pad rat - 4/4/2008 6:11 PM
S/C mass = 13,000 lb. It's the most massive A2100 built by LM to date. UFOs massed no more than 3500 lb.
FunFlying - 10/4/2008 1:41 PM
Wow, $124.1m for a Atlas 551. This sounds like a great price. Based on performance numbers quoted on this site before this results in $3,043/lb to LEO. Or if one could get a 552 for the same price $2,674/lb. Sounds very competitive.
FunFlying - 10/4/2008 7:41 AM
Wow, $124.1m for a Atlas 551. This sounds like a great price. Based on performance numbers quoted on this site before this results in $3,043/lb to LEO. Or if one could get a 552 for the same price $2,674/lb. Sounds very competitive.
The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, built by Lockheed Martin , was encapsulated into its payload fairing January 29 in preparation for a February 16 liftoff aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
For the record, according to both Jonathan and Gunter's launch statistics, I believe this will the the 200th flight of a Centaur upper stage (excluding mockups).
Vehicle Launch Total(Failures)
===================================
Atlas Centaur 148(15)
Atlas V 28(1)
Titan IIIE 7(1)
Titan 401A 9(1)
Titan 401B 7(1)
-----------------------------------
Total 199(19)
===================================
Off topic, but are any other Atlas 551 missions on the books?
It is mildly amusing to note that, although the AV401 is much the most common config, we're in the middle of a rare set of heavyweight or high energy launches: 551-541-551-531.Off topic, but are any other Atlas 551 missions on the books?Looks like the three MUOS launches are the only three Atlas 551 missions on the books as of now.
It is mildly amusing to note that, although the AV401 is much the most common config, we're in the middle of a rare set of heavyweight or high energy launches: 551-541-551-531.
-Alex
From the mission book, which is now available at:
http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/missionbooklets/AV/av_muos1_mob.pdf
the attached image shows the ascent ground trace. The yellow X marked "1" is Centaur MECO-1. At that point it has reached its parking orbit. Note the red trace becomes green somewhat before that point. The legend says red is "mandatory" telemetry coverage and green is only "required" telemetry coverage. I translate this to mean the range requires coverage for the red section so they can initiate abort destruct if they deem it necessary. I'm thinking the red-to-green transition is thus the location of the Africa gate, i.e. that's the location of the vehicle when the instantaneous impact point crosses into Africa.
Any comments on that analysis?
The mandatory vs required is for telemetry for engineering purposes and not range safety. Notice the trace goes red at the second burn. The range is not involved there.
As for the green/red transitions compared to the "X", that might just be graphical inaccuracies.
Err, could you expand on that? There have been only two Heavies in the last three years. How could that have driven the Medium's launch rate, and even if it did, why would such be applicable to the single-core Atlas?It is mildly amusing to note that, although the AV401 is much the most common config, we're in the middle of a rare set of heavyweight or high energy launches: 551-541-551-531.Considering the hit the Delta IV schedule took pulsing through all the Heavies the last few years, I hope we don't see a similar set of Atlas delays from these payloads of unusual size.
For the record, according to both Jonathan and Gunter's launch statistics, I believe this will the the 200th flight of a Centaur upper stage (excluding mockups).Where does a Centaur mockup come in under flights?
For the record, according to both Jonathan and Gunter's launch statistics, I believe this will the the 200th flight of a Centaur upper stage (excluding mockups).Where does a Centaur mockup come in under flights?
Yes, my understanding is that the S-V was essentially a Centaur (although this in part comes from Astronautix, which considers anything powered by one or more RL10s (with the possible exception of the S-IV) to be a Centaur, so it could be wrong). I would be interested to find out more about the S-V.For the record, according to both Jonathan and Gunter's launch statistics, I believe this will the the 200th flight of a Centaur upper stage (excluding mockups).Where does a Centaur mockup come in under flights?
Are you referring to the Saturn I suborbital flights?
- Ed Kyle
nose cones?
No caption help here but I think we can assume this is the S-V dummy being mated 8 weeks before SA-2 flight. Or it might be the internal tank shown inside the S-IV dummy drawings.
