LIVE: Delta IV - GPS 2F-1 - May 27, 2010

[Robotbeat]

Oh great.  They didn't think about that aspect of three cores during the design process for the Heavy?  I wonder how responsive they would be with the seven-core Super Heavy concept they talk about from time to time.  One launch every five years???

Why in the world would  you want 7 D-IV cores?

If anything, find a way to put two large solids on the side and you have a heavy lifter ala the titan...

FWIW, I think that the largest Delta-IV configurations that we're likely to see is the tri-core heavy with two GEM-60 SRMs on each core and the 4 x RL-10B-2 common upper stage.  That would be about 50t IMLEO, pretty much sufficient for an LEO mission module and good enough for a two-launch or depot-supported single-launch of a BEO mission module and EDS.

Also, add in the RS-68A there. Maybe even prop cross-feed. I wonder what such a monster could launch on a ballistic trajectory to EML1/2? Or TLI? Or Earth Escape?

[Damon Hill]

Apart from having to beef up the core, why would the Heavy be significantly different from the Mediums?  Parts/systems commonality was supposed to be a big advantage of the Delta 4 family's concept.

There are 6 separate core configurations.

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=15541.msg357064#msg357064

I see.  The answer is "It's not that simple.  It never is."

Oh, well...

[Ben the Space Brit]

Oh great.  They didn't think about that aspect of three cores during the design process for the Heavy?  I wonder how responsive they would be with the seven-core Super Heavy concept they talk about from time to time.  One launch every five years???

Why in the world would  you want 7 D-IV cores?

If anything, find a way to put two large solids on the side and you have a heavy lifter ala the titan...

FWIW, I think that the largest Delta-IV configurations that we're likely to see is the tri-core heavy with two GEM-60 SRMs on each core and the 4 x RL-10B-2 common upper stage.  That would be about 50t IMLEO, pretty much sufficient for an LEO mission module and good enough for a two-launch or depot-supported single-launch of a BEO mission module and EDS.

Also, add in the RS-68A there. Maybe even prop cross-feed. I wonder what such a monster could launch on a ballistic trajectory to EML1/2? Or TLI? Or Earth Escape?

It should be enough to send an Orion on a free-return trans-lunar trajectory.

[HIPAR]

Checkout of GPS IIF-1 is completed and the new GPS satellite was set usable on 27 Aug 2010.

According to the Air Force, the satellite performs in accordance with its design specifications.  However, it doesn't pass the 'nitpick' tests.  There have been signal anomalies detected  by the international bodies that monitor the constellation.  These include phase and waveform distortions of new L5 band signal.

Also frequency variations of the atomic frequency standards have been observed at the Naval Research Laboratory.  On first analysis, these effects seem to relate to thermal cycling .. the satellite was operating during an eclipse season.


Here's the official announcement:


NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2010113
SUBJ: SVN62 (PRN25) USABLE JDAY 239/0410
1.     NANU TYPE: USABINIT
       NANU NUMBER: 2010113
       NANU DTG: 270416Z AUG 2010
       REFERENCE NANU: N/A
       REF NANU DTG: N/A
       SVN: 62
       PRN: 25
       START JDAY: 239
       START TIME ZULU: 0410
       START CALENDAR DATE: 27 AUG 2010
       STOP JDAY: N/A
       STOP TIME ZULU: N/A
       STOP CALENDAR DATE: N/A

2.  CONDITION: GPS SATELLITE SVN62 (PRN25) WAS USABLE AS OF JDAY 239
    (27 AUG 2010) BEGINNING 0410 ZULU.

3.  POC: CIVILIAN - NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, http://HTTPS://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
    MILITARY - GPS OPERATIONS CENTER at http://HTTP://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL/GPSOC, DSN 560-2541,
    COMM 719-567-2541, [email protected], http://HTTPS://gps.afspc.af.mil
    MILITARY ALTERNATE - JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN 276-3514,
    COMM 805-606-3514, [email protected]


Here is the current status of the modernized civil signals:

NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2010115 NANU TYPE: GENERAL
*** GENERAL MESSAGE TO ALL GPS USERS ***
For SVN 62/PRN 25 GPS Modernized signal, defined in interface control documentation as L2C and L5, are now available with the following caveats:
-Availability and quality of these signals are not guaranteed as we complete the development of these new capabilities
-Any use of these signals at this time is at the user's own risk
*** GENERAL MESSAGE TO ALL GPS USERS ***


---  CHAS

[Space Pete]

50th Space Wing gains control of new GPS satellite.

The 50th Space Wing's 2nd Space Operations Squadron here accepted command and control of the first Global Positioning System Block IIF satellite at 9 a.m. today.

The 45th Space Wing at Patrick AFB successfully launched a United Launch Alliance Delta IV-Medium rocket carrying the first Boeing-built Global Positioning System IIF satellite at 11 p.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 37 May 27.

