Launches / Minotaur IV
Minotaur IV, flown by Northrop Grumman Space Systems
This was Northrop Grumman Space Systems' 1st launch of 2025, and its 15th in all.
Counting every operator, it was the 79th orbital launch attempt anywhere in 2025, and the first from Space Launch Complex 8.
Classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
The Minotaur IV launch system is derived from the Peacekeeper ICBM. The first three stages are taken directly from decommissioned Peacekeeper missiles. A fourth stage, the Orion-38, is taken from the Pegasus family of air-launched rockets.
5 flights, 5 of them successful.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Northrup Grumman Space Systems designs, builds and delivers space, defence and aviation-related systems to customers around the world. They aquired Orbital ATK in 2018 along with its launchers and ongoing missions.
17 launches so far, 17 of them successful. The last 17 in a row went to plan.
It went up from Space Launch Complex 8 at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
This one is done, but there is another along shortly. Flyby works out whether it climbs into your sky, and wakes you in time to get outside.
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