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Minotaur V

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Minotaur V
The first Minotaur V at MARS before the launch of LADEE.
FunctionExpendable launch system
ManufacturerNorthrop Grumman (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems)
Country of originUnited States
Size
Height24.56 m (80.6 ft)[1]
Diameter2.34 m (7 ft 8 in)[1]
Mass89,373 kg (197,034 lb)[1]
Stages5
Capacity
Payload to GTO
Mass532 kg (1,173 lb)
Payload to TLI
Mass342 kg (754 lb)
Associated rockets
FamilyMinotaur
Launch history
StatusActive, no planned launches
Launch sitesWallops Island, LP-0B
Total launches1
Success(es)1
First flight7 September 2013
First stage – SR-118
Maximum thrust2,200 kN (490,000 lbf)
Burn time83 seconds
PropellantHTPB
Second stage – SR-119
Maximum thrust1,365 kN (307,000 lbf)
Burn time54 seconds
PropellantHTPB
Third stage – SR-120
Maximum thrust329 kN (74,000 lbf)
Burn time62 seconds
PropellantNEPE
Fourth stage – Star-48BV
Maximum thrust64 kN (14,000 lbf)
Burn time84 seconds
PropellantHTPB
Fifth stage – Star-37FM
Maximum thrust47.26 kN (10,620 lbf)
Burn time63 seconds

Minotaur V is an American expendable launch system derived from the Minotaur IV, itself a derivative of the LGM-118 Peacekeeper, an intercontinental ballistic missile. It was developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, (now absorbed into Northrop Grumman) and made its maiden, and to date, only flight on 7 September 2013 carrying the LADEE (Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer) spacecraft for NASA.[2] While Minotaur V is still likely active and available to fly, no further flights are scheduled as of May 2024.

Design

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Minotaur V is a five-stage vehicle and is designed to place up to 630 kilograms (1,390 lb) of payload into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, or 342 kilograms (754 lb) on a trans-lunar trajectory.[3] It consists of a Minotaur IV+, with a Star-37 as a fifth stage. Two variants are available, one with a spin-stabilized Star-37FM upper stage, and the other with a Star-37FMV capable of three-axis stabilization.[3] The Star-37FMV upper stage is heavier, reducing payload capacity, but is more maneuverable.

Launch pads

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Space Launch Complex 8 at the Vandenberg Space Force Base, Pad 0B at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), and Pad 1 of the Kodiak Launch Complex are all capable of accommodating Minotaur V. As of 2024, the vehicle has only launched from MARS.[4]

Launch history

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The only Minotaur V occurred on 7 September 2013 at 03:27 UTC from Launch Pad 0B at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport in Virginia. The payload for the maiden flight was the LADEE lunar exoatmosphere science spacecraft (SATCAT: 39246, decay date: 18 April 2014).[5] While now separated from the LADEE spacecraft, both the fourth and fifth stages of the Minotaur V reached orbit, and became derelict satellites in Earth orbit (SATCAT: 39248, decay date: 27 November 2013).[6]

Flight number Date (UTC) Launch site Payload Orbit Outcome
1 September 7, 2013
03:27
MARS LP-0B LADEE LTO Success

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) Launch" (PDF). NASA. Retrieved 8 September 2013.
  2. ^ "Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) Mission website". NASA. Archived from the original on 2010-03-29.
  3. ^ a b "Fact Sheet" (PDF). Minotaur V. Orbital Sciences Corporation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-03-11. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  4. ^ Krebs, Gunter. "Minotaur-3/-4/-5 (OSP-2 Peacekeeper SLV)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  5. ^ Stephen Clark (7 September 2013). "Moon mission hits snag after flawless late-night launch". Spaceflight Now. Retrieved 7 September 2013.
  6. ^ Graham, William (6 September 2013). "Orbital's Minotaur V launches LADEE mission to the Moon". NASAspaceflight.com. Retrieved 8 September 2013.