JSMJR - where did you get that purple line from? Is that a zone of avoidance? It appears to include some of the potential viewing spots like Arbuckle Neck and Wisharts.
Is there any information about viewing for those of us who are not going to Wallops? I live in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 150 miles from Wallops as the crow flies. I've seen two nighttime Shuttle launches from my location (while it was still under powered flight), and I saw the five sounding rockets that were launched from Wallops a while back. I'm thinking that this could be the best view I've ever had of a space launch. Will it be bright enough for me to see in the daytime?
Remember Antares will travel along descending node of 51.6 inclination for all Antares flights to ISS. KSC/CCAFS travel along ascending node of 51.6 inclination for all flights to ISS.
Me and my father have been quite puzzled as to the best locations for this event. Would north or South of the pad be the best bet? I am not sure what 51.6 degrees node means at all
Hmm. So I would imagine some where south of the launch site would be slightly more entertaining. Not that it makes much difference. I plan to be as close as possible and southeast will look like an immobile dot from anywhere near by the launch site I would imagine. Perhaps later launches I will go for more arcing views. Thanks.
Don't be completely sure all of those land areas will be open for launch. Some of those roads come within 1.6 miles of the pad. For this untested, powerful rocket, there is a good chance they will put road blocks in place and ask some locals to move. I have not heard anything official yet but have tried to find out some information myself.
Chris,Do you need to hike to the end of the beach (looks to be about 3 miles) or can you see the launch from the parking area?Thanks
Virginia District - Beach Parking UpdateDue to Hurricane Sandy and the March 6 storm, there is limited parking in the Virginia District. As of 4/4/13 parking lot 1 and part of parking lot 2 are open. All parking lots are expected to be open by Memorial Day weekend.Assateague Island National Seashore Sequestration UpdateAs of 3/1/13 both the MD & VA Districts are open. The Assateague Island Visitor Center is open daily 9am-5pm. The Toms Cove Visitor Center is open daily 9am-4pm.
Unfortunately, I saw a Range Safety presentation that implied that the entire Toms Cove Hook was in the stay-out zone for launch...
Not sure if this is correct thread to ask about down range viewing. Has anybody seen a plot of areas where it may be visible from the islands. I am in the Turks and Caicos (south end of the Bahamas) and am wondering if it may be seen from here as it ascends. Thanks for any clues where I might find an answer to this question.
On the other hand, THE place to be would be Bermuda... 60 degrees elevation, less than 100 miles lateral distance... you would be able to see from stage 1 MECO all the way through Stage 2 burnout...
Bermuda Tracking Site Provides Big Boost for Wallops Expendable Launch Vehicle Operations10.23.12 Following an agreement signed between NASA and Bermuda in early March 2012, range officials at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility have recently completed the successful deployment and check-out of a temporary mobile tracking station on Cooper’s Island, Bermuda.The successful deployment, completed in August, means NASA’s only launch range now offers the full compliment of range assets for expendable launch vehicle operations.Along with cost savings, perhaps the biggest impact lies in range scheduling. “Owning, deploying, and controlling our own assets means control over scheduling,” said Steven Kremer, NASA Wallops deputy range manager. “It gives us higher confidence in promising range availability to our customers when they come to Wallops for services. In addition, our services offered from Bermuda will benefit other customers who launch from other ranges such as the United States Air Force’s Eastern Range in Florida.”NASA’s mobile tracking station in Bermuda provides telemetry, radar, and command and control services. It will support the launch of rockets carrying supplies to the International Space Station or satellites to low-Earth orbit. During a typical ELV launch operation, about 10 range personnel will deploy to Bermuda to configure the mobile tracking station, conduct the operation, and then pack the systems for shipment back to Wallops.Bermuda has been a long-time partner of NASA in supporting space exploration. The British territory hosted a radar tracking station from the Mercury Project in the early 1960s through most of the Space Shuttle Program.The Wallops Range provides the operational environment required to ensure safe and successful flight operations for rockets, missiles, aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and a variety of other mission types essential to the scientific, military and commercial use of space.For more information on the Wallops Range, see:http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code840/
April 11, 2013Notice to Mariners: Wallops Rocket LaunchWhat: ANTARES 1 for NASA/ORBITAL RESUPPLY TO STATION EFFORTSWhen: April 17 1630 -2030 (Scheduled Operation Day)April 18 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)April 19 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)April 20 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)April 21 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)Communications: “Wallops Plot” on marine channel 12.Marine channel 22 is back up.Contact Wallops Plot when traveling in the area.Mission updates and completion will be noted on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050. The Army Corp Engineers Danger Zone will be in effect for all launch attempts per 33CFR(Code of Federal Regulations) Part 334. Fines and arrest authority are permissible by U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Marine Police.Thank you for your assistance and support.
