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SpaceX launches NRO payload from Cape Canaveral

7/30/2026

Summary

SpaceX Launches NROL-95

SpaceX launched the classified NROL-95 payload for National Reconnaissance Office at 3:10 a.m. EDT on July 30, 2026 from Cape Canaveral, using Falcon 9 Block 5 booster B1096 and targeting a Return-to-Launch-Site landing at Landing Zone 2.
The 45th Weather Squadron forecast a 70 percent chance but warned of clouds and thunderstorms affecting the launch window.
SpaceX will start a webcast 10–15 minutes before liftoff, with viewing at Northern Titusville parks such as Space View Park.

Summary

SpaceX Streams

Florida Today will stream live updates of the NROL-95 launch starting 90 minutes before liftoff.
The mission is the third NRO payload SpaceX has delivered under the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 contract awarded in August 2020.
Observers could see the ascent from Jacksonville Beach (?160 miles) if the rocket flies northeast, or from West Palm Beach (?150 miles) if it flies southeast.

History

Historical Context

In August 2020 the U.S. Space Force awarded SpaceX and United Launch Alliance a $3.2 billion Phase 2 National Security Space Launch contract, giving SpaceX about 40 % of the 30-34 launches planned through 2026. The deal shifted the former EELV program (started 1994) to a commercial-innovation model. The July 30 2026 NROL-95 Falcon 9 launch, the third classified payload under Phase 2, shows that new model in action.

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SpaceX Launches NROL-95

SpaceX launched the classified NROL-95 payload for National Reconnaissance Office at 3:10 a.m. EDT on July 30, 2026 from Cape Canaveral, using Falcon 9 Block 5 booster B1096 and targeting a Return-to-Launch-Site landing at Landing Zone 2.
The 45th Weather Squadron forecast a 70 percent chance but warned of clouds and thunderstorms affecting the launch window.
SpaceX will start a webcast 10–15 minutes before liftoff, with viewing at Northern Titusville parks such as Space View Park.

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