U.S. Air Force Turns to Orbital's Minotaur for TacSat Launches

摘要

The Pentagon's push in recent years for small rockets that can loft satellites on short notice has focused on the development of new launchers, but the military is beginning to turn its attention to an option with a proven track record. The U.S. Air Force announced May 22 that it had ordered two launches from Orbital Sciences Corp. using the Dulles, Va.-based company's Minotaur rocket, which is built from decommissioned ICBM stages. Air Force officials also said they are considering additional Minotaur orders. The two launches are worth $23 million, according to an Orbital Sciences news release issued on May 25.