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

[DaveS]

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

Thanks Ed!

[LostInSpace]

Tower is lit but not retracted yet.

[HIPAR]

Tower is lit but not retracted yet.

Round About Midnight 

---  CHS

[jan_carlo_bascu]

is it the final Delta II rocket launch by USAF (from CCAFS and VAFB)? not for ULA or NASA obviously

[LostInSpace]

Surely not staying awake that late ;-)   yawn

Anyone know why there are only 2 dates mentioned for launch attempts?  I had assumed it was due to Atlas getting the range but that's no longer the case? 
Recycle time?  Low scrub probability? 

Launch Weather Forecast
http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-071220-067.pdf

[LostInSpace]

The tower is retracting.  Good evening Delta II.

[jan_carlo_bascu]

[HIPAR]

is it the final Delta II rocket launch by USAF (from CCAFS and VAFB)? not for ULA or NASA obviously

The Delta II launch schedule I saw includes a Missile Launch Detection satellite later this year.  That's a Missile Defense Agency satellite that NASA will send off for the US DoD.  Sometime during 2011 NASA will fly the final Delta II from the Cape.

Oh, I see they about to move the service tower.

---  CHAS

[edkyle99]

is it the final Delta II rocket launch by USAF (from CCAFS and VAFB)? not for ULA or NASA obviously

It is the last Delta II for the Air Force.  The remaining launches are for NASA or commercial customers.  NASA is managing the STSS launch even though it is a joint NASA/DoD mission.

This is the last launch currently scheduled from SLC 17A.  It will be the final launch from that pad barring a new contract.  Only two additional Cape Delta II launches remain on the schedule after this one, in addition to five from Vandenberg.

 - Ed Kyle

[jan_carlo_bascu]

is it the final Delta II rocket launch by USAF (from CCAFS and VAFB)? not for ULA or NASA obviously

It is the last Delta II for the Air Force.  The remaining launches are for NASA or commercial customers.  NASA is managing the STSS launch even though it is a joint NASA/DoD mission.

This is the last launch currently scheduled from SLC 17A.  It will be the final launch from that pad barring a new contract.  Only two additional Cape Delta II launches remain on the schedule after this one, in addition to five from Vandenberg.

 - Ed Kyle

Thanks Ed Kyle for your answer! =)

[Chris Bergin]

Moved for live coverage.

[Chris Bergin]

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Aug. 16) - A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket sits poised to launch the Air Force’s Global Positioning System IIR-21 satellite from Space Launch Complex 17A.  The schedule launch is set for 6:35 a.m. EDT with a 14 minute window.  This is the last of the GPS IIR series and will be the 49th and last launch of a GPS satellite on a Delta II rocket.  Photo by Carleton Bailie, United Launch Alliance

[dave k]

Tower rollback

[Chris Bergin]

ULA Resources:

[Chris Bergin]

Last GPS IIR satellite to launch on final SLC-17A Delta II:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/08/live-last-gps-iir-satellite-launch-on-final-slc-17a-delta-ii/ - William Graham.

[DaveS]

T-150 minutes and holding for 60 minutes. Terminal Countdown will commence at 3:35 am EDT.

[elmarko]

Is there a way to watch the early pre-launch stuff without waiting for the ULA webcast?

I seem to remember there's some NASA links for unmanned launches from the Cape?

Edit: And do they have audio?


Edit 2: http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/ ?

[boostincoyote]

This is my first working launch! Been on console since about midnight.

Everything going smoothly so far.

RP-1 loading should be just about finished. With L02 loading commencing around 8:50GMT.

I think spaceflightnow.com has a live update page.

[butters]

Webcast will be here starting at 6:15AM EDT:

http://ulalaunch.com/DeltaII_GPSIIR-21.html

But until then, why broadcast a splash image and an annoying high-pitched tone at 700kbps when it doesn't cost any more bandwidth to broadcast a webcam feed of the vehicle on the pad?

[Targeteer]

"Around one hour and forty seven minutes after launch, the second stage will restart for a third burn. This will be a propellant depletion burn, lasting approximately thirty two seconds, and will lower the stage’s orbit to speed up its orbital decay, so that it reenters the atmosphere sooner rather than later."