Quote from: antonioe on 04/11/2013 06:16 pmOn the other hand, THE place to be would be Bermuda... 60 degrees elevation, less than 100 miles lateral distance... you would be able to see from stage 1 MECO all the way through Stage 2 burnout...Which explains: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/news/Bermuda.htmlQuoteBermuda Tracking Site Provides Big Boost for Wallops Expendable Launch Vehicle Operations10.23.12 Following an agreement signed between NASA and Bermuda in early March 2012, range officials at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility have recently completed the successful deployment and check-out of a temporary mobile tracking station on Cooper’s Island, Bermuda.The successful deployment, completed in August, means NASA’s only launch range now offers the full compliment of range assets for expendable launch vehicle operations.Along with cost savings, perhaps the biggest impact lies in range scheduling. “Owning, deploying, and controlling our own assets means control over scheduling,” said Steven Kremer, NASA Wallops deputy range manager. “It gives us higher confidence in promising range availability to our customers when they come to Wallops for services. In addition, our services offered from Bermuda will benefit other customers who launch from other ranges such as the United States Air Force’s Eastern Range in Florida.”NASA’s mobile tracking station in Bermuda provides telemetry, radar, and command and control services. It will support the launch of rockets carrying supplies to the International Space Station or satellites to low-Earth orbit. During a typical ELV launch operation, about 10 range personnel will deploy to Bermuda to configure the mobile tracking station, conduct the operation, and then pack the systems for shipment back to Wallops.Bermuda has been a long-time partner of NASA in supporting space exploration. The British territory hosted a radar tracking station from the Mercury Project in the early 1960s through most of the Space Shuttle Program.The Wallops Range provides the operational environment required to ensure safe and successful flight operations for rockets, missiles, aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and a variety of other mission types essential to the scientific, military and commercial use of space.For more information on the Wallops Range, see:http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/code840/
I wonder if you can extrapolate that from THIS figure. Hmmm... now that I look at it, the circles become straight lines... no, I think you're out of luck...
The Notice to Mariners has been disseminated for the Antares One launch.QuoteApril 11, 2013Notice to Mariners: Wallops Rocket LaunchWhat: ANTARES 1 for NASA/ORBITAL RESUPPLY TO STATION EFFORTSWhen: April 17 1630 -2030 (Scheduled Operation Day)April 18 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)April 19 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)April 20 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)April 21 1630 -2030 (Back Up Day)Communications: “Wallops Plot” on marine channel 12.Marine channel 22 is back up.Contact Wallops Plot when traveling in the area.Mission updates and completion will be noted on the Wallops launch status line at 757-824-2050. The Army Corp Engineers Danger Zone will be in effect for all launch attempts per 33CFR(Code of Federal Regulations) Part 334. Fines and arrest authority are permissible by U.S. Coast Guard and Virginia Marine Police.Thank you for your assistance and support. The NOTMAR identifies three "PSSA" areas by coordinate and map, which extend hundreds of miles down range, none of which precisely coincide with the Corps of Engineers permanent danger zone under 33 CFR 334.130. See attachment. I've updated my Google map for the near-shore PSSA1, which, by the way, completely covers Toms Cove Hook, Toms Cove Visitors Center, and the associated parking lots.
