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Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: beidou on 01/15/2013 02:59 pm

Title: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: beidou on 01/15/2013 02:59 pm
This will be the second launch of two GPS IIFs in 2013.
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: HIPAR on 01/16/2013 05:29 pm
There was mention of three GPS launches during 2013.

A few years ago, the General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a study predicting a failure of the core 24 satellite system.  The news media had a 'field day' reporting satellites would soon 'fall out of the sky.'

Contrary to the GAO study premises, Block IIF GPS satellite deliveries and launches paced decommissioning of old equipment while the system operators stretched the life of on orbit space vehicles.

Consequently, GPS degradation isn't imminent.  In actuality, a twenty seven (24+3) satellite core constellation has been operating with four orbital slots reinforced by additional healthy satellites.

Realistically, the constellation still depends upon the viability of several old Block IIA satellites.  These really need to be replaced.

Augmenting three IIF satellites now in service, three new 2013 ones would have virtually relieved pressure on the the system operators to sustain a robust system.

Depending upon what breaks, two new well placed satellites will still be welcomed.

---  CHAS
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: grythumn on 01/17/2013 05:17 pm
Augmenting three IIF satellites now in service, three new 2013 ones would have virtually relieved pressure on the the system operators to sustain a robust system.

Depending upon what breaks, two new well placed satellites will still be welcomed.

These two also bring us up to 12 L2C capable birds (plus maybe SVN49 if they ever figure out a workable fix). Anyone know what the minimum constellation is before it goes operational? 18? 24?

-R C
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: HIPAR on 01/17/2013 10:54 pm
These two also bring us up to 12 L2C capable birds (plus maybe SVN49 if they ever figure out a workable fix). Anyone know what the minimum constellation is before it goes operational? 18? 24?

-R C

In satellite navigation parlance, L1 and L2 refer to GPS radio frequency bands where the navigation signals are transmitted.  Older satellites transmit the 'legacy' signals while the newer ones transmit 'legacy' plus 'modernized' signals.

L2C is a modernized civil signal that has never been enabled to send navigation messages.  There's a nice article about L2C modernization at GPS World Magazine.

http://www.gpsworld.com/2c-or-not-2c/

The system operators cite the inability of the current ground infrastructure to operate L2C as the reason for not setting the signal usable for navigation.  That includes world wide network of remote monitoring stations and the master control station at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

There's a contract in place, that hasn't been free of controversy,  to develop a master control station called the OCX that will support the complete suite of legacy and modernized signals.  OCX is tightly coupled with the arrival of Block III satellites and probably will not be delivered before 2016.

Apparently, it's not just a matter of the number of available modernized satellites that will determine when the new signals are usable for navigation.  Meanwhile, those who argue the signal is useful now and should be available from the capable satellites will remain frustrated.

---  CHAS

Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: grythumn on 01/21/2013 05:41 pm
Cool, hadn't read this month's GPS World yet. Thanks for the link, and for the additional info on OCX. The article makes it sound like they could turn on L2C pretty much any time if the Air Force was willing to tolerate/pay for some more manual processing.

-R C
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: beidou on 05/16/2013 01:04 pm
The current launch schedule is on Oct 1st.
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: Jim on 05/16/2013 07:58 pm
The current launch schedule is on Oct 1st.

Based on what info?
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/16/2013 08:03 pm
The current launch schedule is on Oct 1st.

Based on what info?

I remember seeing it somewhere (it's on a NASA graph showing the expected launch dates of all the launchers involved with NASA missions), but I can't find it now. MSDB only lists "Oct. 2013" right now: http://msdb.gsfc.nasa.gov/launches.php (http://msdb.gsfc.nasa.gov/launches.php)
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: vapour_nudge on 05/17/2013 08:51 am
The current launch schedule is on Oct 1st.

Based on what info?

Hello Jim, this might be what Galactic Penguin was referring to. It shows the launch date to be October 1st. I don't think it is just a place holder (NET) but that's just my non-authoritative opinion:

http://fdf.gsfc.nasa.gov/news/launch-schedules

Nudge
Title: Re: Delta 4 - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: macpacheco on 06/12/2013 04:36 am
The current launch schedule is on Oct 1st.

Source: http://earth-info.nga.mil/GandG/sathtml/satinfo.html - May 2013 update

Satellite         Freq.         
 PRN/SVN   Plane  Std #   Block   
---------+-------+-----+----------+-Scheduled-Upcoming-Launches---------------------------------
  ??/??     --            IIF-5    November 2013...???...

With the ??? should probably read NET November 2013

No birds misbehaving bad enough to require launching a new one.
SVN38/SVN39 are currently the worst performing birds, but since they're flying a triplet arrangement, one can be retired without direct replacement.

Likely one of both will be retired, but next launch will go into another orbital plane to prepare for M-Code/L2C IOC.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 08/15/2013 07:16 am
Per GPS World (http://gpsworld.com/resources/upcoming-gnss-satellite-launches/) the launch date is October 17 and will fly SVN64 to space.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - Oct 1, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 08/16/2013 08:20 am
Per GPS World (http://gpsworld.com/resources/upcoming-gnss-satellite-launches/) the launch date is October 17 and will fly SVN64 to space.