32 seconds worth of fuel (vernier burn?) seems like a lot of "oomph" to leave in the upper stage.  Good to hear they're trying to clean up the lower atmosphere by hastening the re-entry burn but can anyone shed light on leaving that much fuel in an upper stage?

[William Graham]

L-30 minutes and counting, T-15 minutes and holding

[William Graham]

Polling underway

[Chris Bergin]

We can hear polling in the background.

[William Graham]

Go to resume count

[William Graham]

T-12 minutes and counting, 22 minutes away from launch.

[William Graham]

Webcast starting

[William Graham]

No issues being worked.

[Chris Bergin]

Webcast running. No issues being worked.

[Chris Bergin]

Coming up on the hold at T-4 mins

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

Today's passenger:

[William Graham]

Weather is go.

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

Homage to the Delta II.

[William Graham]

T-4 minutes and holding, 10 minute built in hold.
L-14 minutes and counting,

[Chris Bergin]

[William Graham]

Launch is dedicated to Jim Harnage, according to a plaque on the tower.

[William Graham]

Polling underway

Eight minutes away from launch

[Chris Bergin]

As above...

[Chris Bergin]

Poll is GO to come out of the hold.

[Satori]

[William Graham]

Final poll underway

[William Graham]

Go for launch.

[Chris Bergin]

Apologies, that was a seperate poll.

Now polling - and go - to come out of the hold.

[William Graham]

Five minutes away from launch, one minute remaining in the hold

[Chris Bergin]

[Chris Bergin]

Coming out of the hold in 30 seconds.

[William Graham]

Hold released, T-4 minutes and counting,

[Chris Bergin]

[Chris Bergin]

Out of the hold.

[William Graham]

T-3 minutes and counting

[Chris Bergin]

Dawn breaking over the Cape.

[William Graham]

T-2 minutes and counting

[William Graham]

T-90 seconds

[Chris Bergin]

T-120 seconds.

[Chris Bergin]

LOX 100 percent

[William Graham]

T-60 seconds

[William Graham]

30 seconds to launch (plus a 20 second lag on the webcast)

[Chris Bergin]

T-60 seconds.

[Chris Bergin]

GO Delta II

[William Graham]

Launch has occurred

[William Graham]

Slight PAO slip there.

"Liftoff of the last United Launch Alliance Delta II carrying the GPS IIR-21 satellite..."

[Chris Bergin]

LAUNCH!

[Chris Bergin]

PAO mess up the launch call I think, oops.

[Chris Bergin]

First stage - MaxQ

[Chris Bergin]

Ground lit solids sep. Air Start ignition

[William Graham]

Air lit SRM burnout and sep

[Chris Bergin]

There go the air lit solids.

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

Coming up on 1-2 sep.

[Satori]

[Chris Bergin]

47 miles.
9175 mph.

[William Graham]

MECO

[Satori]

[William Graham]

Staging

[William Graham]

S2 ignition

[William Graham]

Fairing has separated

[Chris Bergin]

1-2 Sep.

[Chris Bergin]

[Chris Bergin]

Fairing Jettison

[JimO]

What were all those brief 'puffs' from the vehicle at random directions during the end of first stage?

[pippin]

This was a really cool view with the plume lighted up by the dawn!

[pippin]

What were all those brief 'puffs' from the vehicle at random directions during the end of first stage?

Verniers?
Asymmetric combustion?

[Mighty-T]

What were all those brief 'puffs' from the vehicle at random directions during the end of first stage?

Was that the attitude control system firing?

[Chris Bergin]

Telemetry coverage of the first burn.

Coming up to T+10 mins.

[Chris Bergin]

SECO-1:

[William Graham]

SECO

[Chris Bergin]

Into coast phase. Expecting LOS shortly.

[Chris Bergin]

GPS IIR promo video running, with music that sounds like it was created on a Commodore 64

[Targeteer]

A video showing YF-23s demonstrating GPS use?  A little out of date to say the least since they haven't flown since the 90s...

[Chris Bergin]

[Chris Bergin]

48 minutes of the coast phase remaining.

[JimO]

Was that the attitude control system firing?

I thought so at first but it seemed they were appearing around the rocket at random points, not at a few discrete locations of specific jets.

