Following the flight of the four-stage Minotaur rocket, the ORS-1 spacecraft was deployed into its intended orbit. The mission was the 21st successful mission for the Minotaur program since its first launch in 2000 and the fourth Minotaur 1 launch from the MARS facility. 

   The ORS-1 satellite is the Operationally Responsive Space Office’s first operational prototype spacecraft. Its rapid development and deployment aims to function as an important step toward demonstrating the capability to meet emerging and persistent warfighter needs on operationally relevant timelines, the Pentagon said.