Orbital Minotaur I - Manual (Page 74)

Minotaur I User’s Guide Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
7.3.6. Launch Rehearsals
Two rehearsals are conducted prior to each launch. The first is conducted at approximately L-10 days
and is used to acquaint the launch team with the communications systems, reporting, problem solving,
launch procedures and constraints, and the decision making process. The first rehearsal is
communications only (i.e., the Minotaur launch vehicle and payload are not powered on and range assets
are not active). It is typically a full day in duration and consists of a number of countdowns performed
using abbreviated timelines, clock jumps, and off-nominal situations. All aspects of the team’s
performance are exercised, as well as hold, scrub, and recycle procedures. The operations are critiqued
and the lessons learned are incorporated prior to the Mission Dress Rehearsal (MDR) at L-5 days
(typical). The MDR is the final rehearsal prior to the actual launch day operation. It will ensure that
problems encountered during the first rehearsal have been resolved. The MDR exercises the entire 5
hour Minotaur I countdown procedure and simulated post launch events. The Launch Vehicle is powered
for this rehearsal and range assets perform operations as they would on launch day. There are no
planned off-nominal events; however, the team will react to real world anomalies as they would on launch
day. MDR ends with successful completion of the countdown procedure.
All Customer personnel involved with launch day activities participate in both rehearsals.
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