Northrop Grumman Space Systems NROL-111 Minotaur I
Rocket Launch Video Streams
About the NROL-111 Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Classified payload for the U.S. 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
Launch Area 0 B
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
The Launch Area 0 B launch pad has hosted 8 rocket launches, including 8 orbital launch attempts. The Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA launch site has been the location for 86 total rocket launches.
Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Rocket
The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. The first and second stages, taken directly from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, are mated to the Orion third and fourth stages taken from the Pegasus XL air-launched rocket family. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.
Learn more about the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I Rocket
About Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Northrup Grumman Space Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defence and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. They aquired Orbital ATK in 2018 along with its launchers and ongoing missions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 launch scheduled?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 launch was scheduled for:
.
Where can I watch the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 launch video?
You can watch the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I 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 Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 mission launch from?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I rocket launched from Launch Area 0 B at Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA. Wallops Flight Facility is a rocket launch site on Wallops Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, United States, just east of the Delmarva Peninsula and north-northeast of Norfolk. The facility is operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other federal agencies. WFF includes an extensively instrumented range to support launches of more than a dozen types of sounding rockets; small expendable suborbital and orbital rockets; high-altitude balloon flights carrying scientific instruments for atmospheric and astronomical research; and, using its Research Airport, flight tests of aeronautical research aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles.
What rocket was used for the NROL-111 mission?
The NROL-111 mission launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I rocket. The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. The first and second stages, taken directly from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, are mated to the Orion third and fourth stages taken from the Pegasus XL air-launched rocket family. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 launch?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 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 Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I NROL-111 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur I launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NROL-111 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 Northrop Grumman Space Systems live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.