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Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: jacqmans on 08/16/2011 04:07 pm

Title: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: jacqmans on 08/16/2011 04:07 pm
U.S. Air Force's Second Missile Warning Satellite Completes Major Environmental Test at Lockheed Martin

Date(s): 16-Aug-2011 10:02 AM

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has successfully completed acoustic testing of the second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) geosynchronous (GEO-2) spacecraft.

The U.S. Air Force's SBIRS satellites provide the nation with significantly improved missile warning capabilities and simultaneously support other critical missions including missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

During acoustic testing, the fully integrated GEO-2 spacecraft was paced through the maximum sound and vibration levels expected during launch into orbit. Acoustic and pyroshock testing are among several critical environmental test phases that validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operations. GEO-2 will now undergo thermal vacuum testing, which will validate its performance at temperature extremes greater than those expected during on-orbit operations.

"SBIRS GEO-2 is progressing very smoothly on the path to delivery, and successful acoustic testing of the space vehicle is indicative of the team's increasing expertise in fielding SBIRS spacecraft," said Col Scott Larrimore, Chief of the U.S. Air Force's SBIRS Space Division. "Our dedicated government and industry SBIRS team is focused on executing an efficient and thorough environmental test phase and ultimately delivering the much needed capabilities SBIRS GEO-2 will bring to our warfighter."

The first geosynchronous (GEO-1) SBIRS satellite was launched May 7, and has since reached orbit, deployed its instruments and activated its sophisticated infrared sensors. GEO-1 is performing as expected, and is now undergoing early orbit testing. GEO-2 is on track to be delivered and available for launch in spring 2012.

"Leveraging expertise gained from GEO-1, our SBIRS team executed a very smooth acoustic testing phase on GEO-2," said Dave Sheridan, Lockheed Martin's SBIRS deputy program director. "We understand the importance of the SBIRS system and are committed to delivering GEO-2 efficiently and affordably for our customer."

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Lockheed Martin's original SBIRS contract includes HEO payloads, two geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites, as well as ground-based assets to receive and process the infrared data. The team is also under a follow-on production contract to deliver additional HEO payloads and the third and fourth GEO satellites, and associated ground modifications.

Note to Editors:

SBIRS video and high-resolution images are available for download at www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs

Title: Re: SBIRS/GEO-2 updates - launch 2012
Post by: vapour_nudge on 01/12/2013 12:32 am
Does anyone know the Atlas V serial number (tail number) for this launch ? AV-0??

(Spaceflightnow launch schedule quotes this launch at March 14)
Title: Re: SBIRS/GEO-2 updates - launch 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 01/17/2013 09:07 pm
Title: Re: SBIRS/GEO-2 updates - launch 2012
Post by: jacqmans on 01/17/2013 09:08 pm
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 14, 2013
Post by: jacqmans on 01/17/2013 09:12 pm
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 14, 2013
Post by: Skyrocket on 01/22/2013 12:11 pm
Any info on the Atlas serial number?
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: vapour_nudge on 02/10/2013 06:27 am
Launch date is now 19th of March according to ULA.

http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Launch.shtml#/36/

Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: rocketeer on 02/10/2013 08:44 pm
A spreadsheet entitled "Atlas V History" from ULA (June 2012) offers the following Tentative Launch Schedule that provides the tail numbers:

AV-037  SBIRS G-2
AV-038  GeoEye 2 (just postponed indefinately)
AV-039  GPS-4
AV-040  MUOS-2
AV-041  AEHF-3
AV-042  MAVEN
AV-043  NROL-39
AV-044  TDRS-L
AV-045  NROL-33
AV-046  DMSP-19
AV-047  MUOS-3
AV-049  GPS-5
AV-048  WorldView 3

    The list must be regarded as unofficial, but the payload order is consistent with the tentative launch dates for Atlas provided at
spaceflightnow.com into early 2014. Hopefully the tail numbers for
the next few missions will be confirmed on ULA launch patches (as
was the case for AV-036 of TDRS-K last week). I hope this list is
helpful for everybody!
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: FFD on 03/04/2013 08:37 pm
Alternative target: 2010 GM23.
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: edkyle99 on 03/05/2013 01:30 am
    The list must be regarded as unofficial,
If ULA has decided not to publish an official mission number, or vehicle number, than that list has to be "unofficial".  If ULA doesn't want their vehicles listed with a number, than why bother?  Just refer to the payload.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/05/2013 02:20 am
    The list must be regarded as unofficial,
If ULA has decided not to publish an official mission number, or vehicle number, than that list has to be "unofficial".  If ULA doesn't want their vehicles listed with a number, than why bother?  Just refer to the payload.

 - Ed Kyle

They do publish them, just not timely enough for you.
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: edkyle99 on 03/05/2013 02:35 am
    The list must be regarded as unofficial,
If ULA has decided not to publish an official mission number, or vehicle number, than that list has to be "unofficial".  If ULA doesn't want their vehicles listed with a number, than why bother?  Just refer to the payload.

 - Ed Kyle

They do publish them, just not timely enough for you.
Mind if I ask where?  ULA doesn't include them in their press kit, or in their on-line mission coverage.  Goddard's Mission Set Database has even stopped listing the numbers.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/05/2013 03:30 am
Just confirmed on the ULA website (http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Launch.shtml#/36/): launch time is 5:21 pm EDT (21:21Z) on March 19. Launch window is 40 minutes long.
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: vapour_nudge on 03/05/2013 12:11 pm
    The list must be regarded as unofficial,
If ULA has decided not to publish an official mission number, or vehicle number, than that list has to be "unofficial".  If ULA doesn't want their vehicles listed with a number, than why bother?  Just refer to the payload.

