Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 92)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
7.2. Payload Processing/Integration
Payloads typically undergo initial checkout and preparation for launch at a Payload Processing Facility
(PPF), which can be either government provided or commercial facility. After arrival at the PPF (see
Figure 7.2-1), the payload completes its own independent verification and checkout prior to beginning
integrated processing with the Minotaur launch vehicle. When integrated processing is ready to
commence, the Minotaur fairing and Payload Adapter Module (PAM) are delivered to the payload
processing facility. The payload is mounted to the PAM and then encapsulated by the fairing, as shown in
Figure 7.2-2. The encapsulated assembly is then shipped in the vertical configuration to the launch site,
as shown in Figure 7.2-3, where it will undergo pre-stack verification test. Together, the fairing and PAM
provide a sealed assembly which protects the payload during transport and launch.
Figure 7.2-1. Payload Processing and LV Integration Flow at the PPF
Figure 7.2-2. Payload Encapsulation at the PPF Figure 7.2-3. Encapsulated Payload Transport
to the Launch Site
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