Unlike previous launches of NRO satellites, the NROL-126 mission included an unspecified number of government satellites and 20 of SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites.

I guess that makes it a rideshare of sorts.

The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 3:10 a.m. Eastern, the NRO said in a statement. Although the launch was scheduled and announced, there was no live broadcast of the liftoff and a live feed only became available shortly before the main engine cutoff during the flight. It’s unclear if this was due to operational decisions or specific requests from the NRO.

This marks the second SLC-4E webcast in a row to go live only after liftoff, as something similar occurred for Starlink 9-13:

Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) happened at 9:25:30 p.m. PST (12:25:30 a.m. EST, 0525:30 UTC). SpaceX didn’t publicly announce its target T-0 prior to launch, but the CelesTrak website said SpaceX provided it with that launch time.

The mission appeared to be the first time that SpaceX would not stream the launch or booster landing live. Unlike previous recent missions, SpaceX didn’t made a statement on its profile on X, formerly Twitter, about the upcoming launch or how to view it.

Suddenly at 12:27 a.m. EST (0527 UTC), nearly two minutes after liftoff, SpaceX began streaming onboard camera views from its Falcon 9 rocket.

I hope this doesn’t become a trend… liftoff is one of the best parts.