 - Ed Kyle

They do publish them, just not timely enough for you.


Mind if I ask where?  ULA doesn't include them in their press kit, or in their on-line mission coverage.  Goddard's Mission Set Database has even stopped listing the numbers.

 - Ed Kyle

Pictures from the pad prior to the last launch posted on this site showed the AV number on a label at the base of the 1st stage. Also FYI on your web page there's a statement: "Eight of nine launches performed so far this year have been powered off the pad by Russian rocket engines. " however I think that should have been "Seven of nine"


Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: edkyle99 on 03/05/2013 06:38 pm
... however I think that should have been "Seven of nine"
Thanks for that.  Fixed. 

A paper label taped to a panel that happens to be photographed and sometimes published isn't good enough.  Vehicle identification will have to stay generic in my reports unless ULA explicitly provides the information.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/11/2013 11:58 am
SBIRS GEO-2 Launch Team to Hold Media Teleconference

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=40285

Can these be monitored or recorded by non press personnel?
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/12/2013 05:01 pm
SBIRS GEO-2 Launch Team to Hold Media Teleconference

http://spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=40285

Can these be monitored or recorded by non press personnel?


Did any of the press types out there take part or record the teleconference?
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/16/2013 01:08 am
ULA:

The Launch Readiness Review was completed today in preparation for the Air Force’s Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-2 launch. The mission is set to liftoff on a ULA Atlas V on Tuesday, March 19 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 40-minute launch window opens at 5:21 p.m. EDT. Today’s L-4 forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. I have included the mission booklet for information regarding this mission, as well as the mission artwork.

Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: vapour_nudge on 03/17/2013 09:54 am
What's the go with the ULA website? On the home page there are 3 separate items that are displayed. One has a picture of an Atlas launch and the caption states "NASA selects Delta II for ICESat-2" , followed by another picture this time of a Delta II launch with the  caption "Set to launch Atlas V SBIRS GEO-2"
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/17/2013 10:28 am
What's the go with the ULA website? On the home page there are 3 separate items that are displayed. One has a picture of an Atlas launch and the caption states "NASA selects Delta II for ICESat-2" , followed by another picture this time of a Delta II launch with the  caption "Set to launch Atlas V SBIRS GEO-2"

Hmm..... try again with another broswer. It does not happen on my computer with Chrome!  ???

And this launch's logo looks really cool!  8)
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 03/17/2013 12:07 pm
Huh.  The 4m PLF always looks so small, even slightly puny, when on the stack.  Those photographs really bring home to you that it is, on a human scale, very, very large.
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/17/2013 05:29 pm
Not sure if I've missed it on a previous launch, but they now have a WMV stream, not just the flash stream - see the end of this:

ULA:

Everything is moving forward for the Air Force’s Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-2 launch. The mission is set to liftoff on a ULA Atlas V on Tuesday, March 19 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 40-minute launch window opens at 5:21 p.m. EDT. Today’s L-2 forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.



L-1: Monday, March 18

2 p.m.: Remote camera photographers meet at the Air Force Space and Missile History Center parking lot to be escorted to Space Launch Complex 41 to set up cameras
 

L-0: Tuesday, March 19

3:00 p.m.: Media meet at Air Force Space and Missile History Center to be escorted for launch viewing
5:01 p.m.: Broadcast begins
5:21 p.m.: Opening of the launch window
 

Weather Forecast

Overall probability of violating weather constraints:  30%;

Primary concern(s):  Cumulus Clouds

 

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30%;

Primary concern(s):  Cumulus Clouds

 

Satellite Coordinates: All Times Eastern Daylight Time

BARS AND TONE – 4:30 P.M.

PROGRAM START – 5:01 P.M.

LAUNCH WINDOW – 5:21 – 6:01 P.M.

END PROGRAM – 7:00 P.M.

 

Transmission FOR digital HIGH definiton

SATELLITE: SES 2

TRANSPONDER: 21

BAND: C-Band Digital

ORBITAL POSITION: 87 degrees west

CARRIER: SES Americom

HD BANDWIDTH: 18 MHz (half transponder ‘AB’)

DOWNLINK FREQ: 4111 MHz (Horizontal)

UPLINK FREQ: 6336 MHz (Vertical)

SYMBOL RATE: 13

FEC: ¾

DATA RATE: 17.9705

DVBS-QPSK

MPEG-2

AUDIO EMBEDDED

 

Transmission FOR digital standard definiton

SATELLITE: SES 2

TRANSPONDER: 21

BAND: C-Band Digital

ORBITAL POSITION: 87 degrees west

CARRIER: SES Americom

BANDWIDTH: 9 MHz (quarter transponder ‘C’)

DOWNLINK FREQ: 4124.5 MHz (Horizontal)

UPLINK FREQ: 6349.5 MHz (Vertical)

SYMBOL RATE: 6.1113

FEC: ¾

DATA RATE: 8.448

DVBS-QPSK

MPEG-2

AUDIO EMBEDDED

 

FLASH STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

 

