NROL-66 (RPP) (USA-225)
Minotaur I
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mission
NROL-66 (RPP) (USA-225)
Type: Government/Top Secret
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.
Location
Space Launch Complex 8
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
701 rockets have launched from Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
Rocket
Minotaur I – Orbital Sciences Corporation
Family: Minotaur
Length: 19.21 m
Diameter: 1.67 m
Launch Mass: 36 T
Low Earth Orbit Capacity: 580 kg
The Minotaur I was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation with the first launch on 2000-01-27. Minotaur I has 12 successful launches and 0 failed launches with a total of 12 launches. 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.
Agency
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Type: Commercial
Abbreviation: OSC
Country: USA