From Ben Cooper's Cape Canaveral rocket viewing information webpage (http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html (http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html)) the launch window on October 17 is 6:20 - 6:38 pm EDT (22:20 - 22:38 UTC).
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 17, 2013
Post by: jacqmans on 09/17/2013 03:11 pm
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Sept. 17, 2013 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] workers lift the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-5 satellite onto a transporter following its Aug. 1 arrival at the Navstar Processing Facility on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Boeing shipped the fifth GPS IIF satellite from its satellite factory in El Segundo, Calif., on a U.S. Air Force C-17 airlifter. Workers will fuel the satellite and integrate it with a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket prior to launch in October. The GPS IIFs continue to meet mission requirements as they are added to the on-orbit constellation, achieving the greatest accuracy ever and ensuring highly accurate position, timing and navigation services to a global user community.

# # #

Photo credit: Boeing photo
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 17, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/01/2013 04:43 pm
Hmm.... per SFN this launch has slipped to October 23 at 5:53-6:12 pm EDT (21:53-22:12 UTC). I wonder why?  ???
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 17, 2013
Post by: bjornl on 10/01/2013 11:05 pm
Most unfortunate, as I am around the Cape only until October 18th and this would have been my first launch :(
Well, better luck next time!
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 17, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/02/2013 06:48 am
Hmm.... per SFN this launch has slipped to October 23 at 5:53-6:12 pm EDT (21:53-22:12 UTC). I wonder why?  ???

I asked the ULA PAO on Twitter; here's their response:

Quote
ULA ‏@ulalaunch
@Cosmic_Penguin Yes. To allow technicians time to change out a faulty ground system valve on the liquid oxygen storage tank prior to launch.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 23, 2013
Post by: jacqmans on 10/15/2013 04:25 pm

The Air Force is in the process of setting a new launch date for its next Global Positioning System satellite on a Delta IV rocket.

Launch of the GPS IIF-5 spacecraft from Cape Canaveral had been targeted for next Wednesday at 5:53 p.m., but will slip.

A spokesperson for the 45th Space Wing could not immediately confirm the reason for the slip or a new target launch date.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 23, 2013
Post by: ugordan on 10/15/2013 04:28 pm
James Dean (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/390137399256154113) of Florida Today says it may slip "a couple weeks".
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 23, 2013
Post by: Star One on 10/17/2013 08:46 am
Any update on the reason for the change in launch date?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - October 23, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/18/2013 08:52 pm
ULA

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2013) -- The launch of the GPS IIF-5 mission on a ULA Delta IV launch vehicle, currently scheduled for Oct. 23, 2013, is being delayed. The team has continued with Phase II of an investigation related to a successful Delta IV launch that occurred in October 2012 in which the second stage RL10B-2 engine thrust was lower than expected.  It was determined that a fuel leak occurred within the engine system and that this fuel leak caused the low thrust.  The ongoing Phase II investigation has included extremely detailed characterization and reconstructions of the instrumentation signatures obtained from the October 2012 launch and these have recently resulted in some updated conclusions related to dynamic responses that occurred on the engine system during the first engine start event.  The GPS IIF-5 Delta IV launch is being delayed to allow the technical team time to further assess these updated conclusions and assess the improvements already implemented and determine whether additional changes are required prior to the next Delta IV launch. The Delta IV booster for the GPS IIF-5 mission has completed the standard processing and checkout on the launch pad and will be maintained in a ready state for spacecraft mate and launch pending completion of this assessment. A new launch date will be established when the assessment of the updated dynamic response information is completed in the coming weeks. The processing of Atlas V vehicles for upcoming missions including the Nov. 18 launch of the MAVEN mission for NASA are proceeding as planned.

 

Jessica Rye, APR
ULA Communications
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: landofgrey on 10/18/2013 09:05 pm
I have a query in as to the likelihood of the launch slipping past MAVEN. From everything I've been hearing here around the cape, it seems likely, but I want to get something more or less official even if off-the-record.

Ah... a reply. I'm being told it's too soon to tell as of now. So... we'll see.

Matt
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: Star One on 10/19/2013 11:12 am

ULA

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Oct. 18, 2013) -- The launch of the GPS IIF-5 mission on a ULA Delta IV launch vehicle, currently scheduled for Oct. 23, 2013, is being delayed. The team has continued with Phase II of an investigation related to a successful Delta IV launch that occurred in October 2012 in which the second stage RL10B-2 engine thrust was lower than expected.  It was determined that a fuel leak occurred within the engine system and that this fuel leak caused the low thrust.  The ongoing Phase II investigation has included extremely detailed characterization and reconstructions of the instrumentation signatures obtained from the October 2012 launch and these have recently resulted in some updated conclusions related to dynamic responses that occurred on the engine system during the first engine start event.  The GPS IIF-5 Delta IV launch is being delayed to allow the technical team time to further assess these updated conclusions and assess the improvements already implemented and determine whether additional changes are required prior to the next Delta IV launch. The Delta IV booster for the GPS IIF-5 mission has completed the standard processing and checkout on the launch pad and will be maintained in a ready state for spacecraft mate and launch pending completion of this assessment. A new launch date will be established when the assessment of the updated dynamic response information is completed in the coming weeks. The processing of Atlas V vehicles for upcoming missions including the Nov. 18 launch of the MAVEN mission for NASA are proceeding as planned.

