A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off from the Kennedy Space Center May 1, carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. Credit: SpaceX

WASHINGTON – SpaceX launched its first spy satellite Monday, after a 24-hour hold to check out a sensor on the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket.

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Phillip Swarts is the military space reporter for SpaceNews. He previously covered space and advanced technology for Air Force Times, the Justice Department for The Washington Times, and investigative journalism for the Washington Guardian; and was part...