SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, February 2 for Falcon 9’s launch of NROL-87 to orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The instantaneous launch window is at 12:18 p.m. PST (20:18 UTC), and a backup opportunity is available on February 3 at 12:18 p.m. PST (20:18 UTC).Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The U.S. Air Force has divided $739 million in launch contracts between United Launch Alliance and SpaceX for six national security missions slated for 2021-2022. The contracts, awarded under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, were announced Tuesday evening by Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.SpaceX will receive $297 million to launch AFSPC-44, NROL-85, and NROL-87.
https://www.nro.gov/News/News-Articles/Article/2658542/nro-returns-to-virginias-space-coast-with-nrol-111/Quote NROL-111 is NRO’s final scheduled launch for 2021. In 2022, NRO is scheduled to start the year with two launches from New Zealand in January and February, NROL-162 and NROL-199. Also in February, NROL-87 is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Three additional NRO missions are planned for later in 2022.
NROL-111 is NRO’s final scheduled launch for 2021. In 2022, NRO is scheduled to start the year with two launches from New Zealand in January and February, NROL-162 and NROL-199. Also in February, NROL-87 is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Three additional NRO missions are planned for later in 2022.
Presented by Col. Melone at today's [September 7] SPRSA meeting
Mission 1494 from Vandy NET late January with no droneship listed. NROL-87? RTLS?1981-EX-ST-2021
<snip>SFN Launch Schedule, updated January 10.Also, NROL-87 is listed in February, no date.
2022 Launched:№ – Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)February 2 NET Jun 2021/NLT Dec 2021 NET 2022 Feb ~Feb 2 Feb - NROL-87 - Falcon 9-139 140 (1071.1 L? 1063.4) - Vandenberg SLC-4E - 20:27:36 16:37 to 21:38 19:07-21:38 20:18(Sun-synchronous orbit satellites: launch at approximately the same time of day year-round)2022 Scheduled:№ – Date - Satellite(s) - Rocket - Launch Site - Time (UTC)NET February 14 NET Sept 2021 Oct 2021 NET Nov 2021 NET Dec 2021 NET Jan 2022 - Starlink 4-11? 2-3 2-TBD TBD (x52 x51? xTBD) (flight TBD/high-inclination flight 3 polar flight 1?) [v1.5 TBD v2.0 L3 L-TBD] - Falcon 9 (1063.4? 1063.4? 1051.12? S) - Vandenberg SLC-4E(mid-inclination Starlink: launch 20-22 minutes earlier/day)Changes on November 19th, 2020Changes on May 17th, 2021Changes on May 28th, 2021Changes on June 15th, 2021Changes on July 23rd, 2021Changes on July 27th, 2021Changes on August 15th, 2021Changes on September 1st, 2021Changes on September 7th, 2021Changes on September 11th, 2021Changes on October 22nd, 2021Changes on November 5th, 2021Changes on November 24th, 2021Changes on December 10th, 2021Changes on December 14th, 2021Changes on December 15th, 2021Changes on December 19th, 2021Changes on January 7th, 2022Changes on January 10th, 2022Changes on January 19th, 2022Changes on January 22nd, 2022Changes on January 26th, 2022Changes on January 27th, 2022Changes on January 28th, 2022Changes on February 1st, 2022Changes on February 2nd, 2022zubenelgenubi
In addition, given the two first stages currently in use at Vandenberg, 1051.12 and 1063.4, I suspect that 1063.4 will be used for the NRO launch; as the NRO is an "external" customer, and 1051 will be the first booster used for the twelfth time.I therefore suspect 1051.12 will be used for the next Vandenberg Starlink launch (if it's in the near future).
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/10/2022 09:03 pmIn addition, given the two first stages currently in use at Vandenberg, 1051.12 and 1063.4, I suspect that 1063.4 will be used for the NRO launch; as the NRO is an "external" customer, and 1051 will be the first booster used for the twelfth time.I therefore suspect 1051.12 will be used for the next Vandenberg Starlink launch (if it's in the near future).I understand that for the NROL-87 mission the B1071 could be used and it would be its first and only launch.In addition, it was seen that it was going to California 4 weeks ago.https://twitter.com/bluemoondance74/status/1472740560742010883
Quote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/17/2022 06:08 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/10/2022 09:03 pmIn addition, given the two first stages currently in use at Vandenberg, 1051.12 and 1063.4, I suspect that 1063.4 will be used for the NRO launch; as the NRO is an "external" customer, and 1051 will be the first booster used for the twelfth time.I therefore suspect 1051.12 will be used for the next Vandenberg Starlink launch (if it's in the near future).I understand that for the NROL-87 mission the B1071 could be used and it would be its first and only launch.In addition, it was seen that it was going to California 4 weeks ago.https://twitter.com/bluemoondance74/status/1472740560742010883Why would it be B1071's only launch?
