Minotaur II

The Minotaur II is an expendable launch vehicle that is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base Launch Facility 06, that was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation. The first launch of the Minotaur II occurred on May 28th, 2000. As of May 2009, the rocket has had a total of 8 launches that have been all successful. Moreover, as of 2018 the Minotaur II is still active. On the other hand, the Minotaur II 19.21 meters long (63 feet), while having an unusual diameter of 1.67 meters (5 feet 6 inches). The rocket comes equipped with two stages from decommissioned Minuteman missiles, with an optional third stage. The first stage uses a M55A1 engine that creates 792kN of thrust (178,048 pounds of thrust). Secondly, the second stage uses a SR19AJ1 engine that produces 268kN of thrust (60,000 pounds of thrust). The third stages has three different options. The first third stage uses an M57A1 that produces 76kN of thrust (17,085 pounds of thrust). The second third stage option uses an SR-73-AJ. The last third stage option uses an Orion 50XL. The rocket can carry an impressive payload of  1,400 kilograms (3,100 pounds).