LIVE: Delta IV M+(5,2) - NROL-25 - April 3, 2012

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Saw someone did a launch poster for this launch out of VAFB.
Hmm.... Altair (a star that has been used for navigation at sea) + compass + the Summer Triangle (remember that trio (now duo) of satellites that roams the 1100 km, 63.4 deg. orbit?  ) + "location awareness sort and survey element" = NOSS? 

[William Graham]

I've suspected for some time that this one might be NOSS. Trumpet and SDS have launched on M+(4,2) configurations, and while NOSS launches have changed between Atlas configurations it was due to a flight profile issue and I find a switch from D-IVM+(4,2) to (5,2) would be unlikely due to the fact that the (5,2) offers reduced performance. The principal advantage of the (5,2) is a payload fairing which is both wider and longer than that of the (4,2).

I ran a few calculations a while back, and the usable length of the Delta's five metre fairing is slightly less than that of the smaller of the three five metre Atlas fairings. This suggests that FIAR, the only non-heavy NRO payload known to require a five metre fairing, would not be able to launch on Delta IV at all, since it requires a longer fairing. In the same way, NOSS launches on Atlas require the longest of the three four metre fairings, suggesting that they would not fit in the shorter Delta IV four metre fairing.

[William Graham]

These are the payload (left) and launch (right) patches. The rocket appears to have been named "Electra" - at least for NRO launches, the old practise of giving female names to rockets flying from Vandenberg has been revived. They used to give male names to rockets flying from Canaveral, I'm not sure whether that has been revived or not - the last few launches haven't, and while I originally thought NROL-38's Atlas had been named "Drake", it would appear that I was looking at the payload patch rather than the launch patch, so that is probably not the rocket's name.

[Skyrocket]

I ran a few calculations a while back, and the usable length of the Delta's five metre fairing is slightly less than that of the smaller of the three five metre Atlas fairings. This suggests that FIAR, the only non-heavy NRO payload known to require a five metre fairing, would not be able to launch on Delta IV at all, since it requires a longer fairing.

This is not correct: The usable length of the Delta IV 5m fairing is between the short and the medium version of the Atlas 5m fairing. Therefore it does not rule out FIA-R as the payload.

In the same way, NOSS launches on Atlas require the longest of the three four metre fairings, suggesting that they would not fit in the shorter Delta IV four metre fairing.

This is also not correct: NOSS on Atlas uses the medium version of the 4m fairing (EPF), not the longest (XEPF). The 4m Delta IV fairing is  comparable to the EPF in usable length, suggesting that a NOSS can fly in the 4m Delta version.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

SFN is quoting an official that the launch will occur in a period between 2:00 pm and 5:15 pm PDT on March 29 (21:00 - 00:15 UTC): http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d359/preview.html

Also check out ULA's cool mission sticker for this flight! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150714328980379&set=a.10150436579815379.408421.131613310378&type=3&theater

[Targeteer]

Previous NRO mission patches have provided subtle (sometimes not so subtle) hints to the identity of the payload.  I'll start the speculation...

Stars and the moon in the background indicating night--so maybe radar since it's a day/night capabilty?

The two horns stand out prominently so maybe the second of the type?

I'll leave the color of the horns for someone else to comment on

With the discussion of fairings above, the second FIA-R?

[kevin-rf]

With the discussion of fairings above, the second FIA-R?

Then why three bright stars?

[TheMightyM]

This will be the first flight of the Delta IV M+(5,2), so whatever the payload, it is presumably its first time on a Delta IV.

[david1971]

Viewing advice?

[robertross]

Previous NRO mission patches have provided subtle (sometimes not so subtle) hints to the identity of the payload.  I'll start the speculation...

Stars and the moon in the background indicating night--so maybe radar since it's a day/night capabilty?

The two horns stand out prominently so maybe the second of the type?

I'll leave the color of the horns for someone else to comment on

With the discussion of fairings above, the second FIA-R?

How about the dust turned up by the bull stomping on the 'Earth', even the 'blows' by the right hoof: seems to be more of a heavy handed 'penetrating' task (maybe to stomp out terrorism).

I even wonder if the shape of the ground gives anything away (but not likely)

With the evening sky I'm thinking thermal imaging.

The bull, meaning strength. The golden horns: that have something to do with radar 'horns', or for listening in on communications.

[Rocket Guy]

Viewing advice?

Surf Beach, 7 miles, will be the closest/best spot for this launch.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Viewing advice?

