The Delta IV-H is on the pad...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d364/rollout.html#.UYHVGoIkdtA
Quote from: Targeteer on 05/02/2013 02:55 amThe Delta IV-H is on the pad...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d364/rollout.html#.UYHVGoIkdtAI was curious to note that article states this payload is going into a Polar Orbit as I thought information such as that wouldn't be released on a NRO launch?
Quote from: Star One on 05/02/2013 05:22 pmQuote from: Targeteer on 05/02/2013 02:55 amThe Delta IV-H is on the pad...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d364/rollout.html#.UYHVGoIkdtAI was curious to note that article states this payload is going into a Polar Orbit as I thought information such as that wouldn't be released on a NRO launch?Probably hasn't been - it can just be assumed - where else is a Heavy going to go from VAFB...
Quote from: William Graham on 05/02/2013 07:34 pmQuote from: Star One on 05/02/2013 05:22 pmQuote from: Targeteer on 05/02/2013 02:55 amThe Delta IV-H is on the pad...http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d364/rollout.html#.UYHVGoIkdtAI was curious to note that article states this payload is going into a Polar Orbit as I thought information such as that wouldn't be released on a NRO launch?Probably hasn't been - it can just be assumed - where else is a Heavy going to go from VAFB...Retrograde and certain molniya/quasi type orbits via looking at information from multiple user guides for different payloads. For certain inclinations VAFB is better than Kodiak when it comes to certain types of orbits.However, for this payload and its launcher version I doubt by 2/3 that it will target those orbits, but it also cannot be ruled out. We will have to wait for the Notams I guess. As a pilot, if it is going SSO or polar several route restrictions to airports around LAX go into effect on international Commercial flights traveling over open ocean along/near coast.
Payload patch:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NRO-L-65-Sheachadadh-Do-Rudai-DELTA-IV-H-SLC-6-VAFB-ULA-USAF-LAUNCH-PATCH-/221217875930According to Google, the inscription"sheachadadh do rudai" translates from Gaelic as "deliver your stuff". The tattoo on the Eagle's arm/wing reads "Buttercup" - I'm not sure if that is a "name" for the payload (in the same way L-30 was "named" Pyxis), whether it is decorative, or whether it means something else.The snake's tail forms the Greek letter omega; I believe that symbolises that this payload will be the last of its kind. KH-11 is by far the most likely candidate - presumably the Atlas V 541s that have started to appear on the manifest with NRO payloads are going to be the new-generation imaging satellites.
Quote from: William Graham on 05/02/2013 10:46 amPayload patch:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NRO-L-65-Sheachadadh-Do-Rudai-DELTA-IV-H-SLC-6-VAFB-ULA-USAF-LAUNCH-PATCH-/221217875930According to Google, the inscription"sheachadadh do rudai" translates from Gaelic as "deliver your stuff". The tattoo on the Eagle's arm/wing reads "Buttercup" - I'm not sure if that is a "name" for the payload (in the same way L-30 was "named" Pyxis), whether it is decorative, or whether it means something else.The snake's tail forms the Greek letter omega; I believe that symbolises that this payload will be the last of its kind. KH-11 is by far the most likely candidate - presumably the Atlas V 541s that have started to appear on the manifest with NRO payloads are going to be the new-generation imaging satellites.Given the weight/lift requirements of the KH-11, isn't more likely it's replacement would use the 551 since it has the greatest capacity short of the the D-IVH?
Quote from: William Graham on 05/02/2013 10:46 amPayload patch:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NRO-L-65-Sheachadadh-Do-Rudai-DELTA-IV-H-SLC-6-VAFB-ULA-USAF-LAUNCH-PATCH-/221217875930According to Google, the inscription"sheachadadh do rudai" translates from Gaelic as "deliver your stuff". The tattoo on the Eagle's arm/wing reads "Buttercup" - I'm not sure if that is a "name" for the payload (in the same way L-30 was "named" Pyxis), whether it is decorative, or whether it means something else.The snake's tail forms the Greek letter omega; I believe that symbolises that this payload will be the last of its kind. KH-11 is by far the most likely candidate - presumably the Atlas V 541s that have started to appear on the manifest with NRO payloads are going to be the new-generation imaging satellites.Interesting - we've seen eagles and we've seen snakes, but I don't recall seeing both on the same patch? Eagle holding the snake - could the snake be a secondary payload?
Quote from: jcm on 05/03/2013 01:59 pmQuote from: William Graham on 05/02/2013 10:46 amPayload patch:http://www.ebay.com/itm/NRO-L-65-Sheachadadh-Do-Rudai-DELTA-IV-H-SLC-6-VAFB-ULA-USAF-LAUNCH-PATCH-/221217875930According to Google, the inscription"sheachadadh do rudai" translates from Gaelic as "deliver your stuff". The tattoo on the Eagle's arm/wing reads "Buttercup" - I'm not sure if that is a "name" for the payload (in the same way L-30 was "named" Pyxis), whether it is decorative, or whether it means something else.The snake's tail forms the Greek letter omega; I believe that symbolises that this payload will be the last of its kind. KH-11 is by far the most likely candidate - presumably the Atlas V 541s that have started to appear on the manifest with NRO payloads are going to be the new-generation imaging satellites.Interesting - we've seen eagles and we've seen snakes, but I don't recall seeing both on the same patch? Eagle holding the snake - could the snake be a secondary payload?ELINT subsatellite perhaps as was seen with the KH-9 program?
The "spacecraft" (not payload ) was mated 24 July according to this ULA releasehttp://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/147
Quote from: Targeteer on 07/25/2013 10:39 pmThe "spacecraft" (not payload ) was mated 24 July according to this ULA releasehttp://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/147So was the WGS-6 spacecraft on the 23rd. What is the big deal?
Quote from: Jim on 07/26/2013 01:42 amQuote from: Targeteer on 07/25/2013 10:39 pmThe "spacecraft" (not payload ) was mated 24 July according to this ULA releasehttp://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/News.shtml#/147So was the WGS-6 spacecraft on the 23rd. What is the big deal?I've been looking, but can't find a consistent differentiation between "spacecraft" and "satellite". Some definitions claim that a "spacecraft" can propel itself while a "satellite" simply drifts in an orbit, but that seems an outdated differentiation. Others say that "spacecraft" go beyond earth orbit while "satellites" stay in earth orbit, but both are "satellites" of something (Earth or Sun, etc.). I typically use "spacecraft" to refer to crewed machines and "satellite" for unmanned orbiters, but that's just me.I think it is clear that "payload" refers to the non-rocket working mass that a launch vehicle delivers aloft. - Ed Kyle