Vandenberg officials launch Minotaur IV

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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) --  Officials here launched a Minotaur IV rocket Sept. 25.

The Minotaur IV launched the Space-Based Space Surveillance satellite, a first-of-its-kind satellite that can detect and track orbiting space objects from space.

Col. Richard Boltz, the 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.

"SBSS will greatly enhance our existing space situational awareness capability, a capability vital to protecting our space-based assets," Colonel Boltz said. "This evening's launch was our third launch in eight days, and I am extremely proud of team Vandenberg for all the hard work and dedication they've put into these important missions."

This launch was a combined effort between the 30th Space Wing, Orbital Sciences Corporation, The Boeing Company, Ball Aerospace and the Space and Missile Systems Center.

The Minotaur IV launch vehicle provides the ability to deliver payloads up to 3000 kilograms on long-range, suborbital trajectories. It utilizes residual solid rocket motors combined with commercial launch vehicle technologies.

(Courtesy of 30th Space Wing Public Affairs)