Orbital Sciences Corporation NROL-8 Minotaur
About the NROL-8 (STEX) Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
The STEX (Space Technology Experiments) satellite carried 29 new technologies intended to result in lower cost and higher performance spacecraft for future missions.
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 576E
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
The Space Launch Complex 576E launch pad has hosted 9 rocket launches, including 9 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.
Orbital ATK Minotaur C Rocket
About Orbital Sciences Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur NROL-8 (STEX) launch scheduled?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur NROL-8 (STEX) launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur NROL-8 (STEX) mission launch from?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 576E 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-8 (STEX) mission?
The NROL-8 (STEX) mission launched aboard a Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur rocket. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur NROL-8 (STEX) launch?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur NROL-8 (STEX) 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 Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur NROL-8 (STEX) launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the NROL-8 (STEX) 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 Orbital Sciences Corporation live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.