Minotaur Launches STP-R1(Streak) from
Vandenberg AFB. 

Minotaur lifts off at 7:24:29pm PDT on 09-22-2005
 To read about the launch site and mission click here!
 
 
Minotaur stands ready the morning before launch inside its new gantry.


 
Liftoff with the Streak Satellite from SLC-8 30 minutes after sunset!





 




Insulation that covers the 2st stage is blown away at ignition!



The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency named the Satellite "Streak" and now you know why!
This 2 minute streak photo was taken with a 24mm at a distance of 115 miles from SLC-8.
The light below the break in the streak (Coast Phase) and 3th stage ignition is the planet Venus.



This photo is the first in a sequence shot from Lake Castaic, Calif. 115 miles from Vandenberg AFB.







Second stage cutoff and third stage ignition!



A closeup of 3rd stage ignition.



High altitude winds swirl the smoke plume and create a beautiful "Twilight Phenomena"



 The launch vehicle, derived from Minuteman 2 ICBM missile 1st & 2nd stages and
Pegasus rocket 3rd & 4th stages, placed the STP-R1 satellite platform into orbit


                                                    To see Photos from the 1st Minotaur launch click here!

To see Photos from the Minotaur/MightySat launch click here!

To see Photos from the Minotaur/XSS11 launch click here!



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