Orbital Minotaur I - Manual (Page 70)

Minotaur I User’s Guide Section 7.0 – Ground and Launch Operations
7.1.3. Minuteman Motor Integration and Test Activities
The Minuteman Stage 1 and 2 motors are refurbished at Hill Air Force Base. They also undergo ordnance
and raceway installation before being shipped directly to the launch pad for emplacement.
7.1.4. Mission Simulation Tests
Orbital will run three Mission Simulation Tests (MST) to verify the functionality of launch vehicle hardware
and software (i.e., MST #1, MST #2, and MST #3). 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.
Since the Minuteman motors are not available at the MPF, a high fidelity simulator consisting of actual
Minuteman components is used. 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.
The Mission Simulation is repeated after each major change in vehicle configuration (i.e., Mission
Simulation #2 after stage mate and Mission Simulation #3 after the payload is mechanically integrated).
After each test, a complete review of the data is undertaken prior to proceeding. The payload nominally
participates in Mission Simulation #3.
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. An exterior view of 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 Section 8.2.3.1 as required per the
mission and particle containment requirements.
7.2. Payload Processing/Integration
Payloads typically undergo initial checkout and
preparation for launch at a Payload Processing
Facility, which can be either a government
provided or commercial facility. The payload is
then sent to the MPF for integration with the
Minotaur I upper stack. After arrival at the MPF, the
payload completes its own independent verification
and checkout prior to beginning the integration
process with Minotaur I. Following completion of
Minotaur I and payload testing, the payload will be
enclosed inside the fairing. The required payload
environments are then maintained inside the
fairing until launch.
Figure 7.1.5-1. Minotaur I Processing Is
Performed at the MPF at VAFB
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