Minotaur IV Blasts Off New Era in Space Surveillance

  • Published
  • By Capt Ryne Roady
  • Space Development and Test Wing
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM --  The Space Development and Test Wing from Kirtland AFB, NM successfully launched the second-ever mission of the Minotaur IV launch vehicle at 9:41 p.m. PDT on 25 Sept. 2010, from Space Launch Complex 8 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

The payload for the launch was the Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) spacecraft, a revolutionary technology which will usher in a new era in space situational awareness. Once it has been designated as operational, the SBSS spacecraft will provide timely detection, collection, identification and tracking of man-made space objects from deep space to low-earth orbit.

"I could not be more pleased with the tremendous accomplishment of the SDTW Team in partnership with Space Superiority Systems Wing (SMC/SY), 30th Space Wing, Orbital Sciences Corporation, and TASC." said Col Michael Moran, SDTW Commander.

"Our mission this evening was a tremendous success, said Col. J.R. Jordan from the Space Superiority Systems Wing and the Mission Director. "After all of the long days and long hours that prepared us for this important event, the team performed flawlessly. Thanks to all for their hard work and dedication to mission success, always our number one priority."

The SBSS space vehicle, developed by Boeing and Ball Aerospace, uses an 11.8-inch telescope mounted on a highly agile, two-axis gimbal to provide data needed to keep better tabs on space debris and guard against accidental collisions. Further, the reconnaissance provided by SBSS will watch for potential risks posed to the military's communications, navigation, weather and spy satellites by enemy interference.

The flawless launch of SBSS marked the first orbital mission for the Minotaur IV Launch Vehicle and the 18th successful launch for the Minotaur family of rockets which are developed by the Orbital Sciences Corporation.

For the initial three minutes and twenty-seven seconds of flight, The Minotaur IV was powered by three government-furnished solid rocket motors from decommissioned Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missiles. The final kick into orbit for the 2,275 lb payload came from a commercial Orion-38 solid rocket upper stage.

"The Minotaur IV space launch vehicle did exactly what it was designed to do, said Lt. Col. Kent Nickle of the Space Development and Test Wing and Deputy Mission Director for the launch. "As a representative of the Space Development and Test Wing (SDTW) at Kirtland Air Force Base, I am proud to be a part of such an important mission for space situational awareness. A well deserved congratulation goes out to the entire team for a mission well done."

The launch of SBSS is the second mission in a long line of planned launches for the Minotaur family over the next 12 months.

The next Minotaur IV launch will occur on 19 November from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Kodiak, Alaska.

The launch will place into orbit the STP-S26 mission managed by SDTW's Space Development Squadron a complex research and development mission which consists of 7 small satellites with 16 experimental payloads.