space.com·May 11, 2026
On May 11, 2026, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base as part of the NROL-172 mission.
The successful launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 for the NROL-172 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base signals SpaceX's continued reliability and capability in executing missions for national security payloads. This reinforces SpaceX's position as a key player in the commercial space sector, particularly in government contracts, which could imply potential growth opportunities in collaborations for defense and intelligence satellite deployments.