Orbital Antares - Manual (Page 18)

Antares
®
OSP-3
User’s Guide
Section 2.0
– Overview
Release 1.1 July 2013 7
2.3. Launch Operations
While initially based at the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) in Virginia, The Antares Concept of Operations
(CONOPS) as well as all required GSE were developed to be adaptable. With the appropriate fueling
infrastructure and pad capability, the Antares launch vehicle and GSE are designed to be compatible with
any of the other major Ranges and commercial Spaceports in Alaska, California, and Florida. Brief de-
scriptions of the Antares launch operations and fixed launch infrastructure are provided below, with a
more detailed discussion in Section 7.
2.3.1. Horizontal Integration
The Antares launch vehicle is designed for horizontal processing. Orbital performs Antares launch site
integration and test activities in a Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) in preparation for roll-out to the pad
for erection, launch vehicle fueling, and launch. This HIF is used to assemble and test the Antares launch
vehicle, mate the payload to the launch vehicle, perform launch vehicle to payload checkout, and enclose
the payload in the fairing.
2.3.2. Payload Processing and Fueling
Orbital’s approach to payload processing places few requirements on the customer. Payload processing
is conducted near the launch vehicle integration facility in an environmentally controlled Payload
Processing Facility (PPF). If required, spacecraft fueling is conducted in an environmentally controlled
hazardous operations Payload Fueling Facility (PFF). Once the payload is fully assembled, checked out,
and fueled (if required), the payload is transported to the HIF for integration with the launch vehicle.
2.3.3. Mission and Launch Control
The Mission/Range Control Center (MCC/RCC) serves as the launch authority center for Antares
launches. The MCC houses the Antares and customer launch teams; hosts consoles for Orbital, Range
Safety, and customer personnel; and provides hardline and Radio Frequency (RF) telemetry consoles,
voice net communications and launch Pad 0A live video. Launch control is performed from the Launch
Control Center (LCC) which provides Antares vehicle Command and Control (C&C); Antares fueling con-
trol; payload control; Range Safety; and launch site control (i.e., propellant farm, Environmental Control
System (ECS), and telemetry, power, and network support equipment).
2.3.4. Launch Pad
The current launch pad for Antares, WFF Pad 0A, consists of the equipment necessary to support launch
vehicle erection, fueling, and launch. These fixed assets include a launch mount with a flame duct &
lightning towers, Launch Equipment Vaults (LEVs) to house the launch vehicle and payload Electrical
Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), cabling and fueling trenches, water storage, LOX and RP fueling
system and tanks, and N
2
and He tank skids. Antares pad activities include erection, fueling, final check-
out, and launch. These operations are streamlined to take less than 36 hours from roll-out to launch.
This responsive launch operations paradigm also minimizes launch pad infrastructure costs.
2.3.5. GSE
The primary GSE that supports Antares launch operations include the Transporter Erector/Launcher
(TEL), the Portable Environmental Control System (PECS), lifting slings, and launch vehicle handling
GSE. This mobile GSE is discussed further in Section 7.