Minotaur V

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.

  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.