STP-S26 Launch

A Minotaur IV rocket carrying the DoD Space Test Program's S26 payloads lifts off from the pad at Kodiak Launch Complex, Nov. 19. The launch occured at 4:25 p.m. AST. (Photo courtesy of T-Minus Productions, Inc.)

STP-S26 Mission

Team members lower the FASTRAC Satellite into position. Oct 16. The satellite is one of four to be launched a board a Minotaur IV rocket from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska, Nov. 9. (Photo by Lou Hernandez)

First SBSS Launch

Panel members field questions about the first launch of an SBSS satellite. The satellite will allow the U.S. to track and catalogue space based objects in low-earth orbit. The Minotaur IV utilizes three government-furnished solid rocket motors from decommissioned Peacekeeper ICBMs and a commercial solid rocket upper stage. (Photo by Dwight McCann)

First SBSS Launch

The first Space Based Space Surveillances satellite launches from Space Launch Complex 8 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. aboard a Minotaur IV rocket at 9:41 p.m. PDT, Sept. 25. (Photo courtesy of Orbital Sciences Corporation)

TacSat-3 Launch

An Orbital Sciences Minotaur I rocket carrying TacSat-3 lifts off from Pad 0B at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Va., May 19 at 7:55 p.m. EDT. The launch was the third launch of the Minotaur rocket from the NASA facility that partners with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. TacSat-3 is the first mission whose payload selection process was based on recommendations from combatant commanders around the world. As the primary funding agent for TacSat-3, the Operationally Responsive Space Office is responsible for facilitating the transition of the TacSat-3 technology to operational capabilities. (Photo by Thom Baur, Orbital Sciences)

TacSat 3

The TacSat-3 satellite awaits launch on board a Minotaur 1 rocket, May 1. The launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va., is scheduled for May 5. Launch window opens at 8 p.m. EDT. (Photo by Col. William Handy)