[Launch Alert] Monday Launch

[Launch Alert]

The following is an advisory from Vandenberg SFB:

"The U.S. Space Force has approved the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the NROL-172 mission to low-Earth orbit, Monday afternoon, May 11, 2026, between 3:28 p.m. – 7:28 p.m. PT from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4). A backup opportunity will be available on Tuesday, May 12 at 3:15 p.m. PT if needed.

A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch at https://www.spacex.com/launches/nrol172 and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the X TV app.

There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions."

Weather permitting, the orange flame from the first stage could be visible to the unaided eye up to 100 statute miles from the launch pad and either side of the Falcon's flight path. The vehicle should also briefly produce a white vapor trail during the early portion of the first stage burn. The second stage burn will probably be invisible.

For a better view of the launch, use tripod-mounted binoculars or a spotting scope. An astronomical telescope with a low-power eyepiece will probably provide the best view.

For countdown status and video feeds of the launch, go to:

https://spaceflightnow.com

https://www.spacex.com/launches/nrol172

X @SpaceX

This information is subject to change.