Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 24)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 2.0 – Minotaur IV Configurations
The Enhanced Telemetry option as described in the Enhancements section 8.5 augments the existing
baseline telemetry system by providing a dedicated telemetry link with a baseline data rate of 2 Mbps.
This Enhanced Telemetry link is used to provide further insight into the mission environment due to
additional payload, LV, or experiment data acquisition requirements. Supplementary instrumentation or
signals such as strain gauges, temperature sensors, accelerometers, analog or digital data can be
configured to meet payload mission-specific requirements.
An Over The Horizon Telemetry option can also be added to provide real-time telemetry coverage during
ground-based telemetry receiving site blackout periods. The Telemetry Data Relay Satellite System
(TDRSS) is used for this capability, and has been successfully demonstrated on past Minotaur missions.
Close to the time when telemetry coverage is lost by ground based telemetry receiving sites, the LV
switches telemetry output to the TDRSS antenna and points the antenna towards the designated satellite.
The TDRSS then relays the telemetry to the ground where it is routed to the launch control room for real-
time telemetry updates. Reference Enhancements section 8.8 for further details on this Over The Horizon
Telemetry option.
Minotaur telemetry is subject to the provisions of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START). START
treaty provisions require that certain Minotaur telemetry be unencrypted and provided to the START
treaty office for dissemination to the signatories of the treaty.
2.3.4. Payload Interface
Forward of the GCA is the Payload Adapter Module (PAM), shown in Figure 2.3.4-1. It is comprised of the
fairing frangible separation ring, fairing adapter ring and payload cone, which adapts from the 92 inch
OML down to the standard 38 inch interface. This assembly provides both the mechanical interface with
the payload as well as serves to close out the bottom of the encapsulated payload volume.
Minotaur provides for a standard non-separating payload interface with the option of adding an Orbital-
provided payload separation system. Orbital will provide all flight hardware and integration services
necessary to attach non-separating and separating payloads to the Minotaur launch vehicle. Additional
mechanical interface diameters and separation system configurations can readily be provided as an
enhanced option as described in Section 5.0. Further detail on payload electrical, mechanical and launch
support equipment interfaces can also be found in Section 5.0.
With the addition of various structural adapters,
the Minotaur IV can accommodate multiple
payloads. This feature, described in more detail in
Section 5.2.4.2 of this User’s Guide, permits two
or more payloads to share the cost of a Minotaur
IV launch, thus lowering the launch cost when
compared to other launch options. Furthermore,
Orbital can accommodate small payloads when
there is excess payload and/or mass capability.
Figure 2.3.4-1. Minotaur IV Payload Adapter
Module
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