Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 97)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 8.0 – Optional Enhanced Capabilities
8. OPTIONAL ENHANCED CAPABILITIES
The OSP launch service is structured to provide a baseline vehicle configuration which is then augmented
with optional enhancements to meet the unique needs of individual payloads. The baseline vehicle
capabilities are defined in the previous sections and the optional enhanced capabilities are defined below.
The enhanced options allow customization of launch support and accommodations to the Minotaur
designs on an efficient, “as needed” basis.
8.1. Separation System and Optional Mechanical Interfaces
Several different types of optional separation systems and mechanical interfaces are available through
Orbital. Further details can be found in Sections 5.2.4 and 5.2.5.
8.2. Conditioned Air
Conditioned air is included in the baseline vehicle
cost and was described previously in Section 4.6.1.
The Nitrogen Purge and Enhanced Contamination
Control enhancements complement this capability
as described in the enhancements Section 8.3 and
8.6.
8.3. Nitrogen Purge
Clean, dry gaseous nitrogen (GN
2
) purge meeting
Grade B specifications as defined in MIL-P-27401C
can be provided to the payload in a Class 10,000
environment for continuous purge of the payload
after fairing encapsulation until final payload
closeouts (non-fly away) or until lift-off (flyaway
configuration shown in Figure 8.3-1). This
enhancement uses a flow regulated nitrogen ground
supply connected to the fairing. The nitrogen flow
control regulator ensures the purge is supplied at a
minimum flow rate of 5 standard cubic feet per
minute with a capability of up to 8 standard cubic
feet per minute. A manifold mounted to the inside of
the fairing wall feeds lines up the fairing wall to
purge points of interest on the payload. Purge
nozzles can be positioned on the fairing wall and
pointed at the payload instrument. Alternatively, a fly
away configuration can be used where the purge
line connects to a manifold on the payload and is
pulled free during fairing separation. This continuous
purge can be supplied from payload encapsulation
through launch, including during transport to the
pad.
8.4. Additional Access Panel
As already discussed in Section 5.1.3, additional
doors of the same size and configuration as the
standard single access door can be provided. The
Figure 8.3-1. GN
2
Purge Interface To Minotaur
Fairing (Flyaway at Liftoff)
Figure 8.4-1. Example Location and Size of
Additional Access Panel
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