The Minotaur IV is an all-solid fuel rocket derived from the LGM-118 Peacekeepr intercontinental ballistic missile.

Currently owned and operated by Northrop Grumman, the Minotaur IV can take a 1,730 kg payload to low Earth orbit.

The rocket flew for the first time in April 2010 and has launch pads in California, Alaska, Florida, and Virginia.

Its first three stages always remain the same. However, the Minotaur IV's fourth stage is interchangable between two versions: The Orion 38 or the Star 48V.

(Image: NASA. Credit: Northrop Grumman)

LP-0B is one of three active launch pads at the Mid Atlantic Regional Spaceport.

The pad was technically operational by 1999 but went unused until 2006 when a Minotaur I rocket launched from it.

(Image: A Minotaur V rocket on LP-0B with the LADEE mission for NASA. Credit: NASA)