NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => NGIS (Formerly Orbital ATK) - Antares/Cygnus Section => Topic started by: jacqmans on 07/10/2015 06:07 am
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U.S. Air Force’s ORS-5 Satellite to Launch on Minotaur 4
WASHINGTON – Orbital ATK has won a $23.6 million contract to launch a small space-surveillance satellite for the U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space Office aboard a Minotaur 4 rocket in 2017.
Orbital ATK will launch the satellite from Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, according to a spokeswoman at the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center.
The launch will mark the first for a Minotaur rocket, a vehicle based in part on excess missile hardware, from Cape Canaveral and the first from that particular pad since 1999.
- See more at: http://spacenews.com/u-s-air-forces-ors-5-satellite-to-launch-on-minotaur-4/#sthash.c3GbeZ0b.dpuf (http://spacenews.com/u-s-air-forces-ors-5-satellite-to-launch-on-minotaur-4/#sthash.c3GbeZ0b.dpuf)
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I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
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I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
$23M is cheaper than a Pegasus.
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Previous thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=34417.0
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I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
I wonder why Cape Canaveral rather than Wallops. Is it the 0 degree inclination goal?
Happy to see LC 46 used again.
- Ed Kyle
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I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
I wonder why Cape Canaveral rather than Wallops. Is it the 0 degree inclination goal?
Happy to see LC 46 used again.
- Ed Kyle
Appears to be as they were talking about even possibly using more equatorial launch sites.
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Orbital ATK Awarded $23 Million Contract to Launch ORS-5 Mission for U.S. Air Force
Orbital ATK’s Minotaur IV will Launch SensorSat Space Vehicle to Orbit
Dulles, Virginia 14 July 2015 – Orbital ATK, Inc. (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, received a $23.6M contract from the U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office to launch the ORS-5 SensorSat spacecraft in mid-2017, using a rocket from the company’s Minotaur Launch Vehicle Family.
The ORS-5 mission will employ an Orbital ATK Minotaur IV rocket lifting off from Launch Complex-46, operated by Space Florida at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This will be the first time a Minotaur vehicle will have flown from this range.
“Launching from the Cape adds another capability to our program and brings us to four ranges from which Minotaur can launch,” said Rich Straka, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Launch Vehicles Division. “This flexibility and multiple vehicle configurations enables Minotaur launch vehicles to be tailored to meet mission requirements while offering the lowest cost flight-proven launch vehicles available to the U.S. government.”
This Minotaur IV rocket uses retired Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Peacekeeper boosters for the first three stages and Orbital ATK Orion 38 solid rocket motors for the upper stages. Orbital ATK integrates the vehicle using flight-proven avionics, structures, software and other components that are common among Orbital ATK’s space launch vehicles.
Using a launch vehicle comprised of solid rocket motors requires minimal pad infrastructure, which helps lower mission costs. The team will integrate the final launch vehicle using the Orbital ATK team at the Cape with a team comprised of employees from both Orbital and ATK heritage companies.
“This is a prime example of where the synergies from the Orbital ATK merger are providing real benefits to our customers, by being able to deploy one launch team that possesses expertise from critical propulsion and avionics subsystems, to the full systems engineering understanding of the vehicle,” said Scott Lehr, President of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group.
The award was won as a competitive commercial launch contract for the Operationally Responsive Space Office and will be licensed by the FAA.
The Minotaur family of vehicles has carried out 25 consecutive launches with a 100% mission success record and has placed a total of 74 satellites into orbit. Employing a combination of U.S. government-supplied rocket motors and Orbital ATK's proven commercial launch technologies provides incredible cost-savings for government payloads, enables the U.S. to compete with other countries who use their retired assets for commercial launch and keeps a critical skilled workforce employed.
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Looks like they are going throw this config under Minotaur IV+ as a new option.
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Space Florida Approves Orbital ATK use of SLC-46 for ORS-5 launch at Cape Canaveral:
The Space Florida Board of Directors last week approved a plan to allow Orbital ATK to use Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46) at Cape Canaveral for Minotaur launches. The board instructed staff members to complete negotiations and enter into a contract with the Virginia-based company.
The board’s approval clears the way for Orbital ATK to launch the U.S. Air Force’s Office of Operationally Responsive Space’s ORS-5 SensorSat spacecraft in mid-2017.
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2016/12/19/space-florida-approves-minotaur-launches-florida/
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Photo: Carleton Bailie
https://www.facebook.com/fodzilla.bailie?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf
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Out at LC 46 Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with Beyel Bros Crane and Rigging and Orbital ATK . Photo Julian Leek
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1469811513042691&set=a.250322358324952.67608.100000415698613&type=3&theater
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Photo: Matthew Travis
Minotaur pathfinder vehicle at LC-46 this morning.
https://www.facebook.com/aresinstitute?fref=ts
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oooh, I assume they'll launch Minotaurs out of there eventually? I wonder what will happen to the Minotaur pad at Wallops
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Orbital ATK @OrbitalATK
The media is getting a behind the scenes look at the preps for the upcoming #ORS5 launch of our #MinotaurIV from @SpaceFlorida's LC-46!
pic.twitter.com/h5xHB7lwXu
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oooh, I assume they'll launch Minotaurs out of there eventually? I wonder what will happen to the Minotaur pad at Wallops
They have a contract for a launch from there later this year, ORS-5; the payload needs to go to an equatorial orbit, which isn't doable from Wallops. Probably they'll keep it open for other near-equatorial missions, but it's doubtful it'll effect Wallops operations.
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Terrific to see SLC 46 back in action. This will be the fourth launch center, to host a Minotaur 4/5 launch. Not many launch vehicles can make that claim. (R-7/Soyuz. Pegasus. Any others?)
- Ed Kyle
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Terrific to see SLC 46 back in action. This will be the fourth launch center, to host a Minotaur 4/5 launch. Not many launch vehicles can make that claim. (R-7/Soyuz. Pegasus. Any others?)
- Ed Kyle
The product from Hawthorne whenever they get the South Texas site into service. Unless you count KSC & CCAFS as one center.
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Teams practice for Cape Canaveral's first launch of Minotaur 4 rocket #ORS5 @OrbitalATK http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/12/teams-practice-for-cape-canaverals-first-launch-of-minotaur-4-rocket/
(Pic by @LaunchPhoto)
https://twitter.com/spaceflightnow/status/830900599059255298 (https://twitter.com/spaceflightnow/status/830900599059255298)
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AA-2 (Ascent Abort 2) which will conduct the Orion launch abort system test in flight will also launch from this complex on top of what will essentially be a Minotaur as well.
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Hang on, they're putting a 5 m Orion on a 2.3 m SR118? That'll look.... interesting.
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Hang on, they're putting a 5 m Orion on a 2.3 m SR118? That'll look.... interesting.
They're supposed to be wrapping the SR118 in a shell to get the same diameter. So it will be a stubby fat rocket. Little Joe III in all but name.
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They better call it Little Joe III or I will be very mad
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Ah that makes sense.
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They better call it Little Joe III or I will be very mad
They aren't. They refer to it as the SR118
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By 'pathfinder vehicle' I presume this means its an unfueled (unloaded?) boilerplate test article for pad fit checks, and not live solid rocket stages?
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see also https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42289.msg1641281#msg1641281 we are debating a merge. (if so this will be deleted)
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See also https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=37999 as we are debating a merge. This post will be modified.
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Terrific to see SLC 46 back in action. This will be the fourth launch center, to host a Minotaur 4/5 launch. Not many launch vehicles can make that claim. (R-7/Soyuz. Pegasus. Any others?)
- Ed Kyle
Scout/Blue Scout (Wallops Island, Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, San Marco Platform)
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[SpaceflightNow] Launch of military’s new space-based satellite tracker delayed two months (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/06/21/launch-of-militarys-new-space-based-satellite-tracker-delayed-two-months/)
Delayed until September
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James Dean @flatoday_jdean
First Minotaur rocket launch from Florida (Minotaur IV/ORS-5) targeted for Aug. 25.
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/877885791053250560
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Space Florida @SpaceFlorida 7m7 minutes ago
Yesterday, LC-46 moved the MAS to the Launch Ready Configuration as part of the preparation for the @OrbitalATK Minotaur 4 launch on 8/25
https://twitter.com/SpaceFlorida/status/887663994403737605 (https://twitter.com/SpaceFlorida/status/887663994403737605)
Edit: add video
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SN article on this launch complete with the only released illustration of the payload.
Ground crews at a long-dormant launch pad at Cape Canaveral are stacking surplus military missile motors for the Aug. 25 launch of a Minotaur 4 rocket with a satellite designed to track orbital traffic thousands of miles above Earth.
The process to construct the Minotaur 4 rocket began with the hoisting of the launcher’s first stage at pad 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The lower three solid-fueled stages of the Minotaur 4 come from the Air Force’s stockpile of decommissioned Peacekeeper missiles deployed in the 1980s to hurl nuclear weapons to targets around the world.
A spokesperson for Orbital ATK, which operates the Minotaur family in agreement with the U.S. Air Force, confirmed stacking of the Minotaur 4 booster recently started at Cape Canaveral.
Liftoff is set for Aug. 25 at 11:15 p.m. EDT (0315 GMT on Aug. 26), the opening of a four-hour launch window.
...
https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/04/build-up-begins-for-first-minotaur-rocket-launch-from-cape-canaveral/
edit/gongora: shortened quote
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I was on the Historic Launch Pads bus tour from KSC two days ago. We were taken down a road that passes LC-46 as part of the tour. It was in the distance, but I can report that all of the doors were closed on the building surrounding the tower. We were not allowed to take pictures as it is on CCAFS. I asked the tour guide about LC-46 and they reported the same public information posted here and elsewhere about the specifics of OATK's reactivation of the pad.
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Do we know if there will be live streaming of the launch, if memory serves the Minotaur leaps off the pad, not surprising mind considering its heritage?
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Do we know if there will be live streaming of the launch, if memory serves the Minotaur leaps off the pad, not surprising mind considering its heritage?
Previous flights have been webcast. Expect a mission page with such details to show up soon on the OA website.
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It's been a while since the last Minotaur IV/V/VI launch (LADEE on September 7, 2013).
Attached is the most recent version of the User's Guide that I could find on-line.
