NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: jacqmans on 08/16/2011 04:07 pm
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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
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Does anyone know the Atlas V serial number (tail number) for this launch ? AV-0??
(Spaceflightnow launch schedule quotes this launch at March 14)
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Any info on the Atlas serial number?
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Launch date is now 19th of March according to ULA.
http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Launch.shtml#/36/
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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!
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Alternative target: 2010 GM23.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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"
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... 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
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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"
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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)
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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.
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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
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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. ;)
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https://twitter.com/ulalaunch
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By the way, live broadcast 8)
(http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan8large.jpg)
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Got to love those trains....
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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.
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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
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And this launch's logo looks really cool! 8)
Though it does appear to show the Earth under attack by a giant space Eagle.;)
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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?
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Atlas V rocket with SBIRS GEO-2 rollout to the launch pad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=YW-4fIFtoxE
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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.
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some early morning pics.
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Moved for live coverage. Epic preview article from William, shortly!
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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
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William Graham's excellent - and very informative - launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/
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Where does one watch this live? Preferably an HD stream like NASA TV has.
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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
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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
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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?
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ULA:
T-2 hours and counting -- The team continues with the countdown for the launch today. Cryogenic tanking has begun.
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Winds kicking up in this cam view....
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ULA broadcast screen
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Visible venting.
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WINDOWS MEDIA STREAM AVAILABLE HERE http://mfile.akamai.com/29730/live/reflector:51679.asx?bkup=50982
It works!
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Off we go.
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Not working any issues.
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HE says SBIRS weird....
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ULA:
T-4 minutes and holding -- The team is not working any technical issues at this time. The weather is looking good for launch.
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Final polling to come out of the hold.
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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.
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Polling compete. Go to proceed.
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Is the audio messed up for you too at the moment? ???
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T-4 mins and counting.
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T-3 mins 50 sec
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Is the audio messed up for you too at the moment? ???
Thought it was just me! Yes, same here!
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Is the audio messed up for you too at the moment? ???
Working fine for me on the Windows stream.
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FTS Internal.
T-2 mins.
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Yes, messed up audio here, too.
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T - 2 mins
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Flamingos flying over just then!
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T-60 seconds.
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Yes, messed up audio here, too.
Fine on mine.
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Go Atlas, Go Centaur!
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Yes, messed up audio here, too.
Fine on mine.
Fine on the windows media stream.
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Launch!!!
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LAUNCH!
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awesome spacecam shots
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Good first stage so far.
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MaxQ
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Always love the pictures on board looking back down to Earth.
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Can someone explain about the need to perform a roll for thermal conditioning reasons?
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Core stage MECO.
1-2 Sep.
Centaur ignition.
Fairing jettison.
NICE!
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VERY COOL!
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Visuals on this launch are spectacular.
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Views of S/C, a very cool satellite
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Looking forward on spacecam. We may see vehicle sep.
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Unofficial launch time 2121:00.219UTC.
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Lost stream here on flash and wmv.
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Can someone explain about the need to perform a roll for thermal conditioning reasons?
Sun on the spacecraft
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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?
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Lost stream here on flash and wmv.
Me too.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUJ9Dtyiclw
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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.
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What is that sticking out of the launcher?
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What was that spike on the upper stage below the payload fairing? It looked like a part of an umbilical?
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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.
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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?
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LOL the USAF missile warning promotion video sounds just like those combat video games trailers..... 8)
Centaur still burning....
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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MECO-1. (missed the sunset shot....)
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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...
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Does anyone have a URL to a working stream? Neither the flash stream nor the WMV stream load for me.
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Previous payload processing shots:
2 minutes to Centaur restart.
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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)
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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.
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Centaur restart has occurred
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Centaur MES-2. 3 minute 55 second burn.
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SECO. Centaur reorienting for sep.
Into a 15 minute coast.
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15 minutes coast to S/C separation.
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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.
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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!!!!!!
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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.
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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
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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°
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SECO. Centaur reorienting for sep.
Into a 15 minute coast.
Looks like no issues with Centaur then...great.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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?
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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
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The feed running off another not to be named website was solid the whole time ;D
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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.
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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?
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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
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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.:)
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not first pass but weeks
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Is the centaur actually leading the stack so the separation is retrograde as shown by the feed?
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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.
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live sep via webcam!
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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.
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Separation.
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s/c sep
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Congratulations to ULA, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and the USAF!
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Spacecraft separation!
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Congratulations ULA on one of the years most important launches!!!
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Everyone is off to get a well deserved coffee now.
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Congrats to ULA. Next up--first launch of the Delta IV/Centaur combo since the hiccup last year.
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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.
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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
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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?
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William's article updated:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/ula-atlas-v-launch-sbirsgeo/
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Congrats to all the teams involved! :) Excellent result as we have come to expect from ULA. ;)
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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. :-\
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Moving this back here now that we have had s/c sep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wkz5NHhtdvM
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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 :)
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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
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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....
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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.
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anyone know what imx_test is/was?
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Moving this back here now that we have had s/c sep:
Thanks. Beautiful launch once you remove the audio glitches.
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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.
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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.
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Note to Editors:
Video and Images of SBIRS can be found at:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs
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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.
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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.
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Anyone have a video of the full launch coverage?
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Holy moly, check out these launch photos from Ben Cooper! :o
http://www.launchphotography.com/SBIRS-2.html
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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!
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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.
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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
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Cool. What is the pipe sticking out of the fairing, can see it as the vehicle breaks the sound barrier.
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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.
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ahh, damn, completely missed that..... oops.. thanks!
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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...
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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...............
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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!
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Full Launch Coverage (27 min):
SBIRS GEO-2 Launch Coverage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEnEAe28Tyg
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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 ;)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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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
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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?
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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
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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.