Spaceflight Now: Minotaur
Minotaur launch events
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: July 18, 2000

T+00:00 Liftoff
The first stage ignition command is issued and the OSPSLV Minotaur rocket lifts off from the Commercial Launch Facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket will start pitch down and roll maneuvers to achieve the initial flight azimuth two seconds into the launch.
T+01:01 Second stage ignition
As the Minuteman 2 M-55A1 uses up all its propellant, the second stage will be ignited. The ignition command will be issued once the acceleration threshold is met from first stage burnout. The first stage will jettison to fall into the Pacific Ocean.
T+01:17 Skirt separation
The aft skirt on the second stage will be jettisoned from the rocket.
T+01:58 Jettison payload fairing
The payload fairing that protected the Mightysat 2.1 spacecraft during the atmospheric ascent opens like a clam shell and falls away from the rocket.
T+02:06 Second stage separation
The Minuteman 2 SR-19 burns out. As the acceleration limit is reached, the stage is separated to fall into the Pacific Ocean.
T+02:15 Third stage ignition
Free of the Minuteman 2 hardware, the Pegasus heritage takes over for the Minotaur rocket with ignition of the third stage.
T+03:23 Third stage burnout
The spent Orion 50 XL third stage burns out and the rocket begins a ballistic coast period.
T+09:16 Fourth stage ignition
The third stage is separated to fall back to Earth, and the Minotaur rocket's upper stage, Orion 38 also used by Pegasus, ignites to complete the powered flight for this launch. Ignition comes as the rocket reaches apogee, increasing the velocity to orbital speed and raising the perigee.
T+10:26 Fourth stage burnout
The fourth stage completes its firing after consuming all of its solid-fuel propellant. The stage prepares to begin the programmed payload separation sequence after a 60-second coast period.
T+11:28 Spacecraft separation
The U.S. Air Force's Mightysat 2.1 technology demonstration satellite is deployed from the rocket's upper stage, completing the launch. The craft is due to be injected into a 550-km circular orbit inclined 97.5 degrees.

Data source: USAF

Flight data file
Vehicle: OSPSLV Minotaur
Payload: Mightysat 2.1
Launch date: July 19, 2000
Launch window: 2009-2135 GMT (4:09-5:35 p.m. EDT
Launch site: CLF, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

Pre-launch briefing
Minotaur - Facts and background information of OSP Space Launch Vehicle.

Mightysat 2.1 - A look at the satellite to be carried aloft by Minotaur.



MISSION STATUS CENTER