NROL-129
Minotaur IV
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Rocket Launch Video
Weather Forecast During Launch
According to weather officials, there's a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch.
Mission
NROL-129
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Learn more about the NROL mission
Classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
Location
Launch Area 0 B
Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA
Launch Area 0 B has witnessed the launch of 8 rockets, including 8 orbital launch attempts. While Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, USA, has been the site for 84 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.
Rocket
Orbital ATK Minotaur IV
The Minotaur IV launch system is derived from the Peacekeeper ICBM. The first three stages are taken directly from decommissioned Peacekeeper missiles. A fourth stage, the Orion-38, is taken from the Pegasus family of air-launched rockets.
Agency
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 IV NROL-129 launch scheduled?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV NROL-129 launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV NROL-129 launch video?
You can watch the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV 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 IV NROL-129 mission launch from?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV 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-129 mission?
The NROL-129 mission launched aboard a Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV rocket. The Minotaur IV launch system is derived from the Peacekeeper ICBM. The first three stages are taken directly from decommissioned Peacekeeper missiles. A fourth stage, the Orion-38, is taken from the Pegasus family of air-launched rockets. 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 IV NROL-129 launch?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV NROL-129 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 IV NROL-129 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NROL-129 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.