NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => NGIS (Formerly Orbital ATK) - Antares/Cygnus Section => Topic started by: Sam Ho on 03/18/2017 02:20 am
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Orbital ATK Antares Stands Ready to Support Eighth CRS Mission for NASA
As we prepare to launch the Cygnus OA-7 mission next week from Kennedy Space Center, Orbital ATK’s Antares team at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility is making great progress on the company's eighth Cargo Resupply Mission (known as OA-8) to the International Space Station. The team plans to have Antares fully integrated and ready for the Cygnus payload by May.
“We are working a steady cadence at our home port in Wallops,” said Kurt Eberly, Antares Deputy Program Manager for Orbital ATK. “Our plan is to be ready in advance of when NASA needs us to fly.”
This week the team installed the aft bay over the fully integrated RD-181 engines on the first stage core. This milestone marks the completion of successful installation of all feed lines and completion of leak checks between the first stage core propellant tanks and the engines. The team has also completed all of the electrical system checks of the first stage.
In parallel, the large second stage Castor 30XL motor supplied by our Propulsion Systems Division in Utah has been going through mechanical integration including motor cone and avionics structure installations.
The Antares avionics structure is built and tested by the Orbital ATK team in Chandler, Arizona, then shipped to Wallops for integration. The avionics structure is fully populated with the components that control Antares during flight including the navigator, flight computer and telemetry systems.
OA-8 Fun Fact
The OA-8 mission will carry 3350kg of cargo to the space station onboard a Cygnus spacecraft. This will be the largest amount of cargo to be carried on an Antares mission to date and is the equivalent of sending more than three classrooms or 105 fifth graders to space!
“This program combines the best capabilities of our merged company with our propulsion and launch vehicles teams,” said Eberly. “For this mission we are really seeing the smooth operations that come from having a combined team of expertise that makes Orbital ATK.”
In May, the team will mate the first and second stage, complete flight simulation testing and then lift and transer the fully-assembled vehicle onto the Transporter/Erector/Launcher (TEL) where it will be ready for the Cygnus mate. The Antares team will be ready to launch OA-8 as early as this summer, and OA-9 as early as the end of this year. The specific launch dates for these missions will be selected jointly with NASA as we get closer to these time frames. Once OA-8 is complete, the Antares team will begin integrating the OA-9 vehicle.
“The goal of the program is to achieve an efficient, steady integration flow for the next set of Antares launches. Our Lanch Vehicles Division program personnel at Chandler and Dulles along with our Propulsion Systems Division motor team in Utah are critical to making sure that the fully integrated hardware assemblies and released software are delivered on time and in the right configuration to our field site to enable our operations team to execute the planned schedule activities each and every day,” said Eberly. “So a big thank you to everyone that supports the Antares program!”
Along with the vehicle integrations, Virginia Space has fully completed the pad readiness after the OA-5 flight last fall.
“Virginia Space is ready to support the upcoming missions, OA-8 and OA-9 from MARS,” said Dale Nash, Virginia Space Executive Director. “We look forward to getting Antares on the pad and ready to take cargo to the crews aboard the space station."
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/insideOA/Antares_OA-8/default.aspx (http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/insideOA/Antares_OA-8/default.aspx)
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Is that a fueled Castor second stage in the second image? I would have expected solid motors to be handled separately from the liquid stages until stacking pre-launch. This isn't the case for Antares?
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avionics and such have to be installed.
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Is that a fueled Castor second stage in the second image? I would have expected solid motors to be handled separately from the liquid stages until stacking pre-launch. This isn't the case for Antares?
Yes that is a fueled motor.
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Article by Chris Gebhardt covering EOM for OA-7 but also looking forwards to this mission:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/06/oa-7-cygnus-eom-oa-8-sept-launch/
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NASA TV Wallops is airing an update this morning:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops)
We’re very proud of the capabilities that our engineers have built into #Antares & #Cygnus - Frank Culbertson, Space Systems Group President
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874267222079942656 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874267222079942656)[/size]
We currently have 6 CRS-2 launches scheduled, all on our #Antares rockets - Culbertson
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874267433015574528 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874267433015574528)[/size]
The OA-8 Mission is planned for September, but we are ready for #Cygnus whenever NASA needs it - Kurt Eberly, VP Orbital ATK #Antares
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874267835446550528 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874267835446550528)[/size]
Culbertson: could launch OA-9 as soon as November, if NASA wants to go again that soon. OA-8 could be ready as early as late July if needed.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/874273004578013184 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/874273004578013184)
Targeted launch date for OA-8 is September 12, but we are ready to go earlier depending on needs of @NASA and @Space_Station - Culbertson
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874272353005576192 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874272353005576192)
Culbertson: planning to carry 3,350 kg of cargo on both OA-8 and OA-9.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/874273560323383296 (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/874273560323383296)
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Orbital ATK Verified account @OrbitalATK 1m1 minute ago
The OA-8 #Antares rocket is fully assembled and awaiting integration with #Cygnus at @NASA_Wallops
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874286848314683393 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874286848314683393)
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Orbital ATK Verified account @OrbitalATK 6m6 minutes ago
#Antares 230 engines stand ready to support the OA-8 mission
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874289528684638209 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/874289528684638209)
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When will Orbital ATK use the core that was test-fired in May 2016?
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When will Orbital ATK use the core that was test-fired in May 2016?
I think that was expected to be used for OA-9
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When will Orbital ATK use the core that was test-fired in May 2016?
I think that was expected to be used for OA-9
How certain are you?
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When will Orbital ATK use the core that was test-fired in May 2016?
I think that was expected to be used for OA-9
How certain are you?
Per Investor Relations info the use of that Core for OA-9 is certain baring any issues.
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https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/874554667019141120
@NanoRacks' Manber says co to buy/launch 2.8kg, 2u @AsgardiaSpace sat from @NearSpaceLaunch; launch on Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo this fall.
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The pressurized cargo module arrived at wallops this week to begin processing.
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Launch delayed from Sept. 12 to Oct. 11.
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Launch delayed from Sept. 12 to Oct. 11.
That date also reported by Spaceflight Now.
https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/
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And reported here by NASA:
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust 3m3 minutes ago
Schedule of upcoming ISS launches/landings from Sam Scimemi’s talk at the NAC HEO committee meeting. One change: SpX-12 now Aug. 14, not 12.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/889508454431326209
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Jeff Foust @jeff_foust 11m11 minutes ago
Orbital ATK’s David Thompson says next Cygnus/Antares launch now likely in October. Schedule paced by a spare part NASA wants to fly on it.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/893103231508910084
Jeff Foust @jeff_foust 10m10 minutes ago
Replying to @jeff_foust
Thompson, in an earnings call this morning, said that means that next mission after this will slip to early 2018.
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/893103479413256192
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https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894604294321721344
ELaNa XIII has switched to this mission with 2 cubes.
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https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/894604294321721344
ELaNa XIII has switched to this mission with 2 cubes.
https://www.nasa.gov/content/upcoming-elana-cubesat-launches
ELaNa XIII
Date: NET Oct 11, 2017
Mission: OA-8/OA-8E – Antares, Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia
2 CubeSat Missions scheduled to be deployed
ISARA – Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California
EcAMSat – NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
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Now November 10:
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/oa8-mission-page/
L2 has the "issue" as not enough cargo and NASA is finding more to send up. No point sending her up light.
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I toured several facilities at Wallops last week, including the Cygnus facility, and there was no cargo loading going on. The empty cargo compartment was just sitting in the empty low bay.
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NASA ISS OA-8 Mission Logo
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The OA-8 mission is Orbital ATK’s eighth Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, depicted by the shape of the patch being a numeral eight along with the yellow star at the top of the patch. This mission launches on an Antares rocket represented by the red, white and blue trajectory emanating from the Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The Cygnus spacecraft, with its solar panels deployed, is shown rising into orbit on the top left side of the 8. The space station, where Cygnus will berth and deliver provisions and science experiments to the astronaut crew, is depicted on the top right side of the patch. The Cygnus spacecraft for this mission is named in honor of former astronaut, (TBD), who is represented by the astronaut symbol to the left of the Earth. The name of the program and the customer are featured on the outer ring of the design. This patch was designed by Orbital ATK employees, George Valuikas and Gary Burnside.
The name of the spacecraft will be revealed at a press event in mid-October.
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That's a beautiful patch, better than the NASA-made SpaceX CRS ones (to me).
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NASA ISS OA-8 Mission Logo
Good to see the NRO octopus is still getting work.
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September 29, 2017
MEDIA ADVISORY M17-113
NASA Opens Media Accreditation for November Space Station Cargo
Media accreditation is open for the launch of the eighth Orbital ATK cargo resupply flight to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
Orbital ATK is targeting no earlier than Nov. 10 for the liftoff of its Cygnus spacecraft on an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A.
International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by Wednesday, Oct. 4, for credentials to cover the prelaunch and launch activities at Wallops. The application deadline is Nov. 6 for media who are U.S. citizens. Journalists should send their accreditation request to Keith Koehler at [email protected].
This will be the eighth planned cargo resupply mission by Orbital ATK for NASA under the agency's $1.9 billion Commercial Resupply Services contract with the company. Cargo resupply from U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver critical science research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA's ability to conduct new science investigations to the only laboratory in microgravity.
For questions about accreditation or additional information, contact Keith Koehler by email or at 757-824-1579.
To learn more about Orbital ATK, its Antares rocket and the Cygnus cargo carrier, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/orbital
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Orbital ATK engineers perform final checks on the #OA8 #Cygnus service module before packing it up for shipment to @NASA_Wallops
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/915556968911310848 (https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/915556968911310848)
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October 06, 2017
MEDIA ADVISORY M17-117
NASA Offers Access to Cygnus Spacecraft Ahead of Next Space Station Mission
Media are invited to view and photograph Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft, packed with cargo and scientific experiments for its upcoming flight to the International Space Station, at 10:30 a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 18, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia.
Media also will have an opportunity to speak with NASA and Orbital ATK officials about the targeted no earlier than Nov. 10 mission and the space agency’s effort to send supplies to the space station using commercial companies. The officials available at the event include:
•Sam Scimemi, director for the International Space Station, NASA Headquarters, Washington
•Rick Mastracchio, senior director of operations, commercial resupply services program, Orbital ATK, Dulles, Virginia
•Kurt Eberly, vice president, Antares, Orbital ATK
To attend this event, media must apply for accreditation by contacting Keith Koehler at [email protected] by noon, Tuesday, Oct. 17. Accreditation is open only to media who are U.S. citizens.
Orbital ATK will make its eighth Cygnus cargo delivery to the International Space Station under its commercial resupply services contract with NASA. The resupply mission will launch on the company’s Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0A at Wallops.
Following the Cygnus viewing, media will have the opportunity to visit the upgraded Wallops Range Control Center.
