SpaceX launched the classified NROL-95 mission from Florida early Thursday, sending a secret U.S. spy satellite into space. Liftoff took place at 3:10 a.m. ET on July 30.
The mission drew attention because of its secretive nature. While public details about the payload were limited, the flight was identified as NROL-95, a designation associated with a U.S. intelligence satellite launch.
The Florida launch added another high-profile mission to SpaceX’s schedule, this time focused on national security rather than a commercial or science payload. Because the satellite is classified, only basic launch information was available at liftoff.
Coverage of the mission also included video of the launch, giving viewers a look at the overnight departure from Florida. The key confirmed details were the mission name, its classified status, and the 3:10 a.m. ET launch time.