 

Jessica Rye, APR
ULA Communications

How is that this effects this mission & not other Delta IV missions we have already seen this year, is it purely because it's another GPS mission?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: ugordan on 10/19/2013 11:14 am
My guess is it's got something to do with the "some updated conclusions". I.e. they OK-d the engine based on earlier investigation but they're now having some second thoughts about that.
Title: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: Star One on 10/19/2013 11:24 am
My guess is it's got something to do with the "some updated conclusions". I.e. they OK-d the engine based on earlier investigation but they're now having some second thoughts about that.

Does it indicate there is block of engines with this issue?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: ugordan on 10/19/2013 11:31 am
Since the last few flights went off without a hitch, I would say it's not a multiple engine issue. Whatever happened seems to be very rare/unlikely, they likely just want to understand it as best as they possibly can in order to guarantee this doesn't happen again.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: russianhalo117 on 10/19/2013 04:48 pm
Since the last few flights went off without a hitch, I would say it's not a multiple engine issue. Whatever happened seems to be very rare/unlikely, they likely just want to understand it as best as they possibly can in order to guarantee this doesn't happen again.
A hold preventing launch was placed on several DIVs by Phase II of the commission to allow for inspection of the DCSS and the engine modifications and other changes implemented after the engine failure. If they are happy with the results they will release this DIV just like all of the DIVs since engine incident happened. This process will repeat for the foreseeable future for DCSS stages that have had the required mods implemented while the engine was attached to the DCSS during the modification process. This stage by stage review by the investigation will end soon as the engines that were not installed at the time of the incident can be inspected before installation to a DCSS. This is my understanding. Also RL-10C conversions begin flying at the end of 2014 to the beginning of 2015.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: WHAP on 10/19/2013 05:19 pm
Since the last few flights went off without a hitch, I would say it's not a multiple engine issue. Whatever happened seems to be very rare/unlikely, they likely just want to understand it as best as they possibly can in order to guarantee this doesn't happen again.
A hold preventing launch was placed on several DIVs by Phase II of the commission to allow for inspection of the DCSS and the engine modifications and other changes implemented after the engine failure. If they are happy with the results they will release this DIV just like all of the DIVs since engine incident happened. This process will repeat for the foreseeable future for DCSS stages that have had the required mods implemented while the engine was attached to the DCSS during the modification process. This stage by stage review by the investigation will end soon as the engines that were not installed at the time of the incident can be inspected before installation to a DCSS. This is my understanding. Also RL-10C conversions begin flying at the end of 2014 to the beginning of 2015.

This is more than the one-at-a-time clearance that was previously performed.  ugordon is on the right track.  RL-10C conversions will fly on Atlas, not Delta.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/31/2013 05:50 pm
Just scrolled by http://earth-info.nga.mil/GandG/sathtml/satinfo.html (http://earth-info.nga.mil/GandG/sathtml/satinfo.html) and saw this:

Satellite         Freq.         
 PRN/SVN   Plane  Std #   Block   
---------+-------+-----+----------+-Scheduled-Upcoming-Launches---------------------------------
  30/64     D4            IIF-5    Mid-November 2013...will be given PRN30...after launch,
                                    SVN49 will be assigned PRN06...then SVN36 will be put
                                    into 'spare' status...


Wonder if that's true as of right now?  ::)

BTW the spacecraft will go to plane D, slot 4 to replace SVN34 (GPS IIA-13, launched on August 30, 1993), which will in turn become a spare satellite on plane D. SVN64 will use PRN30, now used by the problematic SVN49/GPS IIR-20, which will switch to PRN06. SVN36/GPS IIA-15, which currently uses PRN06, will be switched to a backup role.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: jacqmans on 11/17/2013 10:28 pm
Photo of the Rocket taken today from the media bus as we went out to Pad-41.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 11/18/2013 10:23 pm
New launch date NET December 12 per http://www2.unb.ca/gge/Resources/GPSConstellationStatus.txt (http://www2.unb.ca/gge/Resources/GPSConstellationStatus.txt).
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - November, 2013
Post by: jacqmans on 11/19/2013 02:40 am
Today
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - TBD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/05/2013 02:46 pm
Per L2 Cape Pad schedule, this is not going next. The Delta IV / AFSPC-04 mission is next to launch from SLC-37, on February 27.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - TBD
Post by: edkyle99 on 12/05/2013 02:51 pm
Per L2 Cape Pad schedule, this is not going next. The Delta IV / AFSPC-04 mission is next to launch from SLC-37, on February 27.
Same, or different, rocket?

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - TBD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 12/05/2013 02:56 pm
Per L2 Cape Pad schedule, this is not going next. The Delta IV / AFSPC-04 mission is next to launch from SLC-37, on February 27.
Same, or different, rocket?

 - Ed Kyle

Can ULA swap the rocket? (both will use the M+(4,2) configuration)
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - TBD
Post by: russianhalo117 on 12/05/2013 07:08 pm
Per L2 Cape Pad schedule, this is not going next. The Delta IV / AFSPC-04 mission is next to launch from SLC-37, on February 27.
Same, or different, rocket?

 - Ed Kyle

Can ULA swap the rocket? (both will use the M+(4,2) configuration)
yes they have done it before, I think once
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - Late Feb, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 12/05/2013 09:06 pm
Updating via L2 again. Late Feb NET.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - Late Feb, 2014
Post by: macpacheco on 01/18/2014 03:04 pm
Just picked up a change in:
http://earth-info.nga.mil/GandG/sathtml/satinfo.html

Satellite         Freq.         
 PRN/SVN   Plane  Std #   Block   
---------+-------+-----+----------+-Scheduled-Upcoming-Launches---------------------------------
  30/64     A3            IIF-5    Scheduled for 20 February 2014...will be given PRN30...after
                                    launch, SVN49 will be assigned PRN06...then SVN36 will be
                                    put into 'spare' status...

