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Minotaur 4 - NROL-129 (USA 305 to 308) - MARS Wallops - July 15, 2020 (1346UTC)
by
zubenelgenubi
on 22 Mar, 2019 18:31
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NROL-129Two Minotaur launches planned this year from Virginia, dated March 21, 2019
In response to questions from Spaceflight Now, the Air Force confirmed plans for another Minotaur launch for the NRO — a mission designated NROL-129 — in the fall of this year.
The NROL-129 mission will launch aboard a Minotaur 4 rocket...
<snip>
In a written statement, Galbreath said the Air Force awarded the NROL-129 launch contract in December 2017 to Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, then known as Orbital ATK. The NROL-129 launch order is valued at $38 million...<snip>
Launch services...were arranged through the Air Force’s Orbital/Suborbital Program-3 contract.
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#1
by
rayleighscatter
on 23 Mar, 2019 13:10
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First Minotaur launches at Wallops since 2013, which also had two late year launches.
If all five launches (Antares x2, Minotaur x2, Electron x1) take place this year, it will also be the most orbital launches from Wallops in a single year. 1964 saw Wallops launch 6 Scout rockets, but 3 of those were suborbital.
Minotaur IV is sometimes used as a suborbital rocket, but all instances of that in the past have been from Vandenberg.
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#2
by
gongora
on 01 Jul, 2019 19:19
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1212-EX-ST-2019Please explain in the area below why an STA is necessary:
This FCC STA is required in support of the L-129 Mission. The Mission Requirements Document (MRD) requires this effort in support of the "A.8" over the horizon telemetry enhancement to the Minotaur IV Launch Vehicle. This enhancement requires the utilization of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), TDRS-6 in order to satisfy the mission requirements. TDRS-3 and TDRS-12 may also be used as required.
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#3
by
zubenelgenubi
on 02 Jul, 2019 19:05
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From the July 2 update of the
SFN Launch Schedule:
Launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2019.
Perhaps this launch is taking a hypothetical launch slot from
NROL-111? That launch has been delayed from the end of 2019 to TBD.
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#4
by
zubenelgenubi
on 12 Jul, 2019 02:05
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#5
by
zubenelgenubi
on 11 Oct, 2019 14:52
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#6
by
joseph.a.navin
on 25 Nov, 2019 14:15
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I would like to attend this launch, does Wallops have media accreditation for NROL Minotaur launches?
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#7
by
rayleighscatter
on 29 Nov, 2019 13:18
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I would like to attend this launch, does Wallops have media accreditation for NROL Minotaur launches?
Wallops hasn't hosted an NRO launch before. They've done accreditation for USAF launch though. I would probably expect they'll do it, but expect much less access than is given for Antares launches
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#8
by
zubenelgenubi
on 31 Dec, 2019 09:25
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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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#9
by
zubenelgenubi
on 23 Jan, 2020 03:43
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#10
by
soltasto
on 19 Feb, 2020 10:48
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When do we expect stacking to occur? Would it be visible by the public?
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#11
by
zubenelgenubi
on 21 Apr, 2020 04:36
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#12
by
zubenelgenubi
on 10 May, 2020 06:20
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#13
by
russianhalo117
on 10 May, 2020 09:07
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First Minotaur launches at Wallops since 2013, which also had two late year launches.
If all five launches (Antares x2, Minotaur x2, Electron x1) take place this year, it will also be the most orbital launches from Wallops in a single year. 1964 saw Wallops launch 6 Scout rockets, but 3 of those were suborbital.
Minotaur IV is sometimes used as a suborbital rocket, but all instances of that in the past have been from Vandenberg.
That would be Minotaur-III (TLV) and Minotaur-IV-Lite (R&D, Sounding Rocket). The Minotaur-IV Lite version uses the base Minotaur-III vehicle minus the Stage-4 GFE PBM or Super HAPS but at least for the flights flown uses the Minotaur-IV motor burn profile as if it had 4+ stages.
SLC-8 is being renovated for the next Minotaur-IV-Lite launch series for the CSM programme.