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https://www.facebook.com/SpaceandMissileSystemsCenter/posts/1636039473093427
Air Force, mission partners prepare satellite for August launch
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center’s Operationally Responsive Space Office completed a major program milestone after overseeing the successful delivery of their ORS-5 satellite from Lexington, Massachusetts to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida for final processing, encapsulation, stacking and integration for launch.
The ORS-5 satellite is scheduled for launch Aug. 25 at 11:15 p.m. EDT from Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
“The delivery and upcoming launch of ORS-5 marks a significant milestone in fulfilling our commitment to the space situational awareness mission and U.S. Strategic Command,” said Lt. Gen. John F. Thompson, commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force program executive officer for Space. “It’s an important asset for the warfighter and will be employed for at least three years.”
Upon its delivery, the ORS-5 satellite, also known as SensorSat, was processed for encapsulation in the Astrotech Space Operations Florida processing facility.
A combined government and contractor team of mission partners executed final ground activities including a Launch Base Compatibility Test to verify satellite integrity after shipment, an intersegment test to verify communication compatibility from the satellite to the on-orbit operations center and the final battery reconditioning for launch, prior to its integration with the Minotaur IV launch vehicle.
“This is my first launch as the ORS director, and I am thrilled to see this mission get one step closer to operational capability,” said Col. Shahnaz Punjani, director of the Operationally Responsive Space Office at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. “As a former launch group commander, it is also very exciting to be part of the first Minotaur launch from Cape Canaveral. Our partners at the 45th Space Wing, Orbital ATK, and Space Florida did a tremendous job restoring Launch Complex 46 to active service and preparing it for this launch.”
The satellite was transported from the MIT Lincoln Laboratory facility in Lexington, Massachusetts, in a customized shipping container. The transport crew ensured the satellite was transported safely and according to the time sensitive schedule.
“The safe transport, processing and integration of ORS-5 to the Minotaur IV launch vehicle was paramount and the total government and contractor team worked tirelessly to ensure mission success,” Thompson reiterated.
Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory engineering team stands in front of the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)-5 satellite in the MIT LL clean room at the Lexington, Massachusetts facility, prior to shipment for final processing and stacking atop an Orbital ATK Minotaur IV launch vehicle at Launch Complex 46, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. From left to right: Joe Warfel - Assembly Technician; Michele Weatherwax - Mechanical Engineer; Al Pillsbury - Mechanical Engineer; Marshall Solomon - Thermal Engineer, and; Eui Lee - Thermal Engineer.
Prior to transport to CCAFS, ORS-5 completed all testing to include Thermal Vacuum, Final Integrated Systems Test, and Launch Based Compatibility Test.
ORS-5, also known as SensorSat, is a single satellite constellation with a primary mission to provide space situational awareness. It measures about five feet long, two and a half feet wide, and weighs about 250 pounds. It will operate from a low, zero inclination orbit approximately 372 miles above the earth to aid the U.S. military's tracking of other satellites and space debris in geosynchronous orbit, 22,236 miles above the equator, commonly used by defense-related communications satellites, television broadcasting stations, and international space platforms.
At a cost of $87.5 million ($49 million satellite, $11.3 million ground system, $27.2 million launch), ORS-5 will deliver space situational awareness capabilities at a significantly reduced cost compared to larger, more complex satellites, and serves as a gap filler mission for the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Block 10 mission, originally launched in 2010. A successor SBSS mission is not expected to launch before 2021. Technologies demonstrated on ORS-5 could be harvested for the SBSS follow-on mission. (Courtesy photo: MIT LL)
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The engineering team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts perform a light leak test on the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)-5 satellite prior to shipment for launch. ORS-5, also known as SensorSat, is a single satellite constellation with a primary mission to provide space situational awareness. It will operate from a low (zero degree inclination) orbit 372 miles above the earth to aid the U.S. military's tracking of other satellites and space debris in geosynchronous orbit, commonly used by defense-related communications satellites, television broadcasting stations, and international space platforms 22,236 miles above the equator.
The launch of ORS-5, scheduled for Aug. 25, 2017, is being led by the Space and Missile Systems Center's (SMC) Operationally Responsive Space Office (SMC/ORS) and Launch Enterprise Services Directorate (SMC/LE) on the first Orbital ATK Minotaur IV to fly from Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. SMC's Advanced Systems and Development Directorate (SMC/AD) integrated the ground system into its Multi-Mission Space Operations Center (MMSOC) version 2.1. ORS-5 is the first system on the updated ground system, which serves as the foundation for Enterprise Ground Services.
ORS-5 measures about five feet long, two and a half feet wide, and weighs about 250 pounds. It is designed to deliver timely, reliable and accurate space situational awareness information to the United States Strategic Command through the Joint Space Operations Center. Air Force Space
Command's 50th Space Wing/1st Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado will operate the ORS-5 system during its three-year design life to enhance space tracking capability, support the nation's space programs, and bolster safety of satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities. (Courtesy photo: MIT LL)
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The ORS-5 satellite, also known as SensorSat, measures about five feet long, two and a half feet wide, and weighs about 250 pounds. It is designed to deliver timely, reliable and accurate space situational awareness information to the United States Strategic Command through the Joint Space Operations Center.
Air Force Space Command's 50th Space Wing/1st Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado will operate the ORS-5 system during its three-year design life to enhance space tracking capability, support the nation's space programs, and bolster safety of satellites in geosynchronous orbits. (Courtesy photo: MIT LL)
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The Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)-5 satellite, also known as SensorSat, undergoes thermal vacuum testing at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts prior to shipment for processing and integration atop an Orbital ATK Minotaur IV launch vehicle. Scheduled for launch on Aug. 25, 2017, ORS-5 is a single satellite constellation with a primary mission to provide space situational awareness at a significantly reduced cost compared to larger, more complex satellites.
The overall mission is budgeted at $87.5 million -- $49 million satellite, $11.3 million ground system, $27.2 million launch -- and has a three-year design life. It serves as a gap filler mission for the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Block 10 mission, originally launched in 2010. The Air Force is working on a follow-on mission to the SBSS project for launch in 2021. Technologies demonstrated on ORS-5 could be harvested for the SBSS follow-on mission.
ORS-5 measures about five feet long, two and a half feet wide, and weighs about 250 pounds. It will operate from a low (zero inclination) orbit 372 miles above the earth to aid the U.S. military’s tracking of other satellites and space debris in geosynchronous orbit, commonly used by defense-related communications satellites, television broadcasting stations, and international space platforms 22,236 miles above the equator.
The ORS-5 program is managed by the U.S. Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center’s Operationally Responsive Space Office, located at the Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, is the prime space vehicle contractor.
The launch of ORS-5 is being led by the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Launch Enterprise Services Directorate on the first Orbital ATK Minotaur IV to fly from Launch Complex 46, managed by Space Florida, a state economic development agency chartered to attract commercial space business to Florida. Originally built in the 1980s for land-based tests of the Navy’s Trident missile, the launch facility lies on military property at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
SMC’s Advanced Systems and Development Directorate integrated the ground system into its Multi-Mission Space Operations Center (MMSOC) version 2.1. ORS-5 is the first system on the updated ground system, which serves as the foundation for Enterprise Ground Services. Air Force Space Command’s 50th Space Wing/1st Space Operations Squadron, will operate the ORS-5 system.
SMC’s Operationally Responsive Space Office is taking a new approach to risk and mission assurance to rapidly deploy capabilities that meet "minimum warfighter essential requirements" to satisfy warfighter needs across the entire spectrum of operations, from peacetime through conflict.
Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities. (Courtesy photo: MIT LL)
— at MIT Lincoln Laboratory
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The Operationally Responsive Space (ORS)-5 mission emblem.
The launch of ORS-5, scheduled for Aug. 25, 2017, is being led by the Space and Missile Systems Center's (SMC) Operationally Responsive Space Office (SMC/ORS) and Launch Enterprise Services Directorate (SMC/LE) on the first Orbital ATK Minotaur IV to fly from Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. SMC's Advanced Systems and Development Directorate (SMC/AD) integrated the ground system into its Multi-Mission Space Operations Center (MMSOC) version 2.1. ORS-5 is the first system on the updated ground system, which serves as the foundation for Enterprise Ground Services. (U.S. Air Force graphic/ Space and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs-Multimedia)
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http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1282070/1st-asts-provides-critical-support-for-minotaur-launch-at-cape/
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
The 1st Air and Space Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base will be assisting with the first ever Minotaur IV launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
The 1st ASTS team coordinated the transport for the first three stages of the engine to Cape Canaveral AFS where they will provide support through the day of launch.
The Minotaur IV is an expendable launch system derived from an old Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missile.
“We have specialized equipment here, where we stack the Minotaur and make sure they are good to go,” said Capt. Julian Martinez, 1st ASTS mission integrator. “The upcoming launch at Canaveral is a Minotaur IV vehicle, which is an old peacekeeper system. There are five stages, and the DoD owns the first three. We are the only Air Force blue suit team that is able to maintain, ship and handle all of these rocket components. When we are out there we always get referred to as ‘the Air Force guys’, because we are the only uniformed personnel that have a direct impact on ground operations.”
As the only unit in the Air Force that can stack and transport the Minotaur IV, the 1 ASTS utilizes experienced missile maintainers on a space assignment.
“As a unit we rely heavily on the missile maintainers that have prior experience in the missile fields,” said Brian Tafoya, 1st ASTS flight chief. “Even though we are now on the space launch side of the house, we are able to use the knowledge of the ICBM delivery systems to ensure we do our part in the launch process. It is a bit different than what we are used to. Instead of loading a missile into a silo we get to stack it on a launch pad. Our ICBM experience translates directly into the small space lift mission and is a pretty unique experience.”
The primary responsibility of the 1st ASTS is to ensure the launch vehicle is processed and stacked for a successful mission.
“For this upcoming launch from the Cape, we shipped the first three stages out about a month before the projected launch date,” said Martinez. “After the boosters arrive in Florida, we coordinate with the 45th Space Wing to use their cranes to load the boosters onto Minotaur specific trucks called Type-II’s, for convoy to the launch pad. After all three stages are stacked on the launch pad, we hand custody off to the launch service provider, Orbital ATK. Stage four and five are owned by Orbital ATK and include the payload, avionics, and instrumentation.”
With a low launch tempo for the Minotaur family of vehicles, the 1st ASTS team is constantly training. This prevents future discrepancies and maintains currency.
