SpaceX opened its 2026 national security launch schedule on Friday night by sending a classified payload of U.S. intelligence satellites into orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The mission, designated NROL-105, was carried aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The launch took place at 11:39 p.m. EST on January 16, signalling another step in the U.S. government’s push to modernise its space-based surveillance systems using smaller, rapidly deployable satellites.
Inside the NROL-105 Mission
NROL-105 forms part of the NRO’s expanding “proliferated architecture”, a satellite strategy that moves away from reliance on a handful of large, expensive spacecraft. Instead, the programme focuses on deploying large numbers of compact satellites that can be launched quickly, replaced easily and maintained at lower cost.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/VoK82wKpeK
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 17, 2026
This was the 12th mission linked to the new architecture, which is designed to ensure consistent global coverage and maintain intelligence capabilities even if individual satellites are disrupted.
Why the Mission Matters for US Security
By spreading surveillance functions across hundreds of satellites, the U.S. gains the ability to track developments more frequently, collect data faster and reduce the risk of blind spots. The distributed system also increases resilience against potential threats to space assets, a growing concern amid rising global military competition.
NRO Director Chris Scolese has previously said that this approach enables faster delivery of intelligence to decision-makers, improving response times across defence and security agencies.
SpaceX and Northrop Grumman Build the Fleet
The satellites used in the proliferated architecture are being developed by SpaceX in partnership with Northrop Grumman, with Falcon 9 rockets handling all launches so far. The first mission under this framework was conducted in May 2024, and the programme has since expanded steadily.
As with most NRO operations, specifics such as satellite count, orbital paths and deployment timing remain undisclosed.
Reusable Rocket Lands Successfully
After completing the launch, the Falcon 9’s first stage returned safely to Earth, touching down at Vandenberg roughly seven and a half minutes after liftoff. The booster was flying for only the second time, highlighting SpaceX’s continued use of reusable hardware for high-priority government missions.
The company ended its live broadcast shortly after the landing, a standard practice for classified launches.
SpaceX’s Expanding National Security Role
NROL-105 marked SpaceX’s seventh launch of 2026. While several missions this year have supported the firm’s Starlink internet network, defence-related launches continue to underline SpaceX’s growing importance to U.S. intelligence and military space operations.
With this mission, SpaceX further cements its role as a central player in shaping the future of America’s security infrastructure in orbit.
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Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience covering Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes that every voice matters, and journalism has a vital role to play in amplifying those voices. Sofia is committed to creating impact and shedding light on stories that truly matter. Beyond her work in the newsroom, she is also a music enthusiast who enjoys singing.