WINDOWS MEDIA STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://mfile.akamai.com/29730/live/reflector:51679.asx?bkup=50982
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/18/2013 01:39 pm
Quote
ULA ‏@ulalaunch
The #AtlasV with #SBIRS #GEO2 is on the move to the launch pad. First motion was at 9:58 am EDT #ULATweetUp

ULA ‏@ulalaunch
Almost there! #SBIRS #GEO2 pic.twitter.com/JDx5Lb7qAx

ULA ‏@ulalaunch
On the launch pad! #SBIRS #GEO2 #ULATweetUp pic.twitter.com/6SjD3wDKKE

It's almost funny that a rocket launch service provider is doing a Tweet Up - I'm waiting for the Chinese to do something similar.  ;)
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/18/2013 02:57 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/18/2013 03:06 pm
By the way, live broadcast 8)

(http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan8large.jpg)
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/18/2013 03:19 pm
Got to love those trains....
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/18/2013 03:56 pm
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/18/2013 04:19 pm
U.S. Air Force Poised to Launch Nation’s Next Infrared Surveillance Satellite

 

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 18, 2013 --- The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin [NYSE : LMT] are ready to launch the second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-2) spacecraft on Tuesday, March 19 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The launch window is 5:21 EDT to 6:01 p.m. EDT.

 

A live launch broadcast will begin at 5:01 p.m. EDT and will be accessible via the ULA webcast.

 

Featuring a mix of satellites in geosynchronous orbit, hosted payloads in highly elliptical earth (HEO) orbit, and ground hardware and software, the SBIRS program delivers resilient and improved missile warning capabilities for the nation while also providing significant contributions to the military's missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness mission areas.

 

“We understand the important role SBIRS plays in our national security architecture and the entire SBIRS team has worked tirelessly to prepare this satellite for a successful launch,” said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission area. “The dedication and talent of this SBIRS team is remarkable and we are keenly focused on delivering mission success for the warfigher.”

 

Lockheed Martin’s SBIRS contracts include four HEO payloads, four GEO satellites, and ground assets to receive, process, and disseminate the infrared mission data.  The team has also begun procuring long lead parts for the fifth and sixth GEO satellites.  HEO payloads and the first GEO satellite have already launched into orbit.

 

GEO-1 is meeting or exceeding performance expectations on its path to operational certification. The satellite’s sensor pointing accuracy is nine times more precise than required and the sensors are detecting targets 25 percent dimmer than required with an intensity measurement 60 percent more accurate than specification.

 

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

 

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

 

###

 

Note to Editors:

 

Video and Images of SBIRS can be found at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs
 

Live launch broadcast and webcast details:

 

Schedule

 

BARS AND TONE – 4:30 P.M.

PROGRAM START – 5:01 P.M.

LAUNCH WINDOW – 5:21 – 6:01 P.M.

END PROGRAM – 7:00 P.M.

 

Transmission for digital high definiton

 

SATELLITE: SES 2

TRANSPONDER: 21

BAND: C-Band Digital

ORBITAL POSITION: 87 degrees west

CARRIER: SES Americom

HD BANDWIDTH: 18 MHz (half transponder ‘AB’)

DOWNLINK FREQ: 4111 MHz (Horizontal)

UPLINK FREQ: 6336 MHz (Vertical)

SYMBOL RATE: 13

FEC: ¾

DATA RATE: 17.9705

DVBS-QPSK

MPEG-2

AUDIO EMBEDDED

 

Transmission for digital standard definiton

 

SATELLITE: SES 2

TRANSPONDER: 21

BAND: C-Band Digital

ORBITAL POSITION: 87 degrees west

CARRIER: SES Americom

BANDWIDTH: 9 MHz (quarter transponder ‘C’)

DOWNLINK FREQ: 4124.5 MHz (Horizontal)

UPLINK FREQ: 6349.5 MHz (Vertical)

SYMBOL RATE: 6.1113

FEC: ¾

DATA RATE: 8.448

DVBS-QPSK

MPEG-2

AUDIO EMBEDDED

 

Flash and mobile streams available here: http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

 

Windows media stream available here http://mfile.akamai.com/29730/live/reflector:51679.asx?bkup=50982
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/18/2013 08:39 pm
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST
And this launch's logo looks really cool!  8)

Though it does appear to show the Earth under attack by a giant space Eagle.;)
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Skyrocket on 03/19/2013 10:37 am
Does anyone know, why a white-painted Centaur is used this time?

The GEO-1 launch used an unpainted version. Has the ascent profile been changed with longer coast periods or is white painting now the standard for all missions?
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 11:13 am
Atlas V rocket with SBIRS GEO-2 rollout to the launch pad

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YW-4fIFtoxE
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: William Graham on 03/19/2013 11:40 am
Does anyone know, why a white-painted Centaur is used this time?

The GEO-1 launch used an unpainted version. Has the ascent profile been changed with longer coast periods or is white painting now the standard for all missions?

