United Launch Alliance NROL-21 Delta II 7920-10
About the NROL-21 Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $51,000,000
Classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.
This classified mission is operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the U.S. government agency responsible for designing, building, and operating reconnaissance satellites. NRO missions support national security by providing critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities from space.
Understand National Reconnaissance Office satellite missions
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 2W
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
The Space Launch Complex 2W launch pad has hosted 99 rocket launches, including 99 orbital launch attempts. The Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA launch site has been the location for 887 total 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.
United Launch Alliance Delta II 7920-10 Rocket
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.
Learn more about the United Launch Alliance Delta II 7920-10 Rocket
About 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 United Launch Alliance Delta II NROL-21 launch scheduled?
The United Launch Alliance Delta II NROL-21 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United Launch Alliance Delta II NROL-21 mission launch from?
The United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 2W 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-21 mission?
The NROL-21 mission launched aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket. Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the United Launch Alliance Delta II NROL-21 launch?
The United Launch Alliance Delta II NROL-21 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 United Launch Alliance Delta II NROL-21 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United Launch Alliance Delta II launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NROL-21 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official United Launch Alliance live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.