The first Minotaur V at MARS before the launch of LADEE. | |
Function | Expendable launch system |
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Manufacturer | Northrop Grumman (Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems) |
Country of origin | United States |
Size | |
Height | 24.56 m |
Diameter | 2.34 m |
Mass | 89,373 kg |
Stages | Five |
Capacity | |
Payload to GTO | |
Mass | 532 kg |
Payload to TLI | |
Mass | 342 kg |
Associated rockets | |
Family | Minotaur |
Launch history | |
Status | Active, no planned launches |
Launch sites | SLC-8, Vandenberg SFB LP-0B, MARS LP-1, Kodiak |
Total launches | 1 |
Success(es) | 1 |
First flight | 7 September 2013 |
First stage – SR-118 | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Maximum thrust | 2,200 kN (490,000 lbf) |
Burn time | 83 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Second stage – SR-119 | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Maximum thrust | 1,365 kilonewtons (307,000 lbf) |
Burn time | 54 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Third stage – SR-120 | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Maximum thrust | 329 kilonewtons (74,000 lbf) |
Burn time | 62 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Fourth stage – Star-48BV | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Maximum thrust | 64 kilonewtons (14,000 lbf) |
Burn time | 84 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Fifth stage (Baseline) – Star-37FM | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Maximum thrust | 47.26 kilonewtons (10,620 lbf) |
Burn time | 63 seconds |
Propellant | Solid |
Fifth stage (Optional) – Star-37FMV | |
Powered by | 1 Solid |
Propellant | Solid |
Minotaur V is an American expendable launch system derived from the Minotaur IV, itself a derivative of the LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBM. It was developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation, (now absorbed into Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems) and made its maiden flight on 7 September 2013 carrying the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer spacecraft for NASA. While Minotaur V is still likely active and available to fly, no further flights are scheduled as of April 2024.
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. 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. The Star-37FMV upper stage is heavier, reducing payload capacity, but is more maneuverable.
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.
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. While now separated from the LADEE spacecraft, both the fourth and fifth stages of the Minotaur V reached orbit, and are now derelict satellites in Earth orbit.
Flight number | Date (UTC) | Launch site | Payload | Orbit | Outcome |
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1 | September 7, 2013 03:27 |
MARS LP-0B | LADEE | LTO | Success |
Orbital launch systems developed in the United States | |
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Active | |
In development | |
Retired | |
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