“We don’t launch a lot of these, so one of the ways we stay ready for a real operation is by practicing,” said Martinez. “We run through procedures and talk with quality assurance, keeping everything up to date. This mission will launch August 25th from Cape Canaveral AFS is a pretty monumental event for the whole squadron. The team will be traveling to watch the launch, and perform post-launch equipment recovery.”
The team may be small, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in dedication and expertise.
“When we conduct an operation like this, from cradle to grave, it gives us a sense of pride,” said Tafoya. “We have maintained a mission ready posture and now have a chance to prove what we can do. It is always a challenge to stay consistent across a few year gap between missions, but we do, and when we have a Minotaur launch we are mission ready.”
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Any idea if this will be visible from ft Lauderdale?
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http://www.losangeles.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1283230/ors-5-satellite-prepped-for-launch/#.WZdPBCuiWnI.facebook
LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
With a Flight Readiness Review successfully concluded Aug. 17, the Air Force’s Operational Responsive Space (ORS)-5 satellite is now ready for its journey to equatorial orbit from Space Launch Complex-46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. It is scheduled for launch on Aug. 25 during a four-hour launch window that opens at 11:15 p.m., EDT, after being stacked and mated atop a five-stage Orbital ATK Minotaur IV launch vehicle.
ORS-5, also known as SensorSat, was encapsulated Aug. 11 at the Astrotech Space Operations Florida processing facility in preparation for its upcoming launch. Encapsulation of ORS-5 marked the satellite’s completion of all major testing prior to transfer to LC-46. The stacking of the Minotaur IV launch vehicle and integration events on the launch pad with the payload are significant milestones in ORS-5’s launch progress.
At $87.5 million ($49 million satellite, $11.3 million ground system, $27.2 million launch), ORS-5, also known as SensorSat, measures about five feet long and two and a half feet wide and weighs about 250 pounds (113 kg). The satellite will be placed into a low earth orbit approximately 372 miles (599 kilometers) at zero degrees inclination for test and checkout.
It will remain in that orbit over a three-year design life to aid the U.S. military’s tracking of other satellites and space debris in geosynchronous orbit, 22,236 miles above the equator, commonly used by defense-related communications satellites, television broadcasting stations, and international space platforms. ORS-5 will deliver space situational awareness capabilities at a significantly reduced cost compared to larger, more complex satellites, and serves as a gap filler mission for the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Block 10 mission, originally launched in 2010. A successor SBSS mission is not expected to launch before 2021.
This satellite’s payload has one optical sensor that provides continuous, un-cued, rapid GEO belt search to detect changes and provide precise regional awareness. The sensors were built by the MIT LL in June of 2016, where they began integration with the bus. The fully integrated spacecraft went through several levels of testing to ensure its launch and mission readiness. The testing included subcomponent, component, and full satellite comprehensive functional testing, vibration testing, thermal vacuum testing, final integrated systems testing and factory compatibility testing.
These tests all provided a high level of confidence for the satellite’s ability to successfully perform its mission.
Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding this topic by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
SPECIAL NOTICE: Due to launch pad safety restrictions, there will be no remote camera setup opportunities available for media at LC-46. However, media wishing to view the nighttime launch of ORS-5/Minotaur IV from the 5th Space Launch Squadron at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station have until Monday, Aug. 21 to submit name and affiliation to [email protected] for coordination with the 45th Space Wing Public Affairs office. 45 SW/PA requires three working days to process access list for controlled escort of media onto CCAFS.
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Minotaur IV ORS 5 Mission Page.
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/MinotaurIV_ORS5_Mission-Page/default.aspx
Note the mention of secondary payloads.
- Ed Kyle
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According to the above chart, Stage 5 burns for about a minute, but does not increase altitude nor increase velocity.
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According to the above chart, Stage 5 burns for about a minute, but does not increase altitude nor increase velocity.
It is mostly being used to reduce inclination to zero degrees - a big plane change.
- Ed Kyle
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Take a look at the mission patch for Friday’s launch of #MinotaurIV carrying #ORS5 for @usairforce. Launch window opens at 11:14 pm EDT
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/899626529013080065
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According to the above chart, Stage 5 burns for about a minute, but does not increase altitude nor increase velocity.
It is mostly being used to reduce inclination to zero degrees - a big plane change.
- Ed Kyle
Assembly complete for Minotaur launcher at Cape Canaveral (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/19/assembly-complete-for-minotaur-launcher-at-cape-canaveral/)
Orbital ATK considered basing the launch from a Minotaur pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, but the site is too far north to reach the equatorial orbit needed on the ORS-5 mission.
Another option Orbital ATK briefly considered was setting up a temporary Minotaur launch pad at the European-run spaceport in French Guiana, just north of the equator, but Cape Canaveral eventually became the best choice once engineers devised a way to add another rocket motor on top of the Minotaur 4.
Why not a Minotaur or Pegasus launch from Kwajelein, to acheive low equatorial earth orbit (LEEO)? The payload mass seems within the capability of Pegasus.
I assume, but seek confirmation:
Would a Pegasus air-launch from Kwajalein (9 deg N latitude),
OR a Minotaur 4, no 5th stage, launch from a temporary pad on Kwajalein,
be more expensive than the chosen launch vehicle/configuration/location?
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Minotaur IV ORS 5 Mission Page.
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/MinotaurIV_ORS5_Mission-Page/default.aspx
Note the mention of secondary payloads.
- Ed Kyle
Assembly complete for Minotaur launcher at Cape Canaveral (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/19/assembly-complete-for-minotaur-launcher-at-cape-canaveral/)
During the 10-minute coast until ignition of the fifth stage motor, the Minotaur will release two CubeSats for an undisclosed U.S. government agency, and a three-unit shoebox-sized CubeSat for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA.
Seattle-based Spaceflight made arrangements for the CubeSats launching on the Minotaur 4.
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According to the above chart, Stage 5 burns for about a minute, but does not increase altitude nor increase velocity.
It is mostly being used to reduce inclination to zero degrees - a big plane change.
- Ed Kyle
Assembly complete for Minotaur launcher at Cape Canaveral (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/19/assembly-complete-for-minotaur-launcher-at-cape-canaveral/)
Orbital ATK considered basing the launch from a Minotaur pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, but the site is too far north to reach the equatorial orbit needed on the ORS-5 mission.
Another option Orbital ATK briefly considered was setting up a temporary Minotaur launch pad at the European-run spaceport in French Guiana, just north of the equator, but Cape Canaveral eventually became the best choice once engineers devised a way to add another rocket motor on top of the Minotaur 4.
Why not a Minotaur or Pegasus launch from Kwajelein, to acheive low equatorial earth orbit (LEEO)? The payload mass seems within the capability of Pegasus.
I assume, but seek confirmation:
Would a Pegasus air-launch from Kwajalein (9 deg N latitude),
OR a Minotaur 4, no 5th stage, launch from a temporary pad on Kwajalein,
be more expensive than the chosen launch vehicle/configuration/location?
As the first three stages of a Minotaur-IV are government assets, this might drop the price of a M-IV so far, that this option became viable.
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What is the difference of this 5 stage Minotaur IV to a Minotaur V? The 5th stage is different, but wouldn't it make this this one a different version of Minotaur V and not IV?
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<snip>
Why not a Minotaur or Pegasus launch from Kwajelein, to acheive low equatorial earth orbit (LEEO)? The payload mass seems within the capability of Pegasus.
I assume, but seek confirmation:
Would a Pegasus air-launch from Kwajalein (9 deg N latitude),
OR a Minotaur 4, no 5th stage, launch from a temporary pad on Kwajalein,
be more expensive than the chosen launch vehicle/configuration/location?
As the first three stages of a Minotaur-IV are government assets, this might drop the price of a M-IV so far, that this option became viable.
To further clarify, the various competing costs appear to be:
ONE
Launching a "standard" M-IV from Kwajalein, which could have a very low price because of the first 3 stages are government assets, but would require building a temporary satellite processing site and a launch complex;
OR
TWO
Launching a "standard" Pegasus-XL from Kwajalein, which might cost more than a "standard" M-IV, especially as the Stargazer is operating from a remote location;
OR
THREE--the choice chosen
Launching a non-standard M-IV, which adds the price of the systems engineering and execution of the use of a 5th stage, but from Cape Canaveral, a location with established launch infrastructure, AND where the launch costs could be very low to encourage the use of SLC-46.
How much did I get right? How much did I get wrong?
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One more question, if one of our NSF experts is free to answer:
Where has the ORS-5 satellite been processed for launch?
-
Several of these questions were discussed a page or two earlier in this thread.
I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
$23M is cheaper than a Pegasus.
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I wonder when Orbital ATK will release a map that shows the states that might see the ORS-5 launch.
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I wonder when Orbital ATK will release a map that shows the states that might see the ORS-5 launch.
Only Florida and various Islands on its way to the Equator.
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One more question, if one of our NSF experts is free to answer:
Where has the ORS-5 satellite been processed for launch?
Astrotech
http://satnews.com/story.php?number=91114495
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Orbital ATK engineers are working final preparations for Friday’s #MinotaurIV launch of #ORS5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/899806958336835585
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Terrific to see SLC 46 back in action. This will be the fourth launch center, to host a Minotaur 4/5 launch. Not many launch vehicles can make that claim. (R-7/Soyuz. Pegasus. Any others?)
Sorry for the late reply, but Scout is another. Cape Canaveral, Vandenberg, Wallops Island, and San Marco.
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Orbital ATK engineers are working final preparations for Friday’s #MinotaurIV launch of #ORS5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/899806958336835585
I guess the umbilical truss gets thirsty with the presence of a 5 gallon gatorade container at the top.
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Weather is 60% POV on the current forecast.
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Several of these questions were discussed a page or two earlier in this thread.
I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
$23M is cheaper than a Pegasus.
Thanks--I somehow missed that.
And, reviewing the OP of this thread:
U.S. Air Force’s ORS-5 Satellite to Launch on Minotaur 4
WASHINGTON – Orbital ATK has won a $23.6 million contract to launch a small space-surveillance satellite for the U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space Office aboard a Minotaur 4 rocket in 2017.
