A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the NROL-71 payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office to replenish America’s space-based intelligence-gathering system. Based on the type of launch vehicle and launch site, NROL-71 is most likely a heavy Keyhole KH-11 image reconnaissance satellite, targeting a slightly elliptical orbit of around 260 by 1,000 Kilometers from where the 19-metric-ton satellites can capture high-resolution imagery for analysis by the various U.S. intelligence agencies.

Mission Resources:

🚀 Launch Vehicle Overview: Delta IV Heavy

⏰ Countdown Timeline

☂ Launch Weather

📍 Launch Site Schedule