Northrop Grumman Space Systems STP-S29A Minotaur IV
Rocket Launch Video Stream
Weather Forecast During Launch
The forecast calls for a temperature of 57°F, few clouds, 11% cloud cover and a wind speed of 19mph.
About the STP-S29A Mission
- Type: Technology
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
STP-S29A is a mission under the U.S. Department of Defense's Space Test Program (STP) that will deliver technology demonstrations to orbit and contribute to future space system development, with this launch delivering up to 200 kg of STP cubesats to Low Earth Orbit.
The main payload will be STPSat-7, an ESPA class satellite based on the Aegis Aerospace M-1 satellite bus used on the STPSat-4 mission for hosting research and technology demonstration payloads for the Department of Defense (DoD). One of the payload is U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Lightsheet Anomaly Resolution and Debris Observation (LARADO) instrument, used to detect and characterize lethal non-trackable orbital debris with lasers in orbit.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 8
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
The Space Launch Complex 8 launch pad has hosted 10 rocket launches, including 10 orbital launch attempts. The Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA launch site has been the location for 890 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.
Orbital ATK 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.
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 IV STP-S29A launch scheduled?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV STP-S29A launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV STP-S29A 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 STP-S29A mission launch from?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 8 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 STP-S29A mission?
The STP-S29A 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 STP-S29A launch?
The Northrop Grumman Space Systems Minotaur IV STP-S29A 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 STP-S29A 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 STP-S29A 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.