Taurus II is a two-stage launch vehicle designed to provide responsive, low-cost, and reliable access to space for medium-class payloads weighing up to 5750 kg. Currently under development to demonstrate commercial re-supply of the International Space Station under a NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) contract, the Taurus II launch system utilizes identical management approaches, engineering standards, production and test processes common to Orbital’s family of highly successful small-class Pegasus®, Taurus®, and Minotaur launch vehicles. These proven launch technologies, along with hardware from one of the world’s leading launch vehicle integrators, combine to provide cost-effective access to a variety of orbits for civil, commercial and military Delta II-class payloads.
System Features Include:
Large 3.9 meter fairing, capable of accommodating a variety of single and multiple payloads
Substantial payload performance into a variety low inclination low-Earth orbits (LEO), sun-synchronous, geo-transfer or interplanetary orbits
Streamlined vehicle/payload integration and testing via simplified avionics interfaces and offline payload encapsulation
Designed for easy transportability and rapid set-up from a variety of launch sites
Compatible with the Western Range at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), Eastern Range at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Wallops Flight Facility (WFF).)
Initial launch capability for first mission in 2010
Proven technology to meet mission requirements
Quick Facts
Medium class space launch vehicle utilizes proven systems from Pegasus, Taurus, and Minotaur product lines
Rocket incorporates both solid and liquid stages
Designed to achieve a 98% or greater launch capability