Because for the NROL-87 mission, the booster will not be recovered (regardless of which one is used), the FCC license does not indicate a first stage recovery.
Quote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/17/2022 03:44 pmBecause for the NROL-87 mission, the booster will not be recovered (regardless of which one is used), the FCC license does not indicate a first stage recovery.No drone ship is listed could imply that it's a RTLS mission. Have previous RTLS missions had first stage recovery listed in the FCC license?
Quote from: Josh_from_Canada on 01/17/2022 03:54 pmQuote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/17/2022 03:44 pmBecause for the NROL-87 mission, the booster will not be recovered (regardless of which one is used), the FCC license does not indicate a first stage recovery.No drone ship is listed could imply that it's a RTLS mission. Have previous RTLS missions had first stage recovery listed in the FCC license?Missions with no droneships still add a note whether "experimental recovery" is included1845-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1574 FL Yes (CSG-2?)1811-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1709 FL Not Mentioned (O3b mPOWER 4-6?)1981-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1494 CA Not Mentioned (NROL-87?)2038-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1574 FL Yes (thought to be Transporter 3)
Quote from: realnouns on 01/17/2022 04:17 pmQuote from: Josh_from_Canada on 01/17/2022 03:54 pmQuote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/17/2022 03:44 pmBecause for the NROL-87 mission, the booster will not be recovered (regardless of which one is used), the FCC license does not indicate a first stage recovery.No drone ship is listed could imply that it's a RTLS mission. Have previous RTLS missions had first stage recovery listed in the FCC license?Missions with no droneships still add a note whether "experimental recovery" is included1845-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1574 FL Yes (CSG-2?)1811-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1709 FL Not Mentioned (O3b mPOWER 4-6?)1981-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1494 CA Not Mentioned (NROL-87?)2038-EX-ST-2021 Mission 1574 FL Yes (thought to be Transporter 3)If Mission 1709 is O3b mPOWER 4-6, then it is an expendable mission. This would support the notion, that NROL-87 is also expendable.
Is Feb 2nd a hard date like DART was or is it a more normal launch where there are frequent windows?
The launch of the NROL-87 mission is scheduled for February 2 at 16:37 UTC.
Quote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/19/2022 09:29 pmThe launch of the NROL-87 mission is scheduled for February 2 at 16:37 UTC.Five hours, one minute seems to be a long launch window. Ah, well.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/19/2022 10:23 pmQuote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/19/2022 09:29 pmThe launch of the NROL-87 mission is scheduled for February 2 at 16:37 UTC.Five hours, one minute seems to be a long launch window. Ah, well.Would it be going too far to suggest that the wording perhaps doesn't delineate a "launch window" as we typically define that?
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-VANDENBERG AFB-HAZARDOUS OPERATIONSHazardous operations will be conducted from Vandenberg AFB, CA starting at 8:37am on 02 February, 2022 until 1:38pm on 03 February, 2022.Hazardous operation areas are bounded by the following coordinates:34-42-00N 120-41-00W34-41-00N 120-32-00W34-31-00N 120-26-00W34-18-00N 120-30-00W33-40-00N 120-53-00W32-10-00N 121-24-00W31-25-00N 121-27-00W31-07-00N 121-40-00W31-09-00N 121-55-00W31-35-00N 121-52-00W32-17-00N 121-27-00W34-29-00N 120-46-00WMariners are advised to remain clear of these areas for the duration of operations. For more details or comments contact Vandenberg AFB at 805-606-0002.
From this week's USCG District 11 Local Notice to Mariners. Times are PST (UTC-08:00).Quote from: USCGSOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-VANDENBERG AFB-HAZARDOUS OPERATIONSHazardous operations will be conducted from Vandenberg AFB, CA starting at 8:37am on 02 February, 2022 until 1:38pm on 03 February, 2022.Hazardous operation areas are bounded by the following coordinates:34-42-00N 120-41-00W34-41-00N 120-32-00W34-31-00N 120-26-00W34-18-00N 120-30-00W33-40-00N 120-53-00W32-10-00N 121-24-00W31-25-00N 121-27-00W31-07-00N 121-40-00W31-09-00N 121-55-00W31-35-00N 121-52-00W32-17-00N 121-27-00W34-29-00N 120-46-00WMariners are advised to remain clear of these areas for the duration of operations. For more details or comments contact Vandenberg AFB at 805-606-0002.
