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Another significant mission was undertaken by SpaceX on January 9, with the deployment of a new set of spy satellites for the United States government. A Falcon 9 rocket carried the NROL-153 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, lifting off at 10:53 p.m. EST. This launch marked the seventh instalment of the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO) advanced satellite programme, showcasing a strategic focus on bolstering surveillance capabilities.

Launch Details and Objectives

As reported by Space.com, the NROL-153 mission contributes to the “proliferated architecture” initiative. This approach involves deploying numerous smaller satellites designed to enhance capability and resilience in reconnaissance operations. These satellites are believed to include modified versions of SpaceX’s Starlink models, potentially equipped with advanced reconnaissance technology.
The Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage executed a successful landing on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean approximately eight minutes post-liftoff. As per the mission description provided by SpaceX, this marked the 22nd use of the specific booster involved in the launch.

Secrecy Surrounding Satellite Deployment

Details regarding the satellites’ operational orbit or deployment schedule were not disclosed, aligning with the NRO’s standard policy of withholding information about its classified assets. Reports indicate that the earlier six launches under this programme, conducted between May and December 2024, were also carried out by Falcon 9 rockets from the same base.

Broader Implications of the Mission

The mission is a testament to SpaceX’s role in supporting national security initiatives through its reliable and reusable rocket systems. The use of smaller, proliferated satellites signifies a shift toward adaptable and resilient surveillance strategies. The successful execution of this launch further strengthens the partnership between SpaceX and U.S. defence agencies in addressing evolving global challenges.

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Bird-Inspired Robot With Innovative Wing Design Achieves Self-Takeoff and Controlled Flight

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Researchers in China have unveiled RoboFalcon 2.0, a bird-inspired robot with flapping, sweeping, and folding wing motions. Unlike earlier versions, it can achieve self-takeoff and maintain flight at low speeds. Tested in wind tunnels and real-world trials, the design showed improved control and reduced strain on lift. While limitations remain, such as hovering abilit…

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NASA Prepares 2025 Carruthers Mission to Explore Earth’s Hidden Hydrogen Halo

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NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory, launching in 2025, will capture ultraviolet light from hydrogen atoms to map Earth’s faint geocorona. Operating a million miles sunward, it will study how solar activity drives atmospheric loss, improves satellite protection, and reveals clues to planetary habitability, providing critical insight for future crewed and robot…

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NASA’s James Webb Telescope May Have Found First Black Hole Star, Known as ‘The Cliff’

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JWST detected “The Cliff,” a candidate black hole star with a black hole core wrapped in a luminous gas shell. This discovery offers insights into black hole formation, stellar evolution, and cosmic dynamics, prompting astronomers to search for similar objects across the universe.

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