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Tiffany Akiu, Northrop Grumman principal mechanical engineer, middle, delivers a safety briefing prior to stacking a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket to prepare it for flight at Space Launch Complex-8 (SLC-8) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Mar 12, 2026. SLC-8 is a multi-use pad maintained by the 2nd Range Operations Squadron. Vandenberg supports strategic and industry mission partners like Northrop Grumman to unleash capacity for full-spectrum space operations. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez)

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Vandenberg’s 2nd Range Operations Squadron supported Northrop Grumman employees during the stacking of a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV to prepare it for flight at Space Launch Complex-8 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Mar 12, 2026. The Minotaur IV uses solid rocket motors from the decommissioned LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM for stages 1-3. As a critical hub for the nation’s defense, Vandenberg in tandem with industry partners like Northrop Grumman play a pivotal role in advancing national security objectives, ensuring assured access to space, and fostering innovation in both government and industry space sectors. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez)

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he third stage of a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV rocket booster is hoisted for mounting at SLC-8 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., March 12, 2026. This rocket will support Space Systems Command’s Space Test Program 29A (STP-29A), and will carry multiple payloads, including Sat-7, Rawhide, and research and test cube satellites from various academic institutions. Beyond its national security, VSFB is a leader in commercial space operations, supporting launch service providers like Northrop Grumman in an effort to ensure continued access to space. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez)

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031226-X-IT855-1023

Vandenberg’s 2nd Range Operations Squadron supported Northrop Grumman employees during the stacking of a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV to prepare it for flight at Space Launch Complex-8 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Mar 12, 2026. This Minotaur IV will support Space System Command’s Space Test Program 29A (STP-29A) mission. STP performs mission design, payload-to-bus integration, space vehicle-to-launch integration, and on-orbit operations for satellite and tracking payloads that exhibit potential military utility. Vandenberg SFB utilizes strategic industry partners like Northrop Grumman to support its critical and diverse portfolio, encompassing orbital tracking, advanced air and space testing, homeland defense operations, and strategic deterrence.(U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez)

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Minotaur IV rocket motor stacking at Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex-8

Published March 18, 2026
By Senior Airman Kevin Hernandez

VADNENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE,Calif. --

Vandenberg’s 2nd Range Operations Squadron supported Northrop Grumman employees during the stacking of a Northrop Grumman Minotaur IV to prepare it for flight at Space Launch Complex-8 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Mar 12, 2026. This Minotaur IV will support Space System Command’s Space Test Program 29A (STP-29A) mission. STP performs mission design, payload-to-bus integration, space vehicle-to-launch integration, and on-orbit operations for satellite and tracking payloads that exhibit potential military utility.

Vandenberg SFB utilizes strategic industry partners like Northrop Grumman to support its critical and diverse portfolio, encompassing orbital tracking, advanced air and space testing, homeland defense operations, and strategic deterrence.

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