Could this launch be the first of the Next Generation Electo-Optical series? The targeted orbit doesn't seem to match with any other existing NRO satellites.
Pretty symbolic, don’t you think? The #NROL87 launch patch features a wild mountain goat standing proud atop a mountain peak remaining watchfully alert. NRO maintains constant vigilance from above in protecting our nation and its citizens.#space #spacebound #vigilancefromabove
Quote from: Rekt1971 on 01/17/2022 10:03 amQuote from: Conexion Espacial on 01/17/2022 06:08 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/10/2022 09:03 pmIn addition, given the two first stages currently in use at Vandenberg, 1051.12 and 1063.4, I suspect that 1063.4 will be used for the NRO launch; as the NRO is an "external" customer, and 1051 will be the first booster used for the twelfth time.I therefore suspect 1051.12 will be used for the next Vandenberg Starlink launch (if it's in the near future).I understand that for the NROL-87 mission the B1071 could be used and it would be its first and only launch.In addition, it was seen that it was going to California 4 weeks ago.https://twitter.com/bluemoondance74/status/1472740560742010883Why would it be B1071's only launch?Because for the NROL-87 mission, the booster will not be recovered (regardless of which one is used), the FCC license does not indicate a first stage recovery.
Forecast shows clouds and scattered sprinkles. If they can't launch on the 2nd, is this the type of mission that will have another window on the 3rd or 4th and so on?Anyone know what the fog situation has been like lately?
https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/1484601791211786241QuotePretty symbolic, don’t you think? The #NROL87 launch patch features a wild mountain goat standing proud atop a mountain peak remaining watchfully alert. NRO maintains constant vigilance from above in protecting our nation and its citizens.#space #spacebound #vigilancefromabove
Possible first stages for Starlink 4-7:1063.4 or 1071.1.
My >guess< regarding Static Fire or not would be:NRO/USSF will pay for a Static Fire, especially so if this payload is the long-awaited first replacement of the KH-11's.
Is there an image of the logo with a white background? Thanks.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/23/2022 06:31 pmMy >guess< regarding Static Fire or not would be:NRO/USSF will pay for a Static Fire, especially so if this payload is the long-awaited first replacement of the KH-11's.It can’t be that payload
Quote from: Jim on 01/23/2022 07:34 pmQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/23/2022 06:31 pmMy >guess< regarding Static Fire or not would be:NRO/USSF will pay for a Static Fire, especially so if this payload is the long-awaited first replacement of the KH-11's.It can’t be that payloadJust for context, I believe Jim means it can't be a Keyhole-class satellite unless it's been redesigned to tolerate horizontal integration. But AFAIK, the latest generation - Block V - started launching on Delta IV Heavy in 2019 and again in 2021 and I've heard nothing about plans for a sixth block upgrade.
Quote from: SpaceXStatic fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting February 2 for launch of the NROL-87 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Static fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting February 2 for launch of the NROL-87 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA-VANDENBERG AFB-HAZARDOUS OPERATIONSHazardous operations will be conducted from Vandenberg AFB, CA starting at 11:07am on 02 February, 2022 until 1:38pm on 03 February, 2022.Hazardous operation areas are bounded by the following coordinates:34-42-00N 120-41-00W34-41-00N 120-32-00W34-31-00N 120-26-00W34-18-00N 120-30-00W33-40-00N 120-53-00W32-10-00N 121-24-00W31-25-00N 121-27-00W31-07-00N 121-40-00W31-09-00N 121-55-00W31-35-00N 121-52-00W32-17-00N 121-27-00W34-29-00N 120-46-00WMariners are advised to remain clear of these areas for the duration of operations. For more details or comments contact Vandenberg AFB at 805-606-0002.