No caption help here but I think we can assume this is the S-V dummy being mated 8 weeks before SA-2 flight. Or it might be the internal tank shown inside the S-IV dummy drawings.
We've had 5 consecutive off topic posts so maybe a new topic would be appropriate. My stuff is not very encompassing but maybe others have lots to post.No caption help here but I think we can assume this is the S-V dummy being mated 8 weeks before SA-2 flight. Or it might be the internal tank shown inside the S-IV dummy drawings.
Art, do we need to start a Saturn I photo thread?
View of MUOS-1 in STK on NASA ELV webcams, still no actual shots of the vehicle
15,000 lbs (?)
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av030/atlas5/
Hydrogen tanking starting.
Rev 1 of William Graham's launch article, with a focus on the historic milestone for Centaur.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/02/atlas-v-launch-muos-historic-centaur-milestone/
Rev 2 will come via the coast. Rev 3 at S/C Sep.
The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite is scheduled to launch aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Thursday, February 16.
Congratulations PMW-146!!!!!
The launch window is 1746 to 1830 EST (1446 to 1530 PST).
You can watch the launch LIVE steaming on line. A Link available on the SPAWAR web page.
http://www.public.navy.mil/spawar/Press/Pages/MUOS.aspx
On the San Diego Old Town campus, the launch will be projected in Cantrell C. If you have a chance, please stop by Cantrell C and join our PMW-146 teammates as they observe the launch.
=============================
Navy Launches Next Generation Communications Satellite Feb. 16, 2012
All U.S. military forces rely upon Navy satellites for narrowband communications. The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is the Defense Department’s next-generation narrowband satellite communications system. It will support users worldwide by providing increased communications capabilities to smaller terminals while still supporting legacy system radios and terminals. MUOS is designed to support users that require mobility, high data rates and improved operational availability. The system will provide greater than 10 times the system capacity compared to the current constellation.
- The first MUOS satellite is scheduled for launch Feb. 16 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
- The Air Force oversees most DoD space systems, but the Navy is responsible for DoD’s narrowband satellite communications.
- This spectrum is the military’s communications workhorse because it is the only radio frequency that can penetrate jungle foliage, inclement weather, high sea states and urban environments.
- More than 60 percent of military satellite communication users are supported via the narrowband spectrum.
- Approximately 67,000 narrowband terminals are currently in military use on more than 50 terminal configurations.
- The MUOS constellation will consist of four satellites plus one on-orbit spare and a terrestrial network connecting four ground stations around the world.
- MUOS will provide users 10 times more communications capability compared to today’s system.
- By leveraging 3G mobile communications technology, it will provide simultaneous voice, video and data capability.
- Born from the need for stable, 24/7 ship-to-shore communication that could be successful regardless of environmental and geographical conditions, the Navy is assigned to provide crucial narrowband satellite communication.
- Beyond providing communications for all branches of the U.S. military and many of its allies, Navy provided space-based narrowband capability also ensures reliable worldwide coverage for national emergency assistance, disaster response and humanitarian relief.
looks like we lost the rocket cam feed :(
looks like we lost the rocket cam feed :(
Power secured until inside the hold.
When they say that the launch is dedicated to" and then list the people, have those people passed away, or retired or are they just honoring them?
Estimated slip to ~23:10Z due to wind shear. Waiting for balloon data that shows good.
When they say that the launch is dedicated to" and then list the people, have those people passed away, or retired or are they just honoring them?
I believe they have passed away.
Estimated slip to ~23:10Z due to wind shear. Waiting for balloon data that shows good.
WOw, John Glenn is in attendance!
WOw, John Glenn is in attendance!
Naval aviator watching a Navy spacecraft launch on an Atlas, could not be more perfect.
Orbital ;)WOw, John Glenn is in attendance!
Naval aviator watching a Navy spacecraft launch on an Atlas, could not be more perfect.
In honour of the upcoming 50th Anniversary of his flight aboard an Atlas, the first manned US launch
WOw, John Glenn is in attendance!
