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Orbital Minotaur IV User Manual

Minotaur iv, Fact sheet quick facts system features, Overview

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FACT SHEET

QUICK FACTS

System Features

• Full spacecraft integration support,

including mission management,
spacecraft interface support (power,
telemetry, sequencing, attitude
control, and deployment), through
launch operations and post-launch
performance evaluation

• Flexible design enables multiple

mission tailoring options

• Cost effective space launch

• Responsive launch solutions available

• Mission success is ensured by mature

systems and processes

- Orbital’s rigorous mission assurance
program

- Full government insight and

independent assessment

• Multiple spaceport launch capability

(California, Florida, Alaska, Mid-
Atlantic) using portable ground support
equipment

Overview

The flight proven Minotaur IV Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) provides an extremely cost-effective and
capable space solution for U.S. Government-sponsored spacecraft. It builds on a long background
of dependable launch systems with over 50 flights of each core stage. The combination of three
government-furnished solid rocket stages, a commercial solid rocket upper stage, and Orbital’s flight-
proven systems and processes provide an unmatched mix of value and performance. The integration
of government motors with commercial boosters and state-of-the-art hardware is one of Orbital’s
unique strengths from experience spanning several decades.

For the Minotaur IV, the standard Minotaur-family avionics, flight software, and subsystems are
integrated into a Guidance Control Assembly (GCA) which also incorporates the Stage 4 solid motor.
The baseline Stage 4 motor is the same Orion 38 design used on Minotaur I, and other Orbital launch
vehicles. An optional STAR

48BV motor has been flight demonstrated and is available for additional

performance in the Minotaur IV+ configuration.

The Minotaur family of launch vehicles are provided via the Orbital/Suborbital Program (OSP)
managed by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Space Development and Test
Directorate (SMC/SD) Launch Systems Division (SMC/SDL) located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New
Mexico.

Additional payload accomodation details can
be found in the Minotaur IV Users Guide.

Minotaur IV

Space Launch Vehicle

Stage 4 Motors

Payload Interface

Orion 38

Payload Adapter

Fittings

Payload

Cones

STAR

TM

48

Separation Systems