Some sort of benign propellant feed variation?

[ugordan]

What were all those brief 'puffs' from the vehicle at random directions during the end of first stage?

Normal puffs due to slight variations in main engine combustion. Pretty usual for RP-1 engines.

[Chris Bergin]

One of David's F-22s on the GPS promo?

[Chris Bergin]

Interesting video. Notes the phase out of ELV. How they were down to one launch as contracts went to Shuttle. Then Challenger, all changed again.

[William Graham]

Surprised to see footage of the IIR-1 launch.

[Targeteer]

One of David's F-22s on the GPS promo?

The scenes of the F-22 and YF-23 are typical of the air-air fighter mentality and focus of AF leadership. More appropriate to show troops one the ground (I saw a few) and GPS guided munitions (JDAM, Laser JDAM) which are being used every day in Afghanistan but air-ground isn't flashy or sexy--just what matters today.  BTW as my login indicates air-ground is what I do for a living 

[Chris Bergin]

Looks like Delta II also have QuVIS videos.

[Chris Bergin]

Time for a cup of tea if you're so inclined

[JimO]

What were all those brief 'puffs' from the vehicle at random directions during the end of first stage?

Normal puffs due to slight variations in main engine combustion. Pretty usual for RP-1 engines.

Thanks, I was hoping somebody with more eyeball time on previous launches would be able to recognize what's 'normal'.

[William Graham]

Coverage has resumed

[William Graham]

Coming up on Guam AOS

[William Graham]

AOS confirmed

[William Graham]

Ignition

[William Graham]

SECO-2

[William Graham]

S3 spinup and separation. Last time that will happen on a Delta II.

[William Graham]

S3 ignition

[Chris Bergin]

Stage 3 ignition

[Chris Bergin]

30 seconds remaining in the burn - and wow is that spacecraft spinning!

[William Graham]

S3 burnout

[Chris Bergin]

Third stage shutdown

[William Graham]

LOS

There has been an unexpected loss of signal. It is believed to be a problem with the ground station.

[Chris Bergin]

LOS - "will update when we get additional information."

Vehicle is apparently ok, it's a tracking station in Guam.

[Targeteer]

Hopefully it is a ground station problem and not...

[Chris Bergin]

[William Graham]

It'll reach the next tracking station in about three minutes

[Chris Bergin]

I think we're past S/C Sep time, but they have no telementry.

[William Graham]

S/C Sep confirmed by the USAF


For those interested, the exact liftoff time was 10:35:00.233 GMT

[Chris Bergin]

Air Force say they are confirming Spacecraft Seperation.

Congrats to all involved!

[Targeteer]

Is the telemetry package on the upper stage and not the satellite itself?

[Chris Bergin]

ULA Delta II Completes 20 Year Era with Successful Air Force GPS IIR-21 Launch

Cape Canaveral, Fla., (Aug. 17, 2009) – The 48th successful and final Air Force Delta II Global Positioning System satellite launch occurred today, ending one of the most successful space launch programs in American history.  A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launched GPS IIR-21(M) into orbit from Space Launch Complex-17A at 6:35 a.m., EDT today. The first Air Force Delta II GPS launch occurred Feb. 14, 1989 and today’s launch marked the 48th successful GPS mission giving the program a 98 percent success rate.  The first launch in 1989 was NAVSTAR II-1. NAVSTAR is now commonly known as GPS.

Following a nominal 1 hour and 8 minute flight, the rocket deployed the GPS IIR-21(M) spacecraft, the eighth modernized NAVSTAR Global Positioning System Block II R-M military navigation satellite. GPS is a space-based positioning system designed and operated as a 24-satellite constellation that provides precision navigation and timing information to military and civilian users worldwide.

“Congratulations to the Air Force and our mission partners in deploying this revolutionary space system that has changed the world for the better in the past 20 years,” said Jim Sponnick, vice president, Delta Product Line. “One third of the 143 successful Delta II launches were GPS satellites. The ULA Delta team is extremely proud to have launched this incredible constellation. During the past two decades, the system has changed how people live their lives on a daily basis.  GPS has greatly improved military operations as well as numerous maritime, aircraft, civilian and business operations worldwide.”