Quote from: ZachS09 on 01/26/2022 07:55 pmQuote from: SpaceXStatic fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting February 2 for launch of the NROL-87 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.Anyone who saw the Static Fire and is free to talk: which first stage?One would not even need to read markings or perform photographic analysis. 1063.4 wears some soot. 1071.1 would be clean as a cyborg baby's bottom. 👶 🤖 Edited
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/26/2022 08:04 pmQuote from: ZachS09 on 01/26/2022 07:55 pmQuote from: SpaceXStatic fire test of Falcon 9 complete – targeting February 2 for launch of the NROL-87 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.Anyone who saw the Static Fire and is free to talk: which first stage?One would not even need to read markings or perform photographic analysis. 1063.4 wears some soot. 1071.1 would be clean as a cyborg baby's bottom. 👶 🤖 EditedI have seen a photo (private) where he looks cleaner than ever and leggs. I don't know if NRO requested it new or it was coinicidence.
280731Z JAN 22NAVAREA XII 45/22(17,18,19).EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC. CALIFORNIA. 1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS: A. 1907Z TO 2138Z DAILY 02 AND 03 FEB IN AREA BOUND BY 34-42N 120-41W, 34-41N 120-32W, 34-31N 120-26W, 34-18N 120-30W, 33-40N 120-53W, 32-10N 121-24W, 31-25N 121-27W, 31-07N 121-40W, 31-09N 121-55W, 31-35N 121-52W, 32-17N 121-27W, 34-29N 120-46W. B. 2110Z TO 2249Z DAILY 02 AND 03 FEB IN AREAS BOUND BY 54-00N 144-30W, 50-45N 134-30W, 29-15N 140-00W, 32-30N 150-30W.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 032349Z FEB 22.
NGA notice. Note that it has the same later 19:07 UTC start time to the warning period as in the revised USCG notice.<snip>
https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/Update January 28QuoteFeb. 2 • Falcon 9 • NROL-87Launch time: 2018 GMT (3:18 p.m. EST; 12:18 p.m. PST)Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
Feb. 2 • Falcon 9 • NROL-87Launch time: 2018 GMT (3:18 p.m. EST; 12:18 p.m. PST)Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
It will mark the fourth landing of a Falcon rocket booster at Vandenberg. SpaceX plans to refurbish the booster for another flight later this year for the NRO, an agency spokesperson told Spaceflight Now.https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/01/31/spacex-preps-for-launch-of-spy-satellite-payload-from-california-this-week/
Tomorrow’s forecast looks ideal: zero cloud cover, humidity dropping significantly around noon.Anyone heading to Lompoc for this?
Quote from: dglow on 02/01/2022 03:13 pmTomorrow’s forecast looks ideal: zero cloud cover, humidity dropping significantly around noon.Anyone heading to Lompoc for this?I am planning on heading from the Bay Area, first Falcon launch first time at Vandenburg. Desperate for recommendations on where is the best place to view from considering usual road blocks. Flying blind here so any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Quote from: Pheogh on 02/01/2022 03:53 pmQuote from: dglow on 02/01/2022 03:13 pmTomorrow’s forecast looks ideal: zero cloud cover, humidity dropping significantly around noon.Anyone heading to Lompoc for this?I am planning on heading from the Bay Area, first Falcon launch first time at Vandenburg. Desperate for recommendations on where is the best place to view from considering usual road blocks. Flying blind here so any recommendations are greatly appreciated.This dedicated thread will help you: SpaceX Falcon 9 - Vandenberg - Launch Viewing
Is anyone live-streaming this?
The launch is tomorrow...
SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, February 2 for Falcon 9’s launch of NROL-87 to orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The instantaneous launch window is at 12:18 p.m. PST (20:18 UTC), and a backup opportunity is available on February 3 at 12:18 p.m. PST (20:18 UTC).Following stage separation, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on Landing Zone 4 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.https://www.spacex.com/launches/nrol-87/index.html
Quote from: Rekt1971 on 02/01/2022 07:16 pmThe launch is tomorrow...3rd RTLS in a month, that has to make the recovery crews very happy. Nothing like a Vandy Landing.
Attention on Countdown 1, this is Launch Director.Mission Director has implemented a new T-0.The new T-0 is 20 : 27 : 26 Zulu; That's 12:27 and 26 seconds Local.