Naval aviator watching a Navy spacecraft launch on an Atlas, could not be more perfect.
You can actually see the wind via that contrail that's being pushed over the launch site.
In terms of design eye-candy, I don't think it gets better than Atlas V (as far as current vehicles go)
Aerospace won't be ready to give a go until ~23:10. So new estimate is 23:17. And that's if Aerospace results are good.
Official NET is 23:20. 23:30 is unavailable due to COLA.
Official NET is 23:20. 23:30 is unavailable due to COLA.
In terms of design eye-candy, I don't think it gets better than Atlas V (as far as current vehicles go)
Atlas V Heavy ;-)
In terms of design eye-candy, I don't think it gets better than Atlas V (as far as current vehicles go)
One last flight profile design to try, which will be ready "in 10 minutes". So this is about as close as it gets.
You would thing in this age, the systems would be clever enough to adjust per a very wide range wind conditions, then correct once in orbit.
.....but hey!...this is "Rocket Science" I guess!
You would thing in this age, the systems would be clever enough to adjust per a very wide range wind conditions, then correct once in orbit.I believe the issue is not one of "aim" while dealing with the winds but of a trajectory that minimizes angle of attack loads and other stresses on the vehicle. A 200 foot long tube can experience some dramatically different wind at the tip vs. at the tail, particularly when pushing through a dramatic shear layer.
Goes to show. This was only a 10 percent weather violation today!
What's COLA?
Goes to show. This was only a 10 percent weather violation today!
Upper level winds is not included in the weather criteria. Upper level winds is a vehicle capability constraint.
What's COLA?
GREEN!!!!
Aerospace is RED.
Aerospace is RED.
When is it rescheduled?
As HV noted, there's currently a 60 percent weather violation tomorrow (Friday).
I know this is no fun for those who went to watch the launch, or those that worked it, but that was exciting. Almost reminded me a bit of the shaky hands feeling one used to get ahead of a Shuttle launch!
Aerospace is RED.
Wonderful :(
Oh well, thanks so much for your input :)
Aerospace made the right call. If you aren't sure, don't risk the vehicle and payload.
Aerospace made the right call. If you aren't sure, don't risk the vehicle and payload.
If you aren't sure, don't risk the vehicle and payload.
Aerospace is RED.
Wonderful :(
Oh well, thanks so much for your input :)
Remind us what "Aerospace" monitors, and what would cause it to go RED?
Should have let this one fly. End of the window made some people sweat.
Can someone clarify the relationship between ULA and Aerospace?
Official reason is a scrub due to winds aloft.
Still confused. So Aerospace provides ground support and mission oversight for USAF flights as a contractor of the USAF?Can someone clarify the relationship between ULA and Aerospace?There "isn't" one. The relationship is between Aerospace and USAF.
Aerospace is the USAF's GSE&I contractor for space systems.
Still confused. So Aerospace provides ground support and mission oversight for USAF flights as a contractor of the USAF?Can someone clarify the relationship between ULA and Aerospace?There "isn't" one. The relationship is between Aerospace and USAF.
Aerospace is the USAF's GSE&I contractor for space systems.
Is that why they are monitoring the balloons and calling the red/green on winds aloft, since that is part of the services they provide?
Aerospace came into being in 1960 for ballistic missile oversight..........
Great forum, just foun
It's my understanding there is no longer any way to observe the launch from Cape Canaveral itself, correct? It sure would be great to find a location where you can actually see the launch pad, but I imagine for safety and security reasons that's probably not possible. The website mentioned something about buying tickets for a launch but when I called and spoke to someone there I was told you couldn't buy tickets or get anywhere in sight. Confusing!!
http://www.aero.org/OK, thanks for the information everyone, I think I can put the puzzle pieces together and picture the relationships.
No that is not correct, they were indeed selling tickets for this launch to view from the Saturn V Center and have done that for several recent launches since the shuttle ended (and sold tickets for the causeway for GRAIL).
