MISSION OVERVIEW
Eighth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Falcon 9AGENCY
SpaceXMISSION
NROL-57
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Unknown
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 4ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMED
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 171bf3b5-9b1c-4bd8-b64c-111257d06131
Reported date: Mar 21, 2025 at 06:49 UTC
Last synced: 1 hour ago
SPACEX API
Cross-referenced with community SpaceX data
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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BOOSTER — B1088 →
#4THIS FLIGHT
14TOTAL FLIGHTS
14/14LANDINGS
9dTURNAROUND
FLIGHT-PROVEN BOOSTER
RTLS — Landing Zone 4 SUCCESS
First flight: Nov 30, 2024Previous flight: Mar 12, 2025
PAYLOAD →
NROL
National Security
NROOPERATOR
ClassifiedORBIT
15TOTAL LAUNCHES
VEHICLE — Falcon 9 →
MANUFACTURER
SpaceX
VARIANT
Block 5
FLIGHTS
563
SUCCESSES
562
SUCCESS RATE
99.8%
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for the reliable and safe transport of satellites and the Dragon spacecraft into orbit. The Block 5 variant is the fifth major interval aimed at improving upon the ability for rapid reusability.
LAUNCH VIDEOS
ARTICLES & COVERAGE
MORE INFO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-57 launch?
The Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-57 is scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025 at 6:49 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for NROL-57?
The Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-57 mission uses the Falcon 9 rocket, manufactured by SpaceX. The Falcon 9 has flown 563 times with a 99.8% success rate.
Where is the Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-57 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is NROL-57 going to?
The NROL-57 mission is targeting Unknown.
Who is launching NROL-57?
The Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-57 is operated by SpaceX.
Can I watch the Falcon 9 Block 5 | NROL-57 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 25, 2026 00:35 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 25, 2026 00:35 UTC
Launch date set: Mar 21, 2025 at 06:49 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by SpaceX
Mar 25, 2026 00:35 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Mar 20, 2025 22:09 UTC
Live coverage: SpaceX to launch reconnaissance satellites for the NRO on Falcon 9 rocket from VandenbergThe NROL-57 mission will be the eighth launch supporting the National Reconnaissance Officeu2019s proliferated architecture satellite constellation. Liftoff is set for 11:49 p.m. PDT (2:49…
Spaceflight Now
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 1 hour ago
●Launch Library 21 hour ago
Launch ID: 171bf3b5-9b1c-4bd8-b64c-111257d06131
●Spaceflight News API3 hours ago
1 article matched
●Open-Meteo Weather3 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.63, -120.61
●YouTube Video Search2 weeks ago
4 videos discovered