Before it was late winter / early spring 2014. So perhaps we can adopt NET Feb 20th 2014 ?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - Late Feb, 2014
Post by: averagespacejoe on 01/27/2014 02:47 am
Trying to verify the launch window but I heard 8:40 pm EST on 2/20
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: input~2 on 01/27/2014 05:45 am
Quote from:  45th Space Wing
Launch Vehicle/Mission: Delta 4/GPS 2F-5
 Date: Feb. 20, 2014
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/28/2014 01:11 pm
Launch window:  2040-2059L (Pending)
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: averagespacejoe on 01/29/2014 03:48 am
I like the compass patch any cool digital images of it, I can only find pictures of the real patch.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 01/29/2014 11:02 am
I'm assuming that it was this launch that has led CRS-3 to be pushed back a week? In order to give the range time to recycle and the option for several next-day alternate launch attempts?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: ugordan on 01/29/2014 11:06 am
Range only needs a couple of days to reconfigure for another launch, not a whole week.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 01/29/2014 11:51 am
Yeah, I know. That's why I specified that the slip is to also give the margin for extra launch attempts in case of some problem on the 20th.

I read once (on this very site) that this is a 'heirachy' of launches where some launches would be immediately bumped if a more important payload needs launching. I don't think anyone would seriously doubt that a GPS satellite would be more important than cargo for the ISS.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: ugordan on 01/29/2014 11:54 am
I read once (on this very site) that this is a 'heirachy' of launches where some launches would be immediately bumped if a more important payload needs launching. I don't think anyone would seriously doubt that a GPS satellite would be more important than cargo for the ISS.

I also read once (on this very site) that "commercial" launches take precedence over government launches, all other things being equal. I don't think anyone should assume that launching a GPS satellite is *so* important that it would be the sole reason of CRS-3 being pushed off only to launch GPS a few days sooner. Occam's razor suggests that CRS-3 is simply not ready and nothing more should be read into that.
Title: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: WHAP on 01/29/2014 12:05 pm
Yeah, I know. That's why I specified that the slip is to also give the margin for extra launch attempts in case of some problem on the 20th.

I read once (on this very site) that this is a 'heirachy' of launches where some launches would be immediately bumped if a more important payload needs launching. I don't think anyone would seriously doubt that a GPS satellite would be more important than cargo for the ISS.

I would doubt that a GPS launch would bump a CRS launch.  It would be more likely, IMO, that the CRS launch slipped and opened the door for this one. 
The range typically does not provide more than two attempts (days) before giving the next vehicle in line an opportunity.  Jim may have more insight into range operations.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nomadd on 01/29/2014 12:11 pm
Yeah, I know. That's why I specified that the slip is to also give the margin for extra launch attempts in case of some problem on the 20th.

I read once (on this very site) that this is a 'heirachy' of launches where some launches would be immediately bumped if a more important payload needs launching. I don't think anyone would seriously doubt that a GPS satellite would be more important than cargo for the ISS.
I think a lot of people would doubt that. The GPS system will be just fine if a launch is delayed for a while. The ISS might not.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 01/29/2014 12:46 pm
http://spaceflightnow.com/delta/d361/update.html#.UukEUvYo7Jw

Delta 4 rocket engine cleared for GPS launch on Feb. 20
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: jacqmans on 01/29/2014 05:31 pm
Some shots of the Delta IV taken from Pad 34 on January 27 by Julian Leek (from his facebook site)
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/29/2014 09:01 pm
Some shots of the Delta IV taken from Pad 34 on January 27 by Julian Leek (from his facebook site)


Wow. Very apt indeed!
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: beidou on 02/11/2014 07:29 pm
Finally, the launch kit was released.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: averagespacejoe on 02/12/2014 03:50 am
So I thought since I just found it I would post at least one of the digital patches for this mission. There is this one and then the boat shaped one but I like the compass better.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: baldusi on 02/12/2014 11:51 am
"Ego Navita" mean "I Navigate", right?
I love the Viking boat. Even thought I don't know the Northern Constellation.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Jim on 02/12/2014 01:20 pm
So I thought since I just found it I would post at least one of the digital patches for this mission. There is this one and then the boat shaped one but I like the compass better.

The different patches are by different organizations involved in the mission
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: belegor on 02/12/2014 03:17 pm
"Ego Navita" mean "I Navigate", right?
I love the Viking boat. Even thought I don't know the Northern Constellation.

My Latin is quite rusty, but I don't recognise any verb form in "navita". I navigate would be "navigo". Since it's it was unusual to use pronouns together with verbs, I would offer the following translation: "I, Sailor"/"Me, the sailor" or something in that direction.