I think the white version become standard. I seem to remember reading that ULA were trying to make Atlas more flexible in terms of moving payloads between specific rockets; I'm assuming that they are painting all Centaurs white to allow payloads requiring extended coasts to be moved to rockets which had originally been slated to launch payloads that did not require them.
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 12:32 pm
some early morning pics.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 03:00 pm
Moved for live coverage. Epic preview article from William, shortly!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 03:02 pm
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (March 18, 2013) - A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rolls out for launch at Space Launch Complex-41 with the Air Force’s Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-2 spacecraft. Launch is set for Tuesday, March 19 at 5:21 p.m. EDT. SBIRS is a consolidated system intended to meet United States infrared space surveillance needs for decades to come. The SBIRS program addresses critical warfighter needs in the areas of missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

 

Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 04:02 pm
William Graham's excellent - and very informative - launch preview article:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 04:22 pm
Where does one watch this live? Preferably an HD stream like NASA TV has.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: DaveS on 03/19/2013 04:36 pm
Where does one watch this live? Preferably an HD stream like NASA TV has.
No HD stream available for ULA launches. Stream info can be found in this thread: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=26456.msg1027395#msg1027395
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: AnalogMan on 03/19/2013 04:37 pm
Where does one watch this live? Preferably an HD stream like NASA TV has.

Posted earlier in thread:

Not sure if I've missed it on a previous launch, but they now have a WMV stream, not just the flash stream - see the end of this:
[...]
FLASH STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

WINDOWS MEDIA STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://mfile.akamai.com/29730/live/reflector:51679.asx?bkup=50982
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 06:07 pm
William Graham's excellent - and very informative - launch preview article:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/

"however this uncovered a defect in its communications system which has delayed its entry into service."

This is the first mention I've heard of this problem.  Are there any more details? 
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 06:31 pm
ULA:

T-2 hours and counting -- The team continues with the countdown for the launch today. Cryogenic tanking has begun.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 06:59 pm
Winds kicking up in this cam view....
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 07:08 pm
ULA broadcast screen
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: sdsds on 03/19/2013 07:49 pm
Visible venting.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 07:51 pm
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: sdsds on 03/19/2013 07:54 pm
WINDOWS MEDIA STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://mfile.akamai.com/29730/live/reflector:51679.asx?bkup=50982

It works!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:00 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:01 pm
Off we go.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:02 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:02 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:02 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:03 pm
Not working any issues.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:03 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:03 pm
HE says SBIRS weird....
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:03 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:03 pm
ULA:

T-4 minutes and holding -- The team is not working any technical issues at this time. The weather is looking good for launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:04 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:05 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:07 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:11 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:12 pm
Final polling to come out of the hold.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:13 pm
Title: Re: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:14 pm
WINDOWS MEDIA STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://mfile.akamai.com/29730/live/reflector:51679.asx?bkup=50982

It works!

Not for me link opens to VLC & that's it no further.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:14 pm
Polling compete. Go to proceed.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:16 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: belegor on 03/19/2013 08:17 pm
Is the audio messed up for you too at the moment?  ???
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:17 pm
T-4 mins and counting.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:17 pm
T-3 mins 50 sec
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:17 pm
Is the audio messed up for you too at the moment?  ???

Thought it was just me! Yes, same here!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:18 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/19/2013 08:18 pm
Is the audio messed up for you too at the moment?  ???

Working fine for me on the Windows stream.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:19 pm
FTS Internal.

T-2 mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: brahmanknight on 03/19/2013 08:19 pm
Yes, messed up audio here, too.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:19 pm
T - 2 mins
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:19 pm
Flamingos flying over just then!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:20 pm
T-60 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:20 pm
Yes, messed up audio here, too.

Fine on mine.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:21 pm
Go Atlas, Go Centaur!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:21 pm
Yes, messed up audio here, too.

Fine on mine.

Fine on the windows media stream.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:21 pm
Launch!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:21 pm
LAUNCH!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:22 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:22 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 08:22 pm
awesome spacecam shots
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:22 pm
Good first stage so far.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:22 pm
MaxQ
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:23 pm
Always love the pictures on board looking back down to Earth.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:23 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:23 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:24 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:24 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:25 pm
Can someone explain about the need to perform a roll for thermal conditioning reasons?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:25 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:26 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:26 pm
Core stage MECO.

1-2 Sep.

Centaur ignition.

Fairing jettison.

NICE!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:26 pm
VERY COOL!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/19/2013 08:26 pm
Visuals on this launch are spectacular.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:28 pm
Views of S/C, a very cool satellite
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 08:28 pm
Looking forward on spacecam. We may see vehicle sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 08:28 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:29 pm
Unofficial launch time 2121:00.219UTC.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:30 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:30 pm
Lost stream here on flash and wmv.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/19/2013 08:30 pm
Can someone explain about the need to perform a roll for thermal conditioning reasons?

Sun on the spacecraft
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:31 pm
Can someone explain about the need to perform a roll for thermal conditioning reasons?

Sun on the spacecraft

Does that have to do with IR sensors on the spacecraft?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/19/2013 08:31 pm
Lost stream here on flash and wmv.

Me too.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Artyom. on 03/19/2013 08:31 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUJ9Dtyiclw
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:32 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:32 pm
Can someone explain about the need to perform a roll for thermal conditioning reasons?

Sun on the spacecraft

Thanks for the confirmation had a suspicion it would be something like that.

@Lee Jay still have stream here.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:32 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:32 pm
What is that sticking out of the launcher?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mtakala24 on 03/19/2013 08:33 pm
What was that spike on the upper stage below the payload fairing? It looked like a part of an umbilical?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:34 pm
Lost stream here on flash and wmv.

Me too.

Is this normal? They just shut off the stream when the launch is done without saying anything...? First time watching any ULA launch live.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 08:34 pm
What is that sticking out of the launcher?


