Minotaur (rocket Family)

Minotaur (rocket Family)

The Minotaur is a family of American solid fuel rockets derived from converted Minuteman and Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missiles. They are built by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

Two variants of the Minotaur are currently in service. The Minotaur I is an orbital launch system used to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The Minotaur II, also known as Chimera and TLV, is used for suborbital flights, often as a target for tracking and anti-ballistic missile tests. The Minotaur IV is a more capable LEO launch system. Two more versions are also under development. These are the Minotaur III, which will also be used for suborbital flights, and the Minotaur V, which is designed to reach higher orbits, including GTO and trans-lunar trajectories. The Minotaur I and II are derived from the Minuteman missile, while the Minotaur III, IV and V are derived from the Peacekeeper.