Someone with better knowledge of Latin please correct me if I'm wrong.  :P
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: SpaceDave on 02/12/2014 11:38 pm
Three sides symbolize the third Space Vehicle. SV‐3 is named after the brightest star in the southern constellation of Carina, Canopus, which is depicted in the evening sky along with a GPS Block IIF satellite and the Delta IV symbol for the launch vehicle. The sky is orange to represent the time of day that Canopus will be launched and compliments the black border to create a late‐October Halloween feel. (Orange is also the color of the Denver Broncos and Florida Gators for you sports fans). The "C" and "P" of Canopus are highlighted, indicating this was the last Cost Plus development satellite in the IIF program. The mountain signifies Pikes peak in Colorado for our On‐Orbit ops teams. The palm trees and LAX restaurant are displayed in honor of the development team in Los Angeles. The Cape Canaveral team is represented by the 45th Launch Support Squadron's alligator mascot which is incorporated on the right hand side. Notice the phrases "Vela" and "621B" in gold on the bottom right hand side. 2013 is the 50th anniversary for two important milestones in GPS history. In 1963, the Partial Test Ban Treaty was signed to prohibit all test detonations of nuclear weapons except underground. On October 17th 1963, approximately 50 years before GPS IIF‐5's scheduled launch date, the first nuclear detonation detection satellite Vela A1, and descendant to the modern day US Nuclear Detonation Detection System payload, was launched to start global monitoring from space. Also, in 1963, the development of Project 621B, the foundation of the modern GPS satellite concept, was approved. The IIF‐5 launch commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vela launch and the approval of Project 621B.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/16/2014 01:14 pm
Weather Forecast

Overall probability of violating weather constraints:  20%

Primary concern(s):  Cumulus Clouds, Solar Activity

 

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay:  20%

Primary concern(s):  Cumulus Clouds, Solar Activity
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/16/2014 01:14 pm
ULA:

The mission is set to liftoff on a ULA Delta IV rocket on Thursday, Feb. 20 from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 19-minute launch window opens at 8:40 p.m. EST. Today’s L-4 forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/16/2014 01:16 pm
Mission Booklet:
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: jacqmans on 02/17/2014 06:21 pm
L-3 weather forecast for Delta IV launch

http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-071220-067.pdf
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/19/2014 11:52 am
ULA:

Final preparations are occurring for the Air Force’s GPS IIF-5 launch. Liftoff is set for Thursday, Feb. 20 aboard a ULA Delta IV rocket from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 19-minute launch window opens at 8:40 p.m. EST. Today’s L-2 forecast continues to show an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: jacqmans on 02/19/2014 03:28 pm
ULA ‏@ulalaunch

The ULA Launch Readiness Review is complete. We are GO for the #GPSIIF5 launch on a #DeltaIV! Tomorrow's launch window opens at 8:40 pm EST

Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/20/2014 01:42 pm
Moved for live coverage.
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/20/2014 01:44 pm
It seems that this satellite is going to slot A3 of the constellation, replacing SVN38 (GPS IIA-19, launched November 1997) - SVN38 will then move to slot A2 as back-up. However earlier reports puts slot D4 as the satellite's final destination - which one is correct? And what will happen to the other satellites on plane A after the launch?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/20/2014 01:45 pm
William Graham with another meaty preview/overview:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/02/ula-delta-iv-launch-gps-iif-5/
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/20/2014 02:01 pm
It seems that this satellite is going to slot A3 of the constellation, replacing SVN38 (GPS IIA-19, launched November 1997) - SVN38 will then move to slot A2 as back-up. However earlier reports puts slot D4 as the satellite's final destination - which one is correct? And what will happen to the other satellites on plane A after the launch?

OK from William's article it seems that:

Slot changes:

SVN64 (IIF-5): A3
SVN38 (IIA-19): A3 -> A5
SVN39 (IIA-12): A5 -> A6(?)

PRN changes:

SVN64 (IIF-5): 30
SVN49 (IIR-20): 30 -> 06
SVN36 (IIA-15): 06 -> non-broadcasting

Is that correct?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: jacqmans on 02/20/2014 03:29 pm
ATK ‏@ATK
Tower rollback is underway preparing for tonight's launch of #DeltaIV by @ulalaunch using our #GEM60 solid rockets! pic.twitter.com/AswaBxDo10

Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: jacqmans on 02/20/2014 03:32 pm
scriptunasphoto
The @ulalaunch Delta 4 stands ready for launch! Tonight's 19 minute launch window opens at 8:40. #GPSIIF5
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/20/2014 07:50 pm
ULA:

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2014) - A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket stands ready for launch at Space Launch Complex-37 with the Air Force's Global Positioning System (GPS IIF-5) payload. Launch is scheduled for this evening at 8:40 p.m. EST at the opening of a 19-minute window. GPS IIF-5 is the fifth in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth’s surface.

Photo by Ben Cooper, United Launch Alliance <---He's pretty much doing everyone's Cape photos now! ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/20/2014 11:55 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:18 am
Coming up on the start of the webcast.

All progressing well, no issues currently in work.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:20 am
L-20 minutes - T-4 minutes and holding.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:20 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:21 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:21 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:22 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:22 am
Weather looking good.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:22 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:24 am
25th Delta-IV
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:24 am
25th Delta IV since 2002.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:26 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:27 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:28 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:28 am
T-4 minute master script running.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:29 am
T-4m and holding... We are on a planned 45 minute hold.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:29 am
Commemorating Delta II's role in building the GPS constellation.

