Live coverage: SpaceX to launch classified payload for National Reconnaissance Office

SpaceX is scheduled to launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission, designated NROL-95, is slated for liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 in the early morning hours of July 30, 2026. This mission represents the third task order awarded to SpaceX under the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 contract.

The Falcon 9 booster identified as B1096 carries the payload. This flight marks the seventh mission for this specific booster. Previous assignments for the hardware include NASA science missions and internal commercial satellite deployments. The booster is expected to return for a landing at Landing Zone 2 at the Cape approximately eight and a half minutes after liftoff.

Weather conditions remain a variable for the operation. The 45th Weather Squadron currently reports a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for the launch window. Meteorologists continue to track potential cloud cover and storm activity in the area that could impact the schedule. If conditions hold, the launch will proceed as planned to deliver the NRO asset into orbit.