Orbital debris mitigation, Dual and multi payload adapter fittings – Orbital Minotaur I User Manual
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Minotaur I User’s Guide
Section 8.0 – Optional Enhanced Capabilities
each particular spacecraft and with location on the
spacecraft. Generally, a beneficial reduction in
shock and vibration will also be provided. The
isolation system does impact overall vehicle
performance by approximately 9 to 18 kg (20 to 40
lb) and the available payload dynamic envelope by
up to 5.08 cm (2.0”) axially and up to 2.54 cm
(1.0”) laterally.
8.11. Orbital Debris Mitigation
For each mission, Orbital evaluates the orbit
lifetime of all stages and hardware that reach Earth
orbit. In the event that Minotaur hardware is left in
an orbit that lasts for 25 years or longer, this
enhancement is required to properly dispose and
mitigate causality expectations of the hardware in
accordance with AFI 91-217. Figure 8.11-1 shows
the altitudes where Low Earth Orbits last for more
than 25 years. For this enhancement, Orbital
optimizes the orbital debris mitigation system to the
specific mission requirements. For example, in
some cases it might be more efficient to raise the
final stage to an orbit in the LEO Disposal region.
In other cases it would be best to lower the final
stage to an orbit where natural forces can return
the hardware to the Earth’s atmosphere within 25
years. In some cases, deployment of a solar sail or
tether may be required. Orbital will determine the
optimal solution on a mission-specific basis.
8.12. Dual and Multi Payload Adapter Fittings
Detailed in Section 5.2.4.2.
Figure 8.10-1. Minotaur I SRSS Significantly
Attenuates Peak LV Dynamic Environments
Figure 8.11-1. Operational and Disposal LEOs
Release 3.0
March 2014
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