NROL-35 (USA-259)
Atlas V 541
United Launch Alliance
Rocket Launch Video
Mission
NROL-35 (USA-259)
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Elliptical Orbit
- Launch Cost: $145,000,000
Classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
Location
Space Launch Complex 3E
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Vandenberg
Space Launch Complex 3E has witnessed the launch of 48 rockets, including 45 orbital launch attempts. While Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, has been the site for 862 rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
Rocket
United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541
Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 4 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine.
Agency
United Launch Alliance
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ULA was formed in December 2006 by combining the teams at these companies which provide spacecraft launch services to the government of the United States. ULA launches from both coasts of the US. They launch their Atlas V vehicle from LC-41 in Cape Canaveral and LC-3E at Vandeberg. Their Delta IV launches from LC-37 at Cape Canaveral and LC-6 at Vandenberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Atlas V 541 launch scheduled?
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 launch carrying the NROL-35 (USA-259) mission was scheduled for:
.
Where can I watch the Atlas V 541 launch video?
You can watch the United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the Atlas V 541 launch from?
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
What rocket was used for the NROL-35 (USA-259) mission?
The NROL-35 (USA-259) mission launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 541 rocket. Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 4 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed this launch?
The Atlas V 541 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest launch status, including any delays or scrubs. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official live streams for the most immediate range updates.