For more information about Orbital ATK, the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk
More information about the International Space Station is available online at:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
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OA-8 launch window will open at 8:03 am ET on Nov 10. (from O/ATK tweet (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/918188091264794624))
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Orbital ATK Verified account @OrbitalATK 3m3 minutes ago
Our #OA8 #Cygnus is being prepped for encapsulation! Stay tuned this morning for a closer look at the spacecraft & mission updates
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/920651267831156738 (https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/920651267831156738)
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October 18, 2017
Orbital ATK, at NASA’s direction, is now targeting November 11 at 7:37 a.m. EST for launch of the OA-8 mission to the International Space Station, based on NASA’s revised ISS traffic planning and cargo needs.
https://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/oa8-mission-page/
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Our #OA8 #Cygnus spacecraft is named in honor of Gene Cernan, accomplished @USNavy Captain & @NASA astronaut
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/920662990650773504
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October 18, 2017
Orbital ATK, at NASA’s direction, is now targeting November 11 at 7:37 a.m. EST for launch of the OA-8 mission to the International Space Station, based on NASA’s revised ISS traffic planning and cargo needs.
https://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/oa8-mission-page/
Noooo!!!!!!! I can't make it on the 11th! :'(
Maybe it will get pushed one more day to the 12th....
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https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/874554667019141120
@NanoRacks' Manber says co to buy/launch 2.8kg, 2u @AsgardiaSpace sat from @NearSpaceLaunch; launch on Orbital ATK Cygnus cargo this fall.
Just been reading about Asgardia in Room magazine (Summer 2017 issue). The satellite is called Asgardia 1 and will be deployed after OA-8 leaves ISS. Asgardia is a "space nation". The cubesat will carry messages and photos from Asgardia citizens. The plan is to create a constellation to help protect against asteroids, solar flares and satellite debris.
https://asgardia.space/en/satellite/
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https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/923994634916978688
We're looking forward to a great launch with a completely full NanoRacks External #Cygnus Deployer!
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https://twitter.com/NanoRacks/status/923994634916978688
We're looking forward to a great launch with a completely full NanoRacks External #Cygnus Deployer!
Do we have info, if EcAMSAT and ISARA fly in the external deployer? Or any info on the other passengers in the deployer (Asgardia-1 will be in it and possibly some Spire Lemurs)?
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Anyone know if Arbuckle Neck Road will be open for the launch? Are there any other places us die-hard space fans can go to avoid huge crowds?
Thanks!
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Cygnus OA-8 Mission Page:
https://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA8-Mission-Page/default.aspx
OA-8 Fact Sheet attached
https://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA8-Mission-Page/Documents/FS004_17_Cygnus_OA-8.pdf
EDIT: added fact sheet link
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https://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA8-Mission-Page/Documents/FS004_17_Cygnus_OA-8.pdf
Once Cygnus is unberthed, a NanoRacks deployer will release 14 Cubesats, a record number for the spacecraft.
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Attached S.S. Gene Cernan fact sheet PDF from Orbital-ATK
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https://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA8-Mission-Page/Documents/FS004_17_Cygnus_OA-8.pdf
Cygnus will remain berthed for approximately one month to allow the astronauts on Space Station to perform the transfer of the lab to Cygnus and then back to the station where it will remain.
What exactly is the point of this demonstration? Cygnus remains berthed during the test, correct? So, it's not demonstrating Cygnus as a free flying lab. They move the lab module to Cygnus, then move it back all the while the vehicle stays berthed to the station .... Is the ISS so hard up for lab space that they would "off load" an experiment for a month to run in Cygnus? Seems strange.
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Need to test the Cygnus systems. One step at a time.
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Nov. 3, 2017
Antares Set for Launch Saturday, Nov. 11
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport are set to support the launch of Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket at 7:37 a.m. EST, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017.
The Antares rocket will carry Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft with more than 7,000 pounds of food, clothing and experiments on the CRS-8 mission to the International Space Station.
The launch may be visible, weather permitting, to residents throughout the east coast of the United States.
Public viewing of the launch will be available at the NASA Visitor Center at Wallops and the surrounding area. Visitors are reminded that alcohol and pets are not allowed on the Visitor Center grounds. The NASA Visitor Center will open at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 11.
For more information about the Visitors Center, including directions, see: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/visitorcenter
Live coverage of the mission is scheduled to begin at 1:15 a.m. on the Wallops Ustream site at:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops
Launch updates also are available via the Wallops Facebook and Twitter sites:
www.facebook.com/NASAWFF
www.twitter.com/NASA_Wallops
Smartphone users can download the “What’s Up at Wallops” app, which contains information on the launch as well as a compass showing the precise direction for launch viewing. The app is available for download to both Android and iOS users.
Launch coverage on NASA TV will begin at 7 a.m. EST. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv
For more information about International Space Station, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
Get more information about Orbital ATK, its Antares rocket and the Cygnus cargo spacecraft at:
http://www.nasa.gov/orbital
Keith Koehler
NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/wallops/2017/antares-set-for-launch-saturday-nov-11 (https://www.nasa.gov/feature/wallops/2017/antares-set-for-launch-saturday-nov-11)
Second attached picture is a visibility map for the Orbital ATK's Antares Rocket CRS-8 launch.
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Need to test the Cygnus systems. One step at a time.
And what's the next step? Using Cygnus as a free-floating lab? Increasing the ISS' total lab space by having a Cygnus regularly attached and being replaced a la Progress when its 90 day orbital lifetime expires? Both? Or something else?
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Need to test the Cygnus systems. One step at a time.
And what's the next step? Using Cygnus as a free-floating lab? Increasing the ISS' total lab space by having a Cygnus regularly attached and being replaced a la Progress when its 90 day orbital lifetime expires? Both? Or something else?
Some or all of those. Tests including lower atmosphere, temperature extremes, or other experiments that aren't safe in the crewed portion. A reusable SAFFIRE setup perhaps?
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Part of the difficulty in utilizing the ISS is the limits on the kinds/risks of experiments it can support.
Proving that the experiment's environment is the same on ISS as on Cygnus normalizes the extension of the Cygnus environment as same.
In the microgravity case, eventually Cygnus might be able to "better" the environment beyond ISS quality/safety/isolation. While still allowing access to prime/remedy/extract results from experiments.
It's not the need for more space, its about increasing utility.
Plus, if Cygnus can operate for longer periods of time autonomously, it can have other uses.
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Cross-post from the "Schedule of ISS flight events (part 2)" thread:
Will there be experimentation aboard in free-flying mode, rather than aboard Cygnus berthed?
mid-December - Cygnus (OA-8) with TangoLab unberthing (from Unity nadir) and releasing by SSRMS
2018
early - Cygnus (OA-8) with TangoLab capture and berthing (to Unity nadir) by SSRMS
These two items seem to suggest that Cygnus (OA-8) will be performing a freeflying experiment with TangoLab aboard (given the release in mid-Dec. and recapture and berthing in early 2018). Where is that info coming from? In the mission factsheet posted just above, it only mentions moving TangoLab into the Cygnus and then offloading it back into ISS while Cygnus remains berthed to the station. No info on releasing and recapture of Cygnus, etc.
EDIT 11/6: No. Cygnus release, no return to ISS, on December 4.
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November 06, 2017
MEDIA ADVISORY M17-132
NASA TV Coverage Set for Next Resupply Mission to International Space Station
NASA commercial cargo provider Orbital ATK is scheduled to launch its eighth mission to the International Space Station at 7:37 a.m. EST Saturday, Nov. 11 NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Live launch coverage will begin at 7 a.m. on NASA Television and the agency’s website.
NASA TV also will air two prelaunch briefings Friday, Nov. 10. At 11 a.m. mission managers will provide an overview and status of launch operations, and at 3 p.m. scientists and researchers will discuss some of the investigations and technology demonstrations to be delivered to the station.
The Cygnus cargo spacecraft will launch on Orbital ATK’s upgraded Antares rocket from Pad 0A of Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, located at Wallops. Following launch on Nov. 11, NASA TV coverage of the spacecraft’s solar array deployment will begin at 9 a.m. and a post-launch news briefing will held at approximately 10 a.m.
Under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract, Cygnus will carry about 7,400 pounds of crew supplies and hardware to the space station, including science and research in support of dozens of research investigations that will occur during Expeditions 53 and 54.
Cygnus will carry several CubeSats that will conduct a variety of missions, from technology demonstrations of laser communication and increased data downlink rates to an investigation to study spaceflight effects on bacterial antibiotic resistance. Other experiments will advance biological monitoring aboard the station and look at various elements of plant growth in microgravity that may help inform plant cultivation strategies for future long-term space missions. The spacecraft will also transport a virtual reality camera to record a National Geographic educational special on Earth as a natural life-support system.
Cygnus will arrive at the station on Monday, Nov. 13. Expedition 53 Flight Engineers Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency) and Randy Bresnik of NASA will use the space station’s robotic arm to capture Cygnus at about 5:40 a.m. NASA TV coverage of rendezvous and capture will begin at 4:15 a.m.
After Canadarm2 captures Cygnus, ground commands will be sent to guide the station’s robotic arm as it rotates and attaches the spacecraft to the bottom of the station’s Unity module. Coverage of installation will begin at 7 a.m.
Cygnus will remain at the space station until Dec. 4, when the spacecraft will depart the station and deploy several CubeSate before its fiery reentry into Earth’s atmosphere as it disposes of several tons of trash.
This Cygnus spacecraft is named in honor of the former astronaut Eugene “Gene” Cernan, the last human to step foot on the Moon during the Apollo 17 mission. Cernan set records for both lunar surface extravehicular activities and longest time in lunar orbit. He died in January 2017.
Learn more about Orbital ATK's mission at:
http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk
Get breaking news, images and features from the station on Instagram and Twitter:
http://instagram.com/iss
and
http://www.twitter.com/Space_Station
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Mission Update
November 6, 2017
Orbital ATK is scheduled to launch its OA-8 mission to the International Space Station on November 11 with the five-minute launch window opening at 7:37 a.m. EST. The S.S. Gene Cernan Cygnus will launch aboard an Antares launch vehicle for the sixth time from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The spacecraft will deliver vital supplies and scientific equipment to the station as part of Orbital ATK’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA. Integration and testing of the Antares launch vehicle and Cygnus spacecraft are complete, and spacecraft encapsulation is scheduled for later this week.
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Late cargo load of the #OA8 S.S. Gene Cernan #Cygnus was completed yesterday at @NASA_Wallops. Next up: encapsulation in #Antares fairing!
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/927932496414683138
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As it will come up, the temp at Wallops on Friday night/Saturday morning will be below freezing at launch time. This is, at present, not a constraint for Antares. The official forecast low at the pad that night is - currently - 29F before an 07:37 EST launch - at which time the temp is still predicted to be below freezing.