While this launch concludes the Air Force use of Delta II as it transitions its systems to Atlas V and Delta IV, the Delta II will still keep launching into the future for NASA and commercial customers.

“We have the STSS Demo launch set for September, the WorldView-2 launch scheduled for October, and several more scheduled beyond those missions,” Sponnick said. “The Delta II workhorse will remain the medium class launch vehicle industry standard for years to come.”

Designed to operate for 10 years, GPS satellites orbit the Earth every 12 hours, emitting continuous navigation signals.  With the proper equipment, users can receive these signals to precisely calculate time, location and velocity. In addition to its military use, GPS satellites provide directional assistance to civilian users around the world. 

The ULA Delta II 7925-9.5 configuration vehicle featured a ULA first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and nine Alliant Techsystems (ATK) strap-on solid rocket motors. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the second stage. A spin-stabilized Star-48B solid-rocket motor built by ATK boosted the third stage. The payload was encased by a 9.5-foot-diameter metallic payload fairing.

ULA’s next launch is the Department of Defense PAN mission scheduled aboard an Atlas V from SLC-41 here. A specific launch date in September has not been established. 

[Chris Bergin]

Webcast concludes.

Don't forget to read the preview surrounding the launch:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/08/live-last-gps-iir-satellite-launch-on-final-slc-17a-delta-ii/ - by William Graham.

[William Graham]

Depletion burn has been completed.

[Chris Bergin]

Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla (Aug. 17, 2009) – A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket blasts off with the Air Force’s Global Positioning System IIR-21 satellite from Space Launch Complex-17A at 6:35 a.m. EDT today.  This was the 48th successful and last in a series of GPS launches on a Delta II rocket ending an era that began in February 1989.  During that time, the Delta II/GPS tandem boasted a 98 percent mission success rate. Photo by Carleton Bailie, United Launch Alliance.

 

[Analyst]

ULA’s next launch is the Department of Defense PAN mission scheduled aboard an Atlas V from SLC-41 here. A specific launch date in September has not been established. 

Which means the DMSP launch from the west coast slips again (from Sep 3rd.). Most likely 5 Altas V missions in 2009, with SDO slipping into 2010.

Analyst

[boostincoyote]

ULA also has WGS3 on Delta IV, is that a DoD payload?

Not sure if the hydrolic issue with Atlas V has been resolved.

[j-dogg]

I actually registered here after seeing Delta II go up.

Shot the whole thing on video, I know someone here got a pic of this.

I'll upload to Youtube and post a link.

I also have STS-127 somewhere on Youtube as well.

[Satori]

S/C Sep confirmed by the USAF


For those interested, the exact liftoff time was 10:35:00.233 GMT

Spaceflight.now is reporting 10:35:00.231 GMT

[boostincoyote]

Awesome, same here at T-2mins we stepped out to watch the launch. Real nice looking launch since is was at dawn a nice contrast with the sun and trail, you could also see clearly the separation of the ground lit SRMs got those suckers on tape . Our support just ended at 10200s MET.

[ugordan]

For those interested, the exact liftoff time was 10:35:00.233 GMT

Spaceflight.now is reporting 10:35:00.231 GMT

Wow, stop the presses! 

[HIPAR]

For those interested, the exact liftoff time was 10:35:00.233 GMT

Spaceflight.now is reporting 10:35:00.231 GMT

Wow, stop the presses! 

A millisecond here, a millisecond there .. soon you're talking 'big time'.   

Notwithstanding the barrage of press releases from all the organizations who are proud of 'the team', the next significant event will be the official confirmation of launch from the GPS Operations Center.  I'll post it when it's issued.

---  CHAS

[j-dogg]

Video



Some language, mostly "holy ****" xD

[stockman]

Video

Some language, mostly "holy ****" xD

Thanks... THAT was a cool video.. I envy you.... What a great view.