(And of course, this year we will get to see Thor ride again...)
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: TJL on 02/21/2014 12:29 am
ULA link to tonight's launch:  http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:30 am
L-10 minutes
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:31 am
L-9 minutes. All steps complete up to polling.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:32 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:33 am
Polling to proceed with the terminal count.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:33 am
Final pool before resuming the countdown.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:34 am
No-go due to solar activity.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:34 am
For a second, I thought the controller's laptop at the bottom of the shot was on NSF. Then I woke up ;D

Polling to come out of the hold: NO GO for solar radiation.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:34 am
No-go due to solar radiation... hold will be extended...
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Prober on 02/21/2014 12:34 am
No go solar radiation
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:35 am
19 minute window to work with.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Prober on 02/21/2014 12:36 am
beautiful
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: eeergo on 02/21/2014 12:36 am
The latest glancing CMEs probably have to do with this. Spaceweather gives a nice overview of the situation: http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=20&month=02&year=2014 (http://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=21&month=02&year=2014) - in the image, yesterday's M3 ejection.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:38 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:38 am
Team discussing.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:39 am
They'll need to be in a go stance within the next 10 minutes or so.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:41 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:44 am
15 minutes remaining in the window
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:44 am
Green on solar flux!

T-0: 01:59 ZULU
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:44 am
New T-0 8:59 PM ET, right at the end of the window.

Solar flux currently green, will continue to monitor through the count and scrub if they go red.

Edit: Oops, have to remember I'm not on Eastern time anymore...
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:46 am
So this now a single shot. Right at the end of the window.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:46 am
L-13 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:46 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Prober on 02/21/2014 12:49 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:52 am
Status check to proceed with terminal count.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:53 am
Polling again.....

All GO to proceed into the terminal count.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:53 am
Permission to launch.

Pulling swing arm lock pins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:53 am
L-6 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:54 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:55 am
T-4 minutes and counting.

Vehicle going to internal power.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:55 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:55 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:55 am
Vehicle on internal power.

Securing CBC tanks.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:56 am
T-180 seconds.

Ordnance arming.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:56 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:56 am
Ordnance armed.

CBC LOX at flight pressure and level.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:57 am
T-120 seconds. TPA spin up, hydraulic pressure at 4000 psi.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Satori on 02/21/2014 12:57 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:57 am
T-90 seconds.

CBC LH2 at flight pressure and level.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:58 am
T-60 seconds.

Range green.

Go Delta IV!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:58 am
Launch enable.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:58 am
Range Green.

Launch Enable.

Green Board.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:58 am
Green board. Flight lock-in.

SRM TVC blowdown.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:59 am
Liftoff!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 12:59 am
LAUNCH!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 12:59 am
T+30 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:00 am
Mach 1.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:00 am
Mach 1
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:00 am
Max-Q.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:00 am
MaxQ
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:00 am
Altitude 9 nm.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:00 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:01 am
SRM burnout and sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:01 am
The two solids have separated.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:01 am
Delta IV now weighs half of what it did at launch.

Downrange 33 nm.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Prober on 02/21/2014 01:01 am
launch
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:01 am
ACS pressurizing.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:02 am
Second stage starting to press the RCS jets.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:02 am
Chamber pressure holding in the main engine.

Mach 10.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:02 am
Mach 10 already.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:02 am
Video of the launch made the Fox Sports 1 broadcast of the second daytona 500 qualifying race :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:02 am
Altitude 51 nm.

12115 ft/sec.

118 nm downrange.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:03 am
Coming to the end of first stage flight.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:03 am
Down to partial thrust mode.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:03 am
MECO, staging.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:03 am
NEDS deploy and second stage ignition.

Fairing sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:04 am
STAGING!

1-2 Sep.

Second stage ignition.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:04 am
Eight minute burn.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:05 am
The obligatory young AF officer interview
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:06 am
The obligatory young AF officer interview

Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:07 am
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:08 am
Altitude 191 (statute) mi.

Speed 14100 mph.

Chamber pressure "rock-solid", good engine control.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:09 am
T+10 mins.

170 miles uphill.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:09 am
Less than 2 minutes to go for this burn.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:10 am
Speed 24,532 ft/sec.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:11 am
Now orbital.

Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:11 am
SECO-1.

Coasting for approximately 9 minutes.

Parking orbit 99.9x216.4nm at 41.6 degrees.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:11 am
There's SECO 1.

Next burn in nine mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:12 am
orbit at SECO 1 100 X 216 NM at 41.6 degrees.  Booster was yawing slightly increasing the inclination through the burn
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:14 am
Sounds like they hired the lady with the sexy voice from the ILS mission overview video :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:15 am
Fox Sports 1 just showed a second view of the launch from it's infra-red camera
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:17 am
War story of GPS guiding in an airstrike from F-16s (Vipers) in support of US Special Forces
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:19 am
RCS jets slowly raising high point of orbit to 221 NM
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:20 am
Second stage restart.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:21 am
Second burn under way.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:22 am
War story of GPS guiding in an airstrike from F-16s (Vipers) in support of US Special Forces

Calling in fast air happens more often than people probably assume. A heck of a lot more often!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:22 am
Less than 90 seconds to go.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:23 am
Speed 30,854 ft/sec.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Prober on 02/21/2014 01:23 am
We got Seco 2
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:24 am
And there's SECO-2
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:24 am
orbit at SECO 2 129 X 11007 NM inclined 43.34 degrees
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:24 am
A three hour coast phase now......

Sleep or play GTA V? ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:25 am
SECO-2.

