The Minotaur IV HAPS launch system is derived from the Peacekeeper ICBM. The first three stages are taken directly from decommissioned Peacekeeper missiles. A fourth stage, the Orion-38, is taken from the Pegasus family of air-launched rockets. A fifth stage, consisting of a hydrazine-powered motor called HAPS, increases orbital insertion accuracy and allows additional orbital maneuvering.
The third Minotaur IV launch, which was also known as STP-S26, deployed eight payloads (STPSat-2, RAX, O/OREOS, FASTSAT, NanoSail-D2, FalconSat-5, Sara-Lily (FASTRAC 1), Emma (FASTRAC 2)). STP-S26 was intended to extend previous standard interface development efforts, implementing a number of capabilities aimed at enabling responsive access to space for small experimental satellites and payloads.
Low Earth OrbitNS-38 is the 17th crewed flight for the New Shepard program and the 38th in the New Shepard program's history.
First 2 satellites of UK-based Open Cosmos' secure LEO broadband constellation designed to provide independent and resilient connectivity infrastruct…
A batch of 25 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.
A batch of 9 Low Earth Orbit communication satellites for the Chinese state owned SatNet constellation operated by the China Satellite Network Group.…
A batch of 29 satellites for the Starlink mega-constellation - SpaceX's project for space-based Internet communication system.