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List of NRO launches

Updated: Wikipedia source

List of NRO launches

This is a list of NRO Launch (NROL) designations for satellites operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Those missions are generally classified, so that their exact purposes and orbital elements are not published. However, amateur astronomers have managed to observe most of the satellites, and leaked information has led to the identification of many of the payloads.

Tables

· Launch history
Nemesis
Nemesis
Launch designation
L-1
Payload nickname
Nemesis
Satellite designation
USA-179
Date/time, UTC
31 August 200423:17
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-36A
Rocket
Atlas IIAS
Orbit
39,053 × 1,316 km × 63.7° (Molniya)
Project
Quasar 15
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, status unknown
Patch
Oscar
Oscar
Launch designation
L-4
Payload nickname
Oscar
Satellite designation
USA-136
Date/time, UTC
8 November 199702:05
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-41
Rocket
Titan IV/Centaur
Orbit
36,523 × 3,849 km × 63.6° (Molniya)
Project
Trumpet 3
Function
ELINT
Status
Entered service, status unknown
Patch
Capricorn
Capricorn
Launch designation
L-5
Payload nickname
Capricorn
Satellite designation
USA-137
Date/time, UTC
29 January 199818:37
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-36A
Rocket
Atlas IIA
Orbit
Molniya
Project
Quasar 12
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, status unknown
Patch
Jack
Jack
Launch designation
L-6
Payload nickname
Jack
Satellite designation
USA-139
Date/time, UTC
9 May 199801:38
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-40
Rocket
Titan IV/Centaur
Orbit
35,945 × 35,642 km × 8.4° (GSO)
Project
Orion 4
Function
SIGINT
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Elwood
Elwood
Launch designation
L-7
Payload nickname
Elwood
Satellite designation
N/A
Date/time, UTC
12 August 199811:30
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-41
Rocket
Titan IV/Centaur
Orbit
GSO (planned)
Project
Mercury
Function
ELINT
Status
Destroyed
Patch
"Cheers! Saving the Best for Last!!"
Remarks
Rocket self-destructed 40 seconds into launch due to guidance problem.
Ursa Major(Great Bear)
Ursa Major(Great Bear)
Launch designation
L-10
Payload nickname
Ursa Major(Great Bear)
Satellite designation
USA-155
Date/time, UTC
6 December 200002:47
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-36A
Rocket
Atlas IIAS
Orbit
35,854 × 35,732 km × 9.3° (GSO)
Project
Quasar 13
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Onyx / Vega
Onyx / Vega
Launch designation
L-11
Payload nickname
Onyx / Vega
Satellite designation
USA-152
Date/time, UTC
17 August 200023:45
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-4E
Rocket
Titan IVB
Orbit
695 × 689 km × 68° (LEO)
Project
Lacrosse 4
Function
SAR
Status
Deorbited
Patch
Aquila
Aquila
Launch designation
L-12
Payload nickname
Aquila
Satellite designation
USA-162
Date/time, UTC
11 October 200102:32
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-36B
Rocket
Atlas IIAS
Orbit
35,803 × 35,785 km × 10.9° (GSO)
Project
Quasar 14
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Gemini
Gemini
Launch designation
L-13
Payload nickname
Gemini
Satellite designation
USA-160
Date/time, UTC
8 September 200115:25
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-3E
Rocket
Atlas IIAS
Orbit
1,486 × 740 km × 63.4° (LEO)
Project
Intruder 5A & 5B
Function
Naval reconnaissance
Status
Entered service, status unknown
Patch
Remarks
Two satellites.
Prometheus
Prometheus
Launch designation
L-16
Payload nickname
Prometheus
Satellite designation
USA-182
Date/time, UTC
30 April 200500:50
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-40
Rocket
Titan IVB
Orbit
728 × 725 km × 57.0° (LEO)
Project
Lacrosse 5
Function
SAR
Status
Deorbited
Patch
GeoLITE
GeoLITE
Launch designation
L-17
Payload nickname
GeoLITE
Satellite designation
USA-158
Date/time, UTC
18 May 200117:45
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-17B
Rocket
Delta II 7925-9.5
Orbit
GSO
Project
GeoLITE
Function
Technology demonstration
Status
Retired
Patch
Remarks
Boosted to graveyard orbit after end of mission. Testbed for experimental laser and UHF communications payloads.