Starting to clear the VIF, skies dont look too good
If I understand correctly, cloud they can handle
I have seen Deltas, Protons and Arianes vanishing into 100% cloud cover almost right of the pad.The Russians, in particular, seem willing/able to launch into pretty terrible conditions. A product of necessity, given the climate in most of their launch facilities, I guess!
I have seen Deltas, Protons and Arianes vanishing into 100% cloud cover almost right of the pad.The Russians, in particular, seem willing/able to launch into pretty terrible conditions. A product of necessity, given the climate in most of their launch facilities, I guess!
How is it loOking for tonite? Gotta leave disney asap to make it out in time.
How is it loOking for tonite? Gotta leave disney asap to make it out in time.
EDIT: Tanking has begun
Weather page, cant really read the red writing though..Cumulus cloud rule.
Weather page, cant really read the red writing though..Cumulus cloud rule.
Which is the link for the direct video streaming? Thanks
Which is the link for the direct video streaming? Thanks
you can use mms://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%201 or mms://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%202 (the last one will be similar to the ULA webcast).
Didn't we have a viewing thread for Cape launches somewhere? We'll need to keep this only on launch updates, so if someone can post we'll redirect people asking about viewing.There is a viewing thread for MSL and Juno. Look there.
There are several red items on the launch criteria panel. Any idea of what those are?Cumulus clouds, disturbed weather, thick clouds.
There are several red items on the launch criteria panel. Any idea of what those are?Cumulus clouds, disturbed weather, thick clouds.
Cumulus clouds, disturbed weather, thick clouds.These were the three primary concerns for today's launch attempt (#3, #7, #8 on the weather board) in the 45th Weather Squadron forecast issued at 9 am local.
Question - a friend of mine is at Kennedy Space Center and has this question:
where will I get a better launch experience - Kennedy visitor center parking lot (close but no direct line of sight ) or port canaveral (further away but direct line of sight)?
Any help would be much appreciated - thanks and let's hope we get a launch!
Sorry Chris - time was of the essence and I was not sure where to look quickly - apologize. I did find the launchphotography site and others with similar questions could look here:
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html
T-9 mins. Tripple Red on the weather.Can You link webcast that You are watching, please?
T-9 mins. Tripple Red on the weather.Can You link webcast that You are watching, please?
No release of the BIH. Red on upper level winds. T-0 2247Z, 5:47 PM ET.Also still red on the thick cloud rule.
AEGIS.
Range is NO GO for weather.
LD is GO pending good weather.
What are the limits of the upper level wind contraints?
SCRUB! 24 hour recycle.They're going into those procedures, but decision on when to make next attempt is pending.
Sigh....Sure does look pretty and I feel bad for the launch team having to repeat a lot of work...but all we have to do is watch and as the saying goes, anything good is worth waiting for.
I must say, the Atlas looks almost majestic with the fllood light hitting it from the back with all that LO2 venting.
Sigh....Sure does look pretty and I feel bad for the launch team having to repeat a lot of work...but all we have to do is watch and as the saying goes, anything good is worth waiting for.
I must say, the Atlas looks almost majestic with the fllood light hitting it from the back with all that LO2 venting.
Looks like that the rocket will be rolled back to the HIF, and the launch won't happen for the next few days. (http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av030/status.html)
A scrub and a red flag all within the same hour, we have to move The Cape and Daytona further apart…Looks like that the rocket will be rolled back to the HIF, and the launch won't happen for the next few days. (http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av030/status.html)
Shucks...I feel bad for those in attendance.
(And the Bud shootout at Daytona will soon feel the effects of this weather systems) :(
WOw, John Glenn is in attendance!
Naval aviator watching a Navy spacecraft launch on an Atlas, could not be more perfect.
A Marine aviator
I completely forgot about this launch, and just now checked the thread. I'm glad to see I didn't miss anything, but course it's unfortunate for those people who actually traveled to see the launch.
Chris:
I don't know if there is a correct place to make suggestions, but one thing I've thought about for a while is how about listing the date of the next scheduled launch on the front page of the forum, with a link to the proper thread? It wouldn't have to take up much space; just the date and maybe launch vehicle type.
