mordrid
    ----------------------------
    An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

    I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

    Comment

    • #3
      SpaceX ✔ @SpaceX
      1 hour until Falcon 9 launch of NROL-76. Updated launch window opens at 7:15 a.m. EDT, 11:15 UTC.
      6:15 AM - 30 Apr 2017
      Dr. Mordrid
      ----------------------------
      An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

      I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

      Comment

      • #4
        Prop load started at 0605 Local
        Dr. Mordrid
        ----------------------------
        An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

        I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

        Comment

        • #5
          SpaceX webcast should start at 0655 Eastern (10:55 UTC)
          Dr. Mordrid
          ----------------------------
          An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

          I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

          Comment

          • #6
            Robin Seemangal ✔ @nova_road
            Also, the NRO public affairs team is super cool about answering questions. They are stoked to be launching with SpaceX. We're having donuts
            6:33 AM - 30 Apr 2017
            Dr. Mordrid
            ----------------------------
            An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

            I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

            Comment

            • #7
              First stage sensor issue caused a scrub.

              Same time tomorrow
              Dr. Mordrid
              ----------------------------
              An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

              I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

              Comment

              • #8
                SpaceX ✔ @SpaceX
                All systems go for launch of NROL-76. Currently tracking upper level winds. Targeting liftoff at 7:15 a.m. EDT, 11:15 UTC.
                6:15 AM - 1 May 2017
                Dr. Mordrid
                ----------------------------
                An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

                I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

                Comment

                • #9
                  If you never watched a Falcon 9 landing video before, THIS is the one to watch!! WOW!!!!!
                  Dr. Mordrid
                  ----------------------------
                  An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

                  I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    So - what's the pointy bit on top?
                    "Perhaps they communicate by changing colour? Like those sea creatures .."
                    "Lobsters?"
                    "Really? I didn't know they did that."
                    "Oh yes, red means help!"

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Before launch? The fixed service structure (tower) lightning mast. Not part of the rocket.

                      Shorter webcast video
                      Last edited by Dr Mordrid; 1 May 2017, 08:21.
                      Dr. Mordrid
                      ----------------------------
                      An elephant is a mouse built to government specifications.

                      I carry a gun because I can't throw a rock 1,250 fps

                      Comment

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