Orbital Minotaur IV - Manual

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