KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — After two days of delays, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center just after 9 a.m.
The launch for the National Reconnaissance Office was originally scheduled for Thursday but had to be scrubbed due to a technical issue.
Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/AG4rAR6qNp
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 19, 2020
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The launch was the sixth launch for the NRO this year.
The only information from the NRO about the satellite was in a tweet showing a cartoon gorilla beating its chest and the phrase “peace through strength.”
Gorillas are peaceful animals but can be fierce when necessary. Like the gorilla, our #NROL108 mission is constantly vigilant and ready to defend its own, demonstrating NRO's commitment to protecting U.S. warfighters, interests, and allies. Launch scheduled NET Dec. 17 w/ @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/M5k7obXk08
— NRO (@NatReconOfc) December 14, 2020
After successful separation, the Falcon 9′s first-stage booster returned to Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on Landing Zone 1 pic.twitter.com/mR18Qv3GoC
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 19, 2020
This was the final SpaceX launch of 2020.
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