Jetty Park, Port restaurants (east end or west end, middle obscured by cement towers), road leading into air force station.  Depending on what you want to do while you wait.

Uhh..... this is from Vandenberg.... 

[Antares]

Uhh..... this is from Vandenberg.... 

I shouldn't post after that many margaritas 

[Ben the Space Brit]

Viewing advice?

Surf Beach, 7 miles, will be the closest/best spot for this launch.

I read somewhere that VAFB launches are typically clearly visible from Los Angeles.  Is that true?

[Jim]

I read somewhere that VAFB launches are typically clearly visible from Los Angeles.  Is that true?

Yep, Minuteman were visible in the daytime due to smoke trail.  Atlas red flame was visible at night.

[Jason1701]

Viewing advice?

Surf Beach, 7 miles, will be the closest/best spot for this launch.

I read somewhere that VAFB launches are typically clearly visible from Los Angeles.  Is that true?

Yes, I could easily see NPP from LA. The smoke from the two SRBs should make this launch easy to see as well.

[Art LeBrun]

Viewing advice?

Surf Beach, 7 miles, will be the closest/best spot for this launch.

I read somewhere that VAFB launches are typically clearly visible from Los Angeles.  Is that true?

Don't expect to see a Delta 4 in a bright sunny afternoon sky from LA.

[William Graham]

I find the apparent change of mission patch quite interesting. That or the Altair one was misidentified somewhere down the line (although that wouldn't explain the image in the first post of this thread).

Not sure why such a change would be made, even with the five year delay. Could just be to reflect changing styles of mission patch I suppose, or maybe there is some underlying reason.

[sdsds]

                  DELTA IV MEDIUM LAUNCH SCHEDULED
                    Vandenberg AFB News Release
                            2012 March 23

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg is scheduled to
launch a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium+ (5,2) rocket carrying
a national security payload at 3:30 p.m. March 29 from Space Launch
Complex-6 here.

Full press release at http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/launch-alert/2012-March/000727.html
Webcast:  www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml
Live Broadcast (all times Pacific Daylight Time):
BEGIN TRANSMISSION (BARS AND TONE) - 2:30 P.M.
BROADCAST START - 3:10 P.M.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Ted Molczan is betting on this launch as the launch of the second new generation radar satellite, after NROL-41 / USA-214.

http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Mar-2012/0179.html

[input~2]

NOTAM for Delta-IV debris drop zones

!CARF 03/149 (KZAK A1261/12)  ZAK AIRSPACE  DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1203 STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY  1602N/13614W 1622N/13643W 1839N/13502W 1819N/13433W WITHIN AN AREA BNDD  BY 2648N/12705W 2726N/12800W 2847N/12650W 2808N/12555W SFC-UNL WEF  1203292215-1203292334

                                          

[Jim]

Somebody have a protractor and measure the launch azimuth so we can figure out the inclination.

[input~2]

Somebody have a protractor and measure the launch azimuth so we can figure out the inclination.

Launch azimuth is 222°

[Jim]

Somebody have a protractor and measure the launch azimuth so we can figure out the inclination.

Launch azimuth is 222°

I get 123 inclination

[ChileVerde]

NOTAM for Delta-IV debris drop zones

!CARF 03/149 (KZAK A1261/12)  ZAK AIRSPACE  DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1203 STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY  1602N/13614W 1622N/13643W 1839N/13502W 1819N/13433W WITHIN AN AREA BNDD  BY 2648N/12705W 2726N/12800W 2847N/12650W 2808N/12555W SFC-UNL WEF  1203292215-1203292334

                                          

See http://www.zarya.info/Gallimaufry/FIARadar.php for a comparison with the FIA Radar 1 launch.

[Jim]

Somebody have a protractor and measure the launch azimuth so we can figure out the inclination.

Launch azimuth is 222°

I get 123 inclination

Which is like 57

[input~2]

Related navigational warning with 2 more danger zones closer to the coast

NAVAREA XII     76/2012(18,19,83). 
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 2200Z TO 0007Z COMMENCING
   DAILY 29 MAR THRU 02 APR IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 34-26N 120-42W, 34-30N 120-47W,
      34-37N 120-40W, 34-33N 120-35W.
   B. 33-37N 121-05W, 34-01N 121-40W,
      34-39N 121-02W, 34-15N 120-27W.
   C. 26-48N 127-05W, 27-26N 128-00W,
      28-47N 126-50W, 28-08N 125-55W.
   D. 16-02N 136-14W, 16-22N 136-43W,
      18-39N 135-02W, 18-19N 134-33W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 030107Z APR.

