Falcon Heavy to launch first NRO spy satellite under $13.7B NSSL Lane 2 contract

SpaceX is set to launch Falcon Heavy with its first National Reconnaissance Office payload, mission NROL-97, opening the NSSL Phase 3 Lane 2 contract worth $13.7 billion. Liftoff from LC-39A is targeted for October 1, with the center core expended to maximize payload energy.

• NROL-97 is the first NRO mission on Falcon Heavy after 22 straight Falcon 9 flights
• Falcon Heavy lifts 63,800 kg to LEO versus 22,800 kg for Falcon 9
• Center core B1106 will be expended; side boosters B1072 and B1104 land at LZ-1 and LZ-2
• The Lane 2 contract covers about 54 missions worth $13.7 billion through 2029