Author Topic: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B OTV-4) - May 20, 2015 to May 7, 2017 - UPDATES  (Read 191944 times)

Offline baldusi

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #180 on: 05/20/2015 03:54 pm »
And congratulations to ULA for making all this seem so routine.

Offline ZachS09

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #181 on: 05/20/2015 03:57 pm »
Congrats to ULA for the AFSPC-5 mission's launch today.
Liftoff for St. Jude's! Go Dragon, Go Falcon, Godspeed Inspiration4!

Offline PahTo

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #182 on: 05/20/2015 03:59 pm »
Congrats to ULA for a good, solid, on-time launch.  It's what we're beginning to expect, every time.

That rocket cam was sorta weird, though.  Every time they'd cut to it, it looked like the Atlas was still climbing vertically up from the launch complex.  Even well after the vehicle was pitching down into its near-horizontal trajectory.  Made me wonder there, for a minute, if the thing wasn't gonna keep goin' straight up...  ???

Yeah, I've seen that on other launches, like Antares for instance. But if you look, you can see the land start to foreshorten as she pitches over.

Note the trajectory was indeed much more vertical at the start--at one point I heard the call that they were 25 up and 15 downrange.  I believe this was due to the 5m fairing (both for flight and for jettison).

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #183 on: 05/20/2015 04:03 pm »
Boeing promo of X-37 “first unmanned vehicle to return to Earth and land by itself”... That would be Buran... :o

Was thinking the same thing. Maybe they decided Buran didn't qualify because it was designed to carry crew, whereas X-37 never was?
Well, and Dragon "returns to earth and lands" as well, as have a number of BEO probes (Stardust, etc).  I think they were missing the words "American" and "winged": "first American unmanned winged vehicle to return to Earth and land". The "by itself" is redundant, considering it is unmanned -- unless they are thinking of some sort of remotely-piloted drone?  But I don't think that's been ever been done, so the qualification seems unnecessary.
Context is everything! :)

« Last Edit: 05/20/2015 05:24 pm by Rocket Science »
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Offline MarekCyzio

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #184 on: 05/20/2015 04:07 pm »
Congratulations to ULA! This shows why customers may prefer to pay more for the service.

Offline Lars-J

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #185 on: 05/20/2015 04:14 pm »
Congratulations on a beautiful launch - and thanks for the great rocket cam footage! :)

Neat to see the RL-10 gimbaling quite a bit after Centaur ignition.

Online Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #186 on: 05/20/2015 04:36 pm »
Success!

 
ULA:
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (May 20, 2015) A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the AFSPC-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force at 11:05 a.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex-41. This is ULA’s fifth launch in 2015 and the 96th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
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Online Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #187 on: 05/20/2015 04:37 pm »


United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle for the U.S. Air Force

 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (May 20, 2015) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the Air Force Space Command 5 (AFSPC-5) satellite for the U.S. Air Force at 11:05 a.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex-41.The rocket carried the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle or OTV, a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Air Force.

“ULA is honored to launch this unique spacecraft for the U.S Air Force. Congratulations to the Air Force and all of our mission partners on today’s successful launch! The seamless integration between the Air Force, Boeing, and the entire mission team culminated in today’s successful launch of the AFSPC-5 mission” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programs.

This Atlas V mission also includes the Aft Bulkhead Carrier (ABC) carrying the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO’s) Ultra Lightweight Technology and Research Auxiliary Satellite (ULTRASat).  ULTRASat is composed of 10 CubeSats managed by the NRO and NASA.

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 501 configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) , which includes a 5.4-meter-diameter payload fairing. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage was powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine. This was ULA’s sixth launch of the 501 configuration, and ULA’s 54th mission to launch on an Atlas V rocket.

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V GPS IIF-10 mission for the U. S. Air Force, scheduled for July 15 from Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

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

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 90 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.

For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
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Online Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #188 on: 05/20/2015 04:38 pm »
ULA Photos (they didn't give a name of who took them).
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Offline davey142

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #189 on: 05/20/2015 04:55 pm »
Nice! Is the Rl-10 Engine view new? I don't recall seeing it before.

Offline parham55

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #190 on: 05/20/2015 04:57 pm »
Great job ULA and all others involved!!

Offline chewi

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #191 on: 05/20/2015 05:14 pm »
Quote
Jason Davis @jasonrdavis · 1m ago

P-POD 8 deployment! #LightSail is in orbit!

Offline ugordan

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #192 on: 05/20/2015 05:19 pm »
Nice! Is the Rl-10 Engine view new? I don't recall seeing it before.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EldwbkVyeP0

Very first Atlas V. Even some earlier Atlases had video IIRC. Better quality and framerate than what is seen today, at that. Analog vs digital and associated costs, I guess...
« Last Edit: 05/20/2015 05:23 pm by ugordan »

Online Chris Bergin

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #193 on: 05/20/2015 05:31 pm »
CubeSat separation! Revised release attached.

Subject: United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle for the U.S. Air Force



Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (May 20, 2015) A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the AFSPC-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force at 11:05 a.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex-41. This is ULA’s fifth launch in 2015 and the 96th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.
 

