JAWSAT & FalconSat 1
Minotaur I
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mission
JAWSAT & FalconSat 1
- Type: Test Flight
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
The JAWSAT (Joint Air Force Academy / Weber State University Satellite) project was developed by students working alongside aerospace professionals. Initially designed with a pulsed-plasma thruster to train Air Force Academy cadets (see JAWSAT), the mission has since evolved to include the efforts of several universities, local aerospace companies, the Air Force Academy, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and NASA. Utilizing breakthrough technologies, JAWSAT deployed four satellites when it reached orbit. The onboard imaging system recorded the deployment of each payload with its six digital cameras. The first free-flying Academy satellite, FalconSat-1 carried the CHAWS (Charging Hazards and Wake Studies) experiment developed by the Physics Department at the Academy.
Location
Space Launch Complex 8
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Find the best place to watch the launch from Vandenberg
Space Launch Complex 8 has witnessed the launch of 9 rockets, including 9 orbital launch attempts. While Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA, has been the site for 862 rocket launches.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
Rocket
Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 launch scheduled?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 mission launch from?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 8 at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA. Vandenberg Space Force Base is a United States Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1941, Vandenberg Space Force Base is a space launch base, launching spacecraft from the Western Range, and also performs missile testing. The United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 30 serves as the host delta for the base, equivalent to an Air Force air base wing. In addition to its military space launch mission, Vandenberg Space Force Base also hosts space launches for civil and commercial space entities, such as NASA and SpaceX.
What rocket was used for the JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 mission?
The JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 mission launched aboard a Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 launch?
The Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur I launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the JAWSAT & FalconSat 1 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Orbital Sciences Corporation live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.