[William Graham]

I retract my previous statement, from those NOTAMs it is clearly FIA.

[Antares]

Have there been any NRO L EELV launches that have flown doglegs (final spacecraft orbit different from that determined by launch azimuth)?

[Chris Bergin]

ULA: The L-3 weather forecast shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.

[input~2]

Just to confirm Jim's value for inclination.

initial inclination = Arccos (sin(azimuth)cos(longitude(VAFB))= Arccos (sin(222°)cos(34.58°)) = 123°

BTW, according to Ted Molczan FIA-Radar-1 had the same initial inclination of 123°                      

[ChileVerde]

Just to confirm Jim's value for inclination.

initial inclination = Arccos (sin(azimuth)cos(longitude(VAFB))= Arccos (sin(222°)cos(34.58°)) = 123°

BTW, according to Ted Molczan FIA-Radar-1 had the same initial inclination of 123°                      

The operational orbit is also at 123° inclination:

FIA Radar 1                                                            1101 km x 1107 km
1 37162U 10046A   12081.12301292 0.00000050  00000-0  89496-4 0    00
2 37162 123.0023 355.2364 0004000 101.0106 258.9893 13.41459935    01

[input~2]

A new NOTAM has been issued for the same zones and timing one day later, i.e. on March 30, as a reserve date.

Edit: and now March 31 as a second reserve date

[david1971]

"Launch weather officers expect windy conditions Thursday, leading to a 70-percent likelihood the liftoff will be postponed. They expect conditions will worsen Friday — there’s a 90-percent chance that winds will scrub the launch attempt."

http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/secret-payload-launch-set-this-week/article_4c64171c-77d0-11e1-bd16-0019bb2963f4.html

I'm trying to plan around my son's spring break, if they don't get it off in the Thu/Fri window, what will they shoot for (will they take days off, or keep going until they can launch it)?

Is there a public website where I can track the launch weather probabilities?

[input~2]

This seems to be the danger zone corresponding to Delta IV second stage de-orbit referred to in the Seesat list

SECURITE
FM RCC AUSTRALIA 261325Z MAR 2012
NAVAREA X 007/12
HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS TO BE CONDUCTED FROM 0056 - 0139UTC DAILY COMMENCING 30 MAR TO  03 APR IN AREA BOUNDED BY
NE: 56 45S 93 00E SW: 57 45S 85 00E

[Chris Bergin]

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (March 28, 2012) – The launch of a Delta IV carrying a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office is delayed 24 hours. During close out for launch, the team observed an upper stage engine condition that will require additional time for review. The launch is set for Friday, March 30 from Space Launch Complex-6 at 3:38 p.m. PDT Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The weather forecast for March 30 shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.

[mmeijeri]

Have there been any NRO L EELV launches that have flown doglegs (final spacecraft orbit different from that determined by launch azimuth)?

What is the origin of the term dogleg? In what way is such a trajectory similar to a dog's leg? An MS Paint diagram would be welcomed...

[ChileVerde]

Have there been any NRO L EELV launches that have flown doglegs (final spacecraft orbit different from that determined by launch azimuth)?

What is the origin of the term dogleg? In what way is such a trajectory similar to a dog's leg? An MS Paint diagram would be welcomed...

It's when a launch vehicle changes heading/azimuth during powered ascent, producing a "bend" in the trajectory. Supposedly this looks like the bend at the lower joint in a dog's hind leg.

See
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4893/pslvtecsarlaunch.jpg
and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_launch

[mmeijeri]

It's when a launch vehicle changes heading/azimuth during powered ascent, producing a "bend" in the trajectory. Supposedly this looks like the bend at the lower joint in a dog's hind leg.

See
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/4893/pslvtecsarlaunch.jpg
and
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocket_launch

Thanks! Not a striking resemblance, but every profession gets to choose its own jargon.

[TheMightyM]

mmeijeri,

The term "dogleg" is also used to describe the layout of a hole on a golf course: http://golf.about.com/cs/golfterms/g/bldef_dogleg.htm

Many more people would be familiar with the term in that context. I would even guess that space flight took the term from golf.

[david1971]

ULA's Facebook page has announced a delay to Monday the 2nd due to issues with an upper stage engine.  Launch is scheduled for 4:04 p.m. local time.