Libra
Libra
Launch designation
L-18
Payload nickname
Libra
Satellite designation
USA-173
Date/time, UTC
2 December 200310:04
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-3E
Rocket
Atlas IIAS
Orbit
1,435 × 786 km × 63.4° (LEO)
Project
Intruder 6A & B
Function
Naval reconnaissance
Status
Entered service, status unknown
Patch
Remarks
Two satellites.
Homer
Homer
Launch designation
L-19
Payload nickname
Homer
Satellite designation
USA-171
Date/time, UTC
9 September 200304:29
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-40
Rocket
Titan IVB-Centaur
Orbit
35,995 × 35,592 km × 11.4° (GSO)
Project
Orion 5
Function
SIGINT
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Canis Minor
Canis Minor
Launch designation
L-23
Payload nickname
Canis Minor
Satellite designation
USA-181
Date/time, UTC
3 February 200507:41
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-36B
Rocket
Atlas IIIB
Orbit
1,404 × 822 km × 63.4° (LEO)
Project
Intruder 7A & 7B
Function
Naval reconnaissance
Status
Entered service, status unknown
Patch
Remarks
Two satellites.
Scorpius
Scorpius
Launch designation
L-24
Payload nickname
Scorpius
Satellite designation
USA-198
Date/time, UTC
10 December 200722:05
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-41
Rocket
Atlas V 401
Orbit
39,899 × 461 km × 63.4° (Molniya)
Project
Quasar 16
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Altair
Altair
Launch designation
L-25
Payload nickname
Altair
Satellite designation
USA-234
Date/time, UTC
3 April 201223:12
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-6
Rocket
Delta IV M+ (5,2)
Orbit
1,112 × 1,109 km × 123° (Retrograde LEO)
Project
Topaz 2
Function
Radar imaging
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Gryphon
Gryphon
Launch designation
L-27
Payload nickname
Gryphon
Satellite designation
USA-227
Date/time, UTC
11 March 201123:38
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-37B
Rocket
Delta IV M+(4,2)
Orbit
35,810 × 35,778 km × 4.6° (GSO)
Project
Quasar 17
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Pyxis
Pyxis
Launch designation
L-30
Payload nickname
Pyxis
Satellite designation
USA-194
Date/time, UTC
15 June 200715:12
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-41
Rocket
Atlas V 401
Orbit
1,347 × 879 km × 63.4° (LEO)
Project
Intruder 8A & 8B
Function
Naval reconnaissance
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Remarks
Two satellites.Premature 2nd stage cutoff during launch. Lifetime reduced by need to correct orbit.
Odin
Odin
Launch designation
L-34
Payload nickname
Odin
Satellite designation
USA-229
Date/time, UTC
15 April 201104:24
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-3E
Rocket
Atlas V 411
Orbit
1,261 × 965 km × 63.4° (LEO)
Project
Intruder 9A & 9B
Function
Naval reconnaissance
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Remarks
Two satellites.
Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn
Launch designation
L-35
Payload nickname
Jacquelyn
Satellite designation
USA-259
Date/time, UTC
13 December 201403:19
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-3E
Rocket
Atlas V 541
Orbit
39,083 × 1,286 km × 63.4° (Molniya)
Project
Trumpet 6 (third generation)
Function
ELINT
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Remarks
First flight of the RL10C-1 rocket engine, used by the Centaur upper stage
Drake
Drake
Launch designation
L-38
Payload nickname
Drake
Satellite designation
USA-236
Date/time, UTC
20 June 201212:28
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-41
Rocket
Atlas V 401
Orbit
35,815 × 35,773 km × 3.1° (GSO)
Project
Quasar 18
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Gladys
Gladys
Launch designation
L-41
Payload nickname
Gladys
Satellite designation
USA-215
Date/time, UTC
21 September 201004:03
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-3E
Rocket
Atlas V 501
Orbit
1,112 × 1,109 km × 123° (Retrograde LEO)
Project
Topaz 1
Function
Radar imaging
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Betty
Betty
Launch designation
L-49
Payload nickname
Betty
Satellite designation
USA-224
Date/time, UTC
20 January 201121:10
Launch site
VAFB, SLC-6
Rocket
Delta IV Heavy
Orbit
1,003 × 262 km × 97.9° (LEO)
Project
KH-11 15
Function
Optical imaging
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Spike
Spike
Launch designation
L-61
Payload nickname
Spike
Satellite designation
USA-269
Date/time, UTC
28 July 201612:37
Launch site
CCAFS, SLC-41
Rocket
Atlas V 421
Orbit
35,808 × 35,779 km × 2.8° (GSO)
Project
Quasar 20
Function
Communications
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Deep Dive
Deep Dive
Launch designation
L-151(RASR-1)
Payload nickname
Deep Dive
Satellite designation
USA-294
Date/time, UTC
31 January 202002:56
Launch site
Mahia, LC-1A
Rocket
Electron
Orbit
594 × 586 km × 70.0° (LEO)
Function
Technology
Status
Entered service, presumed active
Patch
Remarks
First Rocket Lab Electron launch, first launch from outside the United States (New Zealand), and first launch procured under NRO's Rapid Acquisition of a Small Rocket (RASR) program. Flew on Rocket Lab's "Birds of a Feather" mission.
