NROL-179 🚀 This launch will be a RTLS "Return To Launch Site" at VSFB.
SpaceX is targeting Friday, June 19th at 1:40:00 AM PDT for a Falcon 9 launch to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Saturday, June 20th at 1:26:00 AM PDT.
Trajectory: (SE) Southeast Down the California-Mexico Coast.
After stage separation the 1st stage booster B1103 on its 3rd flight will flip and does a burn back towards the launch site and will land back at Vandenberg SFB, SpaceX Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) just about 8 minutes after liftoff. A Sonic Boom 💥 is expected in areas local to Vandenberg upon landing. Weather conditions and atmospheric factors play a role in how far the Sonic Boom can be heard.
• Launch Window: 35 minutes Opens 1:40 AM / Closes 2:15 AM PDT • Mission Type: Government/Top Secret • Manufacturer: SpaceX • Operator: (NRO) National Reconnaissance Office • Orbit: (LEO) Low-Earth Orbit • Trajectory: (SE) Southeast Down the California-Mexico Coast. • Booster Landing: Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) RTLS at Vandenberg SFB, CA. • Booster: F9 | B5 ~B1103 ~ 3rd Flight Last launched on 05/20/2026