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#14
by
zubenelgenubi
on 27 Jun, 2020 18:05
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When do we expect stacking to occur? Would it be visible by the public?
Any visible launch campaign activity yet?
Will the Minotaur be horizontally integrated inside a processing facility (out of sight)?
EDIT:
Per RH117's response, Minotaur stacking should be visible.So, any activity sightings by Delmarva denizens?
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#15
by
russianhalo117
on 27 Jun, 2020 18:56
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Any visible launch campaign activity yet?
Will the Minotaur be horizontally integrated inside a processing facility?
Minotaur stages are shipped horizontally and stacked vertically on the launch mount. The sole exception are the common stages used by Minotaur-C and Pegasus, which are integrated horizontally as a combined stack on a processing stand then rolled as one unit onto its transport trailer and for Minotaur-C is lifted as one and placed on either the 92 inch Peacekeeper GFE or GFE derived Castor-120/120XL stage 0 booster. All Minotaur GFE stages and hardware use GFE transporters which raise the stages vertically but instead of lowering them into a silo, bunker or mobile TEL launch tube are craned from the transporters onto the missions launch mount. Commercial stage equivalents use non GFE transportation. Upon using up all GFE those Minotaur versions will switch to NG's commercial equivalents which are being co-developed with the Large Class Stage project (LCS-I, II, III motors and PBS developed for the all 92 inch GBSD version before granting ARH, Inc a concession to avoid political and legal actions on the GBSD award) with Castor-120XL and Castor-30XL being two of them.
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#16
by
Olaf
on 02 Jul, 2020 19:04
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https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/1278756907440840708We’re excited to announce that our next mission #NROL129 will be launching NET 15 July from @NASA_Wallops in Virginia aboard a @northropgrumman #MinotaurIV rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0B.
#NROL129 will be NRO’s first dedicated launch from the Virginia Space Coast and the first Minotaur mission from Wallops since 2013.
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#17
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 03 Jul, 2020 18:44
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#18
by
zubenelgenubi
on 05 Jul, 2020 16:50
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Top secret NRO payload installed on Minotaur rocket for launch from Virginia, dated July 4
Launch window opens at 1300 UTC = 9:00 am EDT. Duration of window not disclosed.
Re: previous question about coverage:
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility plans to provide a live video webcast of the Minotaur 4’s liftoff July 15, but officials are not opening the NASA Visitor Center at Wallops for launch viewing or hosting media representatives to cover the launch in person. NASA cited the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for the closure.
***
One satellite with four instruments, or four satellites?
Things are moving along for #NROL129! This will be the NRO's 3rd launch of 2020 & carries four of the agency’s payloads.
EDIT July 8
Attached Minotaur IV, V, and VI User's Guide, dated August 2015. I don't know if this is the most recent version.
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#19
by
rayleighscatter
on 05 Jul, 2020 21:16
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As a bit of an aside too, this summer is the 75th anniversary of the first rocket launch at Wallops. (Either this month or last month depending on the source)
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#20
by
SMS
on 09 Jul, 2020 22:14
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#21
by
Targeteer
on 09 Jul, 2020 23:18
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Facebook National Reconnaissance Office 30 mins ·
The #NROL129 mission is represented by two launch patches featuring two warrior figures working together to defend our nation’s interests and deny our enemies sanctuary. The patches include the phrase “Our Time has Come,” which symbolizes that these payloads will enable the NRO’s continued support to both defense and intelligence operations in support of national security.
Launch is scheduled for no earlier thank 15 July from NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
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#22
by
ethan829
on 10 Jul, 2020 11:43
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#23
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 10 Jul, 2020 11:48
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#24
by
jsmjr
on 10 Jul, 2020 18:57
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A question about public viewing:
Pad 0B is very close to the Antares Pad 0A, but slightly south of it. Also, we're dealing with a different rocket, using different types and amounts of fuel.
So do we think that the same exclusion zone applies for public viewing as with Antares? In particular, I am wondering if Arbuckle Neck Road will be closed but the Old Ferry Dock open. Thoughts?