<snip>
Comparing this price point to the most recent launch contract for Pegasus into an low earth, 27 deg. inclination orbit, from Kwajalein:
November 20, 2014
NASA Awards Launch Services Contract for Ionospheric Connection Explorer
NASA has selected Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Virginia, to provide launch services for the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) mission.
<snip>
The total cost for NASA to launch ICON under this new firm-fixed price launch services task order is approximately $56.3 million. This includes spacecraft processing, payload integration, tracking, data and telemetry and other launch support requirements.
<snip>
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Several of these questions were discussed a page or two earlier in this thread.
I wonder what decided them on a Minotaur 4 over say Pegasus XL.
$23M is cheaper than a Pegasus.
Thanks--I somehow missed that.
And, reviewing the OP of this thread:
U.S. Air Force’s ORS-5 Satellite to Launch on Minotaur 4
WASHINGTON – Orbital ATK has won a $23.6 million contract to launch a small space-surveillance satellite for the U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space Office aboard a Minotaur 4 rocket in 2017.
<snip>
Comparing this price point to the most recent launch contract for Pegasus into an low earth, 27 deg. inclination orbit, from Kwajalein:
November 20, 2014
NASA Awards Launch Services Contract for Ionospheric Connection Explorer
NASA has selected Orbital Sciences Corporation of Dulles, Virginia, to provide launch services for the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) mission.
<snip>
The total cost for NASA to launch ICON under this new firm-fixed price launch services task order is approximately $56.3 million. This includes spacecraft processing, payload integration, tracking, data and telemetry and other launch support requirements.
<snip>
Awarded in different FY Dollars. You would need to convert the cost to a common Fiscal Year to properly compare.
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#MinotaurIV stands ready at @45thSpaceWing LC-46. Stay tuned for updates!
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900321317014179841
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#MinotaurIV stands ready at @45thSpaceWing LC-46. Stay tuned for updates!
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900321317014179841
Will the jacket it's wrapped in be like the banana peel and will fall away during launch, or will it be removed prior?
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#MinotaurIV #ORS5 launch window will open at 11:15 pm EDT Friday. Live coverage will begin on orbitalatk.com 20 min prior
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900450870055190528
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#MinotaurIV stands ready at @45thSpaceWing LC-46. Stay tuned for updates!
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900321317014179841
Will the jacket it's wrapped in be like the banana peel and will fall away during launch, or will it be removed prior?
OA have done both. Majority go with a T+0.1 approach.
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We are keeping an eye on local weather for tomorrow's #MinotaurIV #ORS5 launch. Weather go, no-go call will occur later this afternoon.
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900750239702843392 (https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900750239702843392)
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This graphic shows the trajectory of tomorrow’s #MinotaurIV #ORS5 launch. Also available on our mission page bit.ly/2x7o20P
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900752089651007489
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Weather has improved to 40% POV, we are proceeding with tomorrow's launch attempt of #MinotaurIV #ORS5 pending tomorrow's weather update
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900771369540919296
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ORBITAL ATK SET TO LAUNCH MINOTAUR IV ROCKET CARRYING ORS-5 SATELLITE FOR THE US AIR FORCE
ORS-5 Launch will be 26th Flight for Minotaur Family of Launch Vehicles
Dulles, Virginia 24 August 2017 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced it is in final preparations to launch the company’s Minotaur IV rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on Friday, August 25, at approximately 11:15 p.m. EDT. The Minotaur IV will carry the U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space-5 (ORS-5) spacecraft, which will monitor satellites and space debris to aid the U.S. military’s space situational awareness.
Building on the Minotaur family’s 100 percent success rate, this mission will mark the 26th flight for Orbital ATK’s Minotaur product line and the sixth flight of the Minotaur IV configuration. Minotaur vehicles are based on government-furnished Peacekeeper and Minuteman rocket motors that Orbital ATK has upgraded and integrated with modern avionics and other subsystems to produce an affordable launcher based on reliable, flight-proven hardware. The Minotaur IV is capable of launching payloads up to 4,000 lbs. (or 1,800 kg.) to low-Earth orbit. Minotaur rockets have previously launched from ranges in California, Virginia and Alaska. This will be the company’s first launch of a Minotaur rocket from Launch Complex-46, managed by Space Florida.
“Launching from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station expands the Minotaur launch vehicle’s capability to meet specific mission requirements for our customer,” said Rich Straka, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Launch Vehicles Division. “We are pleased to be able to provide continued launch support for the ORS office with our reliable Minotaur family of launch vehicles and look forward to a successful launch of the ORS-5 mission.”
The Minotaur product line is provided via the Orbital/Suborbital Program (OSP-3) contract and managed by the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Launch Enterprise, Experimental Launch and Test Division (LE/LEX), and Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP) located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.
Live coverage of the Minotaur launch and details about the mission are available at www.orbitalatk.com.
About Orbital ATK
Orbital ATK is a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies. The company designs, builds and delivers space, defense and aviation systems for customers around the world, both as a prime contractor and merchant supplier. Its main products include launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; missile products, subsystems and defense electronics; precision weapons, armament systems and ammunition; satellites and associated space components and services; and advanced aerospace structures. Headquartered in Dulles, Virginia, Orbital ATK employs approximately 13,000 people across the U.S. and in several international locations. For more information, visit www.orbitalatk.com.
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Any info on the three cubesats?
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Final touches on our #MinotaurIV rocket 🚀
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900865272613134336
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Here are the details of the 60% GO launch forecast issued on L-1:
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 40%
This Primary concern(s): Cumulus Cloud Rule and Thick Cloud Rule
24hr delay probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Rule, Cumulus Cloud Rule, and Lightning Rulec
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This will be the largest low-Earth orbit inclination plane change in history - 28.5 degrees latitude to equatorial orbit #MinotaurIV #ORS5
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/900760963699355648
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Any info on the three cubesats?
All I can find is 2 apparently classified payloads from an unidentified USG agency and an unnamed DARPA payload.
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Any info on the three cubesats?
SN identifies them all in its article on the launch.
The secondary payloads include two 1.5-unit CubeSats, weighing around 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) each, from Los Alamos National Laboratory. A larger shoebox-sized CubeSat from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, with a weight around 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) is also hitching a ride.
It also provides more information on the mission of the primary payload.
Air Force Col. Shahnaz Punjani, director of the ORS office, compared the ORS-5 satellite’s function to the A-10 attack jet, an aircraft that carries a powerful armor-piercing cannon.
“When people talk about the A-10 aircraft, (they say) it’s really a gun with an airplane wrapped around it,” Punjani said. “In this case, the ORS-5 satellite is essentially a telescope in low Earth orbit with a spacecraft wrapped around it, looking at the geosynchronous belt.”
Another way to look at it is to compare the ORS-5 satellite to an airport radar, said Grant Stokes, head of the space systems and technology division of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratory, where the spacecraft was developed and manufactured.
“It’s sort of analogous to a surveillance radar at an airport, which goes around and around, surveilling the domain,” Stokes told reporters in a prelaunch briefing Thursday. “Once per orbit, what ORS-5 will do is scan the GEO (geosynchronous) belt and keep track, essentially, of all the items there.
“The GEO belt is particularly important,” Stokes said. “There’s a huge collection of satellites there, and a tremendous amount of economic value in that special orbit, so it is one that generally we want to keep fairly good tabs on what’s there and where things are.”
Designed for a three-year mission, ORS-5 should feed military officials data on how objects are moving around geosynchronous orbit. After identifying which objects might be threats, the Air Force could task the more capable SBSS Block 10 satellite to take better pictures, or send one of the military’s four close-up inspection satellites in geosynchronous orbit to take a closer look, according to Lt. Col. Heather Bogstie, ORS-5 program manager.
The data output from ORS-5 “gives you dots on a screen,” Stokes said.
“We very carefully measure how bright they are, but it does not resolve in any way,” he said. “It’s a dot at a distance of something like 40,000 kilometers (nearly 25,000 miles).”
https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/25/military-satellite-ready-for-launch-aboard-converted-cold-war-era-missile/
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Launch day forecast:
-
Moved for live coverage. Get the coffee on.
William's article shortly.
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SMC ORS-5 Launch Broadcast Video
Space and Missile Systems Center Los Angeles AFB
Published on Aug 25, 2017
The Operational Readiness Space Office, located at Kirtland AFB, plans and prepares for the rapid development of highly responsive space capabilities that enable delivery of timely warfighting effects and, when directed, develop and support deployment and operations of these capabilities to enhance and assure support to Joint Force Commanders' and other users' needs for on-demand space support, augmentation and reconstitution. ORS' latest satellite ORS-5 is launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The satellite will provide delivery space situational awareness capabilities at a significantly reduced cost compared to larger, more complex satellites, and serves as a gap filler mission for the Space-Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) Block 10 mission, originally launched in 2010.
https://youtu.be/Qwz0tvcrcCs?t=001
https://youtu.be/Qwz0tvcrcCs
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https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/minotaur-iv-cape-debut-ors-5-launch/ -
William Graham's launch preview!
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Light rain and heavy clouds here at KSC ~5pm. Hopefully will clear up by launch time. I'm going to head over to fishlips for dinner with my boy, maybe get a glimpse of OCISLY.
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https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/minotaur-iv-cape-debut-ors-5-launch/ -
William Graham's launch preview!
From the article:
while the identity and operator of the other two satellites has not been disclosed
I believe the other two satellites were identified earlier in this thread:
SN identifies them all in its article on the launch.
The secondary payloads include two 1.5-unit CubeSats, weighing around 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) each, from Los Alamos National Laboratory. A larger shoebox-sized CubeSat from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, with a weight around 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) is also hitching a ride.
-
Any info on the three cubesats?
SN identifies them all in its article on the launch.
The secondary payloads include two 1.5-unit CubeSats, weighing around 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) each, from Los Alamos National Laboratory. A larger shoebox-sized CubeSat from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, with a weight around 6.6 pounds (3 kilograms) is also hitching a ride.
Not really identified, but some interesting hints. My guesses on these are:
* The 2 LANL 1.5U Cubesats might two more Prometheus-2 cubesats
* The DARPA Cubesat might be PATRIOT.
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I concur with Gunter's guess on the LANL cubesats.
Note that they will go in the intermediate orbit not the equatorial one.
