NROL-129Launches chevron_right NROL-129current pageThe National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) was proud to support its first dedicated launch out of NASA’s Wallops FlightFacility in Virginia, in partnership with NASA Wallops, Northrop Grumman, Virginia Space and the U.S. Space ForceSpace and Missile System Center.The NROL-129 mission carried four payloads designed, built and operated by the agency and launched aboard a NorthropGrumman Minotaur IV rocket NET July 15, 2020 from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad 0B. NROL-129 supports NRO’soverall national security mission to provide intelligence data to United States’ senior policy makers, theIntelligence Community and Department of Defense. NROL-129 will be NRO’s 54th launch since 1996 and its firstlaunch on a Minotaur IV. About the Mission Emblem The mission is represented by two launch patches featuring two warrior figures working together to defend ournation’s interests and deny our enemies sanctuary. The patches include the phrase “Our Time has Come,” whichsymbolizes that these payloads will enable the NRO’s continued support to both defense and intelligence operationsin support of national security. Launch Vehicle Minotaur IV Northrop Grumman logoMinotaur IV has four stages; the first three stages utilize government-furnished solid rocket motors fromdecommissioned Peacekeeper ICBMs. The commercial solid rocket upper stage is an Orion 38. Minotaur IV is capableof launching payloads up to 1,730 kg (3,814 lb.) to low Earth orbit; Minotaur IV made its maiden flight on 22 April 2010. Northrop Grumman To date, Northrop Grumman Minotaur rockets have completed 26 missions out of every major U.S. spaceport with 100%success. Under the U.S. Air Force Orbital/ Suborbital Program-3 (OSP-3) contract, Northrop Grumman integrates,tests and provides space launch services for the Minotaur I, IV, V, VI and C family of rockets. The OSP-3 contractis managed by the Rocket Systems Launch Program, which is part of U.S. Space Force and Missile Systems Center (SMC).OSP-3 expands on OSP-2 by continuing to use excess ICBM motors, and includes potential Evolved Expendable LaunchVehicle new entrant launch vehicles. The OSP-3 contract allows for an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity witha $900M ceiling based on a firm fixed price service contract strategy. Site Info NROL-129 launched from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Launchpad 0B. The MARS launch complex is locatedadjacent to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), in Wallops Island, Virginia. WFF previously ran the complex until2003, and under a contract with the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to provide various support services to MARSlaunches. Today, the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth ofVirginia known as ‘Virginia Space’, owns and operates MARS. The MARS launch complex consists of three individuallaunch pads, LP-0A, LP- 0B, and Launch Complex-2. LP-0B became operational in 1999, and was subsequently upgradedin 2003 with the construction of a mobile service tower completed in 2004. Minotaur Four Illustration Download the NROL-129 Press KitDownload the NROL-129 Press ReleaseReady to launch your career? For more than 60 years, the NRO has leveraged innovation and strategic partnerships to develop, acquire, launch, and operate America's spy satellites.More on the Mission
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