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Space

NRO Launches First Mission of 2022, Reconnaissance Payload on Reusable Falcon 9 Rocket

Frank Wolfe

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

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NRO Launches First Mission of 2022, Reconnaissance Payload on Reusable Falcon 9 Rocket

A reusable Falcon 9 rocket carried the NROL-87 mission to orbit on Feb. 2--the first launch for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) this year (NRO Photo)

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) on Feb. 2 launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., the NROL-87 reconnaissance mission--the first launch of the year for NRO and the first aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 reusable rocket under the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program, NRO said on Feb. 2. The agency said that the Feb. 2 mission was the 60th launch since NRO began disclosing such launches in December 1996. "NROL-87 is the NRO’s first launch this year and follows…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]