[Chris Bergin]

And here's the ULA presser:

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (March 29, 2012) – The launch of a Delta IV carrying a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office is delayed until April 2 for the team to complete their assessment of an observation on the upper stage engine. The launch is planned for Monday, April 2 from Space Launch Complex-6 at 4:04 p.m. PDT Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

[spectre9]

Thanks for the update Chris. 

[input~2]

Raven drones scan area before Vandenberg rocket launches

[input~2]

Updated NOTAM

03/191 (A1334/12) - AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1203 STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 1602N/13614W 1622N/13643W 1839N/13502W 1819N/13433W WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 2648N/12705W 2726N/12800W 2847N/12650W 2808N/12555W SFC-UNL. 02 APR 15:49 2012 UNTIL 02 APR 16:59 2012. CREATED: 30 MAR 10:54 2012

Edit on March 31: This NOTAM has now been cancelled...

[Chris Bergin]

ULA:

The team has completed its assessment of an observation on the upper stage engine. The Delta IV NROL-25 launch is set for Monday, April 2 at 4:04 p.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The L-3 weather forecast shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch

[input~2]

New navigational warning

NAVAREA XII 81/2012 (18,19,83)
                 
EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 2234Z TO 0032Z COMMENCING
   DAILY 02 THRU 06 APR IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 34-26N 120-42W, 34-30N 120-47W,
      34-37N 120-40W, 34-33N 120-35W.
   B. 33-37N 121-05W, 34-01N 121-40W,
      34-39N 121-02W, 34-15N 120-27W.
   C. 26-48N 127-05W, 27-26N 128-00W,
      28-47N 126-50W, 28-08N 125-55W.
   D. 16-02N 136-14W, 16-22N 136-43W,
      18-39N 135-02W, 18-19N 134-33W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA XII 76/12.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 070132Z APR.

(292258Z MAR 2012)

[input~2]

New NOTAM

!CARF 03/196 ZAK AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1203  STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 1602N/13614W 1622N/13643W  1839N/13502W 1819N/13433W WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 2648N/12705W  2726N/12800W 2847N/12650W 2808N/12555W SFC-UNL WEF 1204022249-1204022359

[Chris Bergin]

ULA:

Everything is continuing to proceed for the Delta IV NROL-25 launch set for Monday, April 2 at 4:04 p.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The L-2 weather forecast continues to show a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. Satellite coordinates remain the same as previously distributed.

[input~2]

NOTAM for Delta IV 2nd stage de-orbit

F0856/12 - ROCKET FIRING WILL TAKE PLACE
SPACE DEBRIS WI LATERAL LIMITS S5645 E8500 / S5645 E9300 / 
S5745 E9300 / S5745 E8500. SFC - UNL, 1204030130 TO 1204030204 1204040130 TO
1204040204 1204050130 TO 1204050204 1204060130 TO 1204060204, 03 APR 01:30 2012
UNTIL 06 APR 02:04 2012. CREATED: 30 MAR 19:50 2012

[Chris Bergin]

ULA:

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (April 1, 2012) – The launch of a Delta IV carrying a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office is delayed until April 3. The team is continuing to review data from an observation on the upper stage engine and requires additional time to complete its final assessment prior to launch. The launch is now planned for Tuesday, April 3 from Space Launch Complex-6 at 4:12 p.m. PDT Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.

[Prober]

40% fav. Weather is about right.  Of late the upper winds must be very active, as near the ground they sure have been.

[david1971]

ULA's Facebook feed is now reporting a 60% chance for good weather tomorrow.  4:12 PDT launch.

[Ford Mustang]

Looks like we are going to try to launch today.  The issue with the upper stage has been cleared, and they are going to be retracting the Delta 4's gantry here shortly for a launch tonight (at 4:12pm PDT, 7:12pm EDT, 2312 GMT).

[Chris Bergin]

Moved for live coverage.

[Prober]

Does Vandenberg have a set of cams running & can the public view the page?

[Targeteer]

Does Vandenberg have a set of cams running & can the public view the page?

http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/index-vafb.html

We'll see if anything actually shows up...

[Targeteer]

Rollback pics showing the launcher at Spaceflightnow

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d359/gantry/

Those solids look tiny on Delta 4 compared to Atlas 5. They are the same ones correct?

[WHAP]

Rollback pics showing the launcher at Spaceflightnow

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d359/gantry/

Those solids look tiny on Delta 4 compared to Atlas 5. They are the same ones correct?

No, the Delta solids (made by ATK) are smaller than the Atlas ones (made by Aerojet).  According to Astronautix, there's only about a 5' difference in length.