Orbit currently 129x11007 nm at 43.340 degrees. Of course the ACS settling jets will cause the orbit to change slightly.


Edit: Thanks Targeteer!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Nick L. on 02/21/2014 01:25 am
Webcast signing off.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Prober on 02/21/2014 01:26 am
replay
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Targeteer on 02/21/2014 01:26 am
SECO-2.

Orbit currently 129x11007 nm at 41.340 (?) degrees. Of course the ACS settling jets will cause the orbit to change slightly.

43.340 degrees :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 01:28 am
Super coverage guys.

William's article updated to where we are right now:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/02/ula-delta-iv-launch-gps-iif-5/
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: belegor on 02/21/2014 01:30 am
Fox Sports 1 just showed a second view of the launch from it's infra-red camera

Screenshot on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/nascarcasm/status/436686146349715456 (https://twitter.com/nascarcasm/status/436686146349715456)

I had problems watching the stream (wouldn't even start buffering), so thanks to FOX I could watch it live from Daytona  :D
Announcers were even informed enough to know that they were watching the launch of a GPS satellite.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Artyom. on 02/21/2014 02:15 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJv2JkY4Bb8
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Artyom. on 02/21/2014 02:23 am
ULA ‏@ulalaunch
The #DeltaIV with #GPSIIF5 continues to perform well. Approx 2 hours until the third and final burn of the second stage engine.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Artyom. on 02/21/2014 02:24 am
https://twitter.com/InstinctFilms/status/436701145780596737

https://twitter.com/AmericaSpace/status/436700727738904576

https://twitter.com/Angle1555/status/436694013874163712
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:16 am
So we shouldn't be far off the third burn now....
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/21/2014 04:21 am
ULA ‏@ulalaunch
The second stage engine has reignited for its third and final burn! #GPSIIF5 #DeltaIV
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:22 am
This is a 97.9 second burn.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:30 am
It's all gone quiet!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/21/2014 04:32 am
Spacecraft separation should be about.....now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:39 am
They didn't even mention SECO-3, which was 18 mins ago.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:48 am
Had it confirmed S/C Sep!

Congrats to all!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:49 am
We have had successful spacecraft separation! Below are the press release, launch photos and caption. This will be the final communications for the GPS IIF-5 mission.

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 25th Delta IV Mission Carrying Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force

 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Feb. 21, 2014) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket successfully launched the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 20 at 8:59 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-37. This is ULA’s second launch in 2014 and the 79th launch since the company was formed in December 2006.

            "Congratulations to the entire mission team on tonight’s successful launch of the GPS IIF-5 satellite,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programs. “GPS provides vital capabilities for the men and women protecting our freedoms around the world and also provides ever-expanding benefits in our daily lives.  We are privileged to collaborate with our dedicated government and industry partners seamlessly working together to deliver these capabilities safely to orbit with a focus on mission success, one launch at a time.”

This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium-plus configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) using a single ULA common booster core powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with two ATK GEM-60 solid rocket motors. The upper stage was powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10B-2 engine with the satellite encapsulated in a four-meter diameter composite payload fairing.

GPS IIF-5 is the fifth in a series of next-generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth’s surface. The GPS IIF series provides improved accuracy and enhanced performance for GPS users.

 “This launch marks the 25th successful launch of our Delta IV product line,” said Sponnick. “Delta IV has successfully delivered numerous satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), as well as GPS satellites for the Air Force and weather satellites for NASA.

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V NROL-67 mission for the NRO planned for March 25, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The EELV program was established by the United States Air Force to provide assured access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads. The commercially developed EELV Program supports the full range of government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and providing significant cost savings over the heritage launch systems. 

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 75 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system. Reliable launch, real-world benefits.

For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch and twitter.com/ulalaunch
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/21/2014 04:50 am
 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2014) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket successfully launched the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 20 at 8:59 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-37. GPS IIF-5 is the fifth in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth’s surface.

 

Photo by Ben Cooper, United Launch Alliance
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: chewi on 02/21/2014 06:50 am
Delta IV GPS IIF-5 Launch Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9DqQE2lCSY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9DqQE2lCSY)
Quote
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket successfully launched the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 20 at 8:59 p.m. EST from Space Launch Complex-37. GPS IIF-5 is the fifth in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth's surface.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9DqQE2lCSY
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Artyom. on 02/21/2014 09:10 am
My congratulations  :) !

Up Close GoPro Hero 2 Captures Delta IV Medium Rocket Launch With GPS IIF-5 Spacecraft

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2V6itrX2bI
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: robertross on 02/21/2014 11:31 am
Video of the launch made the Fox Sports 1 broadcast of the second daytona 500 qualifying race :)

That's how I knew it launched. They had a neat thermal camera image of it too.

Thanks for the coverage guys.
Congrats to the teams!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Rocket Science on 02/21/2014 11:42 am
Video of the launch made the Fox Sports 1 broadcast of the second daytona 500 qualifying race :)

That's how I knew it launched. They had a neat thermal camera image of it too.

