SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy has flown its first spy mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. The NROL-97 mission lifted off at 11:54 pm EDT on October 1 from Launch Complex 39A. The payload is classified. It was the first time the NRO used the heavy-lift rocket. The agency’s previous 22 launches flew on the smaller Falcon 9. Both side boosters landed safely after the flight. The centre core was expended. The launch was the third SpaceX liftoff in less than 13 hours. SpaceX has ramped up its launch pace this year. The NRO builds and operates America’s spy satellites. Officials did not disclose what NROL-97 carries. The mission marks a new chapter in the NRO’s launch partnerships. The NRO builds and operates America’s spy satellites. Officials did not disclose what NROL-97 carries. SpaceX has sharply raised its launch pace this year. The mission marks a new chapter in the NRO’s launch partnerships.