I asked Trina at Orbital ATK for the launch weather commit criteria. This is the response from Kurt Eberly, VP/Antares Program Manager.
"Our ambient temperature constraint is 20F. Our capability is driven by the fact that we blow a lot of highly conditioned air into 3 areas of the vehicle that contain the Cygnus spacecraft, avionics, batteries, ordnance, and the second stage solid rocket motor, which are the temperature sensitive items on the rocket. The LOX we load into the vehicle is at roughly -295F, so a cold ambient air temperature is of no concern for most of Stage 1, in fact it just makes it easier to keep the LOX cold on its trip from the storage tank to the rocket.
The forecast low for Friday night is 29F, so we should be OK to launch."
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As it will come up, the temp at Wallops on Friday night/Saturday morning will be below freezing at launch time. This is, at present, not a constraint for Antares. The official forecast low at the pad that night is - currently - -2C before an 07:37 EST launch - at which time the temp is still predicted to be below freezing.
I asked Trina at Orbital ATK for the launch weather commit criteria. This is the response from Kurt Eberly, VP/Antares Program Manager.
"Our ambient temperature constraint is -7C. Our capability is driven by the fact that we blow a lot of highly conditioned air into 3 areas of the vehicle that contain the Cygnus spacecraft, avionics, batteries, ordnance, and the second stage solid rocket motor, which are the temperature sensitive items on the rocket. The LOX we load into the vehicle is at roughly -182C, so a cold ambient air temperature is of no concern for most of Stage 1, in fact it just makes it easier to keep the LOX cold on its trip from the storage tank to the rocket.
The forecast low for Friday night is -2C, so we should be OK to launch."
Bolded is translated for the rest of the world.
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Cygnus Cargo Mission Due for Launch on Veteran’s Day
Orbital ATK’s eighth commercial cargo mission is set to launch to the International Space Station at 7:36 a.m. EST Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11. The Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus cargo craft will blast off from Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia, with over 7,000 pounds of food, supplies and research gear.
Two astronauts will be inside the cupola commanding the Canadarm2 robotic arm to capture Cygnus when it arrives Monday at 5:40 a.m. Flight Engineer Paolo Nespoli will capture Cygnus, dubbed the “SS Gene Cernan”, assisted by Commander Randy Bresnik. Cygnus will deliver numerous advanced science experiments exploring a wide variety of subjects including communication and navigation, microbiology, animal biology and plant biology.
Meanwhile, the orbiting Expedition 53 crew members continued investigating biology and robotics in microgravity.
NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei collected and stowed saliva samples today that will be analyzed later for a study on the human immune system and metabolism. Bresnik took panoramic photographs inside the Kibo laboratory module to prepare for the upcoming Astrobee experiment. Astrobee consists of three free-flying, cube-shaped robots that will be tested for their ability to assist astronauts and ground controllers.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/2017/11/06/cygnus-cargo-mission-due-for-launch-on-veterans-day/
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The forecast low for Friday night is 29F, so we should be OK to launch."
The biggest issues in sub-freezing temperatures might involve the launch pad water deluge system and on-pad emergency showers, etc.
- Ed Kyle
Given Orbital ATK's direct and detailed answer to the sub-freezing temps expected at the pad Friday night, this is not a concern for Saturday morning.
Also, there are numerous ways to prevent those sorts of issues that launch facilities located in places where it freezes understand and use (i.e. heaters).
-
Incidentally if they launch Saturday morning and it is in the upper 20's this will make it the coldest launch of an Antares so far. Right now it's ORB-1 in January 2014 with a launch temp of about 35F (1.5C)
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As it will come up, the temp at Wallops on Friday night/Saturday morning will be below freezing at launch time. This is, at present, not a constraint for Antares. The official forecast low at the pad that night is - currently - -2C before an 07:37 EST launch - at which time the temp is still predicted to be below freezing.
I asked Trina at Orbital ATK for the launch weather commit criteria. This is the response from Kurt Eberly, VP/Antares Program Manager.
"Our ambient temperature constraint is -7C. Our capability is driven by the fact that we blow a lot of highly conditioned air into 3 areas of the vehicle that contain the Cygnus spacecraft, avionics, batteries, ordnance, and the second stage solid rocket motor, which are the temperature sensitive items on the rocket. The LOX we load into the vehicle is at roughly -182C, so a cold ambient air temperature is of no concern for most of Stage 1, in fact it just makes it easier to keep the LOX cold on its trip from the storage tank to the rocket.
The forecast low for Friday night is -2C, so we should be OK to launch."
Bolded is translated for the rest of the world.
Is this the appropriate place to repeat the old joke about the two kinds of countries in the world? You know, the countries that use the metric system, and the countries that have landed men on the Moon...
:D ;D Sorry.
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In the future, they could do both.
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#OA8 Mission Update: #Cygnus encapsulation is complete and we are prepping #Antares for roll to @VCSFA_MARS Pad 0A early tomorrow morning!
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/928425461209853953
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Is this the appropriate place to repeat the old joke about the two kinds of countries in the world? You know, the countries that use the metric system, and the countries that have landed men on the Moon...
:D ;D Sorry.
Three words: Mars. Climate. Orbiter.
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#Antares' journey has begun! #OA8 #Cygnus
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/928602863193993216
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From JSC PAO per request on current consumable limits with and without Cygnus OA-8E.
"Short pole in the tent on consumables right now is food, which we have enough without Cygnus until at least April 2018. Cygnus will push that to at least June. Everything else is good through at least the first half of 2018 without Cygnus, and with Cygnus most consumables have 1 year+ reserve (food still being the shortest but that’s typical.)"
Various payload element weights available here: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/orbital_atk_crs-8_overview.pdf
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Antares rolled out to the pad OA this morning in preparation for CRS-8 mission on Saturday, 11/11. Photo: NASA/Terry Zaperach
https://twitter.com/nasa_wallops/status/928650712178921474
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The Orbital ATK Antares rocket, with the Cygnus spacecraft onboard, is raised into the vertical position on launch Pad-0A, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Orbital ATK’s eighth contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station will deliver over 7,400 pounds of science and research, crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbital laboratory and its crew. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
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some more:
And more can be found here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/albums/72157689075212524
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(http://www.strikersdomain.org/HardNews/OA8-20171109a.png)
As seen from up the Arbuckle Creek inlet, at the old ferry dock site.
Shot with a Nikon Coolpix P900, approx 1120am EST
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As seen from up the Arbuckle Creek inlet, at the old ferry dock site.
Shot with a Nikon Coolpix P900, approx 1120am EST
Awesome pic!
Is there somewhere that publishes road closures? Any word on whether these areas will be open during the launch for viewing?
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As seen from up the Arbuckle Creek inlet, at the old ferry dock site.
Shot with a Nikon Coolpix P900, approx 1120am EST
Awesome pic!
Is there somewhere that publishes road closures? Any word on whether these areas will be open during the launch for viewing?
I haven't found anything yet that definitely answers the question. While I was at the dock, two crabbers and a Virginia Maritime Police officer were passing the time of day at their boat. I asked the VMP if there was a closure for the launch Saturday, he didn't know, and said that "If there were deputies at the end of the road Saturday morning, you can assume the area is closed".
Not. Precisely. Helpful. ???
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As seen from up the Arbuckle Creek inlet, at the old ferry dock site.
Shot with a Nikon Coolpix P900, approx 1120am EST
Awesome pic!
Is there somewhere that publishes road closures? Any word on whether these areas will be open during the launch for viewing?
I haven't found anything yet that definitely answers the question. While I was at the dock, two crabbers and a Virginia Maritime Police officer were passing the time of day at their boat. I asked the VMP if there was a closure for the launch Saturday, he didn't know, and said that "If there were deputies at the end of the road Saturday morning, you can assume the area is closed".
Not. Precisely. Helpful. ???
Thanks for trying! I guess we'll find out! :)
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How is it that Cygnus delivers so much more to ISS than Dragon, with a much smaller rocket?
Is it all because of the Dragons heat shield?
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Thanks for trying! I guess we'll find out! :)
No worries! If I spot something, I'll link it in the thread.
In the meantime, another ridiculous shot from the P900: 8)
(http://www.strikersdomain.org/HardNews/OA8-20171109b.png)
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(http://www.strikersdomain.org/HardNews/OA8-20171109c.png)
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How is it that Cygnus delivers so much more to ISS than Dragon, with a much smaller rocket?
Is it all because of the Dragons heat shield?
Dragon is severely volume limited. (Dragon has 10 cubic meters to Cygnus' 27 cubic meters)
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As seen from up the Arbuckle Creek inlet, at the old ferry dock site.
Shot with a Nikon Coolpix P900, approx 1120am EST
Awesome pic!
Is there somewhere that publishes road closures? Any word on whether these areas will be open during the launch for viewing?
An Accomack County official has stated that Arbuckle Neck Road will be closed for viewing of the Antares launch.
FURTHER UPDATE:
The following is written in a positive light to be very helpful and to give a better understanding.
A very knowledgeable and highly respected government official has provided information about why Arbuckle Neck Road is now closed when launches are to occur.
Arbuckle Neck Road is a narrow one-lane road in the area where people go to watch launches and where they park their vehicles.
When vehicles park along the shoulder of Arbuckle Neck Road, there is not always room for arriving or departing vehicles to adequately and promptly turn around.
Should there be an emergency of any kind, arrival and departure of emergency vehicles would be hindered.
Time is of the essence when responding to an emergency. Seconds count
Thus, quite understandably, the Virginia State Police and the Virginia Department of Transportation have found it to be unsafe to accommodate vehicles parking along a narrow one-lane road in case there is a need for an emergency vehicle to quickly arrive and depart.
The nearby NASA VIP viewing area is unaffected due to its access being from a well marked, wide two-lane, paved roadway.
Readers are thanked for their understanding. Each life is important.
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As seen from up the Arbuckle Creek inlet, at the old ferry dock site.
Shot with a Nikon Coolpix P900, approx 1120am EST
I thought that view looked familiar. I watched OA-5 from that spot and I'll be there for this one. Were you there last year?
I'm thinking about using my telescope for this launch. I'm guessing Antares will just barely fit in frame while on the pad. I'm still unsure if I'll take photos or video (my camera only does 1080p), but either way it should be interesting. The trees get in the way toward MECO, but I don't know how easily it can be seen at that time of day.
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New Small Satellite Missions Launching To Space
NASA's Ames Research Center
Published on Nov 9, 2017
On November 11, 2017, NASA will launch four new small satellite missions to space from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Each mission will demonstrate critical new capabilities for small spacecraft.
