Orbital Minotaur I - Manual (Page 73)

Minotaur I User’s Guide Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
7.3.4. Launch
The typical Minotaur final countdown procedure commences at 5 hours prior to the required launch time.
Figure 7.3.4-1 describes the nominal Minotaur I launch day flow. These activities methodically transition
the vehicle from a safe state to that of launch readiness. Payload tasks, as necessary, are included in the
countdown procedure and are coordinated by the Minotaur I Launch Conductor. The Minotaur I is shown
ready for launch in Figure 7.3.4-2.
Figure 7.3.4-1. Notional Minotaur
Countdown Timeline
Figure 7.3.4-2. Minotaur I Prepared for Launch
7.3.5. Launch Control Organization
The Launch Control Organization is split into two groups: the Management group and the Technical
group. The Management group consists of senior range personnel and Mission Directors/Managers for
the launch vehicle and payload who provide authority to proceed at selected points in the countdown. The
Technical Group consists of the Launch Vehicle, Payload and Range personnel responsible for execution
of the launch operation, to include data review and launch readiness assessment. The Payload’s
members of the technical group are engineers who provide technical representation in the control center.
The Launch Vehicle’s members of the technical group are engineers who prepare the Minotaur for flight,
review and assess data that is displayed in the Launch Control Room (LCR) and provide technical
representation in the LCR and in the Launch Operations Control Center (LOCC). The Range’s members
of the technical group are personnel that maintain and monitor the voice and data equipment, tracking
facilities and all assets involved with RF communications with the launch vehicle. In addition, the Range
provides personnel responsible for the Flight Termination System monitoring and commanding.
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