Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 29)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 2.0 – Minotaur IV Configurations
2.3.6.4. Minotaur VI+ (High Energy
Performance)
The Minotaur VI+ vehicle, shown in Figure
2.3.6.4-1, increases the Minotaur VI capability by
adding a STAR 37FM as the final stage. Minotaur
VI+ extends the Minotaur VI LEO capability to
3360 kg (7400 lbm). The Minotaur VI+ vehicle is
also very capable for highly elliptical orbits or Earth
escape trajectories such as a 300 kg (660 lbm)
spacecraft on a trajectory to Mars.
Similar to Minotaur V, Minotaur VI+ adds a STAR
37 stage within the fairing envelope. The design
accommodates either a spin-stabilized or 3-axis
controlled version of the STAR 37.
Existing facilities and infrastructure at Kodiak
Launch Complex (KLC) and LC-46 at CCAFS can
accommodate Minotaur VI. The Minotaur VI
launch system complies with range safety
requirements RCC-319 and EWR 127-1, as
tailored for Minotaur IV operations.
2.4. Launch Support Equipment
The Minotaur IV LSE is designed to be readily
adaptable to varying launch site configurations
with minimal unique infrastructure required. All of
the Mechanical Ground Support Equipment
(MGSE) used to support the Minotaur integration,
test, and launch is currently in use and launch
demonstrated, as shown in Figure 2.4-1. MGSE
fully supports all Minotaur configurations and are
routinely static load tested to safety factors in
compliance with Orbital internal and Range
requirements. The EGSE consists of readily
transportable consoles that can be housed in
various facility configurations depending on the
launch site infrastructure. The EGSE is composed
of three primary functional elements: Launch
Control, Vehicle Interface, and Telemetry Data
Reduction. The Launch Control and Telemetry
Data Reduction consoles are located in the
Launch Control Room (LCR), or mobile launch
equipment van depending on available launch site
accommodations. The Vehicle Interface consoles
are located at the launch pad in a permanent
Figure 2.3.6.4-1. Minotaur VI+ Vehicle
Configuration
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