The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), in partnership with U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Small Launch and Targets Division, Space Launch Delta 30, and Northrop Grumman, successfully launched multiple national security payloads with the NROL-174 mission aboard a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket from Space Launch Complex 8 (SLC-8) at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) April 16, 2025, at 3:33 p.m. EDT.
NROL-174 marks another successful mission in a long-standing partnership with SSC through the Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP). RSLP, the small launch counterpart to the National Security Space Launch program, focuses on the small launch market and primarily launches more risk-tolerant experimental, research and development, responsive space, and operational missions.
“This launch is a testament to what the national security launch enterprise is able to achieve,” said Laura Robinson, Deputy Director, NRO Office of Space Launch, and NROL-174 Mission Director. “The NROL-174 Minotaur IV rocket was once a Peacekeeper ICBM that sat watch 24/7 in support of our nation’s nuclear deterrent. Now modified for space launch, it completed its final mission of placing a national security payload on orbit, a credit to the decades-long dedication of those who were part of the missile’s early development, maintenance and operations, and innovative conversion into the Minotaur IV rocket. It was truly a team effort.”
NROL-174 is the third NRO mission launched from SSC RSLP’s Orbital/Suborbital Program-3 contract. Today’s Minotaur IV rocket launch follows previous Minotaur family of rocket launches with NROL-129 in July 2020 and NROL-111 in June 2021, both from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. NRO last launched a Minotaur rocket from VSFB with NROL-66 in 2011.
“Superb launch. This was our third Minotaur launch for the NRO since July 2020 and just like then, this mission was textbook…truly outstanding,” said Lt. Col. Steve Hendershot, SSC’s Materiel Leader for RSLP. “We have a great relationship with our partners at the NRO, and watching today’s launch you saw our teamwork, discipline, and trust pay off strong.”
Over the past two years, NRO has launched more than 150 satellites, creating the largest and most capable government constellation on orbit in our nation’s history. Continuing with this momentum, 2025 is set to be another dynamic year, with approximately a dozen NRO launches scheduled.
For more than 60 years, the NRO has successfully met the needs of its U.S. intelligence, military, civil, and allied partners. It remains the world’s leader in unique intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems. The NRO’s next-generation systems will help ensure that the right data is delivered to the right user at the right time, faster than ever before.
Northrop Grumman ready to launch NROL-174 the 2nd secret mission launch in a week, and one more to come
The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), in partnership with the U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command/Rocket Systems Launch Program, Space Launch Delta 30, and Northrop Grumman, are scheduled to launch the NROL-174 Mission on April 16, 2025, from Space Launch Complex-8 at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will launch the second NROL mission this week at 12:00 PM – 2:26 PM PDT.
The forecast calls for a temperature of 56°F, overcast clouds, 88% cloud cover and a wind speed of 11mph.
Since its inception more than 60 years ago, the National Reconnaissance Office has been on the leading edge of innovation — collecting and delivering critical information that can only be obtained from the vantage point of space.
From warfighters to humanitarian responders, the NRO serves a wide range of customers. The Department of Defense and Intelligent Community depend on NRO capabilities for national security objectives.
NRO systems are often the only tools able to access hostile territory or rugged terrain, and they can collect critical information without risking human lives or infringing on other nations’ territorial sovereignty. Civilian customers depend on the NRO’s space-based collections to assess damage from natural disasters, and help relief agencies determine how and where to deliver humanitarian aid.
The NRO is investing in the world’s most advanced tools, information technology, and communications networks in order to meet customers’ needs today and anticipate and adapt to the emerging demands of tomorrow. NRO capabilities on the ground, on orbit, and everywhere in between ensure customers get the information they need, where they need it, faster than ever before.
Minotaur IV
Minotaur IV has four stages; the first three stages utilize government-furnished solid rocket motors from decommissioned Peacekeeper ICBMs. The commercial solid rocket upper stage is an Orion 38. Minotaur IV is capable of 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 Minotaur rockets have completed missions out of every major U.S. spaceport. 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 family of rockets. The OSP-3 contract is managed by the Rocket Systems Launch Program, which is part of U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC). OSP-3 expands on OSP-2 by continuing to use excess ICBM motors, and includes potential Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle new entrant launch vehicles.
SpaceX sends NROL-192 spy satellites on Saturday on secret mission + two more NROL launches this week
On Saturday, April 12 at 5:25 a.m. PT, Falcon 9 launched the NROL-192 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Photos by Satnews.
This was the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153 and 14 Starlink missions.
The two other NROL missions are:
- April 16 NROL-174 from Vandenberg
- April 19 NROL-145 from Vandenberg
SpaceX plans NROL-192 launch of spy satellites on secret mission this Saturday
SpaceX is targeting Saturday, April 12 for a Falcon 9 launch of the NROL-192 mission from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Liftoff is targeted for 5:25 a.m. PT. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Sunday, April 13 starting at 5:09 a.m. PT.
The mission payload contains a batch of spy satellites that will join up with a proliferated architecture constellation constructed by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman on behalf of the National Reconnaissance Office.
The satellite constellation, once completed, will deliver space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems designed to be responsive to future national security challenges, according to NRO officials.
No sonic boom is expected to be heard locally.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch on X @SpaceX.
This is the 24th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153, and 14 Starlink missions. Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