[jcm]

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

Jim - would love to hear your insights on the roles of the different groups in the USAF and NASA launches. I gather ULA does the actual work for all of them. My vague impression has been that current-era NASA launches are formally a launch services buy - ULA owns the rocket and is formally responsible for the launch, NASA just buys the ride as a passenger; while for USAF launches, USAF owns the rocket and 1SLS is on paper responsible for the launch, with ULA in the role of a subcontractor... but I'm sure you'll tell me I've got it completely wrong? :-)

So what *did* 1SLS folks actually do?

regards, Jonathan

[William Graham]

S/C Sep confirmed by the USAF


For those interested, the exact liftoff time was 10:35:00.233 GMT

Spaceflight.now is reporting 10:35:00.231 GMT

My time came from the NASA ELV Portal

[edkyle99]

"Around one hour and forty seven minutes after launch, the second stage will restart for a third burn. This will be a propellant depletion burn, lasting approximately thirty two seconds, and will lower the stage’s orbit to speed up its orbital decay, so that it reenters the atmosphere sooner rather than later."

32 seconds worth of fuel (vernier burn?) seems like a lot of "oomph" to leave in the upper stage.  Good to hear they're trying to clean up the lower atmosphere by hastening the re-entry burn but can anyone shed light on leaving that much fuel in an upper stage?

The "depletion burn" is actually a pair of "mono-propellant blowdown" events, thus the duration.  The AJ10-119K engine does not actually ignite during this blowdown.

The "burn" was expected to leave the stage in a 204 x 1,224 km x 32.91 deg orbit.  Most of the delta-v was applied to an inclination reduction.

 - Ed Kyle

[Chris Bergin]

Video



Some language, mostly "holy ****" xD

That's very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[William Graham]

Any word on a USA designation?

[nacnud]

Lovely video!

Is the SRB sep really when labeled, to me it looks like it was moving into sunlight at that point.

[Rocket Rancher]

He's how I saw this morning's lift-off

[Satori]

S/C Sep confirmed by the USAF


For those interested, the exact liftoff time was 10:35:00.233 GMT

Spaceflight.now is reporting 10:35:00.231 GMT

My time came from the NASA ELV Portal

Many times before I had already noticed that the launch time on the ELV Portal is different from the time that is announced by the launch commentator. I don't know why this happens.

Novosti Kosmonavtiki is also reporting the .231 time

[Nick L.]

I can't believe I missed this...

Any word on a USA designation?

Seems to be USA 206.

[Satori]

Thnak you very much for the video j-dogg!!!

[HIPAR]

Here's the official launch notice to the NAVSTAR community:

NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2009053
SUBJ: SVN 50 (PRN 05) LAUNCH JDAY 229
1.     NANU TYPE: LAUNCH
       NANU NUMBER: 2009053
       NANU DTG: 171838Z AUG 2009
       SVN: 50
       PRN: 05
       LAUNCH JDAY: 229
       LAUNCH TIME ZULU: 1035
2. GPS SATELLITE SVN 50 (PRN 05) WAS LAUNCHED ON JDAY 229
A USABINIT NANU WILL BE SENT WHEN THE SATELITTE IS SET ACTIVE TO
SERVICE.
3. POC: CIVILIAN - NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, http://HTTP://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
   MILITARY - GPS OPERATIONS CENTER AT
http://HTTP://gps.afspc.af.mil/GPSOC, DSN 560-2541,
   COMM 719-567-2493, [email protected],
http://HTTP://HTTP://gps.afspc.af.mil/GPSOC/GPS
   MILITARY ALTERNATE - JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN 276-
9994. COMM 805-606-9994.
   [email protected]

[Jim]

32 seconds worth of fuel (vernier burn?) seems like a lot of "oomph" to leave in the upper stage.  Good to hear they're trying to clean up the lower atmosphere by hastening the re-entry burn but can anyone shed light on leaving that much fuel in an upper stage?

Spacecraft was light, the winds at this time of year were favorable, the orbit was favorable

[Jim]

Is the telemetry package on the upper stage and not the satellite itself?

The upperstage can only broadcast events, it does not store telemetry.  If there is nothing to listen for it, then the telemetry is lost.  The spacecraft can confirm separation because it used different stations and it is a state change.

[Art LeBrun]

32 seconds worth of fuel (vernier burn?) seems like a lot of "oomph" to leave in the upper stage.  Good to hear they're trying to clean up the lower atmosphere by hastening the re-entry burn but can anyone shed light on leaving that much fuel in an upper stage?

