PADSpace Launch Complex 576E
SITEVandenberg SFB, CA, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
The STEX (Space Technology Experiments) satellite carried 29 new technologies intended to result in lower cost and higher performance spacecraft for future missions.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
MinotaurMISSION
NROL-8 (STEX)
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 576ELAUNCH SITE
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 21778424-2b39-414a-9e88-3ef596592549
Reported date: Oct 3, 1998 at 10:04 UTC
Last synced: 5 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Minotaur →
MANUFACTURER
Orbital ATK
VARIANT
C
FLIGHTS
4
SUCCESSES
3
SUCCESS RATE
75%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Minotaur | NROL-8 launch?
The Minotaur | NROL-8 is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 1998 at 10:04 AM 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-8 (STEX)?
The Minotaur | NROL-8 mission uses the Minotaur rocket, manufactured by Orbital ATK. The Minotaur has flown 4 times with a 75% success rate.
Where is the Minotaur | NROL-8 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 576E at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
What orbit is NROL-8 (STEX) going to?
The NROL-8 (STEX) mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching NROL-8 (STEX)?
The Minotaur | NROL-8 is operated by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
Can I watch the Minotaur | NROL-8 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 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch date set: Oct 3, 1998 at 10:04 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 5 hours ago
●Launch Library 25 hours ago
Launch ID: 21778424-2b39-414a-9e88-3ef596592549
●Open-Meteo Weather6 hours ago
Pad weather at 34.74, -120.62
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