Taurus

First Launch:

March 1994

Flight Rate:

1-2 per year (projected)

Launch Site:

mobile pad (VAFB)

Capability:

2,100 lb (200 nmi polar)

History

• Development program began in June 1989
• DARPA contracted with Orbital Sciences Corporation for one demonstration launch with options for 4 more launches

Description

• Four-stage solid launch vehicle
• Stage 0 Thiokol Peacekeeper first stage generates 495,400 lb of thrust at liftoff
• Stage 1 Alliant Techsystems solid rocket motor generates 109,140 lb of thrust
• Stage 2 solid rocket motor generates 26,900 lb of thrust
• Stage 3 solid rocket motor generates 7,200 lb of thrust

Profile

Length:

90.25 ft

Launch Weight:

180,000 lb

Diameter:

7.7 ft (Stage 0)

Liftoff Thrust:

347,800 lb

Payload Fairing:

14.3 X 5.3 ft