Quote from: antonioe on 04/11/2013 06:06 pmI wonder if you can extrapolate that from THIS figure. Hmmm... now that I look at it, the circles become straight lines... no, I think you're out of luck...Sorry if this is obvious, I'm mostly a lurker here... Does that drawing mean that if you have a low enough view to the horizon in the locations listed you might be able to see the launch? Southern tip of Maine seems pretty far away to see anything.
Quote from: neoforce on 04/12/2013 04:16 pmQuote from: antonioe on 04/11/2013 06:06 pmI wonder if you can extrapolate that from THIS figure. Hmmm... now that I look at it, the circles become straight lines... no, I think you're out of luck...Sorry if this is obvious, I'm mostly a lurker here... Does that drawing mean that if you have a low enough view to the horizon in the locations listed you might be able to see the launch? Southern tip of Maine seems pretty far away to see anything.Yes, theoretically, with binoculars or telescope, and if you could find a hilltop with an unobstructed view. If it were a night launch the bright trail would be a lot easier to see from a distance, but since this will be a daytime launch it's unlikely that anyone in southern Maine is actually going to see it.
How about the Jersey shore? What are the odds of viewing something from there? Turns out I might be close to there on Wed.
@jsmjr 09 AprDear @ChincoteagueNWR: What's status for viewing of @OrbitalSciences #Antares launch from @NASA_Wallops 4/17? Parking? Facilities? Access?@ChincoteagueNWR 12 Apr@jsmjr All systems are go for viewing #Antares launch from recreational beach. Parking is limited so come early. :O)
So here's the million dollar question... I don't want to camp out on Arbuckle Neck just to get kicked out right before the launch by the local PD or a homeowner. Would it be better to wait it out on the beach?
Anyone care to comment on the digital cellular coverage in the area? What are the best providers? What level of signal (3G, 4G, LTE) is offered? Any experience with outages during large-crowd scenarios?
Excitement in the Cove is building in anticipation of the Orbital Antares rocket launch scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday – and one of the best views is right at our own Marina Club veranda! To celebrate the launch, we’re opening our doors early at 4 p.m. As usual, our Pizza & Wing night specials as well as “Out Of This World” Nachos and “3-2-1 Blast-Off” Burger (it’s got a kick!) are available. And for our guests interested in liquid libations, the drink special of the night will be “Rocket Fuel” (that’s got a kick, too!) If the launch gets scrubbed? No worries, we’ll scrub our event until the day the Antares takes off.
Quote from: Captain's Cove Golf & Yacht ClubExcitement in the Cove is building in anticipation of the Orbital Antares rocket launch scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday – and one of the best views is right at our own Marina Club veranda! To celebrate the launch, we’re opening our doors early at 4 p.m. As usual, our Pizza & Wing night specials as well as “Out Of This World” Nachos and “3-2-1 Blast-Off” Burger (it’s got a kick!) are available. And for our guests interested in liquid libations, the drink special of the night will be “Rocket Fuel” (that’s got a kick, too!) If the launch gets s****ed? No worries, we’ll s**** our event until the day the Antares takes off.
Excitement in the Cove is building in anticipation of the Orbital Antares rocket launch scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday – and one of the best views is right at our own Marina Club veranda! To celebrate the launch, we’re opening our doors early at 4 p.m. As usual, our Pizza & Wing night specials as well as “Out Of This World” Nachos and “3-2-1 Blast-Off” Burger (it’s got a kick!) are available. And for our guests interested in liquid libations, the drink special of the night will be “Rocket Fuel” (that’s got a kick, too!) If the launch gets s****ed? No worries, we’ll s**** our event until the day the Antares takes off.
From the US FWS:Quote@jsmjr 09 AprDear @ChincoteagueNWR: What's status for viewing of @OrbitalSciences #Antares launch from @NASA_Wallops 4/17? Parking? Facilities? Access?@ChincoteagueNWR 12 Apr@jsmjr All systems are go for viewing #Antares launch from recreational beach. Parking is limited so come early. :O) (Emphasis added)
That club appears to be very very far away (12 miles), further than Chincoteague itself.