More info: https://go.nasa.gov/2isTr8q
Video credit: NASA's Ames Research Center
NASA's Ames Research Center is located in California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science and technology.
https://youtu.be/RW811ouhJeU?t=001
https://youtu.be/RW811ouhJeU
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95% chance of acceptable weather for launch window.
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Good morning! Antares rocket and the “SS Gene Cernan” @OrbitalATK #Cygnus cargo vehicle stand ready to resupply the @Space_Station: flic.kr/s/aHsm8Mbnfd
https://twitter.com/nasahqphoto/status/928976201795948544
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HR
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How is it that Cygnus delivers so much more to ISS than Dragon, with a much smaller rocket?
Is it all because of the Dragons heat shield?
Dragon's pressurized upmass is volume constrained. The main reason for that is because the volume has to fit in a cone behind the heatshield in order to get downmass, while Cygnus can simply get longer. And unlike Cygnus, Dragon has to provide both thermal and aerodynamic protection in an aerodynamic shape, which is why it's much heavier for the volume it contains. Cygnus rides up in a fairing and never sees the atmosphere.
Dragon uses a larger rocket because SpaceX only has a larger rocket. F9 is optimized for heavy GTO missions with reuse, it's massive overkill for Dragon but that makes for easy RTLS and only operating one vehicle is much cheaper than having a second smaller rocket for LEO missions.
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Good view inside the fairing from the Pre Launch Press Conference (live until 12pm).
(https://i.imgur.com/9sIDnEh.png)
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Dragon's pressurized upmass is volume constrained. The main reason for that is because the volume has to fit in a cone behind the heatshield in order to get downmass, while Cygnus can simply get longer. And unlike Cygnus, Dragon has to provide both thermal and aerodynamic protection in an aerodynamic shape, which is why it's much heavier for the volume it contains. Cygnus rides up in a fairing and never sees the atmosphere.
To add, Dragon has an unpressurized truck and can carry various external payloads to the ISS. Cygnus has just a service module and a pressurized module.
It's not that one spacecraft is good and the other bad. NASA needs both. Dragon provides transport for external components and it is able to return experiments from the ISS, while Cygnus can bring to the ISS large volume of internal cargo.
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Does anyone have insight into these numbers on the first stage?
"2TRS2S1.8"
My Guess: "2" (unknown meaning, maybe version 2 with RD181 engines?), Taurus 2, Stage 1 Serial No. 8
- Ed Kyle
Almost perfect, but the leading 2 was used for the earlier Antares too. This is a Zenit-program-style designator from Yuzhmash I guess.
Antares #2 (Orb-D) was 2TRS2S1.3
Antares #5 (Orb-3) was 2TRS2S1.5
I don't have similar designators for the other Antares launches.
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Dragon's pressurized upmass is volume constrained. The main reason for that is because the volume has to fit in a cone behind the heatshield in order to get downmass, while Cygnus can simply get longer. And unlike Cygnus, Dragon has to provide both thermal and aerodynamic protection in an aerodynamic shape, which is why it's much heavier for the volume it contains. Cygnus rides up in a fairing and never sees the atmosphere.
To add, Dragon has an unpressurized truck and can carry various external payloads to the ISS. Cygnus has just a service module and a pressurized module.
It's not that one spacecraft is good and the other bad. NASA needs both. Dragon provides transport for external components and it is able to return experiments from the ISS, while Cygnus can bring to the ISS large volume of internal cargo.
Cygnus is also great for disposal of waste from the ISS.
-
New Small Satellite Missions Launching To Space
NASA's Ames Research Center
Published on Nov 9, 2017
On November 11, 2017, NASA will launch four new small satellite missions to space from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Each mission will demonstrate critical new capabilities for small spacecraft.
More info: https://go.nasa.gov/2isTr8q
Video credit: NASA's Ames Research Center
NASA's Ames Research Center is located in California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science and technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW811ouhJeU?t=001
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW811ouhJeU
Although not named, it appears that TechEdSat-6 will also be on board (the one with the innovative breaking device)
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Has anyone a complete list of the cubesats on board (unknown number) and in the external deployer (14)?
I have found following (those with * are in the external deployer)
EcAMSat
Lemur-2 (unknown number) *
ISARA
CHEFsat
Asgardia 1 *
OCSD B (AeroCube 7B)
OCSD C (AeroCube 7C)
PropCube 2 (Fauna)
TechEdSat-6 ?
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Does anyone have insight into these numbers on the first stage?
"2TRS2S1.8"
My Guess: "2" (unknown meaning, maybe version 2 with RD181 engines?), Taurus 2, Stage 1 Serial No. 8
- Ed Kyle
Almost perfect, but the leading 2 was used for the earlier Antares too. This is a Zenit-program-style designator from Yuzhmash I guess.
Antares #2 (Orb-D) was 2TRS2S1.3
Antares #5 (Orb-3) was 2TRS2S1.5
I don't have similar designators for the other Antares launches.
IIRC Andrey (anik)'s list used to have all of the numbers. Maybe you can ask him......
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Is NASA TV the only live coverage?
https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive
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OA-8 Pre-launch Press Conference Round-up
The pre-launch press conference for tomorrow’s launch has concluded. Systems tests this morning went well, and weather conditions remain green.
Orbital ATK will launch its Cygnus spacecraft into orbit to the International Space Station, targeted for 7:37 a.m. EST Nov. 11, 2017, from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The launch window is open for about five minutes.
Systems tests this morning went well, with one nitrogen regulator on the ground being changed out with a replacement this afternoon. Orbital ATK’s minimum temperature constraint for Antares is 20 degrees F, so currently forecast launch temperatures (and the overall weather) are not expected to pose a problem. At launch time, temperatures are expected to be about 25 to 30 degrees.
The countdown clock begins at 1:22 a.m. EST Nov. 11. Fueling begins roughly 90 minutes before launch. Live NASA TV coverage and commentary will begin at 7 a.m., and Wallops will play live views of the launch pad on Ustream beginning at 1:15 a.m.
Sunrise occurs not long before the launch window opens, which may negatively influence the ability for viewers outside the local area to see the launch.
The journey from launch to orbit takes about nine minutes, with Cygnus then scheduled to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Nov. 13.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/orbital/2017/11/10/oa-8-pre-launch-press-conference-round-up/ (https://blogs.nasa.gov/orbital/2017/11/10/oa-8-pre-launch-press-conference-round-up/)
Three timelapse GIFs attached:
This time lapse shows Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket rolling out of the HIF (the Horizontal Integration Facility) at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Nov. 9.
Credit: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility/Patrick Black
The mile-long journey from the HIF to the launch pad takes about two hours to complete. This time lapse covers the latter part of that journey.
Credit: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility/Patrick Black
Once the tilt begins, the total time to go from horizontal to vertical alignment takes roughly 20 minutes.
Credit: NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility/Patrick Black
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Henry Martin, NanoRacks: for first time we’re flying full set of 14 cubesats on Cygnus external deployers; will release at 500 km altitude after Cygnus departs ISS. #OA8
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/929081018371465216
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From the old ferry dock off Pierce Taylor Rd at 1:40 pm EST today.
What are the wind aloft limits for Antares? ForeFlight says 295 degrees at 76 knots at 7 am EST.
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https://youtu.be/cVPAkyWq1is (https://youtu.be/cVPAkyWq1is)
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Bill Harwood got this out of Nanoracks:
@NanoRacks
External CubeSats include: 8x Lemurs, ISARA, CHEFSat, AeroCube 7 B & C, Asgardia-1 and PROPCUBE
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https://youtu.be/I8PzQX3LVE0 (https://youtu.be/I8PzQX3LVE0)
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FEATURE ARTICLE: Antares ready for Cygnus CRS-8 mission to the ISS - https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/antares-cygnus-crs-8-iss/
- By William Graham.
Additional Antares and Cygnus L2 renders by Nathan Koga
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Countdown is underway. NASA TV Wallops has a live stream of the flight loop. Everything sounds good so far as far as I can tell.
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Pre power up checks in work and mostly complete.
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Now recording battery parameters. Already up to step 76.
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1st weather brief is good. Coldest air of the season and ground winds will decrease approaching T-0. No precip expected from offshore clouds. T-0 temp at 27-29 degrees. Less than 5% chance of launch criteria violations.
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DLC (dynamic limit checker) is in auto. Batt cell voltages nominal.
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Go for launch vehicle external power on.
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Clearing the launch pad now. One controller said they might need to activate the red team later. No mention of why that might be needed.
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I'm going "off console" for a couple hours. All seems to be going well at this time.
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Working a TEL hydraulic issue.
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Also reporting a telemetry issue with Cygnus
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Delaying FTS checks so red team can enter the pad to investigate TEL hydraulic issue
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Should be able to make T0 if 'red team clear out in a proficient manner'.
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Red team has cleared the pad. Believe all systems are green but need to check.
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https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK
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https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops
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Go for avionics and internal power test
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FTS and avionics on internal power
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It's launch dayyyy🚀
boarding the bus to the launch viewing site👌🏼
go Antares. go cygnus.
https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/929290820578168832
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http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops
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"Less than two hours 'til Orbital ATK's Antares rocket lifts off from VCSFA MARS Pad 0A at Wallops."
https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops/status/929298408791298048
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The latest forecast, for two hours out from launch, puts weather at 100-percent favorable for #OA8. Launch window opens at 7:37 a.m. EST for @OrbitalATK's #Antares rocket and International Space Station-bound #Cygnus spaceraft.
https://twitter.com/nasa_wallops/status/929301004524380160
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A good early Saturday morning to everyone. We are just over 90 mins away from launch of @OrbitalATK’s #Antares rocket to the International Space Station. #Cygnus #OA8
https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/929303046668144640
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L-1 hour and 37 minutes and we have GO for propellant loading. Weather is green with 0% probability of violation!
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/929302884226863105
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Sorry, bit confused; Is this launch 11:37 UTC or 12:37 UTC?
Per this we're now at 11:20 UTC
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/timezone/utc
...but launch seems more than an hour away?
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RP-1 Kerosene and LOX are now flowing into Antares.
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Sorry, bit confused; Is this launch 11:37 UTC or 12:37 UTC?
Per this we're now at 11:20 UTC
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/timezone/utc
...but launch seems more than an hour away?
12:37 UTC, or 07:37 EST.
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Removal of the TEL pre-load arm in work.
Update: And that's complete. Moving on to "TEL arms open" step.
And now that's done.
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Sorry, bit confused; Is this launch 11:37 UTC or 12:37 UTC?
Per this we're now at 11:20 UTC
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/timezone/utc
...but launch seems more than an hour away?
12:37 UTC, or 07:37 EST.
Ok, NSF calendar is then the bit that is wrong. Thank you, carry on.
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Much brighter now
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TEL now being commanded to pre-pull back position.
Update: TEL now configured to pre-pullback position.
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Constraint violation. High press unit on something. Missed what it was.