Here is the only diagram I've seen of the rocket - ATK/USAF via Universe Today at https://www.universetoday.com/136900/threat-tracking-usaf-satellite-launching-nighttime-aug-25-on-cape-debut-of-retired-icbm-minotaur-rocket-watch-live/
But I thought the Orion 38 motors were cylindrical, not spherical, so I don't really have a lot of trust in this..
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I concur with Gunter's guess on the LANL cubesats.
Note that they will go in the intermediate orbit not the equatorial one.
Here is the only diagram I've seen of the rocket - ATK/USAF via Universe Today at https://www.universetoday.com/136900/threat-tracking-usaf-satellite-launching-nighttime-aug-25-on-cape-debut-of-retired-icbm-minotaur-rocket-watch-live/
But I thought the Orion 38 motors were cylindrical, not spherical, so I don't really have a lot of trust in this..
Here's a family image from the old Orbital days, I think. Add another Orion 38, roughly, to make tonight's rocket.
- Ed Kyle
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Still rainy and cloudy, but orbital's having a party at the exploration tower. (And SpaceX's Go Searcher and Go Quest are parked over by fish lips, but that's probably unrelated.)
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Current radar. General storm movement is to the north. T-2hrs to the opening of tonight's window.
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https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/25/minotaur-4-ors-5-mission-status-center/
"The countdown is holding at this time, meaning launch will not occur on time at 11:15 p.m. EDT (0315 GMT). The launch window has been shortened slightly, now closing at 3 a.m. EDT (0700 GMT)."
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Current weather observations as of 21:18 EDT.
Temp: 79° F
Visibility: 10 miles
Clouds: Few at 2000 ft; Mostly Cloudy at 3500 ft; Overcast at 6500 ft
Winds: SSE at 11kts (13mph)
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https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/25/minotaur-4-ors-5-mission-status-center/
"The countdown is holding at this time, meaning launch will not occur on time at 11:15 p.m. EDT (0315 GMT). The launch window has been shortened slightly, now closing at 3 a.m. EDT (0700 GMT)."
Was just coming to post this as I heard it over the Launch Director loop.
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Livestream from Florida Today. Starts in 25 minutes.
https://livestream.com/accounts/20522137/events/7675452
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https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/08/25/minotaur-4-ors-5-mission-status-center/
"The countdown is holding at this time, meaning launch will not occur on time at 11:15 p.m. EDT (0315 GMT). The launch window has been shortened slightly, now closing at 3 a.m. EDT (0700 GMT)."
Was just coming to post this as I heard it over the Launch Director loop.
Reason for the hold is the storms in the area. Launch team is waiting for them to clear out before continuing.
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Hearing new T0 of 00:15a EDT (04:15 GMT).
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Hearing new T0 of 00:15a EDT (04:15 GMT).
Confirmed. T0 is moving target at the moment, but it's NET 00:15 EDT.
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This is the storm causing the issue. It's been building for the last several minutes. Movement is to the north.
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Florida Today is now waiting for event to go live.
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Florida Today has reset their clock. Will go live in 1 hour 27 minutes, or 3:30 am UTC (11:30 pm local).
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Top storm is the old one from previous post. The one closer to/over the pads is a new, building cell.
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Per OA's mission page:
Mission Update - August 25, 2017
We are in a hold due to lightning in the area and we are assessing a new T-0. Minimum delay of one hour.
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Liftoff now NET 01:00 EDT.
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Count is at T-2hr 45mins and holding. So launch is NET 01:20 EDT at this time.
And storm is continuing to lift north with nothing on the radar to the south.
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Live coverage of #MinotaurIV launch will begin as planned at 10:55 p.m. EDT with a weather update. Tune in here: http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/MinotaurIV_ORS5_Mission-Page/default.aspx
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/901272566119247872
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Live coverage of #MinotaurIV launch will begin as planned at 10:55 p.m. EDT with a weather update. Tune in here: http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/MinotaurIV_ORS5_Mission-Page/default.aspx
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/901272566119247872
and the link provided a Update and Video page:
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/MinotaurIV_ORS5_Mission-Page/default.aspx
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NTSC test screen with audio tones.
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Per where the clock is right now, we're realistically NET 01:45 EDT at this point.
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Per LD loop. "Good trends. Prepared to give 1hr block 0% on lightning probability."
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Something needs to be discussed on the "Anom 3 net" - per the LD loop.
UPDATE: It wasn't stated what needs to be discussed.
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Per LD loop -- Cape-wide band degraded video outage. Issue traced to cable. Cable replaced. Wide-band video is "good to go".
Range is "NO GO" due to lack of confirmed T0 from the launch team.
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Weather is GREEN.
70% go odds for remainder of window.
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We've got a picture on the TV!
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There are two video feeds:
This one provided the Orbital Launch commentator John Zerrella:
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/MinotaurIV_ORS5_Mission-Page/default.aspx
this link (from Flordia Live) provided the launch site video:
https://livestream.com/accounts/20522137/events/7675452
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Current radar and observations as of 22:58 EDT:
Temp: 79° F
Visibility:10 miles
Clouds: Few 3,500 ft
Winds: SSE at 12kts (14mph)
-
The local radar shows no precipitation in the immediate vicinity of the Cape.
The closest precip is well inland, in a large arc bowing to the east, to the southwest, west, and northwest.
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Realistically at this point, based on the count holding at T-2hrs 45mins, we're at NET 02:00 EDT.
That leaves 1hr in the window, which was adjusted 15mins shorter to close at 03:00a EDT.
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The local radar shows no precipitation in the immediate vicinity of the Cape.
lightning is the visible concern at this point which can be seen.
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call to OSM on CDT net.
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call to OSM on CDT net.
For what it's worth, the LD loop on the Orbital ATK public feed is 1min behind live.
The call was to inform console that he's stepping away from console for 5mins.
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Sounds like we have a recycle time in work.
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"Recycle time of 2hrs 20mins."
"Close to asking for that time AND a new T0."
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"Recycle time of 2hrs 20mins."
"Close to asking for that time AND a new T0."
What this means:
The count is currently at T-2hrs 45mins and HOLDING.
Team is working steps to change the count to T-2hrs 20mins 25mins (shaving 25mins 20mins off their flow).
Once they have that all in place and know they can do it, they will set a new T0 launch time and proceed.
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Cape UCS remains MMC. Receiving no info from optical feed to computer. Status update soon.
Range is NO GO due to no T0.
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T0 is 02:04:00 EDT (06:04:00 GMT)
Pick up/Recycle count to T-2hrs 25mins.
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Anyone else near jetty park to watch this? I'm parked at the boat ramp right now.
And, as russianhalo117 noted: there is occasionally visible lightning around us still.
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T0 is 02:04:00 EDT (06:04:00 GMT)
Pick up/Recycle count to T-2hrs 25mins.
Range CONFIRMS new T0.
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Standby at Step 2 pg. 36. Prior to that step, will enter new T0 time. Plan of action is to pick up count at 3:39 UTC ~1min from now. T0 is 02:04:00 EDT.
Weather brief complete.
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T-2hrs 25mins AND COUNTING!
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Flight preps complete. Ready for final arming and closeouts.
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Spacecraft ready for final arming (battery monitor only confirmed).
All stations GO for final vehicle arming.
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Teams are working through various checks in the timeline.
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Step 11 (roll pad gantry) before Step 10.
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Launch site is ready for final vehicle closeout and arming.
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Gantry is rolling!
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Ooh I haven't seen this before. The 4th stage is the standard Minotaur IV GCA/Orion 38. The 5th stage
is the Insertion Stage Assembly and is based on the Orion 38 stage from Minotaur I.
This picture comes from the Environmental Assessment USAF_2006_EA_for_OSP-VAFB_FONSI_final.pdf
at faa.gov.
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Current winds at SLC-46: 14 G 20 from 200 degree.
No wind constraint expected during gantry roll.
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Another diagram from the same doc (blurry stuff around the stage 4/5 plane in the original)
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Launch Conductor status: Complete through Step 9. Gantry move (Step 11) in work. Will go back to Step 10 when Step 11 is complete. Range is GO and weather is GO. Launch Vehicle is GO. Ground stations not working any issues.
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Off topic, yes (Chris, delete if you want). As we all watch MinotaurIV launch preps in Florida, remember everyone in coastal in Texas. Category 4 Hurricane Harvey has just made landfall.
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Minotaur IV is making her xenon-bathed entrance for her inaugural launch from the Cape.
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Tower is rolling back.
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T-2hrs.
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T-2 hours. Commentary resumes at 1:44 am local.
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No COLA (Collision Avoidance) at the established T0 of 02:04 EDT.
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Verified no COLAs at T-0.
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Gantry retract (Step 11) complete at 00:10 EDT (04:10 GMT)
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Remainder of arming and vehicle closeouts in work.
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Gantry roll complete. 27.2 C.
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Complete through Step 11. Step 12, final arming, and launch pad evac are coming up.
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No COLA (Collision Avoidance) at the established T0 of 02:04 EDT.
They seem to use a mixture of EDT and GMT/Z on the net for different things... asking for trouble some day.
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No COLA (Collision Avoidance) at the established T0 of 02:04 EDT.
They seem to use a mixture of EDT and GMT/Z on the net for different things... asking for trouble some day.
Oh... flashbacks to that Mars mission and the feet/meters fiasco. #TooSoon
Also, the constant Z/GMT/EDT back-and-forth is interesting insight to those on console tonight.
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Update to the outage. Techs are still troubleshooting. New status updated expected at 01:25 EDT (05:25 GMT)
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T-1 hour 30 minutes.
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Standing by Step 12 completion (vehicle arming and pad closeouts/preparations).
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Launch site evac in work -- Step 13.
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There seems to be something (looks like a long string) blowing around the first stage.
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Step 14 - "area clear for launch" - in work.
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There seems to be something (looks like a long string) blowing around the first stage.
Interesting. Can't see it on my feed. Can you circle it on the screencap?
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Standing by on Steps 14 and 15.
-
Proceeding to Step 17 - weather brief.
-
There seems to be something (looks like a long string) blowing around the first stage.
Interesting. Can't see it on my feed. Can you circle it on the screencap?
It was in the image I posted. I've circled it here.
-
Current weather observations at 12:50a EDT
Temp: 80°F
Pressure: 29.99 in
Visibility: 10 miles
Clouds: Few at 12,000 ft
Dew Point: 80°F
Humidity: 86%
Winds: South at 11 kts
-
There seems to be something (looks like a long string) blowing around the first stage.