[Chris Bergin]

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (April 3, 2012) - A United Launch Alliance Delta IV stands ready for launch at Space Launch Complex-6 with a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. Launch is scheduled for today at 4:12 p.m. PDT.


Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance

[Chris Bergin]

And another from Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance

[Prober]

Such a beautiful launch complex.   What is their stand on visitors for the launch?  Would enjoy seeing this in the future.

Maybe Jim would know this, can a person with a Security Clearance to get a better view of the launch?

[TFGQ]

what time does the webcast start?

[Chris Bergin]

what time does the webcast start?

About 15 mins before launch.

Two hours to launch at the moment.

[Ronsmytheiii]

what time does the webcast start?

About 15 mins before launch.

Two hours to launch at the moment.

And expect a webcast cutoff at about PLF sep, as it is a NRO launch.

[Chris Bergin]

ULA:

Everything is proceeding for the launch of NROL-25 from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The team is not currently working any technical issues that would prevent a launch this afternoon.

[Jim]

Such a beautiful launch complex.   What is their stand on visitors for the launch?  Would enjoy seeing this in the future.

Maybe Jim would know this, can a person with a Security Clearance to get a better view of the launch?

There is no real viewing area on the south base

[Chris Bergin]

Did I miss it, or is there no mission booklet for this launch?

[William Graham]

Did I miss it, or is there no mission booklet for this launch?

They haven't issued them the last few NRO launches.

[Targeteer]

There's sound--basically static--on the webcast but still no picture.

[Chris Bergin]

A very meaty launch preview article by William Graham that you all should read ahead of launch:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/live-ula-delta-iv-launch-nrol-25-military-satellite-vafb/

[Chris Bergin]

Five minutes to the webcast:
http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Webcast.shtml

[Chris Bergin]

Also, any VLC wizards out there with a workable address for this stream would be nice (I know, it's Flash). Copy and paste into MS Paint isn't the fastest

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

Covering starting.

[Ronsmytheiii]

I cant hear anything, is it just me?

[Mapperuo]

Fun, Webcast appears to be 4:3 cameras in a 16:9 feed in a 4:3 webcast making it not fill my screen.. Pff.

[Chris Bergin]

Don Spencer commentating.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Chris Bergin]

Weather is green.

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Rahkashi]

Looks like their going to end the webcast after fairing separation confirmation.

[Chris Bergin]

Looks like their going to end the webcast after fairing separation confirmation.

Yeah, usual for the NROL missions. And although the graphics will show the payload, it won't be a representation of what it actually looks like (always catches people out).

[Ronsmytheiii]

[Rahkashi]

So it will basically be a grey block?

[Chris Bergin]

Just some generic satellite graphic.....just like this!

[Ronsmytheiii]

So it will basically be a grey block?

looks like it:

[Chris Bergin]

Always a nice touch:

[Chris Bergin]

Great work by a nine year old!

[Chris Bergin]

L-10 mins.

[Rahkashi]

Always a nice touch:

In no way do I mean to be disrespectful, but doesn't it seem like they honor a passed worker at every launch?

[William Graham]

Event times given in the video, which should be a little more accurate than the ones I had to hand when I wrote the launch article:

Mach 1: T+50 seconds
MaxQ: T+59 seconds
SRM burnout: T+94 seconds
SRM sep: T+100 seconds
Fairing sep: T+201 seconds (before staging)

[Chris Bergin]

Yes.

L-9 mins

[Chris Bergin]

Polling to come out of the T-4 mins BIH shortly.

[Chris Bergin]

Polling is GO.

[robertross]

Always a nice touch:

In no way do I mean to be disrespectful, but doesn't it seem like they honor a passed worker at every launch?

'unfortunately' is the best response one can give to that

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Always a nice touch:

In no way do I mean to be disrespectful, but doesn't it seem like they honor a passed worker at every launch?

Seems to be so, actually a pretty nice touch for the ULA team as a whole.

Polling - all GO for launch.

[Rahkashi]

Go for launch!

I am not saying its a bad thing (I actually think it's nice), I just find it odd that they have so many employees passing away.

[Chris Bergin]

Two minutes to terminal count.

[Chris Bergin]

T-4 minutes and counting!

[Chris Bergin]

Prop tank securing in work.

[Rahkashi]

Members of the USAF actually are flight controllers?

[Ford Mustang]

[Chris Bergin]

Tanks pressed, flight level.

[Ford Mustang]

T-2 minutes.  Looking good.

[Chris Bergin]

T-120 seconds.