It's a "poorly written constraint" and the team thinks they can get a waiver.
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Nice shot
-
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Waiver on constraint processed. All teams are GREEN. We have no constraints at this time at T-1hr and counting.
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Am I seeing people and a forklift right next to the fueled rocket?
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Trajectory file "0" selected for today.
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Am I seeing people and a forklift right next to the fueled rocket?
If you're watching NASA TV, they are replaying sunset from last night. No idea why they don't have a "last night" chyron on that.
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Our preferred launch time today it 07:37:25 EST (12:37:25 UTC)
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T-45 minutes. Resolution is only 360p.
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Cygnus-Antares Launch profile
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TEL in pre-pullback position. Expecting helium bottle charging in just a few minutes.
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Prop lead: Cold helium bottle charging has started.
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Configuring Antares comm to open-loop.
-
NASA coverage starting soon.
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But seriously, what are these people doing there.
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Antares comm in open-loop telemetry. All stations report good link w/ telemetry comms.
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T-40 minutes. Seeing venting near the base of the vehicle.
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But seriously, what are these people doing there.
Again... that is a replay of sunset from last night. Date stamp is yesterday at 21:55 UTC. That's not a live shot.
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TEL position
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Some nice shots.
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NASA coverage has started.
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... that is a replay of sunset from last night. Date stamp is yesterday at 21:55 UTC. That's not a live shot.
Day 314
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Fuel level adjustment NOT required.
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Control rooms.
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ECU commands to Antares stopped.
T-35mins and COUNTING.
No issues.
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T-35 minutes.
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Interview with OA representative.
-
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Hoping for a view from Long Island, NY this morning.
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Cool view of the rollout.
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Crews working through steps to make sure all safety considerations/parameters are ready.
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Launch preparations.
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T-30mins.
There continue to be no constraints to launch at this time.
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Telemetry loss in control center.
-
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L-30 minutes. Telemetry has been lost in the centre.
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Telemetry is back.
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FTS power on is now underway.
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Launch events. Telemetry is back.
-
FTS internal power is verified at this time.
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"Positive FTS arm indication."
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Message from ISS crew on Veterans Day.
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FTS activation complete and good.
-
T-25mins
All is continuing to proceed well at this time.
-
Legend.
-
L-25 minutes. Tribute to Gene Cernan.
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Upper levels winds are "GO".
-
Coming up on final planned hold.
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Launch vehicle and spacecraft.
-
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Bit of venting
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3,350 kg of cargo.
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Holding now at T-10mins.
-
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L-20 minutes.
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Orbital ATK Director of Program Management speaking.
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Launch team letting people watching the U-Stream know that there's a signal delay (same for those watching NASA TV on the web). Step outside early if you want to see the launch.
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Getting come noisy readings. Performing "comma" test (I think I heard that right) to see what the issue is/try to clear it.
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AGC is Automatic Gain Control (at least for communications receivers).
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Transferring Cygnus to internal power.
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Transferring Cygnus to internal power.
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Arming the TEL for rapid retract.
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NASA TV takes a social media question about if the vehicle is reusable.
Orbital ATK person says it would have been too expensive. And also that Cygnus is also designed to be destroyed at the end of the mission.
NASA PAO: "Makes sense!" ;D
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12:27:25 UTC (07:27:25 EST) is countdown resume time leading to launch at 12:37:25 UTC (07:37:25 EST).
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L-15 minutes.
-
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Cygnus confirmed on internal power and "is nominal."
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OCSD satellite being carried.
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ISARA cubesat.
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Final readiness poll underway.
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Polling for final countdown.
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Poll complete. All stations are GO.
Launch resumes at 07:27:25 EST (12:27:25 UTC).
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Appeared to be some confusion there as to whether the range was go or not. They are go. No issues.
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OA is go.
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T-10mins AND COUNTING!
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T-10 minutes.
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Stage 1 ODN controller armed.
-
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Ground ordinance power supplies initialized.
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L-9 minutes.
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Ground ordinance power supplies initialized.
They're not seeing a good start on this.
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Ground ordinance power supplies initialized.
They're not seeing a good start on this.
And now they are. GN2 conditioning now starting.
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Terminating engine evac now.
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Nice calm launch director there. Controller didn't see a reading. Calmly got the team to recycle a command. Got them back on track.
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L-8 minutes. Engines are ready for priming.
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Engine fuel prim-ing underway.
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L-7 minutes.
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Engine prim-ing verified.
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Transferring avionics to internal power.
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L-6 minutes.
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All external power off commands sent.
Internal power nominal.
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All FTS arm commands sent.
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L-5 minutes.
-
RANGE is green!
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GNC ready for nav mode.
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Ignition timings being verified.
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L-4 minutes. Range is green.
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Auto-sequence start!
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20 sec between NASA TV and Ustream....
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Terminal count.
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Loss of telemetry that doesn't appear to be an issue.
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T-3 minutes.
-
2mins!
-
90secs
-
Ox pre-press started
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RED
Aircraft in the RANGE.
ABORT!
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T-2 minutes.
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Team is recycling. We have aborted.
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Proceeding to abort safing ops.
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PLANE!! Unbelievable.
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Abort. Aircraft in area.
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Wayward plane, abort...
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All SMAs and ODNs verified disabled and safed.
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Scrubbing launch for the day.
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Launch scrubbed for today.
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Wayward plane, abort...
Beat them with a stick... :(
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Tomorrow is next attempt.
Sunday attempt is 07:14 EST (12:14 UTC)
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Venting.....
-
Anybody know how long de-tanking takes?
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might be this aircraft
no longer the case now updated to this plane: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42553.msg1748495#msg1748495
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Another 1 am start for the day for the launch crew tomorrow.
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Nice view. Getting a lot of venting sound on NASA TV.
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Looks like someone did not review their NOTAMs before taking off. Wonder how much the fine is for violating the restricted air space.
-
might be this aircraft
details
Update: no longer the case now updated to this plane:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42553.msg1748495#msg1748495
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NASA coverage starting at 6:45 am EST tomorrow.
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Next opportunity, tomorrow at 7:14:52 a.m. EST (12:14:52 GMT).
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NASA and Wallops coverage has ended.
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Looks like someone did not review their NOTAMs before taking off. Wonder how much the fine is for violating the restricted air space.
A fine? This makes me amused. Is a fine the only penalty provided in such cases? I can't imagine that such thing would happen in Russia or China, for example.
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Shouldn't the ATC be aware of the forbidden area ?
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Shouldn't the ATC be aware of the forbidden area ?
Planes are not under direct ATC control that far out to the sea. And even when they are, the pilots are the ones responsible and they are the ones who should check NOTAMs. If this really was due to a big passenger jet flying to restricted airspace, someone is going to get an very uncomfortable meeting with the company chief pilot very soon over such blatant mistake of not checking applicable NOTAMs before flight.
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Maybe it is very common in US, Chinese launches have never been delayed by ships or aircrafts
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Cygnus spacecraft back to external ground supplied power.
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Yeah, countries famous for their excellent safety cultures. Shoot the culprit hasn't proven it's effectiveness yet. Several things had to go wrong here. The NOTAM system is a mess. I don't know when it was implemented, probably during WW2 or something. I guess it made sense back then.
While I agree somewhat with you and I wouldn't live in a non-democratic country, there are certain cases in the Western World that really make me amused and even angry. The first time when I openly disagreed with how things were being handled was when the Swine influenza became widespread in 2009, and borders weren't closed. The second time was during the refugee crisis in Europe (I'm living a country that's considered a hot-spot). And the third time is when flight violations aren't punished harshly enough.
This is just my opinion. Yes, I wouldn't live in China, but in our Western world, we have to agree that too much of a good thing isn't good at all.
Right now we have an airplane pilot that violated safety rules. This shouldn't be left without consequences. Being a pilot is a responsible job. There need to be harsher punishments, not just fines.
Again, this is my opinion.
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https://watchrockets.com/
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Has anyone posted today's NOTAMs to the thread? I took a quick look back at the earlier pages and didn't find them.
(See catdlr's FlightAware screen-caps up-thread.)
Has anyone confirmed that this JetBlu flight was in the NOTAM during the NOTAM duration?
I wonder if the fact that the flight departed Santiago, Dominican Republic late, and is anticipated to arrive at Boston Logan late, is a factor? They should have been beyond the the NOTAM area at launch time, if the flight was on-time. If someone NOTAM searched with too restrictive a time duration, maybe they would have never seen the NOTAM? Even so, that's still shoddy research.
***
If the NOTAM violation could be confirmed, then maybe a local reporter should get themselves out to Boston Logan and pursue the story when the flight arrives?
(Interviewing the passengers exiting the terminal would be of human-interest, but pointless for gathering information.
One probably wouldn't be allowed to interview the flight crew, and if they're smart, they wouldn't want to talk to reporters. However, even "no comment, block the camera" video footage has some drama value.
However, maybe one could swing an interview with a Boston ATC supervisor?
A thought--I know; it will not happen.)
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I think that assumes that this is newsworthy to general interest media. The specialised space coverage outfits may not have someone local ( and no funding to hire a stringer)... but I'm just guessing. Some of our members that work in the media might know better.
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Jet Blue is off the hook. Told it was a small plane, VFR, a few miles offshore, was not answering FAA warnings. Bad pilot.
--
PS Let's keep it on this launch and scrub, not political stuff.
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A shot to help ease the frustration:
what a beautiful Antares launch it would have been this morning. here was my view just before sunrise at the press site.
next attempt tomorrow morning
https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/929341292961828864 (https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/929341292961828864)
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Small GA planes can have GPS satnavs that are linked to the NOTAM system which flash up warnings in flight if you are going to violate a NOTAM. Simple ones run on iPads and cost about $200 per year subscription. You would normally upload the NOTAMs when doing your pre-flight planning. However if you are old school you don't bother with any of that nonsense and just take off. Plus you don't have to talk to ATC after you have taken off and left your ATZ - not that this is a good idea!
So quite easy to bust restricted airspace if you don't do your pre-flight checks or talk to ATC.
There is no way it would have been a large commercial plane as they have much more advanced systems than GA planes plus they will be flying IR and be under instruction from ATC.
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NOTAMs for to-morrow:
!CARF 11/045 (KZDC A0197/17) ZDC AIRSPACE DCC ANTARES OA-8 STNR ALT RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3757N07527W TO 3800N07514W TO 3759N07512W TO 3751N07517W TO 3757N07527W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3750N07531W TO 3728N07539W TO 3723N07530W TO 3742N07530W TO 3739N07531W TO 3750N07531W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3702N07502W TO 3705N07436W TO 3647N07436W TO 3648N07452W TO 3702N07502W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1711121200-1711121300
!CARF 11/046 (KZNY A0352/17) ZNY AIRSPACE DCC ANTARES OA-8 STNR ALT RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 2846N06208W TO 3052N06420W TO 2907N06631W TO 2701N06420W TO 2846N06208W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1711121200-1711121300
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Forecast for Nov. 12: 90 Percent Favorable
Aside from the slight chance of cloud ceilings at 2,000 feet for Sunday morning’s launch attempt, conditions look excellent with no real weather concerns at this time. The Wallops range forecast is 90 percent favorable.
