Minotaur Launches XSS-11 from
Vandenberg AFB. 

Minotaur liftsoff at 6:35am PDT on 04-11-2005
 To read about the launch site and mission click here!
 


Minotaur stands ready one day before launch inside its new gantry.




Liftoff in low stratus clouds from SLC-8 at sunrise.




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














This photo and the one below were taken about 13 miles
away from the launch pad.


The launch vehicle, derived from Minuteman 2 ICBM missile 1st & 2nd stages and
Pegasus rocket 3rd & 4th stages, placed the XSS-11 satellite platform into orbit.



Workers survey the pad damage after the sucessful launch!

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


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