[Ford Mustang]

T-60 seconds.

[Chris Bergin]

Range is green

[Ford Mustang]

T-30 seconds.

[Chris Bergin]

T-30. Green board.

[Ford Mustang]

LAUNCH!

[Ford Mustang]

[Chris Bergin]

LAUNCH!!

[Ford Mustang]

Performance nominal.

[Ford Mustang]

Max-Q.

[Chris Bergin]

[Chris Bergin]

MaxQ!

[Ford Mustang]

SRM Burnout, jettison!

[Chris Bergin]

Solids burnout and sep!

[Chris Bergin]

T+2 mins. Good first stage performance.

[Ford Mustang]

1 minute until fairing sep.  Data looks good.

[Chris Bergin]

Fairing Jettion.

[Chris Bergin]

And that's the end of coverage as it's a NROL mission.

[Ford Mustang]

Webcast ending (due do customer request).

[Ford Mustang]

Liftoff replay:

[Galactic Penguin SST]

I wondered how come the NRO approved the coverage of the whole mission back on NROL-22 in 2006. 

[Chris Bergin]

Got to love those angry RS-68s at ignition!

[robertross]

Got to love those angry RS-68s at ignition!

Would have been better if the feed didn't cut out right after that as they switched camera angles, including on the replay. Ughh.

Oh well. A successful launch is what matters.

[TJL]

Why haven't the Delta Launch Vehicle numbers been displayed on this (359) and the previuos vehicle (358)?

[Chris Bergin]

Thanks to Ron and Steven for help with the coverage. Here's William Graham's excellent launch article, post launch:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/04/live-ula-delta-iv-launch-nrol-25-military-satellite-vafb/

[klausd]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/GddkD1UH5tE&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/GddkD1UH5tE&rel=1</a>

[Antares]

Members of the USAF actually are flight controllers?

Depends on what you're talking about.  At Air Force ranges (Cape and Vandenberg) the only people who can command the rockets (and there's only one command) - who are the same people who would have destroyed a Shuttle if necessary - are USAF.  In the case of an Air Force launch, they are also part of the launch management team (go/no-go) and government technical insight team.

[Jim]

Go for launch!

I am not saying its a bad thing (I actually think it's nice), I just find it odd that they have so many employees passing away.

It is not just ULA employees, but customers too, USAF, NRO, NASAT, etc.

[Jim]

Why haven't the Delta Launch Vehicle numbers been displayed on this (359) and the previuos vehicle (358)?

I've wondered the same. 

One possibility is that, since Delta numbering is an old NASA-Goddard/McDonnell Douglas tradition dating from 1960, the end of Delta 2 (last of the Thor-Delta family) has left the program bereft of those who carried the tradition forward.   

Another possibility is that it is a simple ULA cost-cutting move partly tied to the post-Delta 2 RIF.  I wonder if we will see the "AV" numbers end on Atlas 5 as well.

Note that visible Ariane numbering was discontinued some time ago.  I don't think that Falcon 9 carries a visible tail number, nor do most other big rockets nowadays - at least nothing beyond small "nameplate" type serial numbers.

 - Ed Kyle

The AV numbers are tail numbers and not sequential flight numbers. They have an actual purpose

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Did something went wrong with this launch? It's almost two hours since the launch and there's no presser. (back on NROL-41 the presser came out within 20 minutes of the launch) Unless, of course, the bird's going out of LEO.... 

[Art LeBrun]

Into the 1980s, back when Goddard ran the program, Delta also used actual "tail numbers", with some flights out of sequence.  Perhaps ULA will transition Delta 4 back to that system?  (I would applaud. )

 - Ed Kyle
[/quote]

If "they" would always distribute/sell photos with the ID then we could do without numbers. But, hey, I like numbers even when the press/PAO doesn't think the rocket has an identity of its own.

[Ronsmytheiii]

ULA posted a launch image to FB:

https://www.facebook.com/ulalaunch

[kevin-rf]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/GddkD1UH5tE&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/GddkD1UH5tE&rel=1</a>

Thanks, had to miss the excitement in order to visit my grandmother tonight. I was good, I did not check my smart phone until after the visit.

[Chris Bergin]

Sorry about the presser delay, that was my fault:

United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office

 

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (April 3, 2012) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-6 here at 4:12 p.m. PDT today. Designated NROL-25, the mission is in support of national defense.

            "Congratulations to the NRO and to all the mission partners involved in this critical national security launch,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “ULA is proud to have supported this mission and delivered critical capabilities to the men and women defending our freedom throughout the world. 