Canadian high pressure will ridge over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states today with dry and unseasonably cold conditions. The area of high pressure will remain over the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states through Sunday morning’s launch attempt, before sliding off the coast Sunday afternoon. The low-level stratus cloudiness off the Wallops coastline this morning will remain off the Wallops coastline today. As the area of high pressure begins to slide off the Northeast coastline Sunday morning, there is a slight chance of the low-level stratus moving onshore over the Wallops Region Sunday morning.
The launch of Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft was scrubbed for Nov. 11 after an aircraft was detected in the vicinity of the launch pad. The next launch attempt is set for Sunday, Nov. 12. The five-minute launch window opens at 7:14 a.m. EST.
Author Rob GarnerPosted on November 11, 2017Categories Antares, Cygnus, Orbital ATK
https://blogs.nasa.gov/orbital/2017/11/11/forecast-for-nov-12-90-percent-favorable/
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Jet Blue is off the hook. Told it was a small plane, VFR, a few miles offshore, was not answering FAA warnings. Bad pilot.
Maybe it is the one visibile on the flightaware screenshot below the islands.
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Everyone at the Old Ferry thought it was a bigger plane west of us, fairly close.
Fairly crowded... need to get there earlier tomorrow.
-Bob
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Orbital ATK Verified account @OrbitalATK
We have confirmed that the aircraft that aborted today's launch attempt was a small aircraft flying at about 500ft approximately 6 miles offshore.
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/929363384079994880
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I hope that today’s scrub is not a bad omen for tomorrow’s attempt. I mean, the launch ending in an explosion shortly after liftoff. :-\
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Everyone at the Old Ferry thought it was a bigger plane west of us, fairly close.
Fairly crowded... need to get there earlier tomorrow.
-Bob
I was there too, but can't make the round trip again tomorrow. Bummer.
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I'd place odds on this: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N16365
TCAS and ADS-B were activated. Given the airport the plane flew out of the plane was likely operating on UNICOM/CTAF via either 122.725 MHz, 122.8 MHz, 122.975 MHz, 123.050 MHz, and 123.075 MHz.
Scanner sites if you go back to the hour of the incident violated TFR's and would provide the ARTCC controller discussion with the pilot.
ADS-B position tracking for N16365: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N16365/history/20171111/1207Z/tracklog
UNICOM/CTAF: https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/advocacy-briefs/air-traffic-services-process-brief-changing-unicom-frequencies
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Even the stuff I fly doesn't get real-time or graphic NOTAM depictions, but some bizjets might, and the experimental/kitplane I'm building with a Dynon Skyview will.
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Looking Ahead: OA-8 Launch Milestones on Nov. 12
Rob Garner - November 11, 2017
On Nov. 12 Orbital ATK will launch its Cygnus spacecraft aboard an Antares rocket on a journey to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The five-minute launch window opens at 7:14 a.m. EST. Cygnus is carrying 7,400 pounds of crew supplies, hardware and scientific research equipment.
Milestones (Approximate Timing)
12:50 a.m. EST — live video of the launch pad airs on Wallops’ Ustream (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops)
6:45 a.m. — live launch commentary airs on NASA TV (https://www.nasa.gov/live)
7:14 a.m. — five-minute launch window opens
Launch + 3.7 seconds — liftoff
L+ 3 min., 34 sec. — main engine cutoff (MECO)
L+ 3 min., 40 sec. — first stage separation
L+ 4 min., 11 sec. — fairing separtaion
L+ 4 min., 16 sec. — interstage separtaion
L+ 4 min., 24 sec. — second stage ignition
L+ 7 min., 6 sec. — second stage burnout; orbit insertion
L+ 9 min., 6 sec. — Cygnus spacecraft separates — 121.3 miles altitude; 16,846 mph
https://blogs.nasa.gov/orbital/2017/11/11/looking-ahead-oa-8-launch-milestones-on-nov-12 (https://blogs.nasa.gov/orbital/2017/11/11/looking-ahead-oa-8-launch-milestones-on-nov-12)
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I'd place odds on this: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N16365
TCAS and ADS-B were activated. Given the airport the plane flew out of the plane was likely operating on UNICOM/CTAF via either 122.725 MHz, 122.8 MHz, 122.975 MHz, 123.050 MHz, and 123.075 MHz.
Scanner sites if you go back to the hour of the incident violated TFR's and would provide the ARTCC controller discussion with the pilot.
ADS-B position tracking for N16365: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N16365/history/20171111/1207Z/tracklog
UNICOM/CTAF: https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/advocacy-briefs/air-traffic-services-process-brief-changing-unicom-frequencies
It appears to me this plane was west of the restricted airspace and not the culprit.
Also, the flight track was at 2000 feet altitude, not 500 feet.
My guess, this was someone looking to get pictures of the launch and staying well clear of restricted space.
I don't think FlightAware is a good tool for tracking small aircraft, at 500' altitude and 6 miles offshore.
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Maybe it is very common in US, Chinese launches have never been delayed by ships or aircrafts
I don't think people realize just how many private pilots there are in the United States.
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I was out there, shivering in the cold (a whopping 27 degrees). Perfect viewing weather, no clouds except out near the east over the ocean.
Some unfortunate soul rolled his car partway over just outside the visitor center gate. To be fair, lots of people had parked on the grass there, and the embankment at that particular spot is rather steep.
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It appears to me this plane was west of the restricted airspace and not the culprit.
Agree, NOTAM for earlier today included the same restricted zones as for tomorrow (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42553.msg1748468#msg1748468)
!CARF 11/043 ZDC AIRSPACE DCC ANTARES OA-8 STNR ALT RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3757N07527W TO 3800N07514W TO 3759N07512W TO 3751N07517W TO 3757N07527W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WITHIN AN AREA DEFINED AS 3750N07531W TO 3728N07539W TO 3723N07530W TO 3742N07530W TO 3739N07531W TO 3750N07531W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WITHIN AN AREA DEFINED AS 3702N07502W TO 3705N07436W TO 3647N07436W TO 3648N07452W TO 3702N07502W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1711111230-1711111315
!CARF 11/045 ZDC AIRSPACE DCC ANTARES OA-8 STNR ALT RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3757N07527W TO 3800N07514W TO 3759N07512W TO 3751N07517W TO 3757N07527W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3750N07531W TO 3728N07539W TO 3723N07530W TO 3742N07530W TO 3739N07531W TO 3750N07531W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 3702N07502W TO 3705N07436W TO 3647N07436W TO 3648N07452W TO 3702N07502W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL 1711121200-1711121300
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Couple of photos posted by NASA
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What a frustrating day.
Here's some shots from yesterday's remote camera setup.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-RxTTJSz/0/2cec2e28/L/2017_11_10_16_39_06_1D3_8752-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-nX5R2G4/1/02b217d4/L/2017_11_10_17_01_52_1D3_8776-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-D6FzqTp/0/cdf30d58/L/2017_11_10_17_21_58_1D3_8823-L.jpg)
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What a frustrating day.
Tell me about it. Wasn't me, I swear!
Some more pics here (https://imgur.com/a/ONCdo), won't attach because they're pretty poor quality. Today was my limit of earliness and coldness... here's hoping OA-9's a little warmer and later.
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Ready for the second attempt...
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Good morning from @NASA_Wallops! We are about 2.5 hours out from launch & everything remains on track. Weather looks good and #Antares and #Cygnus vehicles are healthy.
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/929648001139838976
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Just about two hours to go! We are in a planned 20-minute hold in the countdown. @OrbitalATK's Antares rocket has a five-minute launch window, opening at 7:14 a.m. EST for launch.
https://twitter.com/nasa_wallops/status/929654693294419969
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1 hour and 50 min to launch and we are 95% GO for weather. #Antares #Cygnus #OA8
https://twitter.com/orbitalatk/status/929656653024251904
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90 minutes until the launch window, and we are "go" for fueling of @OrbitalATK's Antares rocket.
https://twitter.com/nasa_wallops/status/929658528293425154
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LOX fueling confirmed underway.
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Last team to leave the "clear" zone has just confirmed that they are clear.
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Commanding TEL arms to open.
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Proceeding to command TEL to pre pullback position.
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07:14:52 EST (12:14:52 UTC) is our targeted window open launch time today. Teams will adjust the to-the-second mark in a few minutes for optimal rocket performance.
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TEL is configured to pre pullback position.
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High flow LO2 loading has started.
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L-1 hour and 1 minute.
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T-1hr and counting.
No issues.
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Antares' launch window this morning is 5 minutes in duration.
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Starting to see the sky.
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Flight computer trajectory file "2" is selected for flight. "0" was selected yesterday.
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Flight computer trajectory file "2" is selected for flight. "0" was selected yesterday.
Trajectory file "2" verified in the flight computer.
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Ground & vehicle comms confirmed good.
Helium bottle submerge confirmed.
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Teams confirmed orientation command settings.
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Verifying various aspects of SIGI (Space-Integrated GPS/Inertial Navigation System)
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L-50 minutes.
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Under 45mins to launch. No issues.
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Cold helium bottle charging confirmed.
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T-30mins on the clock.
L-40mins.
Board is GREEN.
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Configuring vehicle D-comms to open loop telemetry in work.
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Nominal open loop telemetry confirmed.
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L-40 minutes. Open loop telemetry nominal (hope they got FEC turned on! :-)
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F1 N level is 7 of 7
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Winds for vehicle drift confirmed GREEN.
Fuel level does NOT require adjustment.
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Configuring FEC for no adjustment to fuel level.
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ECU commands terminated.
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NASA TV ramping up main coverage.
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NASA coverage starting soon.
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L-30mins.
Clocks are at T-20mins.
No issues. Launch team is continuing to march right down the timeline today.
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Team is polling for final FTS power on.
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Team is polling for final FTS power on.
All is GO for FTS power on.
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L-30 minutes. Performing poll for FTS. And go.
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NASA coverage has started.
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All FTS power on steps complete and good.
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Rob Navis commentating. Amanda Davis of Orbital ATK describing scrub procedure.
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Re-setting charge amps.
And that's done and "restored to flight mode."
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Reconfiguring valves for final countdown.
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L-25 minutes. NASA is running about 25 seconds behind Wallops.
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Upper level winds are GO!
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Arm operators.
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Two boats coming from the north. Coast Guard trying to intercept. Possibility boats could foul this attempt.
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Launch timeline.