Spacecraft was light, the winds at this time of year were favorable, the orbit was favorable

How about shortfall on 1st stage performance? Prop mixture/SRB/other plus second stage possibility of low and slow?

[Jim]

The "depletion burn" is actually a pair of "mono-propellant blowdown" events, thus the duration.  The AJ10-119K engine does not actually ignite during this blowdown.

True for Atlas but not Delta II.  It is an actual ignition and burn

[Jim]

32 seconds worth of fuel (vernier burn?) seems like a lot of "oomph" to leave in the upper stage.  Good to hear they're trying to clean up the lower atmosphere by hastening the re-entry burn but can anyone shed light on leaving that much fuel in an upper stage?

Spacecraft was light, the winds at this time of year were favorable, the orbit was favorable

How about shortfall on 1st stage performance? Prop mixture/SRB/other plus second stage possibility of low and slow?

Or hot 1st stage

[Jim]

ULA also has WGS3 on Delta IV, is that a DoD payload?

Yes

[edkyle99]

The "depletion burn" is actually a pair of "mono-propellant blowdown" events, thus the duration.  The AJ10-119K engine does not actually ignite during this blowdown.

True for Atlas but not Delta II.  It is an actual ignition and burn

Hmmm.  Wording in the presskit was: "Nominal duration of 32 sec through mono-propellant blowdown".  Perhaps it means a burn, followed by a blowdown.  If so, the burn duration appears to include the blowdown time as well.

At any rate, the burn appears to have mostly been for inclination change, rather than changing the apogee/perigee much.

 - Ed Kyle

[JosephB]

Love ULA's Launch Highlight Video! They always put together great stuff.
Hair on the back of my neck is still standing. LOL

[Art LeBrun]

Lost in the dim past - the first space launch from LC-17A took place 51 years ago this day:  Thor-Able with Pioneer.

[iamlucky13]

He's how I saw this morning's lift-off

Beautiful colors! Pre-dawn/dusk lighting on the plume never gets old.

And compliments to J-dogg, too. A good job tracking, as well as spotting the smoke from the separated SRB's.

[JosephB]

Not lost in the past in no small part due to you Art.
For those that haven't checked out the History sections much I'd highly recommend it.

[j-dogg]

Lovely video!

Is the SRB sep really when labeled, to me it looks like it was moving into sunlight at that point.

Yep sure is, if you go on YouTube and find it, click the HQ button on the video which will put it in High Quality mode, you can actually see the SRB's light up from the sun as they are jettisoned.

Thanks guys you'll be seeing a lot more of me here. My father works in Hangar AE so I'm always hearing about the launches.

When they tried to launch STS-127 he got me on the base on Banana River Dr., and we waited. and waited. and the storms came, both days I was off from work, sure enough it goes up on a day I'm working and can't get on the base with him to see it.

[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

Jim - would love to hear your insights on the roles of the different groups in the USAF and NASA launches. I gather ULA does the actual work for all of them. My vague impression has been that current-era NASA launches are formally a launch services buy - ULA owns the rocket and is formally responsible for the launch, NASA just buys the ride as a passenger; while for USAF launches, USAF owns the rocket and 1SLS is on paper responsible for the launch, with ULA in the role of a subcontractor... but I'm sure you'll tell me I've got it completely wrong? :-)

So what *did* 1SLS folks actually do?

regards, Jonathan

Will do in a few days.  I might have a unique perspective.  I was in the USAF with the 655th ASTG.

[robertross]

Thanks for the coverage guys. Missed this one unfortunately, but glad to see it up and successful. Congrats!