If I recall correctly, Jim mentioned on previous launches that it is used to vent the interstage?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:34 pm
LOL the USAF missile warning promotion video sounds just like those combat video games trailers.....  8)

Centaur still burning....
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: William Graham on 03/19/2013 08:35 pm
What was that spike on the upper stage below the payload fairing? It looked like a part of an umbilical?
Can't remember off the top of my head, but it's perfectly normal. It's been noted on previous launches.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:35 pm
Lost stream here on flash and wmv.

Me too.

Is this normal? They just shut off the stream when the launch is done without saying anything...? First time watching any ULA launch live.

I still have it all along no issue.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/19/2013 08:35 pm
Lost stream here on flash and wmv.

Me too.

Is this normal? They just shut off the stream when the launch is done without saying anything...?

No, they usually say goodbye.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kwan3217 on 03/19/2013 08:35 pm
What was that spike on the upper stage below the payload fairing? It looked like a part of an umbilical?

Centaur hydrogen vent fin. Centaur has had that feature since the 60s. Someone asks about it during every launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kevin-rf on 03/19/2013 08:35 pm
What was that spike on the upper stage below the payload fairing? It looked like a part of an umbilical?

LH vent on the Centaur I believe, gets asked every launch.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: DaveS on 03/19/2013 08:36 pm
What is that sticking out of the launcher?


If I recall correctly, Jim mentioned on previous launches that it is used to vent the interstage?
I believe that's the GH2 vent fin for the Centaur upper stage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:36 pm
LOL the USAF missile warning promotion video sounds just like those combat video games trailers.....  8)

Centaur still burning....

It was or an episode of NCIS.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:37 pm
MECO-1. (missed the sunset shot....)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Satori on 03/19/2013 08:41 pm
What was that spike on the upper stage below the payload fairing? It looked like a part of an umbilical?

LH vent on the Centaur I believe, gets asked every launch.

Thanks for clarifying that...
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:42 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:43 pm
Does anyone have a URL to a working stream? Neither the flash stream nor the WMV stream load for me.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:43 pm
Previous payload processing shots:

2 minutes to Centaur restart.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:44 pm
Does anyone have a URL to a working stream? Neither the flash stream nor the WMV stream load for me.

The only one that I know of: http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow (http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Longhorn John on 03/19/2013 08:44 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems. And their twitter feed seems to be run by a six year old.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: William Graham on 03/19/2013 08:45 pm
Centaur restart has occurred
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:46 pm
Centaur MES-2. 3 minute 55 second burn.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: William Graham on 03/19/2013 08:49 pm
SECO. Centaur reorienting for sep.

Into a 15 minute coast.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 08:50 pm
15 minutes coast to S/C separation.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:50 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems. And their twitter feed seems to be run by a six year old.

I have had no issues with this stream or their last few.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: ras391 on 03/19/2013 08:50 pm
From Stuart, FL we could see the Atlas V for almost 5 minutes. It seemed to hug the coast line all the way up the hill. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:52 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems. And their twitter feed seems to be run by a six year old.

I have had no issues with this stream or their last few.

I wasn't using the livestream re-stream (much lower quality). I was using the actual stream. So maybe that is why.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/19/2013 08:52 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems.

Haven't had any drop outs.  Must be on your end
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 08:53 pm
Shutdown parameters showed about 19403 X 98 inclined 22.222 degrees vs planned Apogee: 19,322.8 nmi Perigee: 100.0 nmi Inclination: 22.19°
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 08:53 pm
SECO. Centaur reorienting for sep.

Into a 15 minute coast.

Looks like no issues with Centaur then...great.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Lee Jay on 03/19/2013 08:54 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems.

Haven't had any drop outs.  Must be on your end

All three streams (Windows, Flash, Mobile) died at the same time on my end, and NSF and other web sites worked perfectly during the entire time.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:54 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems.

Haven't had any drop outs.  Must be on your end

Everything else works fine except for the stream. The flash and wmv stream simultaneously went out and never came back (still aren't working). There isn't any commonality there.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/19/2013 08:54 pm
People talk about SpaceX doing a hackjob... Having something sticking out into the supersonic stream, crazy... Bad design.

Huh?  Another point that you lack knowledge about.  This feature has flown more than 130 times.  It prevents vented GH2 from flowing down the vehicle and causing issues
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/19/2013 08:55 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems.

Haven't had any drop outs.  Must be on your end

Everything else works fine except for the stream. The flash and wmv stream simultaneously went out and never came back (still aren't working). There isn't any commonality there.

I still have it
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:56 pm
Considering Lee Jay's also died int he same way I would guess one of their relaying servers died and me and Lee Jay are located near each other so it died for both of us. Only thing I can think of.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:56 pm
Shutdown parameters showed about 19403 X 98 inclined 22.222 degrees vs planned Apogee: 19,322.8 nmi Perigee: 100.0 nmi Inclination: 22.19°

How is the Centaur disposed of from that kind of orbit?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: AbeJ on 03/19/2013 08:57 pm
Considering Lee Jay's also died int he same way I would guess one of their relaying servers died and me and Lee Jay are located near each other so it died for both of us. Only thing I can think of.

I could only view at:
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av037/status.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 08:57 pm
The feed running off another not to be named website was solid the whole time  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:58 pm
The feed running off another not to be named website was solid the whole time  ;D

Yes website 'X' was OK for me all along.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mlindner on 03/19/2013 08:59 pm
Shutdown parameters showed about 19403 X 98 inclined 22.222 degrees vs planned Apogee: 19,322.8 nmi Perigee: 100.0 nmi Inclination: 22.19°

How is the Centaur disposed of from that kind of orbit?