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T-10mins and HOLDING. This is a planned 10min built-in-hold. The hold should release, if all is go, at 07:04:52 EST, leading to a launch at 07:14:52 EST (12:14:52 UTC).
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L-20 minutes. Entering 10 minute hold.
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T-10mins and HOLDING. This is a planned 10min built-in-hold. The hold should release, if all is go, at 07:04:52 EST, leading to a launch at 07:14:52 EST (12:14:52 UTC).
Reminder, this is a 5min window. So if those boats do intrude, we can extend the T-10min hold for 5 additional minutes then is currently planned.
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NOT resuming clock on time.
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Oh my. End of the window due to boats.
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NOT resuming clock on time.
Retargeting launch to end of window at 07:19:51 EST (12:19:51 UTC).
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Clock will now resume at 07:09:51 EST (12:09:51 UTC) if those boats can be cleared.
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Targeting launch to the end of the window at 12:19:51 UTC. A couple of boats were observed off shore.
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New T-0: 12:19:51 UTC
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Going to internal power
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Charging TEL for rapid retract.
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L-15 minutes. Arming of TEL for rapid retract.
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Readiness to recalibrate engine pressures poll underway.
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Readiness to recalibrate engine pressures poll underway.
And that's confirmed and in work.
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For Gene. Hopefully not the last man on the Moon!
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All primming steps not required for today.
Cygnus on internal power.
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.@OrbitalATK #Cygnus stands at the launch pad this morning counting down to a 7:14am ET lift off. Check out the mission profile of the cargo craft.
https://twitter.com/space_station/status/929673069324406784
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Polling to proceed with final count.
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GO to resume count for 07:19:51 EST launch!
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TEL is armed for rapid retract.
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L-12 minutes. OA is Go!
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T-10mins AND COUNTING
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Nice to see the shout-out for Gene and J.R.Thompson! Go Antares!
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Enabling Stage 1 controllers and BDMs.
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T-10 minutes. Clock has resumed.
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Arming Stage 1 controller ODM.
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Ground ordnance power supplies GO.
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T-9 minutes. Stage 1 ODM1 controller armed.
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T-7mins
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No update on the boats. Hopefully a good sign.
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T-8 minutes. 436, 437 and 438 not required for today's operation.
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T-6mins
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FIV position nominal.
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T-7 minutes. NASA is playing venting sounds.
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Aft bay ECS tranfered from air to GN2.
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T-5mins!
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T-6 minutes. Everything is go.
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Tango 3 abatement successful
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Avionics to internal power!
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Internal power confirmed.
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Antares/OA8: Orbital ATK reports range is green; boats no longer an issue
https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/929683819539697665
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All "arm" commands sent.
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T-5 minutes. Transferring avionics to internal power.
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Range is GO!
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SIGI ready for nav
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SIGI nav mode nominal.
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T-3mins!
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T-4 minutes. SIGI into NAV mode.
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Auto-sequence start!
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All is nominal!
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2mins
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EHS charging.
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T-3 minutes. Bus voltages nominal.
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T-1min and COUNTING
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LOX tank press underway.
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T-2 minutes. Doing a slew test.
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Fuel tank press underway.
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30secs
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LAUNCH!!!!
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T-1 minute. Prelim fuel press start.
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Engines at full power.
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All nominal in flight at this time.
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Good attitude, good power. T+30secs
-
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Throttled back to 55%
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Liftoff!
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Throttled back to 100%
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LAUNCH!!
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Through Max-Q. Attitude nominal. Core pressure nominal
-
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"Very modest sterring through Max-Q"
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T+1 minute.
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All power and avionics are nominal.
-
Very little TVC steering.
-
-
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T+2 minutes. Core pressures nominal.
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Staging
-
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Stage sep confirmed.
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T+3 minutes.
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Getting some telemetry drop outs.
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Fairing sep!
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Stage 2 IGNITION!!!!
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Staging.
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Stage 2 burn is nominal.
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All power systems are nominal.
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Very little attitude control noted. That's good!
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First stage separation.
T+3 minutes.
Fairing separation.
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Very minor roll control needed.
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Some venting on empty pad...
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T+5 minutes 10 seconds.
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60sec to Stage 2 burnout.
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Stage 2 SHUTDOWN!!!!
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T+6 minutes 10 seconds.
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FTS disabled.
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"Good injection to orbit!"
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T+7 minutes. Pitching down.
Burnout.
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CYGNUS SEPARATION confirmed! New supplies are on their way to the ISS!
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T+8 minutes. One minute to separation.
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Antares beginning its Collision Avoidance maneuver to clear away from Cygnus.
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Spacecraft separation confirmed!
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Berthing on Tuesday.
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Second stage performing collision avoidance maneuver.
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Great work to all involved.
Thanks to Chris G, William and centaurinasa for the coverage!
William's article updated:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/11/antares-cygnus-crs-8-iss/
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Handshakes all around.
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Some handshakes at launch control
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Cygnus control room.
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Smooth flight! Congrats to Orbital ATK and NASA!
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SA deployment at 13.48 UTC (duration: 30 mn)
NASA TV coverage at 13.45 UTC
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NASA coverage has ended. Will resume at 8:45 am EST for solar array deploy.
Congratulations to Orbital ATK and NASA for the successful launch!
-
The S.S. Gene Cernan #Cygnus is on its way to @Space_Station! #OA8
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/929688309667901440
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCZ28hyGvK0
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https://twitter.com/ISSonLive/status/929689290405285888
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/sets/72157689075212524/
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"Coverage will continue on NASA TV at http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv resume for solar array deployment, which is expected to last about 30 minutes.
A post-launch news conference will follow and is scheduled to begin on NASA TV at approximately 10:30 a.m."
https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/
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Insertion orbit: 200/328 km, incl. 51.63°
https://twitter.com/ISS101/status/929687259791622146
-
-
Deployment of the Cygnus module’s twin UltraFlex solar take about 30 minutes to complete. Each circular array measures more than 12 feet in diameter and provide 3,500 watts of power.
from OA-4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnDeJ7saLQY
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-
Empty pad ...
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Solar Array deployment procedure initiate
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Pyrotechnic bolts firing underway...
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Rob Navias: "All of the bolts continue to fire in a sequencial fashon no issues reported"
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VVO "Visiting Vehicle Officer" console
-
SSRMS ready to capture Cygnus spacecraft.
-
1st Solar Array unfurled !
-
Both SA deployed ! (first at 14.13 UTC and second at 14.15 UTC)
-
System verification for the solar arrays underway
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End of NTV coverage.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J62UtiV4x6M
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Post-Launch Press Conference from the Wallops Flight Facility at 10:30 AM EST.
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And capture by Paolo Nespoli at 9:50 UTC on Tuesday 14 nov.
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Antares liftoff as seen from the press site. #OA8
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/929687362317225985
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Confirmation of Cygnus's SA in proper orientation.
-
UltraFlex Solar Arrays animation:
https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/929710043569594369
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Congrats on the mission thus far, see you at ISS! Thanks for the coverage team NSF! :)
-
-
Archived webcast (part I, starts at 2h42m):
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/109732465
It then continues here (part II):
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/109735059
-
-
The smoke plume from the rocket can be seen on GOES-16's
https://twitter.com/NWSTucson/status/929722889976385537
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1st Rendez vous burn, today at around 12 noon ET...
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Congrats to Orbital ATK and NASA on the successful launch of Cygnus CRS OA-8 and the S.S. Eugene Cernan.
What a relief to see everything work without a problem.
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Congratulations to all concerned in this successful launch of further supplies to ISS.
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This will be the fastest we will go from launch to rendezvous with @Space_Station.
Frank DeMauro, VP & GM of Orbital ATK's Advanced Programs Division
Space_Station crew watched this morning's #OA8 launch live! They are ready to receive #Cygnus on Tuesday morning at approx. 4:50 am EST
Orbital ATK
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Congratulations to Orbital ATK for a successful Cygnus launch! I got up briefly to watch it and got back to bed.
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Congrats to Orbital ATK, NASA, and all others.
Thanks to Chris2, Steven, and Centaurinasa for the coverage.
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November 12, 2017
RELEASE 17-087
NASA Space Station Cargo Launches Aboard Orbital ATK Mission
The International Space Station will receive about 7,400 pounds of cargo, including new science and technology investigations, following the successful launch of Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia Sunday.
Orbital ATK’s eighth contracted cargo delivery flight to the station launched at 7:19 a.m. EST on an Antares rocket from Pad 0A at Wallops, and is scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station Tuesday, Nov. 14.
This is the fifth flight of an enhanced Cygnus spacecraft, and the second using Orbital ATK’s upgraded Antares rocket. The spacecraft for this mission is named in honor of Gene Cernan, the last human to step foot on the Moon. Cernan, who passed away in January at age 82, set records for both lunar surface extravehicular activities and the longest time in lunar orbit.
Expedition 53 astronauts Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency) and Randy Bresnik of NASA will use the space station’s robotic arm to grapple Cygnus, about 4:50 a.m. Tuesday. Cygnus will remain at the space station until Dec. 4, when the spacecraft will depart the station and deploy several CubeSats before its fiery re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere as it disposes of several tons of trash.
The resupply mission will support dozens of new and existing investigations as Expeditions 53 and 54 contribute to about 250 science and research studies.
Highlights from the new experiments will include studies on antibiotic resistance, high-speed data transmission, plant growth and improved power and communication technologies.
The E. coli AntiMicrobial Satellite (EcAMSat) mission will investigate the effect of microgravity on the antibiotic resistance of E. coli, a bacterial pathogen responsible for urinary tract infection in humans and animals. Antibiotic resistance could pose a danger to astronauts, especially since microgravity has been shown to weaken human immune response. The experiment will expose two strains of E. coli to three different doses of antibiotics; one of these strains is deficient in the gene responsible for the increased antibiotic resistance in microgravity. Results from this investigation could help determine appropriate antibiotic dosages to protect astronaut health during long-duration missions and help us understand how antibiotic effectiveness may be increased in microgravity, as well as on Earth.
The Optical Communications and Sensor Demonstration (OCSD) project will study high-speed optical transmission of data and small spacecraft proximity operations. It will test functionality of laser-based communications using CubeSats that provide a compact version of the technology.
Results from OCSD could lead to significantly enhanced communication speeds between space and Earth and a better understanding of laser communication between small satellites in low-Earth orbit.
The Biological Nitrogen Fixation in Microgravity via Rhizobium-Legume Symbiosis (Biological Nitrogen Fixation) investigation examines how low-gravity conditions affect the nitrogen fixation process of Microclover, a resilient and drought tolerant legume. The nitrogen fixation process, a process by which nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into a usable form for living organisms, is a crucial element of any ecosystem necessary for most types of plant growth. This investigation could provide information on the space viability of the legume’s ability to use and recycle nutrients and give researchers a better understanding of this plant’s potential uses on Earth.