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#25
by
russianhalo117
on 10 Jul, 2020 23:46
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A question about public viewing:
Pad 0B is very close to the Antares Pad 0A, but slightly south of it. Also, we're dealing with a different rocket, using different types and amounts of fuel.
So do we think that the same exclusion zone applies for public viewing as with Antares? In particular, I am wondering if Arbuckle Neck Road will be closed but the Old Ferry Dock open. Thoughts?
Public viewing sites will be monitored for crowd size. County and state officials have the right to discourage gatherings for viewing but I have not yet found anything prohibiting those sites.
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#26
by
ChrisGebhardt
on 11 Jul, 2020 14:15
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#27
by
input~2
on 12 Jul, 2020 13:45
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WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
SOUTH ATLANTIC.
VIRGINIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
151230Z TO 151745Z JUL, ALTERNATE
1230Z TO 1745Z DAILY 16, 19 THRU 24 JUL
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 37-57N 075-27W, 36-26N 072-53W,
36-05N 073-12W, 37-39N 075-31W,
37-51N 075-32W.
B. 25-14N 059-54W, 25-24N 059-42W,
24-26N 058-44W, 24-15N 058-58W.
C. 20-54N 055-46W, 21-04N 055-32W,
19-59N 054-35W, 19-48N 054-49W.
D. 18-58S 022-43W, 18-41S 022-21W,
21-36S 019-52W, 21-52S 020-14W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 241845Z JUL 20.//
Authority: WALLOPS 291500Z JUN 20.
Date: 100527Z JUL 20
Cancel: 24184500 Jul 20
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#28
by
zubenelgenubi
on 12 Jul, 2020 17:38
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By visual inspection, a circa 40-45 degree inclination orbit.
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#29
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 14 Jul, 2020 19:51
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#30
by
input~2
on 14 Jul, 2020 20:10
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Launch patch
"The NROL-129 mission will carry four payloads designed, built and operated
by the agency" => 4 bright stars?
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#31
by
Ronsmytheiii
on 14 Jul, 2020 21:05
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#32
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jul, 2020 07:40
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#33
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jul, 2020 09:32
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#34
by
Chris Bergin
on 15 Jul, 2020 10:05
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#35
by
ianservin
on 15 Jul, 2020 11:46
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All set up at the old ferry docks. Beautiful weather this morning.
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#36
by
spacenut
on 15 Jul, 2020 11:57
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Is this launch on You Tube? Or anywhere on TV?
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#37
by
codav
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:03
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Is this launch on You Tube? Or anywhere on TV?
I see a NasaSpaceFlight livestream on YouTube, starting in just about under half an hour from now:
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#38
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:20
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#39
by
Mammutti
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:28
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#40
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:31
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#41
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:35
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T-25 minutes. Weather is 95% go. Watching for boats.
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#42
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:37
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#43
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:40
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T-20 minutes. Limit checks are go.
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#44
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:44
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Range is fouled! Holding clock at T-16 minutes.
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#45
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:44
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Now holding at T-16 minutes.
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#46
by
Chris Bergin
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:49
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#47
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 12:56
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#48
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:08
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Have lost Radar 3, but it won't affect the launch.
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#49
by
Steve G
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:20
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What are the penalties for any wayward boat causing a launch delay?
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#50
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:28
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#51
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:29
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Picking up the count at 13:30 UTC.
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#52
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:30
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#53
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:31
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T-16 minutes. Launch at 13:46 UTC.
Performing poll.
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#54
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:34
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T-12 minutes. Coverage will be up to second stage burnout.
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#55
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:36
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T-10 minutes. Limit checks are go.
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#56
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:37
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T-9 minutes. FTS arm enable.
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#57
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:38
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#58
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:38
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#59
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:39
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T-7 minutes. Standing by for launch authorisation.
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#60
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:40
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#61
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:40
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T-6 minutes. Ground ordnance enabled.
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#62
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:41
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T-5 minutes. Avionics internal power on.
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#63
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:42
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T-4 minutes. Limit checks are go.
Range green.
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#64
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:43
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T-3 minutes and counting.
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#65
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:44
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T-2 minutes. Autosequence started.
