LIVE: Delta II - GPS-IIR - August 17, 2009

[jacqmans]

Title: Final Lockheed Martin-Built Modernized GPS IIR Satellite to Liftoff From Cape Canaveral



CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- The last in a series of eight modernized Global Positioning System Block IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellites built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for the U.S. Air Force is set to launch aboard a Delta II rocket on Aug. 17 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The spacecraft, designated GPS IIR-21(M), completes the IIR and IIR-M series of satellites the company designed and built for the Global Positioning Systems Wing, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. Modernized spacecraft deliver increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals to improve accuracy, enhanced encryption and anti-jamming capabilities for the military, and a second civil signal that will provide users with an open access signal on a different frequency.

"The team has once again completed a smooth and efficient launch readiness review and we are ready for flight," said Col. Dave Madden, the U.S. Air Force GPS Wing Commander. "Through effective collaboration and a joint commitment to successful execution, the GPS IIR program has significantly improved our nation's position, navigation and timing capabilities, and we look forward to enhancing the GPS constellation with this last IIR-M satellite."

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Newtown, Pa., and its navigation and payload provider ITT of Clifton, N.J. designed and built 21 IIR satellites and subsequently modernized eight of those spacecraft.

"Since the first successful launch in 1997, GPS IIR spacecraft have demonstrated unmatched capability, achieving exceptional on-orbit performance for military and civil users around the globe," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "We are extremely proud of our partnership with the Air Force on this important program and look forward to providing increased GPS accuracy and reliability with the launch of the final GPS IIR-M satellite."

GPS provides essential services including situational awareness and precision weapon guidance for the military. It is also an information resource supporting a wide range of civil, scientific and commercial functions -- from air traffic control to the Internet -- with precision location and timing information. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

Building upon a legacy of providing progressively advanced GPS spacecraft, Lockheed Martin along with ITT Corporation and General Dynamics are developing the next generation of global positioning satellites, designated GPS III. This program will improve position, navigation and timing services for the warfighter and civil users worldwide.

The team is progressing on-schedule in the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase of the program and is on track to launch the first GPS IIIA satellite in 2014.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Media Contacts: Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531; e-mail,
[email protected]
Samantha Un, 408-742-3516; e-mail, [email protected]


SOURCE: Lockheed Martin

NOTE TO EDITORS: for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of GPS,
please visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/gps/

[edkyle99]

This will be the final launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. 

Thor 104 was first from Pad 17A.  It lifted off on a suborbital missile development flight, the most successful up to that time, on August 30, 1957 (see photo).  [EDIT] Delta 343 will be the 161st launch [/EDIT] from Complex 17A, which has been dedicated to the Delta program since 1960. 

Pad 17A hosted the first U.S. deep space (lunar orbit) launch attempts by Thor Able in 1958.  It handled the first 10 Thor-Delta launches, and processed the likes of Echo 1A, the U.K.'s Ariel 1, the first Intelsats, Pioneers, Explorers, Tiros, ESSA, and GOES weather satellites, Orbiting Solar Observatories, comsats too numerous to name, Solar Max, the first Delta II GPS launch in 1989, Mars Global Surveyor, Stardust, Mars Odyssey, MER-A (the Spirit rover), Mars Phoenix lander, and on and on.

The first launch I saw in person lifted off from 17A. 

I know there are reasons, and probably very good ones, to shut it down, but I'm going to be stubborn and insist that terminating a successful program - a core element of U.S. space launch since the very beginning - that has served not only the U.S., but other nations so long and well is a mistake.

To those who are working their final days on the program - thank you for a job performed far in excess of "well done".  Watching Delta fly has been a great space age privilege.

 - Ed Kyle

[William Graham]

Delta 342 will be something like the 159th-ish launch from Complex 17A, which has been dedicated to the Delta program since 1960. 

I believe it will be the 161^st launch from the pad, and the 145^th to orbit.

I hope they give SLC-17A a send-off like ILS did when they shut down SLC-36.

[HIPAR]

Here's the history of the Block II Replenishment GPS satellites.

 Launch                           Launch
   Order       PRN   SVN       Date         
-----------------------------------------------------------------

       IIR-1            42     17 JAN 1997
       IIR-2      13   43     23 JUL 1997   
       IIR-3      11   46     07 OCT 1999
       IIR-4      20   51     11 MAY 2000   
       IIR-5      28   44     16 JUL 2000 
       IIR-6      14   41     10 NOV 2000
       IIR-7      18   54     30 JAN 2001
       IIR-8      16   56     29 JAN 2003
       IIR-9      21   45     31 MAR 2003
       IIR-10    22   47     21 DEC 2003
       IIR-11    19   59     20 MAR 2004
       IIR-12    23   60     23 JUN 2004
       IIR-13    02   61     06 NOV 2004
       IIR-14M  17   53     26 SEP 2005
       IIR-15M  31   52     25 SEP 2006
       IIR-16M  12   58     17 NOV 2006
       IIR-17M  15   55     17 OCT 2007
       IIR-18M  29   57     20 DEC 2007
       IIR-19M  07   48     15 MAR 2008
       IIR-20M  01   49     24 MAR 2009

GPS IIR-1 was destroyed when its Delta II launcher exploded shortly after liftoff.

GPS IIR-20M is broadcasting errant signals.  The signals are 'within tolerance' but are 'out of family' with respect to the satellite error of the other IIR - IIRM space vehicles.  The GPS Wing has not set this satellite usable.  All other IIR satellites are working well.

