Launch vehicle integration overview, Planning and documentation – Orbital Minotaur VI User Manual
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Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide
Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
7.1. Launch Vehicle Integration Overview
Orbital utilizes the same fundamental integration and process flow for all launch vehicles in the Minotaur
family. A flowchart of the launch vehicle integration at the MPF is shown in Figure 7.1-1 for a VAFB
Minotaur IV launch. The flow to accommodate other Minotaur configurations or other launch facilities is
similar and modified as required. The timeline described in this section pertains to a nominal launch
campaign. Figure 7.1-2 shows the Minotaur hardware and support equipment undergoing integration at
the MPF.
Figure 7.1-1. Launch Vehicle Processing Flow at the MPF
7.1.1. Planning and Documentation
Minotaur integration and test activities are controlled by a comprehensive set of Work Packages (WPs)
that describe and document every aspect of integrating and testing the Minotaur launch vehicle and its
payload. All testing and integration activities are scheduled by work package number on an activity
schedule that is updated and distributed daily during field operations. This schedule is maintained by
Orbital and serves as the master document
communicating all activities planned at the field
site. The schedule contains notations regarding
the status of the work package document and
hardware required to begin the operation.
Mission-specific work packages are created for
mission-unique or payload-specific procedures.
Any discrepancies encountered are recorded on a
Non-Conformance Report and dispositioned as
required. All activities are in accordance with
Orbital’s ISO 9001 certification.
7.1.2. Guidance and Control Assembly
Integration and Test Activities
The Guidance and Control Assembly (GCA) will
undergo system level testing at Orbital’s Chandler
facility prior to being shipped to the field site. The
Figure 7.1-2. Minotaur Launch Vehicle
Integration at MPF
Release 2.0
June 2013
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