MISSION NAME
NFIRE
Status
Success
DATE
24 APR 2007
LAUNCH PROVIDER
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Launch Pad
Launch Area 0 B
Description
American experimental satellite designed to distinguish a missile's plume and the rocket itself
Minotaur I
Rocket Description
The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. The first and second stages, taken directly from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, are mated to the Orion third and fourth stages taken from the Pegasus XL air-launched rocket family. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.