2/24/2012, 2215-2259Z MUOS-1
this might be off topic but I hate to open a new thread for the ?
Noticed the two rail cars pulled under the pad. Do these two rail cars lift the pad for transport?
What time ULA site transmission starts?
Wind Gusts highlighted on the status board here... not sure if thats just informational or not..It's a violation. Limit is 32 kts, so 35 kts is 3 kts above the upper limit.
Wind Gusts highlighted on the status board here... not sure if thats just informational or not..It's a violation. Limit is 32 kts, so 35 kts is 3 kts above the upper limit.
Five mins to the webcast. Awful music on the webcast countdown ;D
Steve Agid commentating this time.
Right then let's keep the chatter down and cover this count.
Really need people to add images.
Looks like its gonna go today.
Did I hear something about how the fairing is larger than normal?
Looks like its gonna go today.
Did I hear something about how the fairing is larger than normal?
What's the mini nozzle to the right of the main nozzle for? Roll control?
Last for me... Engine cutoff - good luck with the rest of the mission
What's the mini nozzle to the right of the main nozzle for? Roll control?
that's the turbo-pump exhaust, I think.
Um...if you're talking about Centaur, the RL-10 does not have an exhaust port. It's an expander cycle engine--the turbine is driven by the warmed fuel from the cooling jacket, and all of it gets dumped into the combustion chamber. The smaller nozzles are either the settling thrusters or the RCS thrusters, both of which are little hydrazine jobbies.
Um...if you're talking about Centaur, the RL-10 does not have an exhaust port. It's an expander cycle engine--the turbine is driven by the warmed fuel from the cooling jacket, and all of it gets dumped into the combustion chamber. The "turbopump exhaust port" on an expander-cycle engine is also known as the main injector...
The smaller nozzles are either the settling thrusters or the RCS thrusters, both of which are little hydrazine jobbies. I'm guessing you're seeing the settling thrusters. The RCS ones come in little clusters, with some of the nozzles bent in various angles.
~Jon
Isn't it the gearbox seal/coolant vent line? Dumps the LH2 that is used to cool the turbopump gearbox and pressurize the seals?Um...if you're talking about Centaur, the RL-10 does not have an exhaust port. It's an expander cycle engine--the turbine is driven by the warmed fuel from the cooling jacket, and all of it gets dumped into the combustion chamber. The smaller nozzles are either the settling thrusters or the RCS thrusters, both of which are little hydrazine jobbies.
Well, I'm no expert but it certainly didn't look like a thruster to me. It seemed to be running pretty much constantly and it stopped simultaneous with MECO1.
Thanks for the correction/clarification--I guess it's time to brush up on my RL-10 facts (I had wondered if it was closed cycle). "Settling thruster"? Looks like I have more to research this weekend!
:)
Thanks for the correction/clarification--I guess it's time to brush up on my RL-10 facts (I had wondered if it was closed cycle). "Settling thruster"? Looks like I have more to research this weekend!
:)Um...if you're talking about Centaur, the RL-10 does not have an exhaust port. It's an expander cycle engine--the turbine is driven by the warmed fuel from the cooling jacket, and all of it gets dumped into the combustion chamber. The "turbopump exhaust port" on an expander-cycle engine is also known as the main injector...
The smaller nozzles are either the settling thrusters or the RCS thrusters, both of which are little hydrazine jobbies. I'm guessing you're seeing the settling thrusters. The RCS ones come in little clusters, with some of the nozzles bent in various angles.
~Jon
Fascinating to see the end of the nozzle glowing red--is that the extension section? I assume it is ablative material...
What a great engine!
According to the data on the CGI screen, orbit at MECO2 was 18600 x 104 nautical miles. Is that what they call 'Geostationary Transfer Orbit'?
Anyone have a link to a video? I hopped on a few minutes after liftoff.
~Jon
It seemed a sense of urgency during final polling. Excellent launch, congratulations to all the teams involved!
Thanks all--great resources/info. I look forward to the day when RL-10s are boosting people!
