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SpaceX launches and retrieves rocket of US classified intelligence mission

Published: 01 May 2017 - 03:24 pm | Last Updated: 01 Nov 2021 - 01:18 pm
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from pad 39A on May 1, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Joe Raedle/AFP

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from pad 39A on May 1, 2017 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Joe Raedle/AFP

QNA

California: US Private rocket company SpaceX launched Monday a classified U.S. intelligence mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Liftoff took place from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket was supposed to take yesterday but was delayed due to a technical issue related to a sensor on the rocket. The company gained fame because of its technology that enables to use the same rockets for multiple missions. The company has faced some difficulties in landing the use rockets, but was successful nonetheless in today's attempt. 

It is the first contract for a private company with the department of defense for intelligence-related projects in space. The development means that private companies can bid on national security contracts with United Launch Alliance the only contractor for the Department of Defense, UPI reported.