            NROL-25 represents the first of five National Security Space missions that will be launched by the EELV program over the next four months - including four NRO missions along with the upcoming AEHF-2 launch.

This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Medium-plus 5,2 configuration vehicle, using a ULA single common booster core powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with two Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors. The five-meter diameter upper stage was powered by a PWR RL10B-2 engine with the satellite encapsulated in a five-meter diameter composite payload fairing.  This was the first launch of this Delta IV vehicle configuration.

Developed by the United States Air Force to assure access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads, the EELV Program supports the full range of government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and providing significant cost savings over the heritage launch systems. 

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V AEHF-2 mission for the U.S. Air Force scheduled in early May from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

ULA program management, engineering, test, and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo.  Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

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

[jacqmans]

News Release Issued: April 3, 2012 11:15 PM EDT

ATK Helps Launch National Security Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office
ATK Contributions to the Launch of the NROL-25 Payload Include Propulsion, Composite, and Propulsion Component Technologies
ARLINGTON, Va., April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) composite and propulsion technologies supported the successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.

ATK's two 70-foot long, 60-inch-diameter Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM) ignited at liftoff, burned for 90 seconds, and provided 560,000 pounds of thrust to help deliver the payload to orbit.

ATK designed and produced the nozzle for the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne-built RS-68 first stage engine – the largest hydrogen-powered engine in the world – as well as the nozzle's thermal protection material, which is capable of shielding it from the extreme heat of launch when external temperatures can exceed 4,000 F. The nozzle is manufactured at ATK's Promontory, Utah, facility.

ATK supplied nine key composite structures for the Delta IV Medium plus (5,2) launch vehicle including the interstage, centerbody, thermal shield and an LO2 skirt. The payload is encapsulated by a composite payload fairing, along with required hardware for payload integration.

The composite structures are five meters in diameter and range from one to fifteen meters in length and are produced at the ATK manufacturing facility in Iuka, Miss., with additional hardware produced at the Clearfield, Utah facility.

ATK's Commerce, Calif., facility manufactures the Upper Stage Reaction Control System (RCS) propellant tank assembly, which uses an elastomeric diaphragm to dampen fluid motion and limit the shifting of the propellant's center of gravity. It is the current industry standard for launch vehicle RCS tank needs in the United States and has been flight-proven on Delta and Atlas launch vehicles; the Space Shuttle fleet; and interplanetary spacecraft including Pioneer, Voyager, and CASSINI.

ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

[Ben the Space Brit]

Meanwhile, at the Loony Toons end of launch coverage, the Daily Mail is trying to hype up the end of the webcast after PLF sep as a cover-up, scandal and murky governmental conspiracy.

Read for laffs

[Targeteer]

Amateur observers have spotted the payload in a 1076 X 1100 km orbit inclined 123 degrees, right where they expected it as FIA 2

http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2012/0041.html

[ChileVerde]

Amateur observers have spotted the payload in a 1076 X 1100 km orbit inclined 123 degrees, right where they expected it as FIA 2

http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2012/0041.html

A tracking page using orbital elements derived from radio observations of the S-band beacon on the satellite and pre-launch information is at http://www.satflare.com/track.php?q=temp_12D04A.

[kevin-rf]

Meanwhile, at the Loony Toons end of launch coverage, the Daily Mail is trying to hype up the end of the webcast after PLF sep as a cover-up, scandal and murky governmental conspiracy.

Read for laffs

We should report you to Chris for posting such trash

[Chris Bergin]

Meanwhile, at the Loony Toons end of launch coverage, the Daily Mail is trying to hype up the end of the webcast after PLF sep as a cover-up, scandal and murky governmental conspiracy.

Read for laffs

There's a reason it's known as the Daily Fail

[Lurker Steve]

Their comment section is almost as funny as some of the posts on this forum:

Oh, it's probably nothing. You have to remember, America is not known for paranoia, aggression and dealing in horrible ways to kidnap, torture and kill people and then evade blame through a convoluted legal system which has been bought off with stolen money. Far from it - America is known for its paintings, its humour, and its devotion to spiritual ideals and physical health and wellbeing.

[Terry Rocket]

Their comment section is almost as funny as some of the posts on this forum:

That's probably the most insulting thing you could possibly say about this site. But I'll see your Daily Mail (crap paper) example and raise you Fox News' comment section.

[Lurker Steve]

Their comment section is almost as funny as some of the posts on this forum:

That's probably the most insulting thing you could possibly say about this site. But I'll see your Daily Mail (crap paper) example and raise you Fox News' comment section.

