LIVE: Atlas V - PAN - September 8, 09

[Zond]

This launch is currently scheduled to happen in July. Anybody know what PAN is and for who ULA is launching this?

[bobthemonkey]

Only thing listed for A-V in July is a DSMP flight.

[GW_Simulations]

This launch is currently scheduled to happen in July. Anybody know what PAN is and for who ULA is launching this?

Nobody seems to know much about this one. What we do know is:
 • Launch is scheduled for 17 July, 20:02-23:02 GMT
 • Launch will be from LC-41 at Cape Canaveral
 • An Atlas V 401 configuration will be used
 • WFF is not currently listed for tracking, combined with window this suggests a GTO launch.
 • It only appeared on the schedule a few months before its scheduled launch date
 • It was originally listed as an "Atlas V Launch Opportunity"
 • The satellite has been described by the media (who I do not trust) as being a classified defence payload

Only thing listed for A-V in July is a DSMP flight.

The DMSP has slipped to August.

[bobthemonkey]

Hmmm...at a guess it may be a Mitex follow-on; some kind of on orbit inspection re. DSP 23.

[GW_Simulations]

"PAN" probably stands for something. If we could work out what, it would probably give us a better chance.

Any guesses?

[McDew]

"PAN" probably stands for something. If we could work out what, it would probably give us a better chance.

Any guesses?

Don't laugh and not that it will actually help, it actually stands for "Pick A Name".

[yinzer]

"PAN" probably stands for something. If we could work out what, it would probably give us a better chance.

Any guesses?

Don't laugh and not that it will actually help, it actually stands for "Pick A Name".

That is fantastic.  I commend whoever came up with that, and wish the flight the best of luck.

[Analyst]

So what kind of payload will this be?

Analyst

[kch]

"PAN" probably stands for something. If we could work out what, it would probably give us a better chance.

Any guesses?

Don't laugh and not that it will actually help, it actually stands for "Pick A Name".

That is fantastic.  I commend whoever came up with that, and wish the flight the best of luck.

Works for me!  Just hope this doesn't become a habit -- we could have a PAN-demic on our hands ...

[Jos]

Secret PAN satellite leads Cape milspace launch surge
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n0905/26milspace/

[kevin-rf]

"PAN" probably stands for something. If we could work out what, it would probably give us a better chance.

Any guesses?

Don't laugh and not that it will actually help, it actually stands for "Pick A Name".

Someone smarter than me made the following observation :

you know, PAN also translates from the greek as "all" -- pantheon == temple to all gods, pandemic == worldwide epidemic

Of course she is very anti-space...

[GW_Simulations]

Launch has slipped to 4 August, same window.

[Eerie]

Anybody know what PAN is and for who ULA is launching this?

Yes. But if I tell, I`ll have to kill you.

[pm1823]

Anybody know what PAN is and for who ULA is launching this?

Yes. But if I tell, I`ll have to kill you.

Wow, you force me to think - PAN have electronic warfare that can kill anyone by Internet address. 

[kevin-rf]

Anybody know what PAN is and for who ULA is launching this?

Yes. But if I tell, I`ll have to kill you.

Wow, you force me to think - PAN have electronic warfare that can kill anyone by Internet address. 

ALL you IP's belong to us. Now we know