[Lewis007]

The launch video on You Tube referred to above:

http://www.youtube.com/v/v2J1lo5SAaU&hl=nl&fs=1

Select the HQ viewing option

[HIPAR]

That was a really fast commissioning.  The new GPS satellite is now available:


NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2009055
SUBJ: SVN50 (PRN05) USABLE JDAY 239/1440
1.     NANU TYPE: USABINIT
       NANU NUMBER: 2009055
       NANU DTG: 271449Z AUG 2009
       REFERENCE NANU: N/A
       REF NANU DTG: N/A
       SVN: 50
       PRN: 05
       START JDAY: 239
       START TIME ZULU: 1440
       START CALENDAR DATE: 27 AUG 2009
       STOP JDAY: N/A
       STOP TIME ZULU: N/A
       STOP CALENDAR DATE: N/A

2.  CONDITION: GPS SATELLITE SVN50 (PRN05) WAS USABLE AS OF JDAY 239
    (27 AUG 2009) BEGINNING 1440 ZULU.

3.  POC: CIVILIAN - NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, http://HTTPS://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
    MILITARY - GPS OPERATIONS CENTER at http://HTTP://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL/GPSOC,
DSN 560-2541,
    COMM 719-567-2541, [email protected],
http://HTTPS://gps.afspc.af.mil
    MILITARY ALTERNATE - JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN 276-9994,
    COMM 805-606-9994, [email protected]

[Jim]

Jim - would love to hear your insights on the roles of the different groups in the USAF and NASA launches. I gather ULA does the actual work for all of them. My vague impression has been that current-era NASA launches are formally a launch services buy - ULA owns the rocket and is formally responsible for the launch, NASA just buys the ride as a passenger; while for USAF launches, USAF owns the rocket and 1SLS is on paper responsible for the launch, with ULA in the role of a subcontractor... but I'm sure you'll tell me I've got it completely wrong? :-)

NASA now buys launch services.  No hardware

USAF buys a vehicle with one contract and also has another contract to launch it.

The 1SLS does not touch the hardware.  Just watches ULA

[jcm]

Jim - would love to hear your insights on the roles of the different groups in the USAF and NASA launches. I gather ULA does the actual work for all of them. My vague impression has been that current-era NASA launches are formally a launch services buy - ULA owns the rocket and is formally responsible for the launch, NASA just buys the ride as a passenger; while for USAF launches, USAF owns the rocket and 1SLS is on paper responsible for the launch, with ULA in the role of a subcontractor... but I'm sure you'll tell me I've got it completely wrong? :-)

NASA now buys launch services.  No hardware

USAF buys a vehicle with one contract and also has another contract to launch it.

The 1SLS does not touch the hardware.  Just watches ULA

thanks

[Antares]

Also note that NASA has go-nogo on LV issues (including being polled and calling a hold) for almost all of its ELV launches.  GOES and COTS/CRS would be the exceptions.

I know USAF is polled, and I assume their/Aerospace engineers can stop the count too.

Few other commercial customers if any have an active role in the LV side of the count.

[jacqmans]

Lockheed Martin has added a news release to its Investor Relations website.


NEWTOWN, Pa., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The last in a series of eight modernized Global Positioning System IIR (GPS IIR-M) satellites built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has been declared operational by the U.S. Air Force for military and civilian navigation users around the globe.


The satellite, known as GPS IIR-21(M), was launched successfully from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Aug. 17. Lockheed Martin's operations team assisted the Air Force with the launch and early on-orbit maneuvers.


"The team once again executed a smooth and disciplined on-orbit deployment and checkout of all spacecraft systems and we're extremely pleased to have another high-performance GPS IIR-M satellite in our robust constellation," said Col. Dave Madden, the U.S. Air Force GPS Wing Commander. "I salute the entire government-industry GPS IIR-M team for their talent and determination to provide advanced navigation accuracy and reliability for GPS users worldwide."


Lockheed Martin and its navigation payload provider ITT of Clifton, N.J. designed and built 21 IIR spacecraft and subsequently modernized eight of those spacecraft designated Block IIR-M. Each IIR-M satellite includes a modernized antenna panel that provides increased signal power to receivers on the ground, two new military signals for improved 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.


"Reaching this milestone is a critical step in the mission to provide advanced position, timing and navigation capabilities for the warfighter and civil users," said Don DeGryse, Lockheed Martin's vice president of Navigation Systems. "The successful launch and operational turnover is a testament to the capabilities of our entire GPS team. Working together with our Air Force partner is a source of tremendous pride for Lockheed Martin."


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.


Building upon a legacy of providing progressively advanced spacecraft for the current GPS constellation, Lockheed Martin, along with ITT Corporation and General Dynamics will produce 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.


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.



Low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of a GPS IIR-M satellite are available at:

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/GPS/