Anyone have a link to a video? I hopped on a few minutes after liftoff.
~Jon
Another nice launch. I was able to watch it before I left work.
One question: Where did the blue status screens posted by stockman come from?
I always get disoriented with these camera images. What are the things on the sides? The only thing I recognise is the engine itself.Hydrazine and/or helium tanks?
Anyone have a link to a video? I hopped on a few minutes after liftoff.
~Jon
Quick Youtube search later :D :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz40PihX690
Does anybody have an idea what that piece falling off right after MECO 1 was? It was at 13:49 on the YouTube video.
Isn't it the gearbox seal/coolant vent line? Dumps the LH2 that is used to cool the turbopump gearbox and pressurize the seals?Um...if you're talking about Centaur, the RL-10 does not have an exhaust port. It's an expander cycle engine--the turbine is driven by the warmed fuel from the cooling jacket, and all of it gets dumped into the combustion chamber. The smaller nozzles are either the settling thrusters or the RCS thrusters, both of which are little hydrazine jobbies.
Well, I'm no expert but it certainly didn't look like a thruster to me. It seemed to be running pretty much constantly and it stopped simultaneous with MECO1.
--N
atlas v is fab.
what's the status of domestic rd-180?
I always get disoriented with these camera images. What are the things on the sides? The only thing I recognise is the engine itself.Hydrazine and/or helium tanks?
If so they usually aren't so prominent, but were they kitted larger for this long coast three burn mission?
--N
I noticed that too. I think they were trying to get all of it in before the count picked up at 11 past the hour (polling ended about one minute before coming out of the bih). Agreed on the congrats!It seemed a sense of urgency during final polling.
Nice job by LC and ULA clearing the recurrence of the ECS duct issue inside the hold.
assuming all is well.. here are the remaining items on the launch list for this launch...
Now that it's all over, whatever happened to the downward-pointing rocketcam mounted on the CCB? Not a single shot was shown post liftoff.
Now that it's all over, whatever happened to the downward-pointing rocketcam mounted on the CCB? Not a single shot was shown post liftoff.
Actually, here are related questions: Do all the cameras transmit throughout the flight or are they turned on or off by the ground controllers. If they are on throughout, are they 'live', i.e. transmitting their images?
If the ansewr is 'yes', then ULA probably have recordings of the entire flight from the POV of CCB down, CCB up, RL-10 engine bay and Centaur up (facing the payload like the one on the MSL launch). Maybe they could do an ascent video like NASA did of all the different cameras on the RSRMs during shuttle flights? :)
or are they turned on or off by the ground controllers.
Isn't it the gearbox seal/coolant vent line? Dumps the LH2 that is used to cool the turbopump gearbox and pressurize the seals?Um...if you're talking about Centaur, the RL-10 does not have an exhaust port. It's an expander cycle engine--the turbine is driven by the warmed fuel from the cooling jacket, and all of it gets dumped into the combustion chamber. The smaller nozzles are either the settling thrusters or the RCS thrusters, both of which are little hydrazine jobbies.
Well, I'm no expert but it certainly didn't look like a thruster to me. It seemed to be running pretty much constantly and it stopped simultaneous with MECO1.
--N
bingo
StolenIdeas.Org
the Atlas V is a very reliable rocket that has never failed a launch so far but the Atlas V and CST-100 duo (very probably) hides a BIG BUG that may kill the full project before kill a crew.
it seems that the mentioned website also has all the rocketcam footage of this flight for their subscribers. Whats up with that footage going exclusively to some site? I didn't find that footage from youtube either....
it seems that the mentioned website also has all the rocketcam footage of this flight for their subscribers. Whats up with that footage going exclusively to some site? I didn't find that footage from youtube either....Couldn't figure out how to embed the YouTube vid so
it seems that the mentioned website also has all the rocketcam footage of this flight for their subscribers. Whats up with that footage going exclusively to some site? I didn't find that footage from youtube either....Couldn't figure out how to embed the YouTube vid so
http://youtu.be/4h9QfPSJ7qE