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/26/2022 02:38 amQuote from: vaporcobra on 01/26/2022 02:23 amQuote from: Jim on 01/23/2022 07:34 pmQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/23/2022 06:31 pmMy >guess< regarding Static Fire or not would be:NRO/USSF will pay for a Static Fire, especially so if this payload is the long-awaited first replacement of the KH-11's.It can’t be that payloadJust for context, I believe Jim means it can't be a Keyhole-class satellite unless it's been redesigned to tolerate horizontal integration. But AFAIK, the latest generation - Block V - started launching on Delta IV Heavy in 2019 and again in 2021 and I've heard nothing about plans for a sixth block upgrade.I seem to recall mention of a successor to the KH-11's, of a new design--so not a KH-11 block 6. My recollection could very well be faulty. PT's post up-thread:Quote from: Phillipsturtles on 04/28/2020 01:00 pmCould this launch be the first of the Next Generation Electo-Optical series? The targeted orbit doesn't seem to match with any other existing NRO satellites.You are correct to mention possible incompatibility with horizontal launch integration. Unless accommodating such is a feature designed for?Can any of our experts speak to this?There still is a west coast Delta IV Heavy left. No long Falcon 9 fairings yet.
Quote from: vaporcobra on 01/26/2022 02:23 amQuote from: Jim on 01/23/2022 07:34 pmQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 01/23/2022 06:31 pmMy >guess< regarding Static Fire or not would be:NRO/USSF will pay for a Static Fire, especially so if this payload is the long-awaited first replacement of the KH-11's.It can’t be that payloadJust for context, I believe Jim means it can't be a Keyhole-class satellite unless it's been redesigned to tolerate horizontal integration. But AFAIK, the latest generation - Block V - started launching on Delta IV Heavy in 2019 and again in 2021 and I've heard nothing about plans for a sixth block upgrade.I seem to recall mention of a successor to the KH-11's, of a new design--so not a KH-11 block 6. My recollection could very well be faulty. PT's post up-thread:Quote from: Phillipsturtles on 04/28/2020 01:00 pmCould this launch be the first of the Next Generation Electo-Optical series? The targeted orbit doesn't seem to match with any other existing NRO satellites.You are correct to mention possible incompatibility with horizontal launch integration. Unless accommodating such is a feature designed for?Can any of our experts speak to this?
Fairing separation (not shown).
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 02/02/2022 07:31 pmFairing separation (not shown).The ground tracking camera footage likely covered fairing separation, and if so, the exposed satellite on top of the stack.Of course, ditto for rocketcam footage, if any.
Second successful SpaceX launch of a trio!
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 02/02/2022 07:51 pmQuote from: Steven Pietrobon on 02/02/2022 07:31 pmFairing separation (not shown).The ground tracking camera footage likely covered fairing separation, and if so, the exposed satellite on top of the stack.Of course, ditto for rocketcam footage, if any.Typical government classified materials callThe satellite, even behind the second stage with its engine plume and 200 km away, still falls under the rule of “No Public Photographs”.
An interesting piece of ice shed by the first stage during descent. What is this made of? Nitrogen?Edit: This is a great replication of Galileo’s classic experiment where the heavy and light objects fall at the same rate. In the near vacuum at 120 km, the multi-ton stage and the featherweight frost ring fall together towards Earth.
The mission patch suggests a vehicle with a wide field of view, low light and motion sensitivity.Unless the mountain goat is meant to symbolize the ability to leap from plane to plane, like the peaks in the background.
New T-0 announced on the Countdown Net:20:27:26 Z (UTC) -- 12:27:26 Z Local (PST)QuoteAttention on Countdown 1, this is Launch Director.Mission Director has implemented a new T-0.The new T-0 is 20 : 27 : 26 Zulu; That's 12:27 and 26 seconds Local.
2. NROL-87 MECO was at 1680m/s, compared to CSG-2 at 1660m/s. This extra velocity lead to increased 'hang time', apogee, and elapsed time to RTLS.
5. The SHERPA mission from Vandenberg to SSO required a drone ship landing, and the payload was 4,000kg, so the NROL-87 payload should be somewhat less than 4,000kg.
Did I miss the status of fairing recovery?
I wonder if this obviously fake aircraft that has suddenly appeared at Area 51 is a calibration target for this mission.https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44057/mysterious-aircraft-spotted-at-area-51-in-unprecedented-satellite-image
Started to refurbish or just a simple imagery of post landing??
Quote from: Chinakpradhan on 02/04/2022 02:44 amStarted to refurbish or just a simple imagery of post landing??Wdym?
Quote from: Alexphysics on 02/04/2022 03:29 amQuote from: Chinakpradhan on 02/04/2022 02:44 amStarted to refurbish or just a simple imagery of post landing??Wdym?means is it just a image showing booster after landing or is it a image where booster is being prepared to be taken to Refurbishing facility like the one we got next day after B1052 landing
Launch and landing of Falcon 9 during the NROL-87 mission. Easily one of my favorite remote video cameras that I have set so far.https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1490850634752348160