SpaceX has set a new record by reusing a Falcon 9 first stage in just nine days. The rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base to deploy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office. This mission adds new satellites to the United States' space surveillance fleet.
On March 21, SpaceX conducted another Falcon 9 launch from Vandenberg, California, for the NRO, marking the eighth flight of the agency's "proliferated architecture," which aims to deploy a large number of small satellites for enhanced intelligence gathering. The quick turnaround time of just nine days between flights sets a new record for Falcon 9, previously at 14 days.
The first stage landed back on the ground seven and a half minutes after launch, signifying the efficiency of SpaceX's rapid reuse process. In 2024, SpaceX has already completed 96 missions and plans to increase this number further. The NRO continues to strengthen its surveillance capabilities, with over 150 satellites launched in the past two years, contributing to the largest U.S. space intelligence fleet.
