Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 100)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 8.0 – Optional Enhanced Capabilities
configuration and termination commands. This provides an increased level of security over the standard
FTS systems that use a basic 4 tone combination for receiver command and control.
The CRD-120/205 Launch Vehicle Command Receiver/Decoder was designed specifically to operate on
the Delta expendable space launch vehicles for range safety flight termination. This design incorporates
redundancy in both hardware and software and High Reliability piece-parts (in accordance with ELV-JC-
002D) to ensure reliable, fail-safe operation.
8.8. Over Horizon Telemetry
A Telemetry Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) interface can be added as an enhancement to provide
real-time telemetry coverage during blackout periods with ground based telemetry receiving sites. TDRSS
was successfully demonstrated on past Minotaur missions. The TDRSS telemetry system enhancement
consists of a LCT2 TDRSS transmitter, an antenna (Figure 8.8-1), one RF switch, and associated ground
test equipment. The RF switch is used during ground testing to allow for a test antenna to be used in lieu
of the flight antennas. Near the time when telemetry coverage is lost by ground based telemetry receiving
sites, the LV switches telemetry output to the
TDRSS antenna and points the antenna towards a
TDRSS satellite. The TDRSS relays the telemetry
to the ground where it is then routed to the launch
control room (Figure 8.8-2). A cavity backed or
phased array antenna can be used depending on
data rate requirements. The TDRSS system
proposed includes the launch vehicle design,
analysis, hardware and launch vehicle testing. For
this option, arrangements need to be made with
NASA for system support and planning,
Figure 8.7-1. Orbital’s Secure FTS System Block Diagram
Figure 8.8-1. TDRSS 20W LCT2 Transmitter and
Cavity Backed S-band Antenna
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