Launch name
Launch name
Launch designation
Launchdesignation
Payload nickname
Launch name
Satellite designation
Satellitedesignation
Date/time, UTC
Launchdate/time (UTC)
Launch site
Launch site
Rocket
Rocket
Orbit
Orbit
Project
Project
Function
Function
Status
Status
Patch
Patch
Remarks
Remarks
Launch designation
Payload nickname
Satellite designation
Date/time, UTC
Launch site
Rocket
Orbit
Project
Function
Status
Patch
Remarks
L-1
Nemesis
USA-179
31 August 200423:17
CCAFS, SLC-36A
Atlas IIAS
Molniya)
Quasar 15
Communications
Entered service, status unknown
L-2
USA-129
20 December 199618:04
VAFB, SLC-4E
Titan IV
LEO
KH-11 12
Optical imaging
Deorbited
Reentered on 1 May 2014.
L-3
USA-133
24 October 199702:32
VAFB, SLC-4E
Titan IV
679 × 666 km × 57° (LEO)
Lacrosse 3
Synthetic-aperture radar
Deorbited
L-4
Oscar
USA-136
8 November 199702:05
CCAFS, SLC-41
Titan IV/Centaur
Molniya)
Trumpet 3
ELINT
Entered service, status unknown
L-5
Capricorn
USA-137
29 January 199818:37
CCAFS, SLC-36A
Atlas IIA
Molniya
Quasar 12
Communications
Entered service, status unknown
L-6
Jack
USA-139
9 May 199801:38
CCAFS, SLC-40
Titan IV/Centaur
GSO)
Orion 4
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-7
Elwood
N/A
12 August 199811:30
CCAFS, SLC-41
Titan IV/Centaur
GSO (planned)
Mercury
ELINT
Destroyed
"Cheers! Saving the Best for Last!!"
Rocket self-destructed 40 seconds into launch due to guidance problem.
L-8
USA-140, USA-141
3 October 199810:04
VAFB, LC-576E
Taurus 1110
LEO
STEX
Technology
Entered service, status unknown
ATEX experiment jettisoned on 16 January 1999 and catalogued as USA-141.
L-9
USA-144
22 May 199909:36
VAFB, SLC-4E
Titan IVB
Misty
Optical imaging
Entered service, status unknown
First Titan IV-B launch from VAFB.
L-10
Ursa Major(Great Bear)
USA-155
6 December 200002:47
CCAFS, SLC-36A
Atlas IIAS
GSO)
Quasar 13
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-11
Onyx / Vega
USA-152
17 August 200023:45
VAFB, SLC-4E
Titan IVB
695 × 689 km × 68° (LEO)
Lacrosse 4
SAR
Deorbited
L-12
Aquila
USA-162
11 October 200102:32
CCAFS, SLC-36B
Atlas IIAS
GSO)
Quasar 14
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-13
Gemini
USA-160
8 September 200115:25
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas IIAS
LEO)
Intruder 5A & 5B
Naval reconnaissance
Entered service, status unknown
Two satellites.
L-14
USA-161
5 October 200121:21
VAFB, SLC-4E
Titan IVB
LEO
KH-11 13
Optical reconnaissance
Deorbited
Reentered in November 2014.