Interesting. Can't see it on my feed. Can you circle it on the screencap?
It was in the image I posted. I've circled it here.
Interesting. I see what you mean. Can't see it on my feed (which is the same angle).
-
There seems to be something (looks like a long string) blowing around the first stage.
Interesting. Can't see it on my feed. Can you circle it on the screencap?
It was in the image I posted. I've circled it here.
From 1:19:17 to 1:19:04 on the timer
-
Step 14 - launch site clear - still in work.
-
Interesting. I see what you mean. Can't see it on my feed (which is the same angle).
Its not moving now, but wind back your feed to T-1:19:20 where you can see it moving.
-
Weather brief - Step 17 - complete. Weather is GO for current launch window and time.
-
LOC powered up and ready to proceed.
-
All crews are in fall back position from launch pad.
-
Spacecraft ready for final launch ops.
-
Entering Minotaur final launch checklist.
LD poll underway.
LD poll complete.
Team is ready for final Minotaur countdown.
-
T-1 hour. Area clear for launch. Spacecraft ready for launch. Performing launch readiness poll.
-
Vehicle GN2 cooling is on.
-
Rapid sequence of checks underway.
-
Flight computers are in standby mode.
-
Vehicle S-band antennas were turned on at
01:08 EDT (05:08 GMT). 01:05 EDT (05:05 GMT).
They originally gave an incorrect time over the net. Updated to correct the time per the net.
-
Talking about "topping off the charge" in the next 30mins. Didn't catch what needs a "charge topping."
-
Onto Step 18 at this point.
-
Vehicle E-comms to vehicle hardline.
-
T-50 minutes. Working through the check list.
-
Vehicle E-comms to vehicle hardline.
Switch complete and good.
-
Moving on to Step 24 - initialisation information "ready to proceed".
-
Currently complete thru Step 27. Standing by Step 28. Step 17 is "holding open".
-
S-band open loop signal strength (Step 17) still in work.
-
Step 30 not required for today.
-
Launch site "clear". Area warning light is red.
-
T-40 minutes.
-
Powering down the various systems.
-
Everything continues to be "GO" at this time.
-
Launch vehicle (LV) and space vehicle (SV) are working no issues. Range is go for weather.
-
Hurrah! T-30mins and counting. We're in the home stretch now.
-
Transmitters are powering on.
EDIT: And that's complete.
-
T-30 minutes. Checking C-Band transponder.
-
Performing poll. All stations are go.
-
FTS is nominal.
-
FTS arm indication "nominal".
No open steps.
Everyone is "GO" at this time.
Standing by for next round of checks at T-20mins (01:44 EDT)
-
T-25 minutes. FTS is nominal. Here are the inititial launch events. Things happen pretty quickly due the vehicles ICBM heritage.
Launch events
0:00 Ignition
0:36 Maximum Dynamic Pressure
0:57 Stage 1 Separation/Stage 2 Ignition
1:54 Stage 2 Burnout
2:05 Stage 2 Separation/Stage 3 Ignition
2:24 Fairing Separation
3:17 Stage 3 Burnout
-
SV battery "topped off" and done charging.
-
"RFD confliction procedures are in effect."
-
T-20mins and COUNTING!
-
Upper level winds are within launch limits.
-
T-20 minutes.
-
Our commentators.
-
Final launch readiness poll in work.
-
T-18 minutes.
-
Final launch readiness poll in work.
And that's complete. We are GO FOR LAUNCH!
-
Mission Directors Center.
-
T-15mins.
-
T-15 minutes.
-
Showing launch animation.
-
Flight hazard and caution areas are clear.
-
Spacecraft health is nominal.
-
T-14 minutes.
-
T-13 minutes.
-
Flight computer launch time set.
-
Countdown sequencer launch time confirmed.
-
T-12 minutes. Message from the General.
-
T-10mins!
-
FTS internal power on.
-
FTS external power off.
-
T-10 minutes.
-
FTS arm tests underway.
-
T-9mins.
-
FTS arm enabled.
-
T-9 minutes. Embrace those ideas.
-
T-8mins.
-
Spacecraft is GO for launch.
-
T-8 minutes.
-
T-7 minutes. 711th launch.
-
Final launch clearance given.
-
Everyone is GREEN and GO.
-
T-6 minutes. Talking about heritage of vehicle.
-
T-5mins.
Avionics to internal power.
-
Flight computer armed.
-
T-5 minutes. Interview with Space Florida.
-
T-4mins.
-
SIGI in free inertial navigate mode.
-
T-4 minutes.
-
All keep-alives are off.
-
T-3mins!
-
T-3 minutes.
-
Flight computer auto-sequence has started.
-
T-2mins.
-
T-2 minutes. Range is go.
-
1min
-
30secs
-
T-1 minute. VM is go for launch.
-
LIFTOFF of Minotaur IV on her first flight from Cape Canaveral!
-
Vehicle flight path nominal.
Supersonic.
-
Max-Q
-
Liftoff!
-
S1 shutdown.
S1/S2 separation.
S2 ignition.
-
S1 pressure nominal.
Flight path nominal.
-
-
Vehicle performing as expected!
-
S2 max thrust. T+85secs.
-
Everyone nominal.
-
Stage 2 ignition.
-
S2 burnout.
10 sec coast.
-
Launch!
-
S3 IGNITION!
-
Stage 2 burn.
-
-
S3 motor pressure nominal.
Flight path and attitude nominal.
-
-
Fairing sep confirmed.
-
T+3mins.
-
Stage 3 ignition.
Fairing separation.
-
S3 max thrust.
-
S3 burnout.
Guidance converged.
-
T+3 minutes.
-
Go to recover pad.
-
T+4mins.
-
FTS disabled as planned.
-
Stage 3 burnout.
Upcoming events
13:44 Stage 3 Separation
13:55 Stage 4 Ignition
15:02 Stage 4 Burnout
25:08 Stage 4 Separation
25:19 Stage 5 Ignition
26:28 Stage 5 Burnout
28:28 Spacecraft Separation
-
T+5mins.
-
Talking about ORS-5.
-
Everything is nominal aboard the vehicle.
-
LV is 550km downrange
T+7mins.
-
T+8mins.
6mins to S4 ignition.
-
Now 740km downrange. Traveling. 21.4km/s
-
Minotaur IV has passed over the horizon from Cape tracking station. In a 10min LOS period.
-
4mins to Stage 4 ignition.
T+10mins.
-
T+10 minutes.
-
T+12mins.
-
60 seconds to stage 4 ignition.
-
Stage 4 ignition should have just occurred. We are in a planned Loss Of Signal blackout right now.
-
T+14mins.
-
T+14 minutes. Stage 4 should have ignited.
-
Planned Stage 4 burnout.
Minotaur IV should be in parking orbit now.
-
Now in planned 10min coast.
-
T+15 minutes. Planned 4th stage burnout.
-
T+16mins.
Awaiting AOS at Ascension.
-
Showing a Space and Missile Command video.
-
AOS at Ascension!
-
Parking orbit NOMINAL!
-
T+18mins.
-
Secondary spacecraft deployment attitude orientation in work.
-
T+19mins.
-
2 Prometheus satellite deployments CONFIRMED!
-
DARPA satellite deployment CONFIRMED.
-
T+20mins. All is nominal on the vehicle.
-
5mins to Stage 5 ignition.
-
T+20 minutes.
-
Battery monitoring equipment disabled.
-
T+22mins.
-
Cubesats have been deployed.
-
3mins to Stage 5 ignition.
-
90secs to Stage 5 ignition.
-
1 minute to stage 4 separation.
-
Stage 5 IGNITION!
-
Motor pressure nominal. Attitude nominal.
-
T+25 minutes.
Stage 4 separation.
Stage 5 ignition.
-
Stage 5 SHUTDOWN!
-
Orbit nominal!!!!
-
T+26 minutes.
-
LOS at Ascension.
-
1min to planned payload sep.
-
T+27 minutes. 604x599 km 0.02 degrees.
-
Planned payload separation.
-
T+28 minutes.
-
Confirmation of spacecraft sep will be Diego Garcia in T+42mins, or 02:46 EDT (06:46 GMT).
-
Planned ORS-5 separation!
-
Back to the commentators talking about the launch.
-
Showing launch replay.
-
I'm a bit surprised by the lack of ground stations available for telemetry. They won't know if the payload is placed into the right orbit for another 40 minutes, it seems.
-
Assuming all is well......
S/C Sep!
Many thanks to Chris for the great coverage and as always Steven for his coverage on the thread.
William Graham's article updated:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/08/minotaur-iv-cape-debut-ors-5-launch/
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I'm a bit surprised by the lack of ground stations available for telemetry. They won't know if the payload is placed into the right orbit for another 40 minutes, it seems.
Diego Garcia AOS of payload at T+42mins, or 02:46 EDT (06:46 GMT) according to what was said on the broadcast.
-
End of webcast.
-
LD loop -- I think -- is still active. Gonna stay on and see what I hear at T+42mins... or, you know, until the call drops me.
-
Anyone catch the full T-0 time in the Zulu callout for US Launch Schedule Update on NSF??
-
I'm a bit surprised by the lack of ground stations available for telemetry. They won't know if the payload is placed into the right orbit for another 40 minutes, it seems.
Diego Garcia AOS of payload at T+42mins, or 02:46 EDT (06:46 GMT) according to what was said on the broadcast.
That's quite a gap after the LOS from Ascension Island
Launch time was 2:04:00.224
-
Anyone catch the full T-0 time in the Zulu callout for US Launch Schedule Update on NSF??
I heard 06:04:00.22 GMT.
-
LD loop -- I think -- is still active. Gonna stay on and see what I hear at T+42mins... or, you know, until the call drops me.
And when did the call drop me, you ask? Why at T+41mins 56secs.
Anyway, great coverage. Now... to bed (as that's applicable in my timezone.)
-
Orbital ATK Twitter says they had spacecraft separation 14 minutes ago. Not sure if that was confirmed by telemetry.
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/901331947951202304
Orbital ATKVerified account @OrbitalATK 14m14 minutes ago
We have spacecraft separation! #ORS5 is now in orbit. This completes the Minotaur IV portion of the ORS-5 mission
-
They should have AOS by now.