98nmi perigee will cause fast deorbit. I believe it will de-orbit on the first pass?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/19/2013 08:59 pm
Shutdown parameters showed about 19403 X 98 inclined 22.222 degrees vs planned Apogee: 19,322.8 nmi Perigee: 100.0 nmi Inclination: 22.19°

How is the Centaur disposed of from that kind of orbit?

the blow down puts in a slightly different orbit than the spacecraft and the low perigee guarantees a short orbital lifetime
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 08:59 pm
Shutdown parameters showed about 19403 X 98 inclined 22.222 degrees vs planned Apogee: 19,322.8 nmi Perigee: 100.0 nmi Inclination: 22.19°

How is the Centaur disposed of from that kind of orbit?

98km perigee will cause fast deorbit. I believe it will de-orbit on the first pass?

Thanks for that info & Jim as well.:)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Jim on 03/19/2013 09:00 pm
not first pass but weeks
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 09:01 pm
Is the centaur actually leading the stack so the separation is retrograde as shown by the feed?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 09:02 pm
98km perigee will cause fast deorbit. I believe it will de-orbit on the first pass?

Thanks for that info & Jim as well.:)

Actually that's 98 nautical miles = 181 km. Still low enough for re-entry in a short time (or will there be a de-orbit burn?).

3 minutes to spacecraft separation.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 09:02 pm
live sep via webcam!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 09:02 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems.

Haven't had any drop outs.  Must be on your end

Everything else works fine except for the stream. The flash and wmv stream simultaneously went out and never came back (still aren't working). There isn't any commonality there.

I still have it

So do I only its off mission time by 8 min.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 09:03 pm
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 09:04 pm
Separation.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 09:04 pm
s/c sep
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 09:05 pm
Congratulations to ULA, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and the USAF!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 09:05 pm
Spacecraft separation!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kevin-rf on 03/19/2013 09:05 pm
Congratulations ULA on one of the years most important launches!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/19/2013 09:05 pm
Everyone is off to get a well deserved coffee now.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 09:06 pm
Congrats to ULA.  Next up--first launch of the Delta IV/Centaur combo since the hiccup last year.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Paul Howard on 03/19/2013 09:09 pm
ULA really are amateurs with their webcasting and social media. Every single webcast they have problems. And their twitter feed seems to be run by a six year old.

Webcast was ok, but agree about the terrible official ULA twitter feed.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/19/2013 09:09 pm
Congrats to ULA.  Next up--first launch of the Delta IV/Centaur combo since the hiccup last year.

That's iCPS/DIVHUS, not Centaur.  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kevin-rf on 03/19/2013 09:09 pm
Congrats to ULA.  Next up--first launch of the Delta IV/Centaur combo since the hiccup last year.

DeltaIV/Centaur??? Do you know something we don't?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 09:10 pm
William's article updated:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Rocket Science on 03/19/2013 09:11 pm
Congrats to all the teams involved!  :) Excellent result as we have come to expect from ULA.  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 09:12 pm
Congrats to ULA.  Next up--first launch of the Delta IV/Centaur combo since the hiccup last year.

That's iCPS/DIVHUS, not Centaur.  ;D

Sorry, if it's using an RL-10 it's USUALLY a Centaur. :-\
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/19/2013 09:12 pm
Moving this back here now that we have had s/c sep:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkz5NHhtdvM
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Lar on 03/19/2013 09:13 pm
Congrats to all the teams involved!  :) Excellent result as we have come to expect from ULA.  ;)
They do make it look routine... which, I guess, is what the USAF wants :)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/19/2013 09:15 pm
Congrats to all the teams involved!  :) Excellent result as we have come to expect from ULA.  ;)

They do make it look routine... which, I guess, is what the USAF wants :)

The costumers sure pay enough to expect it
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Rocket Science on 03/19/2013 09:15 pm
William's article updated:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/
Nicely done William especially in light of the new threat in the headlines today....
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: baldusi on 03/19/2013 09:16 pm
Congrats to all the teams involved!  :) Excellent result as we have come to expect from ULA.  ;)
They do make it look routine... which, I guess, is what the USAF wants :)
Wants, expects and pays dearly for. You have to understand how difficult is to make it look like routine when you say ULA is "expensive". They might cost a lot of money. But they deliver on their income a world class service.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/19/2013 09:18 pm
anyone know what imx_test  is/was?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: ugordan on 03/19/2013 09:20 pm
Moving this back here now that we have had s/c sep:

Thanks. Beautiful launch once you remove the audio glitches.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 09:24 pm
Cape Canaveral Air Force U Station, Fla. (March 19, 2013) – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 carrying the second Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-2 satellite for the.S. Air Force at 5:21 p.m. EDT. This was the 3rd ULA launch of the year, the 37th Atlas V mission, and the 69th ULA launch since the company was formed in December 2006. SBIRS is a consolidated system intended to meet United States infrared space surveillance needs for decades to come. The SBIRS program addresses critical warfighter needs in the areas of missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

 

Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance

 

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches Second Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Satellite to Orbit for the U.S. Air Force

 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (March 19, 2013) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the second Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-2 satellite for the U.S. Air Force at 5:21 p.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex-41. ULA launched the first satellite in the constellation, GEO-1, aboard and Atlas V on May 7, 2011.