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#66
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:45
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T-1 minute. Stage select activated.
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#67
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:46
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#68
by
Chris Bergin
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:47
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#69
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:47
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T+1 minute. First stage separation.
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#70
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:48
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Stage 2 burnout. Now have 10 second coast.
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#71
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:49
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End of coverage from Wallops.
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#72
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:50
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#73
by
Steve G
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:51
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Kudos to the camera guy. One of the smoothest tracking of the rocket I've seen in a while. Good to see a successful launch. Congrats to the team.
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#74
by
HVM
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:52
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Bravo!
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#75
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:53
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Some other views of the launch.
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#76
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jul, 2020 13:54
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#77
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:01
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I'm going to guess that the Orion 38 fourth stage motor does not burn until T+45 minutes to T+1 hour or so.
Nice to see a real rocket launch. Woof, and outta here!
- Ed Kyle
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#78
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:05
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#79
by
jcm
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:09
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I'm going to guess that the Orion 38 fourth stage motor does not burn until T+45 minutes to T+1 hour or so.
Nice to see a "real" rocket launch. Woof, and outta here!
- Ed Kyle
That seems unlikely unless the third stage achieves orbit, which it doesn't normally.
On the 2010 SBSS launch, previous use of this particular config of Minotaur, the stage 4 burn was at T+12 min 41s.
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#80
by
Star One
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:19
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Archived launch video:
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#81
by
Svetoslav
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:38
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#82
by
SpaceFinnOriginal
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:41
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Good guys - launched from the first try.
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#83
by
zubenelgenubi
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:43
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Re: NOTAM drop zones
[NOTAM]
In order away from Wallops: 1st stage, 2nd stage, fairing, 3rd stage (in South Atlantic)?
(Reference: page 17 in the User's Guide)
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#84
by
Chris Bergin
on 15 Jul, 2020 14:46
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#85
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jul, 2020 15:31
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Re: NOTAM drop zones
[NOTAM]
In order away from Wallops: 1st stage, 2nd stage, fairing, 3rd stage (in South Atlantic)?
(Reference: page 17 in the User's Guide)
That's my assumption. Also note the nominal WFF orbit inclination listed at 43 degrees in the Guide, though we have nothing official about this launch. The Orion 38 fourth stage motor is mounted in a Guidance and Control Assembly, which also supports avionics and a cold gas thruster system for 3-axis control during coast, burn, and spacecraft separation, etc. The GCA/Orion 38 unit may do a bit of orbit lowering after spacecraft separation, but probably can't directly deorbit, but I'm guessing.
- Ed Kyle
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#86
by
ianservin
on 15 Jul, 2020 17:59
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#87
by
jacqmans
on 15 Jul, 2020 18:22
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Northrop Grumman Successfully Launches Minotaur IV Rocket Carrying Satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office
Minotaur product line boosts flawless record to 27 missions
WALLOPS, Va. – July 15, 2020 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully launched its Minotaur IV space launch vehicle and placed a National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) spacecraft into orbit at 9:46 a.m. EDT on July 15. The Minotaur IV was launched from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad 0B at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility.
“This mission marks the 27th consecutive successful launch for the company’s Minotaur product line which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year,” said Kurt Eberly, director, launch vehicles, Northrop Grumman. “Minotaur’s record of success along with its ability to responsively launch from multiple spaceports continues to be a valuable asset for our customers.”
The NROL-129 launch (L-129) was the seventh Minotaur IV flight. The Minotaur IV is capable of launching payloads of up to 4,000 pounds (or 1,800 kilograms) to low earth orbit. This mission’s Minotaur IV configuration included three decommissioned Peacekeeper stages and a Northrop Grumman manufactured Orion 38 solid fuel upper stage. The Minotaur rockets are manufactured at Northrop Grumman’s facilities in Chandler, Arizona; Vandenberg, California; and Clearfield and Magna, Utah.
The Minotaur family of launch vehicles is based on government-furnished Peacekeeper and Minuteman rocket motors that Northrop Grumman has integrated with modern avionics and other subsystems to produce a cost-effective, responsive launcher based on flight-proven hardware. Minotaur rockets have launched from ranges in Alaska, California, Florida and Virginia.
