Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 22)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 2.0 – Minotaur IV Configurations
2.3.3. Guidance and Control Assembly (GCA)
The Guidance and Control Assembly (GCA) is the
heart of the launch vehicle, comprised of an
Avionics Assembly as well as the GCA Skirt which
forms the 92 inch Outer Mold Line (OML). The
Avionics Assembly houses all of the required
subsystems for vehicle operation including power,
telemetry, RF,
ordnance, pneumatic, and
guidance and control. In addition, the annular ring
design of the Avionics Assembly enables multiple
upper stage motor options (Figure 2.3.3-1). The
GCA skirt has four large doors for ease of access
to components within the Avionics Assembly.
Antennas and thruster ports are mounted to the
GCA skirt to allow for clear and unimpeded
operation during flight.
Figure 2.3.2-1. Orion 38 Stage 4 Motor
Figure 2.3.3-1. The Adaptable and Flexible Design of Minotaur Affords
a Wide Range of Options for Payload Customers
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