L-15
USA-237
29 June 201213:15
CCAFS, SLC-37B
Delta IV Heavy(first RS-68A upgrade)
GSO)
Orion 8
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-16
Prometheus
USA-182
30 April 200500:50
CCAFS, SLC-40
Titan IVB
LEO)
Lacrosse 5
SAR
Deorbited
L-17
GeoLITE
USA-158
18 May 200117:45
CCAFS, SLC-17B
Delta II 7925-9.5
GSO
GeoLITE
Technology demonstration
Retired
Boosted to graveyard orbit after end of mission. Testbed for experimental laser and UHF communications payloads.
L-18
Libra
USA-173
2 December 200310:04
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas IIAS
LEO)
Intruder 6A & B
Naval reconnaissance
Entered service, status unknown
Two satellites.
L-19
Homer
USA-171
9 September 200304:29
CCAFS, SLC-40
Titan IVB-Centaur
GSO)
Orion 5
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-20
USA-186
19 October 200518:05
VAFB, SLC-4E
Titan IVB
LEO)
KH-11 14
Optical imaging
Entered service, presumed active
Last launch of a Titan rocket.
L-21
USA-193
14 December 200621:00
VAFB, SLC-2W
Delta II 7920-10
LEO
Unknown
Unknown
Destroyed
Failed on orbit immediately after launch. Destroyed by ASAT on 21 February 2008.
L-22
USA-184
28 June 200603:33
VAFB, SLC-6
Delta IV M+(4,2)
38,628 × 1,740 km × 63° (Molniya)
Improved Trumpet 4
ELINT
Entered service, status unknown
L-23
Canis Minor
USA-181
3 February 200507:41
CCAFS, SLC-36B
Atlas IIIB
LEO)
Intruder 7A & 7B
Naval reconnaissance
Entered service, status unknown
Two satellites.
L-24
Scorpius
USA-198
10 December 200722:05
CCAFS, SLC-41
Atlas V 401
Molniya)
Quasar 16
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-25
Altair
USA-234
3 April 201223:12
VAFB, SLC-6
Delta IV M+ (5,2)
1,112 × 1,109 km × 123° (Retrograde LEO)
Topaz 2
Radar imaging
Entered service, presumed active
L-26
USA-202
18 January 200902:47
CCAFS, SLC-37B
Delta IV Heavy
GSO)
Orion 6
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-27
Gryphon
USA-227
11 March 201123:38
CCAFS, SLC-37B
Delta IV M+(4,2)
GSO)
Quasar 17
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-28
USA-200
13 March 200810:02
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 411
Molniya)
Improved Trumpet 5
ELINT
Entered service, status unknown
L-29
N/A
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 521
Canceled
L-30
Pyxis
USA-194
15 June 200715:12
CCAFS, SLC-41
Atlas V 401
LEO)
Intruder 8A & 8B
Naval reconnaissance
Entered service, presumed active
Two satellites.Premature 2nd stage cutoff during launch. Lifetime reduced by need to correct orbit.
L-32
USA-223
21 November 201022:58
CCAFS, SLC-37B
Delta IV Heavy
GSO)
Orion 7
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-33
USA-252
22 May 201413:09
CCAFS, SLC-41
Atlas V 401
GSO)
Quasar 19
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-34
Odin
USA-229
15 April 201104:24
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 411
LEO)
Intruder 9A & 9B
Naval reconnaissance
Entered service, presumed active
Two satellites.
L-35
Jacquelyn
USA-259
13 December 201403:19
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 541
Molniya)
Trumpet 6 (third generation)
ELINT
Entered service, presumed active
First flight of the RL10C-1 rocket engine, used by the Centaur upper stage
L-36
USA-238
13 September 201221:39
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 401
LEO)
Intruder 10A & 10B
Naval reconnaissance
Entered service, presumed active
Two satellites sharing a designation.
L-37
USA-268
11 June 201617:51
CCAFS, SLC-37B
Delta IV Heavy
GSO)
Orion 9
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
Likely the seventh so called Mentor/Orion satellite for the National Security Agency.
