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Minotaur I - NROL-111 - MARS (Wallops) - 15 June 2021 (13:35 UTC)
by
Targeteer
on 09 Dec, 2016 01:13
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http://www.losangeles.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1025162/air-force-awards-nrol-111-mission-contract#.WEnn52fdG6w.facebookLOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force’s Rocket Systems Launch Program, part of the Launch Enterprise Directorate at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), awarded the National Reconnaissance Office Launch-111 contract to Orbital ATK. The contract is a firm-fixed-price contract valued at $29.2 million for a Minotaur I launch vehicle. This was the first such award under the Orbital/Suborbital Program 3 (OSP-3) Lane 1 capability. The OSP-3 contract Lane 1 capability is for 400-4,000 lbs. (181-1,810 kg) to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and long-range, sub-orbital missions.
The specific launch date of NROL-111 will be determined by the schedule of the contractor but will be no later than 24 months from the date of contract award.
“Continued reliability of space vehicle delivery methods and affordable access to space for the National Reconnaissance Office is an essential forefront for space superiority. Utilizing the capability of the OSP-3 contract Lane 1 capability, immediately benefits our Department of Defense mission partners. The OSP-3 capability also holds great potential for SMC to provide assured access to space for future DoD missions,” said Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Air Force program executive officer for Space and SMC commander.
The Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the U.S. Air Force's center of excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes space launch, global positioning, military space vehicle communications, defense meteorological space vehicles, range systems, space vehicle control networks, space-based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.
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#1
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 09 Dec, 2016 01:16
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First 66 then 111.....NRO really likes to allocate interesting numbers for their small experimental satellites.
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#2
by
sdsds
on 09 Dec, 2016 02:39
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I don't quite speak the same language as General Greaves.
Utilizing the capability of the OSP-3 contract Lane 1 capability, immediately benefits our Department of Defense mission partners.
I interpret this to effectively say that one outcome of the award will be that NRO gets it payload to orbit.
The OSP-3 capability also holds great potential for SMC to provide assured access to space for future DoD missions
I
think he is saying the contract award keeps Minotaur flying. Or it keeps OA in the business. Or ... something else?
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#3
by
sdsds
on 10 Dec, 2016 00:43
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I think "lane 1" means OA Minotaur 1 or Minotaur 4, or LM Athena 1c or Athena 2c. These are payloads less than 1.81 t. OSP-3 payloads above that are "lane 2" and might launch on OA Minotaur 6 or Antares, or SpaceX F9 or FH.
I think the only OS-3 payload launched so far was lane 2: DSCOVR, for NOAA. That was February 11, 2015 on F9. The other prior award, also lane 2, was for Space Test Program-2 on FH. That one does seem ... delayed.
Nice article by by Phillip Swarts covering this on spacenews.com:
http://spacenews.com/orbital-atk-wins-29-2-million-contract-for-nro-launch/
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#4
by
rayleighscatter
on 17 Jan, 2017 21:14
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USAF noted a few days ago that this will be a launch from Wallops 0B.
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#5
by
russianhalo117
on 17 Jan, 2017 21:55
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USAF noted a few days ago that this will be a launch from Wallops 0B.
actually announced longer than a few days ago, just took a while to make it to PAO
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#6
by
Ragmar
on 21 May, 2018 15:57
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I heard that this has been pushed to the end of the year?
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#7
by
zubenelgenubi
on 30 Jun, 2018 17:36
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#8
by
zubenelgenubi
on 07 Sep, 2018 15:41
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#9
by
zubenelgenubi
on 17 Jan, 2019 22:08
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Launch delayed to "Late 2019"
Source:
SFN Launch Schedule, updated Jan. 16
EDIT 3/22; possible source for the above, and elaborated now?:
Two Minotaur launches planned this year from Virginia, dated March 21, 2019
Air Force and industry officials said the NROL-111 mission is now scheduled for late 2019. The delay was requested by the NRO, according to Col. Charles Galbreath, deputy director of the advanced systems and development directorate at the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center.
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#10
by
zubenelgenubi
on 02 Jul, 2019 19:15
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From the July 2 update of the
SFN Launch Schedule:
Launch is delayed from late 2019 to TBD.
Perhaps 2020?
