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Launch SuccessfulOrbital Sciences Corporation

Minotaur I: NROL-66 (RPP) (USA-225)

USA-225, also known as the Rapid Pathfinder Prototype (RPP) and NRO Launch 66 (NROL-66), is an American satellite which was launched in 2011. The satellite is being used to perform technology demonstration and development experiments, including advanced dosimeters to characterize the space environment from a 1,200 kilometer low Earth orbit. It is operated by the United States National Reconnaissance Office.

Sunday, 6 February 2011
Minotaur I: NROL-66 (RPP) (USA-225)

Mission Data

Orbital Sciences Corporation
🇺🇸Orbital Sciences Corporation
Launch VehicleMinotaur I
Vehicle FamilyMinotaur
Vehicle Record12 of 12 launches (100%)
Provider TypeCommercial
Agency Record65 successes / 7 failures (90%)
Mission TypeGovernment/Top Secret
Target OrbitLow Earth Orbit
Launch PadSpace Launch Complex 8
Location🇺🇸 Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA USA
Orbital Launches This Year#6
Agency Launches This Year#1
Launches From This Pad10
Launches From This Site923
Status Note

The launch vehicle successfully inserted its payload(s) into the target orbit(s).

About Minotaur I

The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. The first and second stages, taken directly from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, are mated to the Orion third and fourth stages taken from the Pegasus XL air-launched rocket family. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.The Minotaur I launch system is derived from converted Minuteman II ICBMs and is used to launch small satellites for the US Government. An optional hydrazine-powered fifth stage called HAPS can be used.

Launch Site

Space Launch Complex 8 · 34.5763°N 120.6325°W

Launch data from Launch Library 2 by The Space Devs.