Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 25)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 2.0 – Minotaur IV Configurations
2.3.5. Payload Fairing
Orbital’s flight proven Minotaur IV 92” diameter
payload fairing (Figure 2.3.5-1) is used to
encapsulate the payload, providing protection and
contamination control during ground handling,
integration operations and flight. The fairing is a
bi-conic design made of graphite/epoxy face
sheets with an aluminum honeycomb core. The
fairing provides for low payload contamination
through prudent design and selection of low
contamination materials and processes. Acoustic
blankets and internal conditioned air are standard
service items that provide a more benign payload
environment. Conditioned air will keep the
payload environment to a specified temperature
between 13 to 29 °C (55 to 85 °F) dependent
upon requirements.
The two halves of the fairing are structurally joined along their longitudinal interface using Orbital’s low
contamination frangible joint system. An additional circumferential frangible joint at the base of the fairing
supports the fairing loads. At separation, a cold-gas system is activated to pressurize the fairing
deployment thrusters. The fairing halves then rotate about external hinges that control the fairing
deployment to ensure that payload and launch vehicle clearances are maintained. All elements of the
deployment system have been demonstrated through numerous ground tests and flights.
The Minotaur IV comes standard with a single payload access door; however, options for extra payload
access doors and enhanced cleanliness are available. Further details on the baseline fairing are included
in Section 5.1.
A larger 110” diameter fairing design is available as an enhancement (reference Section 5.1.2) to
accommodate payloads larger than those that can be fit in the standard 92” diameter Minotaur IV fairing.
The fairing, composite materials, structural testing, separation and deployment systems are similar to
those of the heritage 92” fairing.
Figure 2.3.5-1. Minotaur IV 92” Fairing and
Handling Fixtures
Release 2.0 June 2013 10