This was the 3rd ULA launch of the year, the 37th Atlas V mission, and the 69th ULA launch since the company was formed in December 2006.

            "The ULA team is honored to serve a pivotal role in placing this critical capability in orbit for our women and men serving around the world and protecting our freedom,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “From nearly two years ago when we began production of the launch vehicle, through today’s successful mission delivery, this very strong and well-integrated government and industry team has ensured that mission success remains the highest priority at every step in the process.”

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), which includes a 4-meter diameter payload fairing. The booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine and the Centaur upper stage was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL-10A engine.

SBIRS is a consolidated system intended to meet United States infrared space surveillance needs for decades to come. The SBIRS program addresses critical warfighter needs in the areas of missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

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. 

ULA program management, engineering, test, and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo.  Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/19/2013 10:22 pm
Lockheed Martin-built Infrared Surveillance Satellite Launched Successfully

 

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 19, 2013 --- The U.S. Air Force’s second Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-2) spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT], was successfully launched today at 5:21 p.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

 

The SBIRS program delivers timely, reliable and accurate missile warning and infrared surveillance information to the President of the United States, the Secretary of Defense, combatant commanders, the intelligence community and other key decision makers. The system enhances global missile launch detection capability, supports the nation's ballistic missile defense system, expands the country’s technical intelligence gathering capacity and bolsters situational awareness for warfighters on the battlefield.

 

"We are proud to partner with the U.S. Air Force on the SBIRS program to deliver highly reliable infrared surveillance capabilities for strategic and tactical users across the defense and intelligence community,” said Jeff Smith, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) mission area. “Thanks to the unmatched expertise of the entire government and industry SBIRS team, we are confident this satellite will meet or exceed expectations and play a pivotal role in our national security for years to come.”

 

The SBIRS architecture includes a resilient mix of satellites in geosynchronous orbit, hosted payloads in highly elliptical earth (HEO) orbit, and ground hardware and software. The first two GEO satellites and HEO payloads have now launched.

 

SBIRS GEO-2 includes highly sophisticated scanning and staring sensors that will deliver improved infrared sensitivity and a reduction in area revisit times over the current constellation. The scanning sensor will provide a wide area surveillance of missile launches and natural phenomena across the earth, while the staring sensor will be used to observe smaller areas of interest with superior sensitivity.

 

"Today's successful launch of the GEO-2 satellite marks another milestone in the evolution of infrared surveillance from space," said Dr. Stephen Toner, Northrop Grumman's vice president of the Military and Civil Space business area. "The team played a significant role ensuring that the sensors on GEO-1 are performing beyond specification, and we are confident that the GEO-2 sensors will exhibit similar performance."

 

The SBIRS team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the SBIRS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman is the payload integrator. Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

 

Lockheed Martin’s SBIRS contracts include four HEO payloads, four GEO satellites, and ground assets to receive, process, and disseminate the infrared mission data.  The team has also begun initial work on the fifth and sixth GEO satellites. 

 

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.  The Corporation’s net sales for 2012 were $47.2 billion.

 

###

Note to Editors:

 

Video and Images of SBIRS can be found at:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs

Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: WHAP on 03/19/2013 10:41 pm
Everyone is off to get a well deserved coffee now.

I bet there are a lot of folks who are going to be drinking something other than coffee until tomorrow morning  ;D.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: robertross on 03/19/2013 11:43 pm
William's article updated:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/

Extremely informative. Thanks Will!

Great job ULA on the cameras, and to all who covered this.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: davey142 on 03/19/2013 11:44 pm
Anyone have a video of the full launch coverage?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/20/2013 01:04 am
Holy moly, check out these launch photos from Ben Cooper! :o
http://www.launchphotography.com/SBIRS-2.html
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kevin-rf on 03/20/2013 01:23 am
Holy moly, check out these launch photos from Ben Cooper! :o
http://www.launchphotography.com/SBIRS-2.html
Chris, you should have put it in all CAPS, taking shots that close his ears must be gone ;)


-Yes I realize those are remote cameras and he was no closer than anyone else... but still very cool!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: mikes on 03/20/2013 01:54 am
When ULA heard we'd be in Titusville this week, they kindly moved the AV-037 launch so that we could see it *

Can't really compete with Ben's astounding shots, but here are a few photos of the launch taken by my wife Sarah (who's a much better photographer than I am) from the KSCVC Saturn V Center.


* That's my interpretation and I'm sticking to it.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: catdlr on 03/20/2013 02:59 am
ULA's own version:

Atlas V SBIRS GEO-2 Launch Highlights

Published on Mar 19, 2013
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., carrying the second Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO-2 satellite for the U.S. Air Force. This was the 3rd ULA launch of the year, the 37th Atlas V mission, and the 69th ULA launch since the company was formed in December 2006. SBIRS is a consolidated system intended to meet United States infrared space surveillance needs for decades to come. The SBIRS program addresses critical warfighter needs in the areas of missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace characterization.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAO1qxYMvg

Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: hpras on 03/20/2013 04:26 am
Cool.  What is the pipe sticking out of the fairing, can see it as the vehicle breaks the sound barrier.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 03/20/2013 04:34 am
Cool.  What is the pipe sticking out of the fairing, can see it as the vehicle breaks the sound barrier.

