Orbital Minotaur VI - Manual (Page 79)

Minotaur IV • V • VI User’s Guide Section 6.0 – Mission Integration
6. MISSION INTEGRATION
6.1. Mission Management Approach
OSP-3 is managed through U.S. Air Force, Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Development and
Test Directorate (SD) Launch Systems Division (SDL). SD/SDL serves as the primary point of contact for
the payload customers for the Minotaur launch service. The organizations involved in the Mission
Integration Team are shown in Figure 6.1-1. Open communication between SD/SDL, Orbital, and the
customer, with an emphasis on timely data transfer and prudent decision-making, ensures efficient launch
vehicle/payload integration operations.
Figure 6.1-1. Mission Integration Team
6.1.1. SD/SDL Mission Responsibilities
SD/SDL is the primary focal point for all contractual and technical coordination. SD/SDL contracts with
Orbital to provide the Launch Vehicle, launch integration, and commercial facilities (i.e. spaceports, clean
rooms, etc.). Separately, they contract with Government Launch Ranges for launch site facilities and
services. Once a mission is identified, SD/SDL will assign a government Mission Manager to coordinate
all mission planning and contracting activities. SD/SDL is supported by associate contractors for both
technical and logistical support, capitalizing on their extensive expertise and background knowledge of
the Peacekeeper booster and subsystems.
6.1.2. Orbital Mission Responsibilities
As the launch vehicle provider, Orbital’s responsibilities fall into four primary areas:
a. Launch Vehicle Program Management
b. Mission Management
c. Engineering
d. Launch Site Operations
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