Jane Edwards
SpaceX has received certification from the U.S. Space Force to launch classified intelligence, surveillance and early-warning satellites using previously flown first-stage boosters on its Falcon Heavy rocket, Bloomberg reported Thursday.
The certification issued in June allows the company to use the recyclable side boosters in launching national security missions and the service branch said one of those missions is a National Reconnaissance Office satellite that is scheduled for liftoff sometime between October and December.
The Space Force said in a statement that the “recovery, refurbishment, and launch of SpaceX boosters utilizes well-established processes.”
Falcon Heavy uses 27 engines for its first stage, providing over 5 million pounds of thrust during launch.
United Launch Alliance is awaiting certification from the Air Force for its Vulcan rocket with a Blue Origin-built motor that would replace the RD-180 engine from Russia. The Boeing–Lockheed Martin joint venture plans to conduct a test launch in December, according to the report.
