Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 74)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 5.0 – Payload Interfaces
5.2.5.3. RUAG 937 Separation Systems
There are two available RUAG separation
systems. The traditional RUAG 937B is a lower
cost, flight proven design composed of two rings
and a clamp band separated by bolt cutters. The
RUAG 937S separation system, Figure 5.2.5.3-1,
is flight proven, low-shock separation system that
offers outstanding load capability. This system is
composed of two rings and a clamp band
separated by a Clamp Band Opening Device
(CBOD) rather than traditional bolt cutters. The
CBOD uses a redundant, ordnance initiated pin
puller device to convert strain energy, created by
the clamp band tension, into kinetic energy
through a controlled event that greatly reduces
separation shock. Hardware separated with the
payload is approximately 5.18 kg (11.40 lbm) for
the 937B and 6.2 kg (13.6 lbm) for the 937S.
Orbital-provided attachment bolts to this interface
can be inserted from either the launch vehicle or
the payload side of the interface.
5.3. Payload Electrical Interfaces
The payload electrical interface supports battery
charging, external power, discrete commands,
discrete telemetry, analog telemetry, serial
communication, payload separation indications,
and up to 16 separate ordnance discretes. If an optional Orbital-provided separation system is utilized,
Orbital will provide all the wiring through the separable interface plane. If the option is not exercised the
customer will be responsible to provide the wiring from the spacecraft to the separation plane.
5.3.1. Payload Umbilical Interfaces
Two dedicated payload umbilicals are provided with 60 circuits each from the ground to the spacecraft.
These umbilicals are dedicated pass through harnesses for ground processing support. They allow the
payload command, control, monitor, and power to be easily configured per each individual user’s
requirements. The umbilical wiring is configured as a one-to-one from the Payload/Minotaur interface
through to the payload EGSE interface in the Launch Equipment Vault, the closest location for operating
customer supplied payload EGSE equipment. The length of the internal umbilicals is approximately
7.62 m (25 ft). The length of the external umbilicals from the LEV/SEB to the launch vehicle ranges from
approximately 38.1 m (125 ft) to 99.1 m (325 ft) depending on the launch site chosen for the mission.
Figure 5.3.1-1 details the pin outs for the standard interface umbilical. All wires are twisted, shielded
pairs, and pass through the entire umbilical system, both vehicle and ground, as one-to-one to simplify
and standardize the payload umbilical configuration requirements while providing maximum operational
flexibility to the payload provider.
Figure 5.2.5.2-1. 38” Planetary Sciences
Motorized Lightband
Figure 5.2.5.3-1. RUAG 937S 38”
Separation System
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