ORS-1 (USA-231)
Minotaur I
Orbital Sciences Corporation
Mission
ORS-1 (USA-231)
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
ORS-1 satellite is designed to provide orbital space imagery of Southwest Asia and to enhance battlespace awareness to operational field commanders.
Location
Launch Area 0 B
Wallops Island, Virginia, USA
Launch Area 0 B has witnessed the launch of 8 rockets, including 8 orbital launch attempts, while Wallops Island, Virginia, USA, has been the site for 78 rocket launches.
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.
