The National Reconnaissance Office has confirmed the launch of the NROL-105 mission, deploying a new batch of satellites to orbit as part of the agency’s proliferated architecture.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Friday, at 11:39 p.m. EST, the agency said in a post-launch press release.
NROL-105 is SpaceX’s first national security launch for 2026 and NRO’s 12th overall mission for its proliferated architecture.
The agency shared that it plans to conduct approximately a dozen launches throughout the year to support its national security objectives.
What Is NRO Building in Space?
NRO started deploying satellites for its proliferated architecture in May 2024. SpaceX, together with Northrop Grumman, is also building the satellites for NRO, Space.com reported.
According to the agency, it now has hundreds of satellites in orbit, which enhances mission resilience and delivers persistent coverage with reduced revisit times and accelerated data processing.
NRO plans to launch more satellites to expand its proliferated structure in 2029.
When Was the NROL-77 Mission Launched?
NRO and the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command also worked with SpaceX for the launch of the NROL-77 mission in December.
In a statement, Col. Kathryn Cantu, director of the NRO Office of Space Launch and NROL-77 mission director, shared that the partnership between NRO and SSC reinforces the nation’s space superiority.
“As space becomes increasingly contested, this partnership enables us to rapidly deploy advanced intelligence capabilities while maintaining the agility and resilience needed to address emerging threats,” the official added.
