PADSpace Launch Complex 40
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret
MISSION OVERVIEW
The Orion 3 and 4 (RIO 3, 4) satellites, which are generally known as ‘Advanced Orion’ or ‘Mentor’, are geostationary signals intelligence satellites, which replaced the Magnum / Orion series. Their purpose is to intercept missile telemetry from Russia and China and the COMINT capability of the Mercury satellites was merged into this series. These satellites are launched under the designation Program 7600.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Titan IVB
AGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
NROL-6 (Orion 4)
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 40LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 0f3c3ecb-c220-48c8-ab68-e35e3282eb90
Reported date: May 9, 1998 at 01:38 UTC
Last synced: 8 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
MANUFACTURER
Lockheed Martin
VARIANT
Centaur
FLIGHTS
7
SUCCESSES
6
SUCCESS RATE
85.7%
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Titan IVB | NROL-6 launch?
The Titan IVB | NROL-6 is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 1998 at 1:38 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-6 (Orion 4)?
The Titan IVB | NROL-6 mission uses the Titan IVB rocket, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The Titan IVB has flown 7 times with a 85.7% success rate.
Where is the Titan IVB | NROL-6 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is NROL-6 (Orion 4) going to?
The NROL-6 (Orion 4) mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching NROL-6 (Orion 4)?
The Titan IVB | NROL-6 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Titan IVB | NROL-6 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: May 9, 1998 at 01:38 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:16 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 8 hours ago
●Launch Library 220 hours ago
Launch ID: 0f3c3ecb-c220-48c8-ab68-e35e3282eb90
●Open-Meteo Weather20 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.56, -80.58
Mission Profile
NROL-6 (Orion 4) was a Titan IVB Centaur mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on May 9, 1998. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.