# Minotaur-C 3110

> space launch vehicle

**Wikidata**: [Q9355894](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q9355894)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/minotaur-c-3110

## Summary
The Minotaur-C 3110 is a four-stage, solid-fuel space launch vehicle developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation as part of the Minotaur-C class. It is also known by aliases such as Taurus 3110, Taurus XL, and Minotaur-C-XL-3110, and was involved in several notable launch failures, including missions carrying satellites like Glory and the Orbiting Carbon Observatory.

## Key Facts
- The Minotaur-C 3110 is a variant of the Minotaur-C class of launch vehicles, which are four-stage, solid-fuel rockets.
- It was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation.
- The vehicle is also referred to as Taurus 3110, Taurus XL, and Minotaur-C-XL-3110.
- It was involved in the launch failure of NASA's Glory Earth observation satellite.
- The Minotaur-C 3110 was also responsible for the failed launch of the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, a NASA climate satellite, in 2009.
- It is associated with the loss of several CubeSats, including KySat-1, Hermes, and Explorer-1 Prime.
- The vehicle originates from the United States.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Minotaur-C 3110?
A: The Minotaur-C 3110 is a four-stage, solid-fuel space launch vehicle developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation. It is part of the Minotaur-C class and is also known by other names such as Taurus 3110 and Taurus XL.

### Q: What notable missions was the Minotaur-C 3110 involved in?
A: The Minotaur-C 3110 was involved in several notable launch failures, including the missions carrying NASA's Glory Earth observation satellite and the Orbiting Carbon Observatory climate satellite.

### Q: What other names is the Minotaur-C 3110 known by?
A: The Minotaur-C 3110 is also known as Taurus 3110, Taurus XL, and Minotaur-C-XL-3110.

### Q: Which company manufactured the Minotaur-C 3110?
A: The Minotaur-C 3110 was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation.

### Q: What types of satellites were lost in Minotaur-C 3110 launch failures?
A: The Minotaur-C 3110 was involved in the loss of several satellites, including NASA's Glory and Orbiting Carbon Observatory, as well as CubeSats like KySat-1, Hermes, and Explorer-1 Prime.

## Why It Matters
The Minotaur-C 3110, despite its involvement in several high-profile launch failures, represents an important part of the history of space launch vehicles. Its failures, particularly those involving significant NASA missions like the Orbiting Carbon Observatory and Glory, have contributed to the understanding of launch vehicle reliability and the challenges of space exploration. These incidents have likely influenced improvements in launch vehicle design and operational procedures, ultimately advancing the field of aerospace engineering. The Minotaur-C 3110 also highlights the risks and complexities inherent in space missions, underscoring the need for rigorous testing and quality control in the development of launch vehicles.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Minotaur-C class of four-stage, solid-fuel launch vehicles.
- Its involvement in the failed launch of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory in 2009.
- The loss of NASA's Glory Earth observation satellite during a launch failure.
- Association with the loss of multiple CubeSats, including KySat-1, Hermes, and Explorer-1 Prime.
- Being manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, a key player in the aerospace industry.

## Body
### Overview
The Minotaur-C 3110 is a space launch vehicle that belongs to the Minotaur-C class, characterized by its four-stage, solid-fuel design. It is one of several variants within this class, which is known for its reliability and versatility in launching small to medium-sized payloads into orbit.

### Launch Failures
The Minotaur-C 3110 has been involved in several notable launch failures. One of the most significant was the 2009 failure that resulted in the loss of NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory, a climate satellite designed to study carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere. Another high-profile failure involved NASA's Glory Earth observation satellite, which was intended to study aerosols and solar irradiance.

In addition to these NASA missions, the Minotaur-C 3110 was also responsible for the loss of several CubeSats. These included KySat-1, an American CubeSat developed by Kentucky Space; Hermes, another American CubeSat; and Explorer-1 Prime, a picosatellite built by the Space Science and Engineering Laboratory.

### Manufacturer and Origin
The Minotaur-C 3110 was manufactured by Orbital Sciences Corporation, a prominent aerospace company based in the United States. The vehicle's country of origin is the United States, reflecting the nation's significant role in the development and operation of space launch vehicles.

### Aliases
The Minotaur-C 3110 is known by several other names, including Taurus 3110, Taurus XL, and Minotaur-C-XL-3110. These aliases reflect the vehicle's relationship to other variants within the Minotaur-C class and its evolutionary development over time.

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