L-38
Drake
USA-236
20 June 201212:28
CCAFS, SLC-41
Atlas V 401
GSO)
Quasar 18
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-39
USA-247
6 December 201307:14
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 501
1,113 × 1,109 km × 123° (Retrograde LEO)
Topaz 3
Radar imaging
Entered service, presumed active
L-41
Gladys
USA-215
21 September 201004:03
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 501
1,112 × 1,109 km × 123° (Retrograde LEO)
Topaz 1
Radar imaging
Entered service, presumed active
L-42
USA-278
24 September 201705:49:47
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 541
Molniya)
Trumpet 7 (third generation)
ELINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-44
USA-311
11 December 202001:09
CCSFS, SLC-37B
Delta IV Heavy
GSO)
Orion 10
SIGINT
Entered service, presumed active
L-45
USA-267
10 February 201611:40
VAFB, SLC-6
Delta IV M+(5,2)
1,115 × 1,106 km × 123° (Retrograde LEO)
Topaz 4
Radar imaging
Entered service, presumed active
L-47
USA-281
12 January 201822:11
VAFB, SLC-6
Delta IV M+(5,2)
1,088 × 1,085 km × 106° (Retrograde LEO)
Topaz 5
Radar imaging
Entered service, presumed active
L-48
USA-558 - USA-565
22 September 202517:38
VSFB, SLC-4E
Falcon 9 Block 5
LEO
Starshield
Entered service, presumed active
NRO's Proliferated Architecture Mission of 11 Starshield satellites.
L-49
Betty
USA-224
20 January 201121:10
VAFB, SLC-6
Delta IV Heavy
LEO)
KH-11 15
Optical imaging
Entered service, presumed active
L-52
USA-279
15 October 201707:28
CCAFS, SLC-41
Atlas V 421
GSO)
Quasar 21
Communications
Entered service, presumed active
L-55
USA-264
8 October 201512:49
VAFB, SLC-3E
Atlas V 401
LEO)
Intruder 11A & 11B
Naval reconnisance
Entered service, presumed active
Two classified satellites (NROL-55) and 13 CubeSats.
L-56
-
NLT 2026
CCSFS, SLC-41
Vulcan Centaur
Awaiting launch
L-57
USA-487 - USA-497
21 March 202506:49
VSFB, SLC-4E
Falcon 9 Block 5
LEO
Starshield
Entered service, presumed active
NRO's Proliferated Architecture Mission of 11 Starshield satellites.

References

  1. While the Space Shuttle had nine launches with NRO payloads throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, this was the firs
  2. Steven Pietrobon's Space Archive – US Military Launch Record None Retrieved on September 15, 2011.
    http://www.sworld.com.au/steven/space/usmil-rec.txt
  3. Encyclopedia Astronautica – Atlas IIAS Astronautix.com Retrieved on September 15, 2011.
    https://web.archive.org/web/20020501080034/http://www.astronautix.com/lvs/atlsiias.htm
  4. N2YO.com
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=28384#results
  5. space.skyrocket.de
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/sds-3.htm
  6. "KH-11 / Kennen / Crystal"
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/kh-11.htm
  7. "USA 224 recovered, USA 186 still drifting, and looking for GPS IIF-6 20 minutes after launch"
    http://sattrackcam.blogspot.de/search/label/USA%20129
  8. "Space Activities in 2014"
    https://planet4589.org/space/papers/space14.pdf
  9. "Lacrosse 1, 2, 3, 4, 5"
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/onyx.htm
  10. "USA 136"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25034#results
  11. "Trumpet 1, 2, 3"