What is that sticking out of the launcher?
If I recall correctly, Jim mentioned on previous launches that it is used to vent the interstage?
I believe that's the GH2 vent fin for the Centaur upper stage.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: hpras on 03/20/2013 04:55 am
ahh, damn, completely missed that..... oops.. thanks!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kevin-rf on 03/20/2013 11:45 am
I think we need a sticky note for all future Atlas launches,

The GH2 vent fin for the Centaur upper stage is that funny object sticking out of the side of the fairing.

That or make it a drinking game...
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Art LeBrun on 03/20/2013 12:47 pm
I think we need a sticky note for all future Atlas launches,

The GH2 vent fin for the Centaur upper stage is that funny object sticking out of the side of the fairing.

Since 1962...............
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/20/2013 01:56 pm
When ULA heard we'd be in Titusville this week, they kindly moved the AV-037 launch so that we could see it *

Can't really compete with Ben's astounding shots, but here are a few photos of the launch taken by my wife Sarah (who's a much better photographer than I am) from the KSCVC Saturn V Center.


* That's my interpretation and I'm sticking to it.


Nice work Mike!
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: catdlr on 03/20/2013 02:35 pm
Full Launch Coverage (27 min):

SBIRS GEO-2 Launch Coverage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEnEAe28Tyg
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Prober on 03/20/2013 07:06 pm
Don't know how anyone else feels,  but yesterdays launch gave me a great deal of pride for many reasons.
 
The cam videos were excellent as well as the launch work etc.
 
For me its a launch to remember  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 03/20/2013 08:53 pm
Don't know how anyone else feels,  but yesterdays launch gave me a great deal of pride for many reasons.
 
The cam videos were excellent as well as the launch work etc.
 
For me its a launch to remember  ;)

Makes me wonder how many lives of front line troops that these systems have saved over the years, or conflicts avoided etc etc.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: asmi on 03/21/2013 01:35 am
Makes me wonder how many lives of front line troops that these systems have saved over the years, or conflicts avoided etc etc.
You'd better not go there, or this topic will go really wrong way really quickly.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 03/21/2013 10:28 am
Makes me wonder how many lives of front line troops that these systems have saved over the years, or conflicts avoided etc etc.

FWIW, I understood from ULA's broadcast that the SBIRS/GEO constellation is part of a ballistic missile detection and tracking system.  I imagine that the IR telescopes could be used to track high altitude reconnaissance and/or bomber aircraft too, depending on their sensitivity.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: kevin-rf on 03/21/2013 11:20 am
During the first gulf war along with tracking scud launches it was reported widely that the DSP's where able to track Iraq jet afterburners.

It all depends on the engine exhaust temperature... More modern Turbo Fan powered jets do not produce a very hot exhaust so they are harder to track.
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 03/21/2013 11:34 pm
De-classsified references for "Space-Based Early Warning: From MIDAS to DSP to SBIRS" By Jeffrey T. Richelson at http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB235/20130108.html refer to DSP detecting Backfire bombers and detection of 4 aircraft crashes/shootdowns (page 7 of reference 39.)
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 04/03/2013 04:53 am
new cobra judy radars tracked the launch...

Demonstrating exceptional dual-band radar capability

TEWKSBURY, Mass., April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN)-led Cobra Judy Replacement (CJR) program surpassed expectations during its first tests against a live rocket launch on March 19. From approximately 100 miles off the Florida coast, the powerful X- and S-band radars integrated onboard the USNS Howard O. Lorenzen (T-AGM 25) successfully acquired and tracked both stages of an Atlas V rocket launched from Cape Canaveral and collected all associated data.

http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2304
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Star One on 04/04/2013 04:31 pm
Makes me wonder how many lives of front line troops that these systems have saved over the years, or conflicts avoided etc etc.
You'd better not go there, or this topic will go really wrong way really quickly.

Why do you say that, it was a question asked in good faith not designed to cause some kind of issue?
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 04/25/2013 06:07 am
SBIRS/GEO-2 first light from Av Week

http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/asd_04_23_2013_p03-01-572052.xml
Title: Re: LIVE: Atlas-V - SBIRS/GEO-2 - March 19, 2013
Post by: Targeteer on 11/27/2013 11:08 am
http://www.losangeles.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123372233

SBIRS GEO-2 Achieves AFSPC Operational Acceptance

Posted 11/26/2013   Updated 11/26/2013

11/26/2013 - LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force announced Nov. 25 that the second Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite (GEO-2) has achieved Air Force Space Command Operational Acceptance. GEO-2 is part of the constellation that provides continuous missile warning for the U.S. and its allies.

The SBIRS GEO-2 spacecraft launched successfully from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., March 19. The satellite was originally scheduled to enter the operational trial period 12 months after launch, but the program implemented a number of efficiencies based on GEO-1 lessons learned. As a result, the combined test team was able to improve on the original schedule by five months and GEO-2 entered its trial period  on Oct. 21 with no liens. Overall, the GEO-2 satellite's performance matches that of GEO-1 and in some cases exceeds it.

SBIRS delivers global, overhead, persistent, taskable 24/7 infrared surveillance capabilities to meet 21st-century demands for early warning of missile launches, while simultaneously supporting other critical missions including missile defense, technical intelligence, and battlespace awareness. The GEO satellites replace and improve upon the legacy Defense Support Program satellites, offering enhanced sensor flexibility and sensitivity.

The SBIRS development team is led by the Infrared Space Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the SBIRS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, Azusa, Calif., is the payload integrator. The 460th Space Wing operates the SBIRS system.