But I really enjoyed when Chris replaced a couple of threads last week with an entertaining YouTube video. I was almost looking forward to the next flame war, just to see what he would come up with next.

I don't read Fox News, but most public forums are full of their share of loons. Yahoo, CNN, WSJ, it doesn't matter where you go.

Back on topic. Those GEMS sure look small compared to the Delta IV core. It's like a mini-Cooper strapped to the side of double-trailer semi load.

[Satori]

Did anyone managed to catch the exact launch time for this launch (2312:XX.XXXUTC)?

[Satori]

Did anyone managed to catch the exact launch time for this launch (2312:XX.XXXUTC)?

Already got it... 2312:57.278UTC!

[Ben the Space Brit]

Back on topic. Those GEMS sure look small compared to the Delta IV core. It's like a mini-Cooper strapped to the side of double-trailer semi load.

It's just a function of their performance - they burn for a fairly short time and aren't the titanic power-houses that the SS-RSRMs were.  They're thus a lot smaller, relative to the vehicle.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

Probably the best BGM choice by ULA for their launch videos for some time. 

[kevin-rf]

Here's a thought on the "why" of the 123 degree retrograde inclination.  Few, if any, other launch sites in the world can go to this orbit under normal conditions.  That should make NROL-25, and its siblings, less vulnerable to an "unfriendly rendezvous". 

 - Ed Kyle

Somewhere in the threads, or maybe it was Ted Molczan on seesat it was pointed out the type of radar theorized to be used by NROL-25 worked better the higher the ground speed under the radar. In retrograde going against the earths rotation is the highest ground speed you can achieve.

[DeanG1967]

Here's a thought on the "why" of the 123 degree retrograde inclination.  Few, if any, other launch sites in the world can go to this orbit under normal conditions.  That should make NROL-25, and its siblings, less vulnerable to an "unfriendly rendezvous". 

 - Ed Kyle

Somewhere in the threads, or maybe it was Ted Molczan on seesat it was pointed out the type of radar theorized to be used by NROL-25 worked better the higher the ground speed under the radar. In retrograde going against the earths rotation is the highest ground speed you can achieve.

I read that, and it may be true, fractionally, but I'm not sure I'm completely ready to accept it as *the* reason. 

The speed differential varies by inclination, for example, lessening the effect in places where it is likely most needed, etc.  If ground speed was key, wouldn't the satellite be at lower altitude?  Etc. 

I'm not saying that I think my explanation is *the* reason either!

 - Ed Kyle

Higher allows longer look times.  Faster relative ground speed (or more importantly LOS) means faster creation of high resolution maps or HRMs(read Stimpsons radar book).  So, longer time looking at an area but faster maps = more overall area covered by HRMs.

[Antares]

123 retro = 57 posi (for the conjunction argument, not for the mapping one)

[kevin-rf]

57 deg inclination co-planer is going to be traveling the opposite direction, which makes rendezvous impossible.

 - Ed Kyle

Depends on what kind of rendezvous you desire I guess...

[ugordan]

Depends on what kind of rendezvous you desire I guess...

Well, if you want *that* kind of a rendezvous, you're not really limited to coplanar orbits... 

[ChileVerde]

Ted Molczan has posted orbital elements for FIA Radar 2 based on various radio and optical observations since launch:

FIA Radar 2                                                                           1077 X 1098 km
1 38109U 12014A   12095.90502001  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    06
2 38109 122.9918 220.2204 0014365 198.2254 161.8194 13.45749933    05

These may be compared to FIA Radar 1 elements of a week ago:

FIA Radar 1                                                                      1101 km x 1107 km
1 37162U 10046A   12088.12830512 0.00000050  00000-0  89494-4 0    07
2 37162 122.9963  16.9727 0004000  85.6070 274.3929 13.41461636    06

One expects a bit of tweaking over the next days as the orbit is adjusted by the operators and additional observations come in.

OB Delta IV: It performed pretty well to deliver the satellite where it should be so quickly.

[Antares]

123 retro = 57 posi (for the conjunction argument, not for the mapping one)

57 deg inclination co-planer is going to be traveling the opposite direction, which makes rendezvous impossible.

I was thinking about collision not RDZ.

[yg1968]

Here is the complete launch coverage video:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/KBPreaRcvtI&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/KBPreaRcvtI&rel=1</a>

[Jason1701]

Is there a video without the 5-second blackout at liftoff?