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle for the U.S. Air Force

 

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (May 20, 2015) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the Air Force Space Command 5 (AFSPC-5) satellite for the U.S. Air Force at 11:05 a.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex-41.The rocket carried the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle or OTV, a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the U.S. Air Force.

“ULA is honored to launch this unique spacecraft for the U.S Air Force. Congratulations to the Air Force and all of our mission partners on today’s successful launch! The seamless integration between the Air Force, Boeing, and the entire mission team culminated in today’s successful launch of the AFSPC-5 mission” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programs.

This Atlas V mission also includes the Aft Bulkhead Carrier (ABC) carrying the National Reconnaissance Office’s (NRO’s) Ultra Lightweight Technology and Research Auxiliary Satellite (ULTRASat).  ULTRASat is composed of 10 CubeSats managed by the NRO and NASA.

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 501 configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) , which includes a 5.4-meter-diameter payload fairing. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage was powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine. This was ULA’s sixth launch of the 501 configuration, and ULA’s 54th mission to launch on an Atlas V rocket.

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V GPS IIF-10 mission for the U. S. Air Force, scheduled for July 15 from Space Launch Complex-41 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

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

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 90 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.

For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
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Offline Joffan

Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #194 on: 05/20/2015 05:33 pm »
Great launch on an exciting project; well done to all involved. And thanks as always for NSF coverage.
Getting through max-Q for humanity becoming fully spacefaring

Offline jacqmans

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #195 on: 05/20/2015 06:56 pm »
ULA Photos (they didn't give a name of who took them).

High Res.
Jacques :-)

Offline zubenelgenubi

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #196 on: 05/20/2015 07:21 pm »
We've seen no imagery of the spacecraft's enclosure in the payload fairing (yet).  Why?  (I checked the "usual" web sites--did not find.)

There is such imagery from within Astrotech for the 1st (and 2nd, 3rd?) flights.

Also seeking confirmation (if possible)--this OTV was processed for launch within the former OPF-1 &/or -2?  Is that the reason?

Curious,
Zubenelgenubi

EDIT re: former OPFs.
Following up on some of my questions:

The USAF would not confirm that the OTV processing was performed in the former OPFs.

Why is this information important enough to refuse to confirm or deny?

Also, the USAF will not identify if OTV-1 or 2 is the craft launched today.  Again, why?  The reason given by the spokesperson quoted in the article is "operational objectives."

Following on that, are there any distinguishing marks differentiating the two craft?  I know of none.  This wouldn't help distinguish identity at launch--the OTV is under the payload fairing--but it might at landing time (either at KSC or Vandenberg).

Respectfully,
Zubenelgenubi
« Last Edit: 05/20/2015 07:29 pm by Carl G »
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Offline jacqmans

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #197 on: 05/20/2015 07:51 pm »
Orbital ATK Supports U.S. Air Force and NASA Technolgoy Demonstration Missions

AFSPC-5 the Third of Eight Atlas V Launches in 2015

(Dulles, Virginia 20 May 2015) – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, supported the third successful launch this year of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Today’s mission included payloads from the U.S. Air Force’s Space Command program and NASA’s Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) program.

“Witnessing yet another successful launch of an Atlas V serves as a reminder of how much Orbital ATK values our partnership with ULA,” said Ron Grabe, President of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group. “Our highly engineered composite and control products play an important role in ensuring dependable access to space and affordable innovation for our customers.”

For the ULA Atlas V rocket, Orbital ATK produced several large composite assemblies, including the 10-foot diameter composite heat shield, which provides higher performance with lower weight and essential protection for the first stage of the launch vehicle from engine exhaust temperatures in excess of 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Orbital ATK also produced the Centaur Interstage Adapter (CISA) that houses the second stage engine, and the boattail that adapts the core vehicle to the five-meter diameter fairing. These assemblies were fabricated using advanced fiber placement manufacturing techniques at Orbital ATK's Iuka, Mississippi facility. This is the 54th Atlas V launch using Orbital ATK-built composite structures.

This launch also marked the 19th successful flight of Orbital ATK-produced retro motors. Eight of these solid motors supported separation of the spent first stage. The Atlas retrorocket is built at Orbital ATK’s Missile Defense and Controls facility in Elkton, Maryland.

Today’s mission included two payloads designed to test alternative forms of space propulsion. The primary payload was the U.S. Air Force Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV), a reusable unmanned spacecraft also known as the X-37B. Flying under NASA’s Educational Launch of Nanosatellites program, the secondary payload flown was a Planetary Society-sponsored LightSail 2 solar sail test vehicle designed to use solar wind for its primary propulsion.
Jacques :-)

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #198 on: 05/20/2015 08:18 pm »
Round and round she goes, when she’ll land nobody knows...

Congrats Boeing and ULA! :)
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Offline Prober

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Re: LIVE: Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B) - May 20, 2015
« Reply #199 on: 05/20/2015 09:10 pm »
Success!

 
ULA:
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (May 20, 2015) A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket successfully launched the AFSPC-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force at 11:05 a.m. EDT today from Space Launch Complex-41. This is ULA’s fifth launch in 2015 and the 96th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.

We must plan a 100th launch party :)
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