OSC Minotaur I NROL-66 (RPP) (USA-225)
Minotaur I
Status
Success
Date
6 FEB 2011
12:26
Launch Provider
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 8
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Mission Overview
USA-225, also known as the Rapid Pathfinder Prototype (RPP) and NRO Launch 66 (NROL-66), is an American satellite which was launched in 2011. The satellite is being used to perform technology demonstration and development experiments, including advanced dosimeters to characterize the space environment from a 1,200 kilometer low Earth orbit. It is operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office.
Rocket
Minotaur I
Mission Type
Government/Top Secret
Orbit
Low Earth Orbit
Stages
5
Livestream
Not availableRocket Details
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.
Height
19.21 m
Diameter
1.67 m
Launch Mass
36 T
Thrust
935 kN