Just relayed to me by a friend who has contacts with the VA DPS (Virginia Department of Public Safety): Arbuckle will be open, however they will be limiting the amount of people down there to 15 cars. The Sheriff's office will be blocking the road and limiting access.
What about foot traffic? Bring the mud boots...
For those living in or visiting the local area, there are two primary viewing locations for Wallops launches. The first is the Wallops Visitors Center located along Virginia Highway 175. Visitors are advised to arrive early as parking is limited.http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/wvc/.The second site is the beach on Assateague Island (Virginia-side). Capacity is based on a number of conditions, such as time of year and state of the beach.http://www.fws.gov/northeast/chinco/.Finally, visitors to the area may also inquire with local tourism officials on alternate viewing locations as well as any local business events tied into Wallops launch operations.
SCORE! Here's your KML file for the launch, courtesy of NASA.
As if I didn't have enough to do over the next couple of days, I'm going to bring my new portable (QRP) HF rig to Wallops ......If there are any hams out there, I will try to call CQ in the inevitable 20M band... unfortunately, the "official" QRP calling frequency, 14.285MHz, ......No promises, but I'll try around 10pm EDT tonight.73 de KA1LLM
Quote from: jsmjr on 04/16/2013 07:02 pmSCORE! Here's your KML file for the launch, courtesy of NASA.I'm a total newbie, have no clue how to use a KML file and limited time today. I'm near Sandy Hook, NJ today and trying to decide if its worth travel to the beach or the Atlantic Highlands to see if I can spot anything. (I don't even have binoculars with me.)
As of about 40 minutes ago, Arbuckle Neck Rd was open and rather empty (about 5 cars).
I'll check tomorrow morning but if a Friday launch looks possible I'll be driving down to watch. Good view from Arbuckle Neck Rd? It looks good on the map, I might aim for there.
... picked a good hotel. a bunch of orbital people in rich suits having a meeting in the breakfast area.
I listened and put out a couple of calls.I "imagined" that I faintly heard a "Lima Mike Mike" once...My call is VP5DBPerhaps some other time...73
With the new attempt on Saturday, will be interesting to see how crowded our favorite street gets, and whether they have to shut it down.
Quote from: jsmjr on 04/18/2013 10:21 pmWith the new attempt on Saturday, will be interesting to see how crowded our favorite street gets, and whether they have to shut it down.How far down the road can you get? All the way to the end? I will be coming for tomorrow's attempt, probably arriving 4:30pm.
ah so that was you with the tiny turtle eh?I was the guy with the deathly pale skin, bald head and monkey shirt. lol.
Does it make sense to bring a scanner along? Could I tune into the loop? If so, what frequency?
it is still awful cloudy. is it worth making the trip? edit: here in Annapolis it just became clear as a bell. hopefully this clearness reaches wallops by 5.
Range is trying to relocate some 40 or so people from the extreme south end of Assateague to clear additional people-free space because of the strong southwesterly winds... if they are successful, AND the FAA approves the new debris limit lines, we MIGHT be able to launch today...If they do it, it would be the most awesome real-time reprogramming I've ever seen a range do...I guess they will tell them that either they move back or the will NOT see a launch...
Made it out just in time for the scrub. Man, Arbuckle Neck is DANGER close!
Gosh you got there pretty early for hardly anyone to be in your video. on a tangent. How do Antares stages get there? Trucked in or flown in? I notice it is larger than the spaceX rocket in diameter.