-
I'm a bit surprised by the lack of ground stations available for telemetry. They won't know if the payload is placed into the right orbit for another 40 minutes, it seems.
Remember inclination is zero. So all ground stations for it have to be on the equator. That limits you a bit!
-
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/901337372620664832
Streak shot of our #MinotaurIV launching the @usairforce #ORS5 early this morning from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Credit: Ben Cooper
-
Looks like Orbital ATK press people are going to bed!
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/901337970942365696
That's a wrap! Thanks to everyone who tuned in to our social media accounts & our live broadcast for our #MinotaurIV launch of #ORS5
-
Night/Morning. I'm off to hit the sack.
-
I'm a bit surprised by the lack of ground stations available for telemetry. They won't know if the payload is placed into the right orbit for another 40 minutes, it seems.
Remember inclination is zero. So all ground stations for it have to be on the equator. That limits you a bit!
There's a tracking station in Malindi, Kenya but it's an ESA asset
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Great fun to follow this launch. I don't like them being all happy happy and giving congrats before spacecraft sep is confirmed by telemetry. It strikes me as unprofessional and cheap to not hold off a couple more minutes. It makes them look bad even at their moment of claimed success. A few more minutes and it would have had a completely different feel. #making a great moment feel hollow
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Great fun to follow this launch. I don't like them being all happy happy and giving congrats before spacecraft sep is confirmed by telemetry. It strikes me as unprofessional and cheap to not hold off a couple more minutes. It makes them look bad even at their moment of claimed success. A few more minutes and it would have had a completely different feel. #making a great moment feel hollow
Agreed. I still haven't seen a credible confirmation of mission success.
-
Per Alexander Payne of USU-SDL on twitter, DARPA sat is DHFR (DARPA High Frequency Receiver)
-
Beautiful 2:04am launch of @OrbitalATK's #MinotaurIV rocket carrying #ORS5 for the @usairforce. #OrbitalATK #Minotaur
https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/901332027873660928
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Confirmation of successful #MinotaurIV #ORS5 launch. The spacecraft has now had 2 successful passes, confirming they are separated & stable
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/901348247045906432
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Congratulations to All!
-
Orbital ATK Successfully Launches Minotaur IV Rocket Carrying ORS-5 Satellite for the US Air Force
Successful Flight Extends Flawless Record of Minotaur Product Line to 26 Missions
Dulles, Virginia 26 August 2017 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, announced its Minotaur IV space launch vehicle successfully launched and placed into orbit the U.S. Air Force’s Operationally Responsive Space-5 (ORS-5) spacecraft on August 26, 2017. The Minotaur IV launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 46 (SLC-46), which is operated under license by Space Florida. This mission marks the 26th consecutive successful launch for the company’s Minotaur product line.
The rocket’s first stage ignited at 2:04 a.m. (EDT). Approximately 28 minutes later, the Minotaur IV deployed the ORS-5 satellite into its targeted low inclination orbit 372 miles (599 kilometers) above the earth. From this orbit, ORS-5 will deliver timely, reliable and accurate space situational awareness information to the United States Strategic Command through the Joint Space Operations Center.
“This was our first Minotaur launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, demonstrating the rocket’s capability to launch from all four major U.S. spaceports,” said Rich Straka, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Launch Vehicles Division. “With a perfect track record of 26 successful launches, the Minotaur family has proven to be a valuable and reliable asset for the Department of Defense.”
The Minotaur family of launch vehicles is based on government-furnished Peacekeeper and Minuteman rocket motors that Orbital ATK has upgraded and integrated with modern avionics and other subsystems to produce an affordable launcher based on flight-proven hardware. Minotaur rockets have now launched from ranges in California, Virginia, Alaska and Florida. The vehicles are procured under the OSP-3 contract administered by Kirtland Air Force Base.
“Orbital ATK has launched nearly 100 space launch and strategic rockets for the U.S. Air Force,” said Scott Lehr, President of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group. “We’re proud to be a partner they can count on.”
The ORS-5 launch was the sixth Minotaur IV flight. The Minotaur IV is capable of launching payloads up to 4,000 lbs. (or 1,800 kg.) to low-Earth orbit. This mission’s Minotaur IV configuration included three decommissioned Peacekeeper stages, an Orion 38 solid-fuel upper stage and an additional Orion 38 insertion stage for the payload. The Minotaur rockets are manufactured at Orbital ATK’s facilities in Chandler, Arizona; Vandenberg, California; and Clearfield and Magna, Utah.
The ORS-5 team is led by the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Operationally Responsive Space Office, located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts, is the ORS-5 prime contractor. The 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado, operates the ORS-5 system.
The Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems such as ORS-5. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/901348076924936192
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Congratulations to All!
-
Concongratulations to all involved !
-
Minotaur 4 ORS-5 Launch Over the Ocean From Cape Canaveral
Cocoa Beach 365
Published on Aug 25, 2017
The first Minotaur 4 rocket to launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station blasts off carrying the ORS-5 satellite. The Minotaur is derived from old surplus LGM-118 Peacekeeper ICBMs.
Filmed in 4k UHD, so please make sure you are watching in the highest resolution you can.
https://youtu.be/5Iq4Cy7gd34?t=001
https://youtu.be/5Iq4Cy7gd34
-
Minotaur IV launches ORS-5 Satellite
SciNews
Published on Aug 25, 2017
An Orbital ATK Minotaur IV expendable launch system launched the ORS-5 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on 26 August 2017, 06:04 UTC (02:04 EDT). The Operationally Responsive Space-5 (ORS-5) spacecraft will monitor satellites and space debris. The Minotaur IV is capable of launching payloads up to 1800 kg. to low-Earth orbit.
Credit: Orbital ATK/Ben Cooper
https://youtu.be/Ve8n48WwP-I?t=001
https://youtu.be/Ve8n48WwP-I
-
Here is a link for a complete replay of ORS-5 launch, provided by Florida Today Livestream using an Orbital video Feed. (Orbital has not provided its own higher quality video replay, if one is provided I'll update this post)...
https://livestream.com/accounts/20522137/events/7675452/videos/161861061
-
Congrats to Orbital ATK and the Operationally Responsive Space Office on keeping the Minotaur rocket launches at a 100% success rate!
I was going to watch this one from an observation deck at Embry-Riddle University if ORS-5 made the opening of the window, but since it did not, I had to go to bed early.
-
I caught the beginning of the launch just before going to bed, and wow that Minotaur sure took off like greased lightning. I suppose that's from it's icbm roots, but yikes!
-
Congrats to OrbitalATK and all concerned. Good to see another missile repurposed. Swords into plowshares and all that. (except not really, this is still a defense payload, but you get the idea)
Thanks for the great coverage, NSFers!
-
On Space-Track: No unclassified TLEs, but catalog entries for ORS-5 SENSORSAT, OBJECT B C D, and MINOTAUR R/B.
Expecting two R/B (stage 4 and stage 5) so not sure what's up with that.
-
On Space-Track: No unclassified TLEs, but catalog entries for ORS-5 SENSORSAT, OBJECT B C D, and MINOTAUR R/B.
Expecting two R/B (stage 4 and stage 5) so not sure what's up with that.
42921 ORS 5 SENSORSAT 2017-050A
-
Congrats to all the teams, well done! Thank you for the great coverage NSF that allowed me to catch up on another successful flight from Orbital/ATK. :)
-
Congratulations to all concerned. Especially worth seeing for its sprightly launch off the pad.
-
Congratulations to all concerned. Especially worth seeing for its sprightly launch off the pad.
Yep. An 87 tonne rocket lifting off on 209 tonnes of sea level thrust from its SR-118 first stage motor. T/W = 2.4, about two times larger than for Falcon 9, Atlas 5, and the like.
- Ed Kyle
If it was an ICBM would it launch even quicker than this, I know some Russian ICBMs used systems to push them out of their silos before they ignited their motors.
-
Congratulations to all concerned. Especially worth seeing for its sprightly launch off the pad.
Yep. An 87 tonne rocket lifting off on 209 tonnes of sea level thrust from its SR-118 first stage motor. T/W = 2.4, about two times larger than for Falcon 9, Atlas 5, and the like.
- Ed Kyle
If it was an ICBM would it launch even quicker than this, I know some Russian ICBMs used systems to push them out of their silos before they ignited their motors.
The GFE motors is from LGM-118A Peacekeeper ICBM Which was USAF's only cold start canister launched ICBM. LGM-118A used Cold start from only Minuteman Silos and mobile launchers. Because the missile never reached Full Operational Capability a Hot Start version was never employed beyond a few development tests. Because of this Cold Start capability Minotaur versions with its launch canister installed could also be launched from silos across the US like Dnepr does in the Former Soviet Republics as well as continue to launch in Hot Start mode like other Russian Conversional launchers.
-
Geo Surveillance - Air Force 08-26-2017
USLaunchReport
Published on Aug 26, 2017
Air Force Space Command launched an all Air Force mission satellite with a telescope that checks our geostationary satellites from space. An incredibly fast moving solid fuel five stage rocket repurposed ICBM.
https://youtu.be/snvTuy-SLeI?t=001
https://youtu.be/snvTuy-SLeI
-
Ben Cooper has posted a couple of shots on twitter:
This morning's first ever Minotaur from Cape Canaveral lights up the Florida coastline! (Orbital ATK).
https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/901363076716310528
Fire and fury: Moment of ignition for a Minotaur IV rocket, first from Cape, at 2:04am EDT this morning (Orbital ATK).
https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/901600226561200128
-
Ben Cooper has posted a couple of shots on twitter:
This morning's first ever Minotaur from Cape Canaveral lights up the Florida coastline! (Orbital ATK).
https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/901363076716310528
Fire and fury: Moment of ignition for a Minotaur IV rocket, first from Cape, at 2:04am EDT this morning (Orbital ATK).
https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/901600226561200128
Great photos. I know exactly where I'd place the marshmallows
-
Ben Cooper has posted a couple of shots on twitter:
This morning's first ever Minotaur from Cape Canaveral lights up the Florida coastline! (Orbital ATK).
https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/901363076716310528
Fire and fury: Moment of ignition for a Minotaur IV rocket, first from Cape, at 2:04am EDT this morning (Orbital ATK).
https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/901600226561200128
Great photos. I know exactly where I'd place the marshmallows
They would be toxic if they survived,
-
That second photo was utterly spectacular.
