Author Topic: Delta IV-Heavy - NROL-91 - Vandenberg SLC-6 - 24 September 2022 (22:25 UTC)  (Read 87337 times)

Offline Newton_V

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I’ll be in Lompoc on September 24th!

Is there an estimated launch time yet?
Window open time is not released until NOTAMs come out.

Offline Targeteer

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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=391949189790111&set=a.164921892492843

National Reconnaissance Office

#nrol91 culminates more than a decade of NRO Delta IV Heavy launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Let’s take a look back. 🚀
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline GWR64

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https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-91

Quote
The Delta Cryogenic Second Stage is a cryogenic liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen-fueled vehicle, powered by a single RL10C-2-1 engine that produces 24,750 lbs (110.1 kilo-Newtons) of thrust.

Is the RL10C-2-1 used for the first time?
Is this (simplified): a RL10B-2 with a engine controller of the RL10A-4-2, with variable fuel mixture ratio?
The final -1 means modernized?
« Last Edit: 09/09/2022 08:59 am by GWR64 »

Offline Galactic Penguin SST

Astronomy & spaceflight geek penguin. In a relationship w/ Space Shuttle Discovery.

Offline Vahe231991

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In a few weeks, Vandenberg bids farewell to the Delta SLV family, and the SLC-6 launch site will eventually be dismantled.

Offline Newton_V

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https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-91

Quote
The Delta Cryogenic Second Stage is a cryogenic liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen-fueled vehicle, powered by a single RL10C-2-1 engine that produces 24,750 lbs (110.1 kilo-Newtons) of thrust.

Is the RL10C-2-1 used for the first time?
Is this (simplified): a RL10B-2 with a engine controller of the RL10A-4-2, with variable fuel mixture ratio?
The final -1 means modernized?
As you mentioned, the C's are B's with the PU motors from A's.
There are also A, B, and C cones, not to be confused with the RL10A, B, C.
I would say it's more like the RL10C-1 with the NEDS and bigger cone.
« Last Edit: 09/10/2022 02:02 am by Newton_V »

Offline Targeteer

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A look back at analysis of the orbits of imagery satellites before the launch of NROL-82

https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/2021/04/nrol-82-upcoming-new-kh-11-evolved.html
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Jim

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In a few weeks, Vandenberg bids farewell to the Delta SLV family, and the SLC-6 launch site will eventually be dismantled.

We don’t know if it will be dismantled

Offline Fmedici

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Press Kit from NRO website

Offline Targeteer

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So much for the launch window

National Reconnaissance Office  Facebook


LAUNCH UPDATE: One week from today, #NROL91 is scheduled to launch on the last United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy from the west coast at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 24 at 2:53 p.m. PDT. Follow us on Twitter @natreconofc for launch updates.
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Newton_V

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One week from today, if today is tomorrow.

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1570873223285440514

Quote
A triple-core #DeltaIVHeavy rocket and its national security payload are vertically integrated for #NROL91 in service to @NatReconOfc and @USSF_SSC. Launch is Sept. 24 at 2:53pmPDT (5:53pmEDT; 2153 UTC) from Vandenberg SFB, CA.
 
Learn more in our blog: https://blog.ulalaunch.com/blog/nrol-91-delta-iv-heavy-readied-for-vandenberg-launch

Offline Ken the Bin

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NGA generic Hazardous Operations notices that appear to be for this launch (the same notice for two different Navigational Areas).

Quote from: NGA
122224Z SEP 22
HYDROPAC 2592/22(GEN).
EASTERN PACIFIC.
CALIFORNIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS:
   A. 242020Z TO 242347Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2020Z TO 2347Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      33-53.00N 120-23.00W, 34-28.00N 120-40.00W,
      34-39.00N 120-40.00W, 34-39.00N 120-35.00W,
      34-27.00N 120-25.00W, 33-55.00N 120-18.00W.
   B. 242020Z TO 242345Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2020Z TO 2345Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      25-18.00N 117-07.00W, 25-12.00N 117-27.00W,
      26-35.00N 117-53.00W, 26-41.00N 117-33.00W.
   C. 242020Z TO 242345Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2020Z TO 2345Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      00-17.00S 121-28.00W, 00-07.00S 110-21.00W,
      03-24.00S 109-33.00W, 03-24.00S 110-21.00W.
   D. 242242Z TO 250133Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2242Z TO 0133Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      17-57.00N 140-23.00W, 06-13.00N 137-52.00W,
      06-30.00N 136-25.00W, 18-15.00N 138-53.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 280233Z SEP 22.//
Quote from: NGA
122224Z SEP 22
NAVAREA XII 695/22(GEN).
EASTERN PACIFIC.
CALIFORNIA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS:
   A. 242020Z TO 242347Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2020Z TO 2347Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      33-53.00N 120-23.00W, 34-28.00N 120-40.00W,
      34-39.00N 120-40.00W, 34-39.00N 120-35.00W,
      34-27.00N 120-25.00W, 33-55.00N 120-18.00W.
   B. 242020Z TO 242345Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2020Z TO 2345Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      25-18.00N 117-07.00W, 25-12.00N 117-27.00W,
      26-35.00N 117-53.00W, 26-41.00N 117-33.00W.
   C. 242020Z TO 242345Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2020Z TO 2345Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      00-17.00S 121-28.00W, 00-07.00S 110-21.00W,
      03-24.00S 109-33.00W, 03-24.00S 110-21.00W.
   D. 242242Z TO 250133Z SEP, ALTERNATE
      2242Z TO 0133Z DAILY 25 THRU 27 SEP
      IN AREA BOUND BY
      17-57.00N 140-23.00W, 06-13.00N 137-52.00W,
      06-30.00N 136-25.00W, 18-15.00N 138-53.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 280233Z SEP 22.//
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Offline Schlermie

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What is the launch trajectory for NROL-91?
« Reply #53 on: 09/19/2022 06:07 pm »
What is the launch trajectory for NROL-91 on Sep.24 from Vandenberg?

Offline FutureSpaceTourist

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Offline VLN

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The video shows a launch path close to the coast, east of due south. This is confirmed by the zones in Ken the Bin's post. It's about a 166 deg heading. Second stage comes down in the lower left.

Offline Schlermie

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Thanks! It even says the flight azimuth at the end of the video.

Offline Targeteer

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Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Ken the Bin

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This NGA Space Debris notice looks like it might be associated with this launch.

Quote from: NGA
210354Z SEP 22
HYDROPAC 2616/22(22).
EASTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   1950Z TO 0015Z DAILY 24 THRU 27 SEP
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   03-24.00S 109-33.00W, 03-24.00S 110-21.00W,
   04-41.00S 110-02.00W, 04-30.00S 109-18.00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 280115Z SEP 22.//
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Offline Rondaz

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United Launch Alliance recently completed a countdown dress rehearsal and stacked a classified spy satellite payload on top of a Delta 4-Heavy rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, readying the triple-body launcher for liftoff Saturday.

https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1572429384962932741

 

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