The Global Positioning Systems Wing, a joint service effort directed by the U.S. Air Force and managed at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., remained in control of the satellite during the test period before the hand-off today to 2 SOPS.

"I'm extremely honored to accept command and control of the first GPS Block IIF satellite," said Lt. Col. Jennifer Grant, 2 SOPS commander. "We are excited to have the privilege of being the first to control the next generation in global positioning satellite technology as we continue to provide our warfighters and civil users the most accurate position, navigation and timing signal available. Fielding newer and more capable systems enables GPS to remain the world's gold standard."

The next-generation GPS IIF satellites will provide improved accuracy through advanced atomic clocks, a longer design life than legacy GPS satellites, and a new L5 civil signal (third civil signal) that will benefit civil aviation and other safety-of-life applications. Even though the L5 civil signal meets all requirements, per plan it will stay in development status broadcasting test data until initial operational capability is reached. A message regarding this caveat will be sent out to GPS users worldwide.

It will also continue to deploy the modernized capabilities that began with the eight modernized GPS IIR satellites, including a more robust military signal. GPS IIF satellites will provide improved signals that will enhance the precise global positioning, navigation and timing services supporting both the warfighter and the growing civilian needs of our global economy. The GPS constellation remains the most robust and capable system in the history of space.

The members of 2 SOPS operate the largest Department of Defense spacecraft constellation via the Master Control Station and a worldwide network of monitor stations and ground antennas. The MCS also houses a customer interface, the GPS Operations Center, which is a 24/7 user-focused center of excellence supporting a wide variety of military, civil and commercial users and applications.

Source.

[Space Pete]

1st Boeing-built GPS IIF Satellite Enters Service with US Air Force.

Boeing today announced that the first of 12 Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellites the company is building for the U.S. Air Force has entered service. GPS IIF-1 is the newest member of the active 31-satellite GPS constellation, which provides accurate navigation, positioning and timing information to more than 1 billion military and civilian users around the world.

GPS IIF satellites offer new and enhanced capabilities, including a jam-resistant military signal, greater accuracy through improved atomic clock technology, and a protected civilian L5 signal to aid commercial aviation and safety-of-life applications. According to Air Force officials, on-orbit testing shows that the L5 signal meets all requirements. Based on program plans, the signal will remain in development status, broadcasting test data until initial operational capability is declared. The Air Force will send a message about this to GPS users worldwide.

"Putting the first next-generation GPS IIF satellite into operation is a significant step forward for the Air Force and the millions of warfighters and civilians who depend on this vital system," said Air Force Col. Bernard Gruber, commander, GPS Wing. "Now that IIF-1 is operational, military and commercial receivers around the world can begin using the satellite's improved signals to more accurately determine their position."

Launched on May 27, 2010, GPS IIF-1 has undergone three months of comprehensive on-orbit testing to validate its operations with the ground control system, other GPS satellites and a wide range of military and commercial GPS ground receivers. The satellite’s testing regimen was longer and more rigorous than usual because it is the first of the series.

A Boeing space vehicle operations team based in Colorado helped the GPS Wing monitor and evaluate test results as GPS IIF-1 went through many of its first on-orbit operations. With testing complete, the GPS Wing has officially transferred Satellite Control Authority to the Air Force 50th Space Wing and the 2nd Space Operations Squadron, which will operate the satellite on its mission.

"Boeing has built 40 of the 61 GPS satellites launched since 1978, and GPS IIF is a great addition to that long legacy," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems. "These satellites make a difference by adding new levels of power and precision to GPS services. The IIF series will be the backbone of the constellation for the next 12 to 15 years."

Boeing is producing the next 11 GPS IIF satellites using an innovative pulse-line manufacturing approach adapted from the company's aircraft and helicopter assembly lines. The line enables faster, more efficient development of several satellites at once. The company also developed the current GPS ground control infrastructure, called the Operational Control Segment (OCS), which has supported an expanding set of GPS services and capabilities since 2007.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

Source.

[Space Pete]

Florida Today's "The Flame Trench" Blog: "GPS, weather satellites launched this year ready for service".

Two satellites launched this year from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station have successfully completed on-orbit testing and are ready for service.

The first in a $1.6 billion program of new Global Positioning Systems satellites, known as Block IIF, launched late May 27 on its fourth attempt atop a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket.

The Air Force today announced that the spacecraft called GPS IIF-01 became operational Aug. 26., flying 11,000 nautical miles above Earth in the constellation's "B-2" slot.

The satellite joined 30 others in orbit, several of which are aging an nearing the end of their operational lives. The constellation uses a minimum of 24 satellites to provide precision location, navigation and time information for military and civilian users.

[HIPAR]

GPS 2F-1 is getting a software patch:

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=defense&id=news/asd/2010/09/02/03.xml

According to Saceflight Now,  GPS 2F-2 will launch aboard an Atlas next year.  Its launch was scheduled for November.

---  CHAS