Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 95)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
7.3.4. Launch
The typical Minotaur final countdown procedure commences at 5 hours prior to the required launch time.
Figure 7.3.4-1 describes the nominal Minotaur launch day flow. These activities methodically transition
the vehicle from a safe state to that of launch readiness. Payload tasks, as necessary, are included in the
countdown procedure and are coordinated by the Minotaur Launch Conductor. The Minotaur IV is shown
ready for launch in Figure 7.3.4-2.
7.3.5. Launch Control Organization
The Launch Control Organization is split into two
groups: the Management group and the Technical
group. The Management group consists of senior
range personnel and Mission Directors/Managers
for the launch vehicle and payload who provide
authority to proceed at selected points in the
countdown. The Technical Group consists of the
Launch Vehicle, Payload and Range personnel
responsible for execution of the launch operation,
to include data review and launch readiness
assessment. The Payload’s members of the
technical group are engineers who provide
technical representation in the control center. The
Launch Vehicle’s members of the technical group
are engineers who prepare the Minotaur for flight,
review and assess data that is displayed in the
Launch Control Room (LCR) and provide
technical representation in the LCR and in the
Launch Operations Control Center (LOCC). The
Range’s members of the technical group are
personnel that maintain and monitor the voice and
data equipment, tracking facilities and all assets
involved with RF communications with the launch
vehicle. In addition, the Range provides personnel
responsible for the Flight Termination System
monitoring and commanding.
Figure 7.3.4-1. Notional Minotaur Countdown Timeline
Figure 7.3.4-2. Minotaur IV Prepared for Launch
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