Quote from: CardBoardBoxProcessor on 04/21/2013 02:57 amGosh you got there pretty early for hardly anyone to be in your video. on a tangent. How do Antares stages get there? Trucked in or flown in? I notice it is larger than the spaceX rocket in diameter. Trucked in:
Quote from: wolfpack on 04/21/2013 01:12 amMade it out just in time for the scrub. Man, Arbuckle Neck is DANGER close! Very true...it is DANGER close but it sure will be awesome to watch when it finally takes off.Here's a very poor quality video I took of the launch area.I was standing in the marshy area, no tripod, gnats were flying into every exposed part of my body...I can't wait to see the first flight!!!The birds sure did put on a show though....flying around and then diving into the water to pick up dinner!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6-xwtmqgqY&feature=youtu.be
Alrighty, lets try this again. See you all out there! As a reminder to those going to Arbuckle Neck Rd. Of youd like to keep it open please remember the following:- pick up your trash when you go, farmers dont want the trash on their fields.- DONT drive or park or wander on the farmer's fields- ONLY park on the NORTH side of the roadThese were the rules given to us by the officers at the first attempt.
Quote from: BillyJoeBob on 04/21/2013 02:37 amQuote from: wolfpack on 04/21/2013 01:12 amMade it out just in time for the scrub. Man, Arbuckle Neck is DANGER close! Very true...it is DANGER close but it sure will be awesome to watch when it finally takes off.Here's a very poor quality video I took of the launch area.I was standing in the marshy area, no tripod, gnats were flying into every exposed part of my body...I can't wait to see the first flight!!!The birds sure did put on a show though....flying around and then diving into the water to pick up dinner!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6-xwtmqgqY&feature=youtu.beInteresting video of the surroundings. Thanks!
Any thoughts on Arbuckle possibly closing to late arrivals? Wondering how close I could cut it.
Quote from: jsmjr on 04/21/2013 04:55 pmAny thoughts on Arbuckle possibly closing to late arrivals? Wondering how close I could cut it. I dont think they will close it but it gets really tight on the road the closer to launch you get and then youd have a bit of a walk to the end. Not too bad if you dont mind walking.
Man that was a nasty fire. Hopefully, they managed to contain it.
Here's my video of the launch from the end of Arbuckle Neck.I also have video of the subsequent brush fire after the launch.Yes, there were lots of cars - into the hundreds...I parked 1/2 mile away about 15 mins before launch. While driving in there...I noticed there seemed to be 3 major groupings of where people parked. Of course, I thought, I need to get as close as possible...why are all these people parking 3-4 miles away when they can get 2 miles away!I think it would have been better to have been further back as you could still see the launch pad/water tower and the rocket would not be going directly up where you basically pivoted your head 90 degrees.What a blast today was! ...and not just figuratively speaking!
BillyJoeBobDespite having to run 1/2 mile to set up and being your first time at filming a launch, your efforts are very professional. Your additional coverage of the fire is in par for most free-lance news coverage crews. Congratulations. Perhaps you can donate your time to provide future Wallops NASA sub-orbital and Orbital launches for NSF.
was the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere?
Quote from: chrisking0997 on 04/23/2013 05:51 pmwas the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere? I don't believe it was visible from the ground. It took place at an altitude of 117 miles about 5 and a half minutes after liftoff...pretty far downrange.Personally, I was just able to see first stage powered flight from my vantage point.
Also, here are some photos from about one mile back from the end of Arbuckle Neck, towards Assawoman: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fxmurphy/sets/72157633301277614/ (Note: not by me)This may represent the best view you can get if the road ends up being closed during future Cygnus flights (because of hydrazine and other toxics on board).
here are a few snapshots of the launch pad, from the end of arbuckle neck road. (nikon d5100, 200mm, ISO 100, f/8, 1/800)
Quote from: chrisking0997 on 04/23/2013 05:51 pmwas the second stage ignition seen from the ground anywhere? Interested to know that myself.Also, here are some photos from about one mile back from the end of Arbuckle Neck, towards Assawoman: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fxmurphy/sets/72157633301277614/ (Note: not by me)This may represent the best view you can get if the road ends up being closed during future Cygnus flights (because of hydrazine and other toxics on board).
That was me with the photo from that area. :-)
Quote from: FXM on 08/09/2013 07:02 pmThat was me with the photo from that area. :-)Do you mind revealing what camera/lens you were using from there?