Atlas V 501- AFSPC-05 (X-37B OTV-4) - May 20, 2015 to May 7, 2017 - UPDATES

[zubenelgenubi]

Follow-up re: LightSail-A

Ted Molczan reports that his calculations from various observations today that LightSail-A:
>>>
would have reached the altitude when decaying objects typically become self-luminous (96 km), on Jun 14 near 17:22 UTC, and would have passed through the typical altitude of "main-break-up" (78 km) near 17:23 UTC.
<<<
http://www.satobs.org/LightSail-A.html

Zubenelgenubi

[Star One]

Article containing some further official information that's been released about this flight.

Now we know just a little more through official channels. We were told before launch that the spacecraft was testing a Hall Thruster, which uses electricity instead of chemical combustion for propulsion.

The thruster is believed to be stored inside the X-37B's payload bay. We have now been told that the thruster has "completed initial on-orbit validation testing" in a media release from Aerojet Rocketdyne, makers of the thruster. This may seem like a small point, but it's the only solid news we have received on this mission since its launch.

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Open_Secrets_from_X_37B_999.html

[DaveS]

This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:

[Galactic Penguin SST]

This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:

Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far. 

[Star One]

This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:

Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far. 

If you don't mind me asking where was it reported?

All I saw was that it would be at least 200 days long.

[DaveS]

This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:

Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far. 

If you don't mind me asking where was it reported?

All I saw was that it would be at least 200 days long.

Could be that they have a serious system problem that require a next PLS de-orbit and landing.

[Star One]

This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:

Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far. 

If you don't mind me asking where was it reported?

All I saw was that it would be at least 200 days long.

Could be that they have a serious system problem that require a next PLS de-orbit and landing.

Could be related to the speculated experimental propulsion system its alleged to be using. Wonder if we'll see it land or will that be kept from public view as it was at launch.

[Orbiter]

Doesn't sound like they're going to be able to land it at KSC per that weather report. 90% of a weather violation.

[DaveS]

From a weather briefing being conducted right now. I really think this real, the X-37B is coming home rather soon.

[saliva_sweet]

I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.

[Chris Bergin]

I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.

I was thinking this seems sooner enough for it to be a contingency return. I'd ask around, but it's a super secret mission, so that won't get any responses.

[DaveS]

I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.

I was thinking this seems sooner enough for it to be a contingency return. I'd ask around, but it's a super secret mission, so that won't get any responses.

Do we have any sources at KSC that can see any convoy actions either the Skid Strip (CCAFS) or the SLF? That should be indicative of which runway they're targeting and if a landing is imminent.

[Chris Bergin]

I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.

I was thinking this seems sooner enough for it to be a contingency return. I'd ask around, but it's a super secret mission, so that won't get any responses.

Do we have any sources at KSC that can see any convoy actions either the Skid Strip (CCAFS) or the SLF? That should be indicative of which runway they're targeting and if a landing is imminent.

That's a good shout. I'll ask....and report back if so.

[daveglo]

If the Air Force is evaluating landing opportunities at KSC, wouldn't that be counter to prior landings, that were all conducted at Edwards?  Does that imply they don't think it can make an Edwards landing attempt?

Would they attempt a landing even if conditions are No Go? 

[douglas100]

Previous landings were at Vandenberg.

[DaveS]

Previous landings were at Vandenberg.

Yes. I think that was just the interim landing site. Now that they have X-37B processing facilities at KSC (former OPF-1 and 2) KSC/CCAFS would be the prime landing site to speed up processing by not having to ship the spacecraft cross-country.

[Zaran]

Any word of Airspace Closures that would confirm they want to attempt a return today?

[DaveS]

Any word of Airspace Closures that would confirm they want to attempt a return today?

No need for airspace closures as KSC/CCAFS is restricted airspace by default.

[Kryten]

Mike Gruss ‏@Gruss_SN  7m7 minutes ago
Air Force: X-37B is not landing today. Kennedy Space Center is conducting an exercise.

[zubenelgenubi]

Any word of Airspace Closures that would confirm they want to attempt a return today?

No need for airspace closures as KSC/CCAFS is restricted airspace by default.

There have been NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued for the three previous OTV landings at Vandenberg AFB, IIRC.

Am I correct to say a NOTAM is not necessarily equivalent to an airspace closure, but a NOTAM could be an announcement of an airspace closure?

Zubenelgenubi