Thanks for the coverage guys.
Congrats to the teams!
Same here, got caught up in the Duel Races... :D Good thing NSF had it covered, thank you! :) Congrats to ULA!
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 02/21/2014 03:56 pm
Question: Why do the Delta IV GPS launches head east towards a 41 degree inc. orbit and then increase back to the required 55 deg. orbit, instead of launching northeast directly towards a 55 deg. orbit (as Atlas V GPS launches do)? The 1st stage shouldn't travel far enough to hit Europe when launching NE...
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: Jim on 02/21/2014 05:33 pm
Question: Why do the Delta IV GPS launches head east towards a 41 degree inc. orbit and then increase back to the required 55 deg. orbit, instead of launching northeast directly towards a 55 deg. orbit (as Atlas V GPS launches do)? The 1st stage shouldn't travel far enough to hit Europe when launching NE...

There is no land mass to over fly during any portion of power flight.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: input~2 on 02/22/2014 09:14 am
2 objects have been catalogued by USSTRATCOM
39533/2014-008A in 20451 x 20469 km x 54.99° (presumably the S/C)
39534/2014-008B in 20468 x 21710 km x 54.68° (presumably Delta-IV 2nd stage)
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: edkyle99 on 02/22/2014 03:22 pm
Question: Why do the Delta IV GPS launches head east towards a 41 degree inc. orbit and then increase back to the required 55 deg. orbit, instead of launching northeast directly towards a 55 deg. orbit (as Atlas V GPS launches do)? The 1st stage shouldn't travel far enough to hit Europe when launching NE...
There is no land mass to over fly during any portion of power flight.
Here are the Atlas 5-401 versus Delta 4M+4,2 GPS 2 ground traces.  Atlas 5's Centaur performed a long first burn to reach a transfer orbit directly while Delta 4's DCSS performed two burns to reach a transfer orbit.  Since the first stage burn times are similar, I would expect DCSS to be able to complete a long first burn like Centaur before hitting Europe.  Perhaps the extra capability of the 4M+4,2 compared to the two-stage Atlas was used to keep the entire flight over water.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: veblen on 02/23/2014 05:20 pm
This image posted on SpaceWeather.com by photographer Dennis Mammana captures fuel vent...


(http://spaceweather.com/images2014/22feb14/mysterycloud_strip.jpg)






Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: jacqmans on 02/24/2014 09:49 am
5th Boeing GPS IIF Spacecraft Sends Initial Signals from Space 


EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Feb. 21, 2014 -- A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite has sent initial signals from space after its launch Feb. 20, joining four other advanced versions of the spacecraft that are improving position, navigation and timing information for millions of civilian and military users around the world.

GPS IIF-5 launched at 8:59 p.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, and Boeing received the satellite's first signals approximately three and a half hours later. It will undergo on-orbit activation, checkout and testing before joining the active GPS constellation.

The GPS IIFs are providing greater navigational accuracy through improvements in atomic clock technology, a more resilient signal for commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications, and a longer design life of 12 years.

"Boeing launched the first GPS satellite in 1978 and has played an integral role in the ongoing enhancement of this vital technology ever since," said Craig Cooning, Boeing vice president and general manager of Space & Intelligence Systems. "The 42 satellites that we have deployed into service to date for the U.S. Air Force have accumulated more than 500 years of on-orbit operations, and the current system continues to meet or exceed all mission requirements."

This was the first GPS IIF satellite launch of 2014. The sixth GPS IIF is at the Florida launch site undergoing preparations for a second quarter launch. The remaining six are at the Boeing Satellite Development Center in El Segundo, Calif.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: anik on 03/04/2014 09:00 am
As per current GPS status, SVN64 with PRN30 is in A6 slot.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/02/ula-delta-iv-launch-gps-iif-5/

"GPS IIF-5, which is also numbered GPS IIF SV-5 and has Space Vehicle Number 64"

It is SV-3, is not it?
Title: Re: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014
Post by: anik on 03/06/2014 04:44 pm
For now, SVN36 (IIA-24) in C6 slot with PRN6 is decommissioned, PRN6 code is assigned to D6 slot.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: marshal on 04/09/2014 12:36 am
5th Boeing GPS IIF Satellite Joins Global Positioning System
GPS users benefit from more precise navigation data

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 8, 2014 -- The accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been improved with the recent handover of a fifth Boeing [NYSE: BA] GPS IIF satellite to the U.S. Air Force. The newest addition to the GPS constellation increases the precision of position, navigation and timing data sent to users around the world.

http://boeing.mediaroom.com/Fifth-Boeing-GPS-IIF-Satellite-Joins-Global-Positioning-System
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/18/2014 06:06 am
Hmm....the satellite has still yet to be set to usable. (http://gpsworld.com/delay-in-setting-recently-launched-block-iif-satellite-healthy/)  ::)
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: russianhalo117 on 04/19/2014 10:24 pm
Hmm....the satellite has still yet to be set to usable. (http://gpsworld.com/delay-in-setting-recently-launched-block-iif-satellite-healthy/)  ::)
it will be soon. I'm expecting it will occur near or shortly after the next one launches because that is what heard the other day.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: Colodie on 04/20/2014 06:07 pm
As the article said, it is for an extended Nav test.  Per IS-GPS-200G, par. 6.2.2.2.5, "These SVs will
provide at least 60 days of positioning service without contact from the CS."

I would wager than it'll be set healthy approximately 60 days from that Nav in March.
Title: Re: LIVE: Delta-IV - GPS IIF-5 - February 20, 2014 (LT)
Post by: Colodie on 05/31/2014 12:55 am
SVN 64 was set healthy to users today.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?Do=gpsShowNanu&num=2014047