In addition to the legacy signals,  M satellites can transmit several 'modernized' signals.

Presently, GPS IIR-21M is the last new satellite available for constellation sustainably.  Delivery of GPS IIF (Follow-on) space vehicles is behind schedule.  A IIF satellite delivered to the Cape earlier this year, is not a flyable space vehicle.

The Air Force is not very 'talkative' about that IIF procurement but they contend one will finally be launched next year.

The General Accounting office has cited the unavailability of new satellites as a cause for concern about the viability of the NAVSTAR system.

---  CHAS

[edkyle99]

Delta 342 will be something like the 159th-ish launch from Complex 17A, which has been dedicated to the Delta program since 1960. 

I believe it will be the 161^st launch from the pad, and the 145^th to orbit.

Those numbers look good.  They match JCM's list.

 - Ed Kyle

[William Graham]

Delta 342 will be something like the 159th-ish launch from Complex 17A, which has been dedicated to the Delta program since 1960. 

I believe it will be the 161^st launch from the pad, and the 145^th to orbit.

Those numbers look good.  They match JCM's list.

 - Ed Kyle

That is one of the sources that I got my data from.

[robertross]

This will be the final launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. 

 - Ed Kyle

I bet there will be some emotional moments for some when this happens...

[HIPAR]

The GPS IIRM-21 mission patch proclaims '1 SLS -END OF AN ERA'.  Perhaps someone familiar with launch operations at Patrick AFB can explain what '1 SLS' is.

http://ulalaunch.com/launch/GPSIIR-21/GPSIIR-21logo.png

There are twenty stars probably symbolizing the the twenty (hopefully) Block IIR NAVSTAR satellites orbited by the Delta II.

Perhaps someone can explain the significance of AD and ASTRA.  I thought Astra might refer to General Electric Space Systems who received the satellite contract in 1989 but research on the web leads me to believe the GE space division was called 'Astro'.  Perhaps it's a reference to those who process the payloads.

---  CHAS

[edkyle99]

Perhaps someone can explain the significance of AD and ASTRA. 

"Ad Astra", in Latin, means "to the stars" or "toward the heavens", etc.

"Ad Astra" is also the name of the National Space Society's magazine. 
http://www.nss.org/adastra/

 - Ed Kyle

[Jim]

The GPS IIRM-21 mission patch proclaims '1 SLS -END OF AN ERA'.  Perhaps someone familiar with launch operations at Patrick AFB can explain what '1 SLS' is.

1st Space Launch Squadron.  A little value added USAF group.  Delta was launched before without them and will be continued to be launched without them

[cd-slam]

This will be the final launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. 

 - Ed Kyle

There is one more Delta II launch from Cape Canaveral after the current two, the GRAIL mission in September 2011. I take it this has already been assigned to SLC-17B?

[Jim]

This will be the final launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A. 

 - Ed Kyle

There is one more Delta II launch from Cape Canaveral after the current two, the GRAIL mission in September 2011. I take it this has already been assigned to SLC-17B?

It is a DII heavy

[HIPAR]

From the Spaceflight Now Launch Schedule at:

http://spaceflightnow.com/tracking/index.html

Sept. 15/16     Delta 2  •  STSS Demo
Launch window: 0043-0143 GMT on 16th (8:43-9:43 p.m. EDT on 15th)
Launch site: SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

The United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket will launch the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS) technology demonstration mission for the Missile Defense Agency. NASA will oversee the launch. The rocket will fly in the 7920 vehicle configuration. Delayed from Nov. 25, 2007, April, July 16, Nov. 1, Nov. 20, 2008, Jan. 23, June and July 29. [July 20]


NASA get's the Delta II launch 'honers' for the STSS (DoD) satellite.  How does a NASA overseen Delta II launch for the DoD differ from an Air Force run GPS Delta II satellite launch?  How are the 'honers' assigned?

---  CHAS
 

[Targeteer]

The GPS IIRM-21 mission patch proclaims '1 SLS -END OF AN ERA'.  Perhaps someone familiar with launch operations at Patrick AFB can explain what '1 SLS' is.

1st Space Launch Squadron.  A little value added USAF group.  Delta was launched before without them and will be continued to be launched without them

What a surprise a USAF (Space) Group that adds little value Since I'm a Blue Suiter I feel its fair to say this is not the only one and unfortunately more are being created everyday.  It could be worse, they could all still be running around in blue flight suits because they "fly" satellites.

[Jim]

How are the 'honers' assigned?

by whom ever buys the rocket.

[edkyle99]

A glimpse of Delta 343 on Pad 17A today.

 - Ed Kyle

[Chris Bergin]

ULA PAO Mike:

the Launch Readiness Review for the Delta II GPS IIR-21 launch was held today and the mission director gave a “GO” for launch.  The launch team is working towards an Aug. 17, 6:35 a.m. EDT time and there is currently a 70 percent chance of acceptable weather for launch.  The window stretches from 6:35-6:49 a.m. EDT and if we scrub a second launch attempt will be held Aug. 18, 6:31-6:45 a.m. EDT.  Remote camera set up is still set for Sunday, 1000-Noon and please meet at the Space X parking lot at the front of CCAFS.

[Art LeBrun]

Changing of the guard: Space X parking lot...........

[DaveS]

Anyone know when they plan to roll the MST to launch position?

[edkyle99]

Anyone know when they plan to roll the MST to launch position?

The previous GPS launch took place during the early dawn hours, like this one.  Its MST rollback occurred during sundown, approximately, the previous evening.

 - Ed Kyle