The vehicle used to launch the L-129 mission was procured under the OSP-3 contract administered by the U.S. Space Force Space and Missile Systems Center’s Launch Enterprise Small Launch and Targets Division at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. Minotaur vehicles are currently available to customers under the OSP-4 contract.
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.
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#88
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Jul, 2020 19:56
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#89
by
edkyle99
on 15 Jul, 2020 20:16
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Northrop Grumman photo.
- Ed Kyle
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#90
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 15 Jul, 2020 23:20
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Congratulations to NGIS and NRO for the successful launch!
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#91
by
sferrin
on 16 Jul, 2020 02:36
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Was a little surprised at the astonishment of the guys doing the commentary at the Minotaur's speed. It's basically a Peacekeeper ICBM (for all intents and purposes). It was designed to get out of Dodge ASAP, both because nukes could be going off any second and to give an enemy as short of time as possible to view it under boost. IIRC the ICBMs 3 stages were designed to be burned out in 2-1/2 minutes. That's why there is no pause between staging (the ICBM wouldn't have paused between the 2nd and 3rd stage).
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#92
by
Zed_Noir
on 16 Jul, 2020 12:03
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Was a little surprised at the astonishment of the guys doing the commentary at the Minotaur's speed. It's basically a Peacekeeper ICBM (for all intents and purposes). It was designed to get out of Dodge ASAP, both because nukes could be going off any second and to give an enemy as short of time as possible to view it under boost. IIRC the ICBMs 3 stages were designed to be burned out in 2-1/2 minutes. That's why there is no pause between staging (the ICBM wouldn't have paused between the 2nd and 3rd stage).
The NSF webcast commentary guys are not familiar with the flight characteristics of solid fueled strategic ballistic missiles and why those characteristics are needed. They are civilians.
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#93
by
intelati
on 16 Jul, 2020 15:34
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#94
by
edkyle99
on 16 Jul, 2020 16:16
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2.45 T/W ratio at launch, or thereabouts. Hello, and goodbye! Mach 1 through 4 callouts were at about T+17.5, 30, 42, and 50 seconds, respectively. Remember also that PK originally was a cold launch missile that popped out of its silo to ignite while hanging mid-air.
- Ed Kyle
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#95
by
edkyle99
on 16 Jul, 2020 17:57
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#96
by
Targeteer
on 17 Jul, 2020 00:53
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45873 USA 305 2020-046A PAYLOAD US
45874 USA 306 2020-046B PAYLOAD US
45875 USA 307 2020-046C PAYLOAD US
45876 USA 308 2020-046D PAYLOAD US
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#97
by
edkyle99
on 17 Jul, 2020 01:35
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I like amateur videos like this one that really show the initial acceleration.
- Ed Kyle
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#98
by
edkyle99
on 17 Jul, 2020 20:10
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45873 USA 305 2020-046A PAYLOAD US
45874 USA 306 2020-046B PAYLOAD US
45875 USA 307 2020-046C PAYLOAD US
45876 USA 308 2020-046D PAYLOAD US
Now they've added the upper stage.
45873 USA 305 2020-046A PAYLOAD US
45874 USA 306 2020-046B PAYLOAD US
45875 USA 307 2020-046C PAYLOAD US
45876 USA 308 2020-046D PAYLOAD US
45877 MINOTAUR 4 R/B 2020-046E ROCKET BODY US
- Ed Kyle
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#99
by
Star One
on 18 Jul, 2020 06:13
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New video by Scott Manley with much focus on the Minotaur:
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#100
by
Skyrocket
on 25 Aug, 2021 07:43
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A NRO Video shown at the 2021 Space Symposium likely shows the four satellites being integrated on the launch vehicle at the T 0:11 mark.
There are also other small satellites shown (T 0:34, 0:38), but these appear to be different from the NROL-129 quadruplet.
N of the missile. Seeing the rocket just take off like that was shocking.
N of the missile. Seeing the rocket just take off like that was shocking.