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#11
by
DatUser14
on 11 Jul, 2019 20:59
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#12
by
gongora
on 11 Jul, 2019 21:15
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NRO tweet probably about this mission, stating "late 2019".
More likely NROL-129?
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#13
by
rayleighscatter
on 20 Dec, 2019 01:19
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Currently listed as late 2020.
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#14
by
zubenelgenubi
on 31 Dec, 2019 09:26
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Currently listed as late 2020.
Belated cross-post:
https://spacenews.com/air-force-to-schedule-nine-small-launch-missions-in-2020/
A National Reconnaissance mission, NROL-129, is scheduled to fly sometime in the spring on a Northrop Grumman Minotaur 4 launch vehicle from Wallops Island, Virginia.
An Air Force Research Lab experimental payload will fly in the spring aboard a Rocket Lab Electron vehicle from the company’s new launch pad at Wallops Island. The STP-27RM Space Test Program mission is an experimental satellite called Monolith that will be used for space weather research.
...
Another NRO mission, NROL-111, will launch in late 2020 from Wallops Island aboard a Northrop Grumman Minotaur 1 vehicle.
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#15
by
zubenelgenubi
on 14 Jan, 2020 18:32
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#16
by
zubenelgenubi
on 10 Jul, 2020 15:03
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#17
by
Bean Kenobi
on 10 Jul, 2020 15:50
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Cross-post re: the next NRO launch from Wallops, after NROL-129:
https://www.nro.gov/Portals/65/documents/news/Press%20Kit_Launch_NROL-129.pdf?ver=2020-07-07-134345-553
Upcoming Scheduled launches—
<snip>
• The next launch from NASA Wallops is scheduled for 2nd Qtr CY2021
<snip>
Can't it be an Electron, like NROL-151 but from Wallops Island ?
When speaking of Electron, I'm not speaking of modifying known couple Minotaur 1/NROL-111, I'm just surprised that, about an unnamed launch in "2nd Qtr CY2021", you formally link this to Minotaur 1/NROL-111.
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#18
by
Phillipsturtles
on 16 Jul, 2020 01:03
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#19
by
Bean Kenobi
on 16 Jul, 2020 09:46
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NROL-174 is given as late 2021, not Q2.
See Spaceflight Now's article :
https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/07/15/minotaur-rocket-successfully-deploys-four-nro-satellites-in-orbit/" A classified payload is scheduled to take off on a Minotaur 1 rocket in the second quarter of 2021 on the NROL-111 mission. The NRO has also purchased another Minotaur 4 rocket for the launch of the NROL-174 mission in late 2021, Eberly said. Both of those missions will launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia, military officials said. "
And by the way it confirms Q2's launch is NROL-111.
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#20
by
zubenelgenubi
on 07 Oct, 2020 00:29
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#21
by
maosmiraculous
on 05 Jan, 2021 05:23
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#22
by
zubenelgenubi
on 24 Feb, 2021 17:13
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Cross-post:
SFN Launch Schedule, February 23
June • Minotaur 1 • NROL-111
Launch window: TBD
Launch site: Pad 0B, Wallops Island, Virginia
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#23
by
Jrcraft
on 17 May, 2021 19:41
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#24
by
jacqmans
on 18 May, 2021 15:51
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May 17, 2021
Media Accreditation Open for Minotaur I Rocket Launch June 15 from NASA Wallops
Media accreditation is open for the June 15 launch from Virginia of a Northrop Grumman Minotaur I rocket for the United States Space Force (USSF) carrying a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The USSF Space and Missile Systems Center’s Launch Enterprise is providing the launch services for this mission, named NROL-111.
The rocket will launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0B at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic a limited number of media will be credentialed to cover the Minotaur I launch. Only media who are U.S. citizens may apply.
Media must apply for accreditation by 4 p.m. Friday, May 28, by sending a request to Keith Koehler at
[email protected].
The NRO is the Intelligence Community element and a Department of Defense agency responsible for developing, acquiring, launching, and operating America’s intelligence satellites to meet the national security needs of the nation.
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#25
by
edkyle99
on 18 May, 2021 21:12
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Last (most recent) Minotaur 1 launch was on November 20, 2013! I can't immediately recall any specific launch vehicle with a longer "gap", though eight years did pass between the last Juno 1 and the first Redstone Sparta (though with many suborbital Redstones between).
