“The National Reconnaissance Office’s second successful dedicated launch from Wallops is a reflection of the industry’s recognition of this national strategic asset,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “Today’s successful launch is another strong indication that Virginia Space is poised to capitalize on the recent exponential growth of the aerospace industry and contribute tremendous scientific and economic benefits to our Commonwealth and country.” “The Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport continues to attract diverse customers and support a wide range of missions, ensuring that Virginia remains a key gateway to space for decades to come,” said Governor Northam. The PPF offers segregated cargo bays to provide both government and commercial businesses the ability to process multiple payloads in a single facility from arrival at Wallops Island to encapsulation.

The facility, which opened in July 2019, can accommodate national security and classified missions like the one launched today, opening the door to a variety of customers and payloads.

Virginia Space’s new Payload Processing Facility (PPF) was used for space vehicle processing and payload integration. EDT from Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad 0B located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The mission, named NROL-111, launched today at 9:35 a.m. RICHMOND-The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (Virginia Space), the United States Space Force (USSF), and Northrop Grumman celebrate the successful launch of a Minotaur I rocket carrying a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Minotaur I rocket will carry classified payload for National Reconnaissance Office

Rocket launch virginia