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/trumpet.htm
  12. NRO codenames Forum.nasaspaceflight.com Retrieved on September 15, 2011.
    http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=11127.30
  13. "USA 139"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25336#results
  14. "Orion 3, 4"
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/orion-3_nro.htm
  15. "National Reconnaissance Office Satellite Destroyed 29 August 1998"
    https://web.archive.org/web/20161221130626/http://www.nro.gov/news/press/1998/1998-08.pdf
  16. National Reconnaissance Satellite Successfully Launched May 22, 1999 Archived May 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine This
    http://www.nro.gov/PressReleases/prs_rel29.html
  17. "USA 155"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=26635#results
  18. "USA 162"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25034#results
  19. "USA 160"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=26905
  20. "Intruder 5, ..., 12 (NOSS-3 1, ..., 8)"
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/noss-3.htm
  21. "USA 224 recovered: an update of the KH-11 constellation"
    https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/2016/06/usa-224-recovered-update-of-kh-11.html
  22. "Space Activities in 2015"
    https://planet4589.org/space/papers/space15.pdf
  23. "Launch of Delta IV Heavy with NROL-15 Payload"
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxMuxZWtiOU
  24. "USA 237"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=38528#results
  25. "Orion 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12"
    https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/orion-5_nro.htm
  26. NRO Successfully Launches Last Titan from Cape Canaveral April 29, 2005 Archived May 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine T
    http://www.nro.gov/PressReleases/prs_rel82.html
  27. "USA 182"
    https://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=28646#results
  28. Encyclopedia Astronautica – Delta 7000 Archived March 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
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  29. "USA 158"
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  30. "GeoLITE"
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  31. "USA 173"
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  32. nasaspaceflight.com
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  33. NRO SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES PAYLOAD FROM TITAN IV September 10, 2003 Archived May 27, 2010, at the Wayback Machine This a
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  34. "USA 171"
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  35. NRO Payload Takes Last Ride Aboard Titan IV October 20, 2005 Archived August 26, 2006, at archive.today This article in
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  36. "USA 186"
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  37. "USA 184"
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  38. "Trumpet 4, 5 / SBIRS HEO-1, 2"
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  39. "USA 181"
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  40. "USA 198"
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  41. "Delta Launch Report – Mission Status Center"
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  42. "Launch schedule"
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  43. "USA 234"
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  44. "Topaz 1, 2, 3, 4, 5"
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  45. N2YO.com
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  46. N2YO.com
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  57. N2YO.com
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  63. N2YO.com
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  64. "Surveillance satellite launching Thursday atop Delta 4-Heavy rocket"
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  65. "NROL launches"
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  68. "Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV)"
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  100. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
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  101. Next Spaceflight
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  102. "In response to my questions to SMC: "Each of the FY21 awarded missions is planned to launch in FY23 from the Eastern Range.""
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  103. Next Spaceflight
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  104. "United States Military Manifest"
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  106. "NRO discloses previously unannounced launch contract for SpaceX"
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  107. "Launch schedule"
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  109. "Secret US Spy Satellite Heading to Low-Earth Orbit, SpaceX Launch License Shows"
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  110. Spaceflight Now
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  111. "EELV PHASE 1A NROL-79 Request For Proposal"
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  112. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-79 Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office"
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  115. NASASpaceFlight.com
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  117. Next Spaceflight
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  118. NASASpaceFlight
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  120. Breaking Defense
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  121. "Air Force selects Atlas 5 to launch multipurpose satellite to high orbit"
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  122. NRO [@NatReconOfc]
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  124. NASASpaceFlight
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  127. "USA 310: ISON post-manoeuvre elements"
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  128. NASASpaceFlight
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  129. "Air Force awards US$739 million in launch contracts to ULA and SpaceX"
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  130. "NRO reveals plans for previously-undisclosed SpaceX launch this month"
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  131. "NRO Twitter: Launch Update"
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  132. "USA 312, 313 (NROL 108)"
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  133. Reuters
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  134. Northrop Grumman
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  135. Next Spaceflight
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  136. Ars Technica
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  137. Rocket Lab
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  138. Space.com
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  139. Ars Technica
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  140. "Two Minotaur launches planned this year from Virginia"
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  141. "NROL-129"
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  142. N2YO.com
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  143. "NROL-129 Launch Press Kit"
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  144. Next Spaceflight
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  145. Ars Technica
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  146. McDowell, Jonathan
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  147. Ars Technica
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  148. "Rocket Lab to launch small satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office"
    https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-launch-small-satellite-for-the-national-reconnaissance-office/
  149. "Birds of a Feather"
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  150. "NROL-151 Mission Deep Dive"
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  151. https://space.skyrocket.de/index.html - 1 February 2020.
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  154. Next Spaceflight
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  155. Ars Technica
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  156. NASASpaceFlight
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  157. Rocket Lab
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  158. Space.com
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  159. Ars Technica
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  160. Spaceflight Now
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  161. Next Spaceflight
    https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/4736
  162. The Launch Pad Network
    https://tlpnetwork.com/launches/nrol-174
  163. Next Spaceflight
    https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/7592
  164. Ars Technica
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  165. nasaspaceflight.com
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  166. NASASpaceFlight
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  167. National Reconnaissance Office
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  168. "Don't Stop Me Now"
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  169. National Reconnaissance Office
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