- Ed Kyle
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#26
by
Conexion Espacial
on 26 May, 2021 01:56
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#27
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2021 07:54
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#28
by
Jim
on 26 May, 2021 12:08
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#29
by
Conexion Espacial
on 27 May, 2021 01:30
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During the launch of the VIPER suborbital rocket a few minutes ago (01:15 UTC on May 26), NASA Wallops confirms that the next launch from these facilities will be the NROL-111 mission.
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#30
by
Thorny
on 27 May, 2021 21:52
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Last (most recent) Minotaur 1 launch was on November 20, 2013! I can't immediately recall any specific launch vehicle with a longer "gap",
Titan II?
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#31
by
edkyle99
on 28 May, 2021 15:20
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Last (most recent) Minotaur 1 launch was on November 20, 2013! I can't immediately recall any specific launch vehicle with a longer "gap",
Titan II?
Titan 23G differed quite a bit from Gemini-Titan 2. The 23G vehicles were built using parts from numerous retired Titan 2 missiles that were torn down, tested, rewelded, modified, retested, with upgraded avionics, etc. Still, they had common heritage, no doubt. There was a 22 year gap from Gemini 12 to Titan 23G-1.
- Ed Kyle
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#32
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 01 Jun, 2021 18:08
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#33
by
ZachS09
on 01 Jun, 2021 23:20
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If this launch takes place at the opening of the window, it'll be about 49 minutes after sunrise. Even though this won't be a twilight launch, I'm sure several East Coast states will still get a good view of it.
...
https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/Pad coordinates: 37.831108 N, 75.491356 W
Sunrise: 5:40:55 AM Eastern (09:40:55 UTC)
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#34
by
Conexion Espacial
on 01 Jun, 2021 23:45
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According to NextSpaceFlight the launch will be at 10:30 UTC.
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#35
by
edkyle99
on 03 Jun, 2021 02:34
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A larger version of the image, but I do not think that this is this-year's Minotaur. 61 inch fairing in this image.
- Ed Kyle
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#36
by
russianhalo117
on 03 Jun, 2021 03:17
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A larger version of the image, but I do not think that this is this-year's Minotaur. 61 inch fairing in this image.
- Ed Kyle
PLF has the ORS-1 patch at the top.
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#37
by
Vahe231991
on 06 Jun, 2021 14:04
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Are there any more planned Minotaur I launches following the launch of NROL-111? If so, there may be several mothballed Minuteman III ICBMs earmarked for use by Northrop Grumman to manufacture additional Minotaur Is.
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#38
by
Jim
on 06 Jun, 2021 16:25
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Are there any more planned Minotaur I launches following the launch of NROL-111? If so, there may be several mothballed Minuteman III ICBMs earmarked for use by Northrop Grumman to manufacture additional Minotaur Is.
The other way around. There are several mothballed Minuteman III ICBMs, so there may be more Minotaur Is
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#39
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 08 Jun, 2021 17:06
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#40
by
Conexion Espacial
on 08 Jun, 2021 17:09
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11:00 UTC
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#41
by
Conexion Espacial
on 08 Jun, 2021 19:38
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#42
by
Conexion Espacial
on 10 Jun, 2021 15:12
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#43
by
Conexion Espacial
on 10 Jun, 2021 17:16
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#44
by
Ken the Bin
on 11 Jun, 2021 13:24
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NGA notice:
110950Z JUN 21
NAVAREA IV 488/21(GEN).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
VIRGINIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
151000Z TO 151530Z JUN, ALTERNATE
1000Z TO 1530Z DAILY 16 THRU 21 JUN
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 37-57-27N 075-27-32W, 37-38-42N 074-52-00W,
37-24-46N 075-06-02W, 37-41-36N 075-37-02W.
B. 36-46-37N 074-55-59W, 37-18-40N 074-06-36W,
37-01-44N 073-19-30W, 36-27-47N 072-14-49W,
35-59-28N 072-14-38W, 35-30-18N 073-03-54W,
35-39-00N 074-02-06W.
C. 30-10-19N 069-45-00W, 33-31-19N 067-19-52W,
30-57-14N 064-49-52W, 29-31-30N 067-11-42W.
