MISSION OVERVIEW
Classified payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Minotaur IVMISSION
NROL-174
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Unknown
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 8LAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMED
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 18aeb565-fc14-402e-be79-c8b141db209f
Reported date: Apr 16, 2025 at 19:33 UTC
Last synced: 9 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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PAYLOAD →
NROL
National Security
NROOPERATOR
ClassifiedORBIT
15TOTAL LAUNCHES
VEHICLE — Minotaur IV →
MANUFACTURER
Orbital ATK
FLIGHTS
4
SUCCESSES
4
SUCCESS RATE
100%
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.
MORE INFO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Minotaur IV | NROL-174 launch?
The Minotaur IV | NROL-174 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:33 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for NROL-174?
The Minotaur IV | NROL-174 mission uses the Minotaur IV rocket, manufactured by Orbital ATK. The Minotaur IV has flown 4 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Minotaur IV | NROL-174 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 8 at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is NROL-174 going to?
The NROL-174 mission is targeting Unknown.
Who is launching NROL-174?
The Minotaur IV | NROL-174 is operated by Northrop Grumman Space Systems.
Can I watch the Minotaur IV | NROL-174 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 25, 2026 00:36 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 25, 2026 00:36 UTC
Launch date set: Apr 16, 2025 at 19:33 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Northrop Grumman Space Systems
Mar 25, 2026 00:36 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Apr 18, 2025 17:45 UTC
Minotaur IV Rocket Launches Classified NROL-174 Payloads from Vandenberg in Return to California SkiesMinotaur IV Rocket Launches Classified NROL-174 Payloads from Vandenberg in Return to California Skies
The Launch Pad
Apr 16, 2025 23:07 UTC
Minotaur IV rocket launches spy payloads for National Reconnaissance OfficeThe mission, designated NROL-174, lifted off at 3:33 p.m. Eastern from Space Launch Complex 8 (SLC-8) at Vandenberg. The post Minotaur IV rocket launches spy…
SpaceNews
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 9 minutes ago
●Launch Library 29 minutes ago
Launch ID: 18aeb565-fc14-402e-be79-c8b141db209f
●Spaceflight News API9 minutes ago
2 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather9 minutes ago
Pad weather at 34.58, -120.63
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