United States Air Force NROL-22 Delta IV M+(4,2)
About the NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: High Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $350,000,000
These spacecraft are probably the replacement for the Trumpet SIGINT satellites operating in a Molniya orbit. As no name is known, these are referred here as "Trumpet Follow On". Possibly these satellites might be named Raven. These satellite most likely use a large, unfurlable dish antenna to collect the signals. Advances in both antenna and electronics technologies have allowed for a large reduction in size compared the Trumpet predecessors.
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 6
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
The Space Launch Complex 6 launch pad has hosted 14 rocket launches, including 14 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 IV M+(4,2) Rocket
Learn more about the United Launch Alliance Delta IV M+(4,2) Rocket
About United States Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 6 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-22 (Trumpet 4) mission?
The NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) launch?
The United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) 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 States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Delta IV M+(4,2) launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NROL-22 (Trumpet 4) 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 States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.