T-ZERO Launch tracker

NROL-136 launch time, date and countdown

Go Nov 21, 2026, 6:30 AM CST

Countdown

Launch time: (Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 12:30 UTC)

Launch details

US Central
UTC
Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 12:30 UTC
Launch window
6:30 AM CST – 7:00 AM CST
12:30 UTC – 13:00 UTC
Status
Go Go for Launch
Provider
SpaceX (Commercial)
Rocket
Falcon 9 Block 5
Mission
NROL-136
Mission type
Government/Top Secret
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit
Pad
Space Launch Complex 4E
Location
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Country code
USA
Booster landing
Landing Zone 4 (LZ-4) · landing zone · booster B1097 · landing planned

Times can change. Central time is America/Chicago (CST/CDT). Source: Launch Library 2.

About this launch

NROL-136 is a launch of the Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket operated by SpaceX. It is scheduled for Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 6:30 AM CST (Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 12:30 UTC). The launch window runs 6:30 AM CST – 7:00 AM CST (12:30 UTC – 13:00 UTC). The launch site is Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. The target orbit is Low Earth Orbit. Mission type: Government/Top Secret. Launch Library 2 lists the current status as “Go for Launch”.

Mission description

Fifteenth batch of satellites for a reconnaissance satellite constellation built by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman for the National Reconnaissance Office to provide imaging and other reconnaissance capabilities.

How to watch

When Launch Library 2 lists an official YouTube webcast, T-ZERO embeds it here (click play to load the YouTube player). We do not host video ourselves; the stream stays on YouTube. Launch times often move, so reload this page for the latest schedule. External links below if the player fails. Official streams for other launches are listed on watch a rocket launch live.

Webcast links (open on an external site):

Provider channel (backup):

Sonic boom possible: the booster is scheduled to land on land at Landing Zone 4, so people nearby may hear a sonic boom a few minutes after liftoff. Sonic booms explained.

What to expect from NROL-136

This mission, NROL-136, uses a Falcon 9 Block 5 operated by SpaceX and lifts off from Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.

Launch Library 2 files this under Government/Top Secret, so payload details are often limited and public information can stay thin until after liftoff.

Target orbit: Low Earth Orbit. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is the region up to roughly 2,000 km above Earth, where crewed spacecraft and many satellites operate.

Rocket and provider in our data

In our data the Falcon 9 Block 5 accounts for 52 launches: 15 completed (all 15 successful), and 37 upcoming. This is the 3rd of 4 upcoming Falcon 9 Block 5 launches that have a confirmed date. Across all rockets, SpaceX appears on 57 of the 151 launches in our data (38%), using 3 rocket configurations. Space Launch Complex 4E is listed for 37 other launches in our data. Treat the numbers as a recent snapshot: T-ZERO stores about two months of past launches plus the upcoming schedule.

Timing

Treat the time above as a target, not a promise: NET means “no earlier than”, and slips of minutes, hours or whole days happen. Launch Library 2 lists a window of 30 minutes, 12:30 UTC – 13:00 UTC. The status “Go” means Launch Library 2 treats the current launch time as confirmed by an official or reliable source; it can still slip.

Launch time in other time zones

Launch time in several time zones
UTCSat, Nov 21, 12:30 PM UTC
US EasternSat, Nov 21, 7:30 AM EST
US CentralSat, Nov 21, 6:30 AM CST
US PacificSat, Nov 21, 4:30 AM PST
United KingdomSat, Nov 21, 12:30 PM GMT
IndiaSat, Nov 21, 6:00 PM IST
JapanSat, Nov 21, 9:30 PM JST

T-ZERO’s countdown above also shows your local time once the page loads. Dates can differ between zones for late-night launches.

Watching

California Central Coast has public viewing areas. Access rules, safety notes and spots are in our California Central Coast viewing guide. Launch Library 2 lists 2 official webcast links for this launch; they open on the provider’s own channel.

Where to watch this launch in person

Public viewing: Yes California Central Coast. Several public beaches, parks and ticketed venues offer views of the launch pads.

Crowd estimate for this launch: Medium evening, night or dawn launch (+1); weekend (+1). An estimate from launch type and time, not a measurement.

Nearest viewing spots we have checked:

Access rules, all viewing spots, closure links and tips for California Central Coast

Frequently asked questions about NROL-136

When is the NROL-136 launch?

It is scheduled for Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 6:30 AM CST (Sat, Nov 21, 2026, 12:30 UTC). Times are NET (no earlier than) and can change, so check this page again close to launch.

Where does NROL-136 launch from?

Launch Library 2 lists Space Launch Complex 4E, Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. That is part of California Central Coast; T-ZERO has a viewing guide for it at /where-to-watch/vandenberg/.

What rocket is used for NROL-136?

Falcon 9 Block 5 from SpaceX. In T-ZERO’s data the Falcon 9 Block 5 has 52 launches: 15 completed and 37 upcoming.

Where can I watch the NROL-136 launch live?

Launch Library 2 lists 2 official webcast links for this launch, which open on the provider’s own channel. When a YouTube link is listed, this page can embed the official player; otherwise use the external webcast links. T-ZERO does not host the video file itself.

How long does the NROL-136 launch window last?

Launch Library 2 lists a window of 30 minutes, 12:30 UTC – 13:00 UTC.

Reminders

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