As space exploration increases, so will the need for improved power and communication technologies. The Integrated Solar Array and Reflectarray Antenna (ISARA), a hybrid solar power panel and communication solar antenna that can send and receive messages, tests the use of this technology in CubeSat-based environmental monitoring. ISARA may provide a solution for sending and receiving information to and from faraway destinations, both on Earth and in space.
For more than 17 years, humans have lived and worked continuously aboard the International Space Station, advancing scientific knowledge and demonstrating new technologies, making research breakthroughs not possible on Earth that will enable long-duration human and robotic exploration into deep space. A global endeavor, more than 200 people from 18 countries have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 2,100 research investigations from researchers in more than 95 countries.
Learn more about Orbital ATK's mission at:
http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk
Get breaking news, images and features from the station on Instagram and Twitter:
http://instagram.com/iss
and
http://www.twitter.com/Space_Station
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Orbital ATK Successfully Launches Eighth Cargo Delivery Mission to the International Space Station
Antares Rocket Boosts Approximately 7,400 Pounds, Its Heaviest Load to Date
Cygnus to Host Science Experiments While Docked With Station
Dulles, Virginia 12 November 2017 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, successfully launched its AntaresTM rocket carrying a CygnusTM spacecraft today at 7:19 a.m. EST, from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia. The launch is Orbital ATK’s eighth cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station for NASA. During the mission, designated OA-8, Cygnus will deliver vital equipment, supplies and experiments to the astronauts aboard the space station, as well as conduct scientific experiments onboard Cygnus while docked with the orbiting laboratory.
The Antares rocket launched the Cygnus spacecraft loaded with approximately 7,400 pounds (3,350 kilograms) of cargo to the crew of six who are aboard the space station. Following an approximate nine-minute ascent, the “S.S. Gene Cernan” Cygnus spacecraft, named in honor of the late astronaut and the last man to leave the moon, was successfully deployed into orbit. Orbital ATK’s engineering team confirmed reliable communications have been established and the vehicle’s solar arrays are fully deployed, providing the necessary electrical power to operate the spacecraft.
“While the Antares team celebrates a successful launch today, we’re already well into building the vehicles for the next two missions,” said Scott Lehr, President of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group. “We will be ready to launch again whenever Cygnus needs us.”
Cygnus will be grappled at approximately 4:50 a.m. EST on November 14. The spacecraft will remain attached to the space station for approximately three weeks before departing with more than 4,000 pounds (approximately 2,000 kilograms) of disposable cargo. Cygnus’ large-volume disposal capability, a critical service to NASA, is unique among America’s commercial cargo providers.
“Today’s successful launch of the OA-8 Cygnus on our Antares launch vehicle once again demonstrates the reliability of Orbital ATK’s hardware along with our commitment to deliver critical cargo to astronauts on the International Space Station,” said Frank Culbertson, President of Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group. “Soon, Cygnus will rendezvous with the space station to deliver valuable scientific experiments, hardware and crew supplies to the orbiting platform. On this mission, Cygnus will again display its flexibility as an in-orbit science platform by supporting experiments to be performed inside the cargo module while attached to the space station. We are proud to dedicate this mission to Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan and his family and look forward to celebrating the OA-8 contributions to science in his name.”
Upon arrival at the space station, the “S.S. Gene Cernan” Cygnus will be unloaded and used for the first time as an extension of the orbiting laboratory for an experiment featuring a SpaceTango facility. TangoLab is a reconfigurable general research facility designed for microgravity research and development. This exercise will highlight the ability to expand the station’s capabilities for hosting experiments using the Cygnus module. During the three weeks Cygnus remains docked, the astronauts on the space station will perform the transfer of the lab to Cygnus and then back to the station where it will remain. Once Cygnus is unberthed, a NanoRacks deployer will release 14 Cubesats, a record number for the spacecraft. Upon completion of its secondary missions, Cygnus will perform a safe, destructive reentry into Earth’s atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean.
Under the CRS-1 contract with NASA, Orbital ATK will deliver approximately 66,000 pounds (30,000 kilograms) of cargo to the space station. Beginning in 2019, the company will carry out a minimum of six cargo missions under NASA’s CRS-2 contract. This partnership is cultivating a robust American commercial space industry, freeing NASA to focus on developing the next-generation rocket and spacecraft that will enable humans to conduct deep space exploration missions.
The Antares rocket systems are manufactured and engineered by Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group primarily in Chandler, Arizona, and Dulles, Virginia, with rocket integration taking place at NASA’s Horizontal Integration Facility at Wallops Island, Virginia. The vehicle includes two RD-181 engines from Energomash, a core from Yuzhmash and a CASTOR® 30XL solid rocket motor second stage manufactured at Orbital ATK’s facilities in Clearfield and Magna, Utah.
The Cygnus system consists of a common service module and pressurized cargo module. The service module was built and tested at Orbital ATK’s manufacturing facility in Dulles, Virginia. Orbital ATK manufactures several other Cygnus components at three of the company’s facilities in California: UltraFlexTM solar arrays in Goleta, composite structures in San Diego and propellant tanks in Commerce.
B-roll and animation footage for the mission can be found here: http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/bmc/#. Please note that media will need to request a PIN for access.
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Remote camera photos:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-9gCMjVm/0/bc88b066/XL/2017_11_12_07_19_00_40D_2586-XL.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-BbF7Jxr/0/fb07e28e/L/2017_11_12_07_19_39_40D_2583-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-Mqx74mz/0/1a939fd2/L/2017_11_12_07_19_59_50D_9821-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/n-d92v7/OA-8/i-qjFtjXT/1/7e19447b/XL/2017_11_12_07_19_07_50D_4096-XL.jpg)
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43006 CYGNUS 0A-8 2017-071A 89.53min 51.61deg 299km 203km
43007 ANTARES R/B 2017-071B 90.12min 51.61deg 361km 199km
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The S.S. Gene Cernan #Cygnus has successfully completed its first Delta-V (DV) burn. All systems are operating nominally
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/929760905725923328
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Orbital ATK photos from Flickr
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wgok1KHAqGM
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https://youtu.be/HpE6h6sHg3Q (https://youtu.be/HpE6h6sHg3Q)
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Remote camera photos:
<snip>
Please, do not embed images as they have a tendency to screw-up the site's layout.
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mdeep, loved your first shot. Any chance we could see it in hi-res?
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And capture by Paolo Nespoli at 9:50 UTC on Tuesday 14 nov.
Cygnus capture is almost simultaneous with JPSS-1 launch! Split-screen NASA coverage?
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And capture by Paolo Nespoli at 9:50 UTC on Tuesday 14 nov.
Cygnus capture is almost simultaneous with JPSS-1 launch! Split-screen NASA coverage?
William Harwood @cbs_spacenews
Antares/OA8: Cygnus is on course for capture at the International Space Station around 4:50am EST Tuesday; NASA plans to cover the capture on its public TV channel; coverage of the JPSS1 launch from Vandenberg AFB will be carried on the media channel
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I have a feeling that tomorrow morning's events will happen similarly to the GOES-R/GOES 16 launch and Soyuz-MS 03 docking coverages last year.
In a way that maybe the Media and Public channels will switch from time to time and the JPSS-1/NOAA 20 launch being interrupted after SRB separation.
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Congratulations to Orbital on a great launch and orbit insertion for Cygnus #8.
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two debris objects have been cataloged. Covers of some kind?
43008 ANTARES R/B DEB 2017-071C 89.02' 51.63deg 260km 192km
43009 ANTARES R/B DEB 2017-071D 89.00' 51.62deg 257km 194km
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Nice launch shot:
https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/930229276552687623 (https://twitter.com/trevormahlmann/status/930229276552687623)
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orbital_atk
"First photo of the deployed solar arrays from the camera on board the S.S. Gene Cernan Cygnus"
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/930420419252940802
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I saw the last launch of Antares and noticed, that they drained the LOX to the ground in case launch cansellation! Is it right? Is it safely? There were many vapors! Iwonder if there is a spacial place/pool with grit or maybe water?
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I saw the last launch of Antares and noticed, that they drained the LOX to the ground in case launch cansellation! Is it right? Is it safely? There were many vapors! Iwonder if there is a spacial place/pool with grit or maybe water?
Standard procedure is to drain the LOX and fuel back into tanks of ground facility in case of scrub. The vapor visible is venting of oxygen gas constantly boiling inside the tank.
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I saw the last launch of Antares and noticed, that they drained the LOX to the ground in case launch cansellation! Is it right? Is it safely? There were many vapors! Iwonder if there is a spacial place/pool with grit or maybe water?
Standard procedure is to drain the LOX is fuel back into tanks of ground facility in case of scrub. The vapor visible is venting of oxygen gas constantly boiling inside the tank.
Thanks for answer!
I guess at it! But I am talking about this
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Likely for gaseous O2 venting.
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I suppose dump pod is aimed not only for gaseous O2, but designed for liquid O2 too! And I wonder whether it is a pool with water or with grit (something else)?
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And I wonder whether it is a pool with water or with grit (something else)?
Containment pond, likely to store the dirty water must be treated before disposal, is the big one on the other side.
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The dump pond is just built as a safe place for LOX to spill until it evaporates into the atmosphere. As opposed to it just spilling on the ground and spreading out and potentially igniting or damaging something with critically cold temperatures. It shouldn't need anything in the pond (it will boil on its own) although I suspect rain water builds up in there on its own (and likely must be pumped out occasionally).
I'm not sure whether that is where it vents to, or if it is a containment pond for contingencies, or both.
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And here is the re-entry attempt... RPD?
http://www.newsweek.com/watch-rocket-burn-giant-fireball-over-canada-723325
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Update: obj. 43042 AEROCUBE 7B decay prediction: August 06, 2022 UTC 02h20mn ± 12h.
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1555103917628866562
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Update: obj. 43042 AEROCUBE 7B decay prediction: August 05, 2022 UTC 20h10mn ± 4h
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1555614690281152514
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Obj. 43043 AEROCUBE 7C decay prediction: August 14, 2022 UTC 09h16mn ± 36h
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1556678837437698049
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Update: obj. 43043 AEROCUBE 7C decay prediction: August 11, 2022 UTC 21h46mn ± 10h
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1557376260422213637
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Update: obj. 43043 AEROCUBE 7C decay prediction: August 14, 2022 UTC 14h53mn ± 15h
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1557998538424045568
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Update: obj. 43049 ASGARDIA 1 decay prediction: September 12, 2022 UTC 08h59mn ± 20h
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1568148009610788866
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Update: obj. 43049 ASGARDIA 1 decay prediction: September 12, 2022 UTC 05h29mn ± 7h
https://twitter.com/jremis/status/1568899527309942785