No other camera could've captured that shot.
-
Congratulations to Orbital ATK and USAF for the successful launch!
-
Official photos from Saturday's #MinotaurIV #ORS5 launch @45thSpaceWing @usairforce Credit: Ben Cooper
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/901862637859999745
-
That second photo was utterly spectacular.
No other camera could've captured that shot.
And no other photographer, I suspect.
Ben Cooper is superb. He sees the light before it arrives.
- Ed Kyle
-
The expected sixth object is now catalogued, 2017-050F/42926.
-
more pics
-
https://youtu.be/98vhe3cRBGk (https://youtu.be/98vhe3cRBGk)
Minotaur IV ORS-5 Launch Broadcast
Orbital ATK
Published on 29 Aug 2017
On August 26, 2017 Orbital ATK's Minotaur IV successfully launched the ORS-5 satellite for the United States Air Force from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This video features a full replay of the broadcast and launch. Get more information on the mission here: bit.ly/2x7o20P
-
The Minotaur fourth stage decayed yesterday. Such a rapid decay suggests that it deployed a large drag sail.
-
The Minotaur fourth stage decayed yesterday. Such a rapid decay suggests that it deployed a large drag sail.
The fourth stage solid motor is integrated with avionics into a Guidance and Control Assembly (GCA). The GCA has an attitude control system to position the stage during coast periods and to provide roll control during burns. I wonder if the GCA ACS might have been was used to lower the orbit a bit.
- Ed Kyle
I recall it being stated that the GCA ACS was depleted after 4/5 sep and passitivised
-
An interesting challenge for amateur satellite observers (there apparently are none properly situated for this task).
Ted Molczan replies in RE: Good Target To Look For - New US DoD Satellite, SensorSat (http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Aug-2017/0123.html):
An object in a 600 km high equatorial orbit would reach the horizon of
observers within about 23.9 deg of the equator. It would reach 10 deg
elevation for observers within about 15.8 deg of the equator.
Apparently, he knows of no one of sufficient skill (and who corresponds with the amateur satellite observing community) that observes on or within a few degrees latitude of the Equator.
-
No USA designation for ORS-5 or the cubesats?
-
This launch was originally also to carry 8 Lemur-2 cubesats for Spire, but this was cancelled due to the restriction on the use of excess ballistic missile assets for launch vehicles to U.S. government-sponsored payloads.
http://spacenews.com/minotaur-4s-canceled-commercial-cubesat-rideshares-could-spark-policy-changes/
-
This launch was originally also to carry 8 Lemur-2 cubesats for Spire, but this was cancelled due to the restriction on the use of excess ballistic missile assets for launch vehicles to U.S. government-sponsored payloads.
http://spacenews.com/minotaur-4s-canceled-commercial-cubesat-rideshares-could-spark-policy-changes/
Were those Lemur cubesats the ones that launched last July with the Kanopus-V-IK 1 satellite?
-
This launch was originally also to carry 8 Lemur-2 cubesats for Spire, but this was cancelled due to the restriction on the use of excess ballistic missile assets for launch vehicles to U.S. government-sponsored payloads.
http://spacenews.com/minotaur-4s-canceled-commercial-cubesat-rideshares-could-spark-policy-changes/
Were those Lemur cubesats the ones that launched last July with the Kanopus-V-IK 1 satellite?
No. The Lemurs for the ORS-5 mission will be scheduled to a later launch, but likely not a low-inclination launch.
-
https://www.ll.mit.edu/news/SensorSat-launched-to-monitor-activity-in-the-geosynchronous-belt.html
ORS-5 SensorSat launched to monitor activity in the geosynchronous belt
Satellite developed at MIT Lincoln Laboratory will fulfill a critical need for space situational awareness.
by Dorothy Ryan | Communications and Community Outreach Office
In the darkness of 2 a.m. on 26 August 2017, the sky over Cape Canaveral, Florida, lit up with the bright plume of a Minotaur rocket lifting off from its launch pad. Aboard the rocket, a satellite developed by Lincoln Laboratory for the U.S. Air Force's Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office awaited its deployment into low Earth orbit. The ORS-5 SensorSat spacecraft is on a 3-year mission to continually scan the geosynchronous belt, which at about 36,000 kilometers above Earth is home to a great number of satellites indispensable to the national economy and security. Data collected by SensorSat will help the United States keep a protective eye on the movements of satellites and space debris in the belt.
"There was nothing like seeing the massive Minotaur IV blast our creation into orbit, and then getting those familiar telemetry messages to indicate that it's really up there and operating just as it did in thermal vacuum testing," said Andrew Stimac, the SensorSat program manager and assistant leader of the Laboratory's Integrated Systems and Concepts Group.
In the weeks that SensorSat has been in orbit, it has undergone a complete checkout process, opened the cover of its optical system, and collected the first imagery of objects in the geosynchronous belt. The quality of the initial images has demonstrated that SensorSat utilizes a highly capable optical system that is able to conduct its required mission.
The 226-pound SensorSat is small in comparison to current U.S. satellites that monitor activity in the geosynchronous belt. SensorSat's size and its optical system design that uses a smaller aperture make it a lower-cost, more rapidly built option for space surveillance missions than the large systems designed for missions of 10 years or more. "SensorSat is essentially a simple design, but it is a highly sensitive instrument that is one-tenth the size and one-tenth the cost of today's large satellites," said Grant Stokes, head of the Laboratory's Space Systems and Technology Division, which collaborated with the Engineering Division to develop and build the SensorSat satellite.
Traditional large surveillance satellites are designed to collect data on objects known to be in the geosynchronous belt. The optical systems on those satellites are mounted on gimbals so that they can turn their focus toward the targeted objects. SensorSat works on a different concept: its fixed optical system surveys each portion of the belt that is within its current field of view as the satellite orbits Earth.
SensorSat makes approximately 14 passes around Earth each day, providing up-to-date views of activity in the geosynchronous belt. Stokes compared SensorSat's surveillance process to that of airport radars that continuously rotate to visualize a local airspace. Because SensorSat is not aimed at specific known objects, a secondary benefit to its concept of operations is that it may see new objects that pose threats to satellites within the belt.
The adoption of SensorSat-like systems that can be cost-effectively built on short timelines could also make it practical for the United States to more frequently acquire new satellites to keep pace with evolving technology.
SensorSat development and testing were accomplished in just three years, a period about one-third of that needed to develop and field large surveillance satellites. The SensorSat engineering effort involved the design, fabrication, and testing of the satellite structure and cover mechanism, lens optomechanics, telescope baffle, charge-coupled device packaging, electrical cabling, and thermal control.
The assembly, integration, and testing were conducted in Lincoln Laboratory's cleanroom facilities and its Engineering Test Laboratory. According to Mark Bury, assistant leader of the Laboratory's Structural and Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group, the shock, vibration, attitude control system, and thermal-vacuum testing performed were critical in validating SensorSat against the expected launch and space conditions it would need to endure.
"Perhaps the most important events occurred during thermal-vacuum testing," Bury said. "The satellite is exposed to conditions similar to those on orbit, and we used that test to validate our thermal design. Even more important, the thermal-vacuum test enabled us to get significant runtime on the avionics and components within the spacecraft, emulating the communication cadence and data streams that we would eventually see on orbit."
On 7 July, less than two months before launch, SensorSat was shipped to Florida for installation on Orbital ATK's Minotaur IV within a large cleanroom facility at Astrotech Space Operations, just outside the Kennedy Space Center. A team from Lincoln Laboratory performed final assembly steps and prepared the satellite with the software uploads needed initially on orbit.
Joint operations were then conducted with Orbital ATK to complete the mechanical and electrical integration prior to encapsulation with the rocket fairing. The integrated assembly was then transported from Astrotech to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch pad 46 on 13 August.
SensorSat, which resides directly above the equator, orbits at an inclination of zero degrees, an orientation that Stokes said required very precise deployment of the satellite. The Minotaur IV, modified from a 25-year-old Air Force rocket design and now operated by Orbital ATK, was up to the challenge, using two new rocket motors to provide the extra lift needed to reach the equatorial orbit.
SensorSat is now orbiting Earth and collecting data to fulfill its space surveillance mission.
Posted November 2017
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http://www.schriever.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1477392/1st-sops-accepts-sca-of-ors-5/
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 1st Space Operations Squadron accepted control authority of a new satellite during a ceremony at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, March 16.
According to Maj. Patrick Gaynor, operations officer with the 1st SOPS, members with Fourteenth Air Force, the 1st and 7th SOPS and the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Operationally Responsive Space Office worked together in preparation of the transfer of the Operationally Responsive Space-5 satellite system from Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, to the 50th Space Wing.
The satellite was launched Aug. 26, 2017 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.
The period from launch to transfer allowed SMC to ensure the satellite functioned properly before transferring command and control to the 1st SOPS.
The ORS-5 satellite delivers global, persistent, optical tracking of satellites in geosynchronous orbit, enabling the nation to have increased global situational awareness of space objects.
Capt. Austin Sheeley, ORS-5 lead with the 1st SOPS, explained the importance of the transfer was the culmination of all the hard work accomplished as a team and in coordination with mission partners.
Despite the actual transfer lasting a short period of time, years of preparation were involved in making the transition seamless.
“This satellite culminates over two years of preparation and research,” Sheeley said. “Members with the 1st SOPS and 7th SOPS have spent over 100 days at Kirtland AFB. It’s been a huge work in progress so far, from launching the satellite, to operations, to procedures developed and to the checkout phases.”
The satellite transfer from the SMC to the 1st SOPS provided the squadron and Schriever a new milestone in satellite operations.
“ORS-5 is definitely a game changer,” Gaynor said. “Because this satellite flies directly over the equator, it gives us a different capability to bring on board. Instead of only seeing parts of the geosynchronous belt, we’re seeing the satellite constantly scan it.”
“We are very excited to integrate the ORS-5 satellite into our constellations,” he continued.
The ORS-5 satellite is now one of three Low Earth Orbit satellites that 1st SOPS commands.
“This satellite system is the closest 1st SOPS has gotten to what could be a fully automated system,” Sheeley said. “With this in place, it will have a lower impact on the operators themselves, so they can focus on integration of systems into our warfighting concepts, employ systems in conjunction with other 1st SOPS satellites and ultimately focus on the future of space.”