Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 91)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
GCA and the upper stage motor are then delivered to the MPF located at VAFB. Upon arrival at VAFB
these assemblies will undergo a thorough inspection and subsystem level checkout. At this time range
certification of Range Tracking System (RTS) and Flight Termination System (FTS) devices will be
performed at both the component and in-vehicle testing level. After the completion of subsystem level
testing, the motor is integrated into the GCA to form the GCA/motor assembly.
7.1.3. PK Motor Integration and Test Activities
The PK motors are delivered to the MPF where they undergo checkout, integration, and testing. These
activities include ordnance and raceway installation, as well as steering and phasing tests.
7.1.4. Mission Simulation Tests
Orbital will run at least two Mission Simulation Tests (MST) to verify the functionality of launch vehicle
hardware, and software. The Mission Simulation Tests use the actual flight software and simulate a “fly to
orbit” scenario using simulated Inertial Navigation System (INS) data. This allows the test to proceed
throughout all mission phases and capture vehicle performance data. The data will be compared to
previous MSTs performed in the factory using the same flight software and hardware. Orbital developed
PK Thrust Vector Actuator (TVA) simulators are used to perform all mission simulations. These
components provide a realistic assessment of booster performance during the testing operations. After a
thorough data review of all telemetry parameters, the test configuration is disassembled and prepared for
payload integration.
7.1.5. Launch Vehicle Processing Facilities
The Minotaur Processing Facility (MPF), Building
1900, at VAFB is a 48,000 sq. ft facility used
primarily for LV processing prior to transporting the
LV to the appropriate launch site or range for that
mission. For missions out of VAFB, the MPF has
adequate floor space and infrastructure to support
concurrent launch vehicle and payload processing.
The MPF is shown in Figure 7.1.5-1. Should the
MPF be utilized for payload processing, it is
expected that the payload and Minotaur launch
vehicle would be processed in separate sections of
the High Bay area.
The MPF has infrastructure capability to support payload processing requirements in terms of security,
electrical and communications service, overhead crane, and a temperature and humidity controlled
environment. High Cleanliness operations are discussed further in 8.2.3.1 as required per the mission
and particle containment requirements.
Figure 7.1.5-1. Minotaur Processing Is
Performed at the MPF at VAFB
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