D. 07-00-00N 048-09-43W, 10-19-01N 044-06-50W,
06-14-02N 038-38-13W, 01-44-13N 043-46-37W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 211630Z JUN 21.
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#45
by
Thunderscreech
on 11 Jun, 2021 17:13
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#46
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 12 Jun, 2021 20:16
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https://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/1403804362066075648🚀 The #NROL111 mission logo shows a flying wild boar in aviator gear. Boars are a good spirit guide to call on when you have ambitious goals, inspiring tenacity to achieve them. The three stars represent three payloads designed, built, and operated by NRO. ✨
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#47
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 14 Jun, 2021 15:52
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https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/1404465886703009795Remote cameras set for @arstechnica and the #NROL111 Minotaur I launch tomorrow! 🚀
With a 2.6:1 thrust to weight ratio, lotsa headroom for this flamey boi is necessary. It will surely be gone in the blink of an eye😆 can’t wait to see these shots!
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#48
by
Mammutti
on 14 Jun, 2021 19:04
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Webcast
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#49
by
Conexion Espacial
on 14 Jun, 2021 19:34
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#50
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 04:53
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#51
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 04:54
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#52
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 09:12
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https://twitter.com/spaceflightnow/status/1404722974717091840The Minotaur countdown for the NROL-111 mission is in a hold as a thunderstorm moves over Wallops Island.
Countdown preps, including rollback of the launch pad’s mobile gantry, will resume once the bad weather has moved away.
Live coverage: spaceflightnow.com/2021/06/15/min…
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#53
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 10:53
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#54
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 12:40
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https://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/1404780586229710848Counting down to launch in one hour, 9:35 a.m. EDT! The #NROL111 mission logo shows a flying wild boar in aviator gear. Boars are a good spirit guide to call on when you have ambitious goals.The three stars represent three payloads designed, built, and operated by NRO. ✨
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#55
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 13:08
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#56
by
Skyway
on 15 Jun, 2021 13:36
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Jesus Christ that was fast.
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#57
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jun, 2021 13:41
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#58
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jun, 2021 13:47
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#59
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 14:43
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#60
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jun, 2021 15:49
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#61
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jun, 2021 16:38
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#62
by
eeergo
on 15 Jun, 2021 22:34
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#63
by
Targeteer
on 16 Jun, 2021 04:09
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National Reconnaissance Office 12h ·
To recap, our NROL-111 mission launched at 9:35 a.m. this morning on a Northrop Grumman Minotaur I rocket from MARS Pad 0B at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. NROL-111 is our second launch in 2021, our 60th anniversary year.
For six decades, NRO has been successfully innovating and meeting the needs of its U.S. intelligence, military, and federal civil partners and today remains the world’s leader in unique intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.
“NRO is the best in the world at delivering space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance to more than half a million government users working together to keep America safe,” said NRO Director Dr. Christopher Scolese. “NROL-111 is the 16th payload we put on orbit in 18 months to advance our mission of providing critical information to every member of the Intelligence Community, two dozen domestic agencies, our nation’s military, lawmakers, and decision makers.”
“NROL-111 continues NRO’s 60-year legacy of pushing the envelope of the possible through ingenuity and collaboration,” said NRO Principal Deputy Director Dr. Troy Meink. “Our legacy is carried on by the dedicated men and women of the NRO, and supported by our talented mission partners, who made today’s launch a success.”
NROL-111 is NRO’s final scheduled launch for 2021. In 2022, NRO is scheduled to start the year with two launches from New Zealand in January and February, NROL-162 and NROL-199. Also in February, NROL-87 is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Three additional NRO missions are planned for later in 2022.
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#64
by
Zed_Noir
on 17 Jun, 2021 02:40
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Jesus Christ that was fast.
The Minotaur family of launchers typically have extreme acceleration with short burns for their lower stages from their ICBM heritage. According to wikipedia, the thrust to weight ratio of the Minotaur 1 stage to the entire launch stack is above 2:1.
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#65
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 18 Jun, 2021 06:38
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#66
by
Phillipsturtles
on 24 Jun, 2022 23:14
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NRO released a highlights video of L-111 which includes shots of the payloads
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#67
by
Skyrocket
on 13 Jul, 2022 07:36
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In the webcast of the NROL-162 launch, there is an animation showing the NROL-111 satellites deployed in orbit.
