Author Topic: LIVE: Atlas V - NROL-34 - April 14, 2011 (Read 55708 times)

Chris Bergin · « **on:** 03/29/2011 11:20 pm »

Don't seem to have a thread for this one, so opening with ULA's first e-mail about it showing the launch artwork:

ugordan · « **Reply #1 on:** 03/29/2011 11:24 pm »

Ooh, 2nd Atlas with a single SRB?

Jason1701 · « **Reply #2 on:** 03/30/2011 12:05 am »

Should be a treat to watch it on liftoff!

Rocket Guy · « **Reply #3 on:** 03/30/2011 12:36 am »

Quote from: ugordan on 03/29/2011 11:24 pm

Ooh, 2nd Atlas with a single SRB?

Third.

bobthemonkey · « **Reply #4 on:** 03/30/2011 07:17 pm »

Trumpet F/O with the third SBIRS HEO element presumably.

DaveJes1979 · « **Reply #5 on:** 04/04/2011 04:29 pm »

Any word yet on the launch window?

AnalogMan · « **Reply #6 on:** 04/04/2011 08:56 pm »

Quote from: DaveJes1979 on 04/04/2011 04:29 pm

Any word yet on the launch window?

I have seen a suggestion that the launch time is April 13 (GMT) with preferred lift off time of 0451 GMT and a window from 0451 to 0551 GMT. So local launch time April 12, at 20:51 PST

(correction from an earlier post)

Antares · « **Reply #7 on:** 04/05/2011 01:38 am »

Except the US is on Daylight time, so 21:51 PDT/local - if your suggestion is based on GMT.

AnalogMan · « **Reply #8 on:** 04/05/2011 10:21 am »

Quote from: Antares on 04/05/2011 01:38 am

Except the US is on Daylight time, so 21:51 PDT/local - if your suggestion is based on GMT.

Yes, you're absolutely right - I forgot about clock changes! The GMT times are the basis.

Thanks for catching that.

Rocket Guy · « **Reply #9 on:** 04/06/2011 07:32 pm »

ULA confirms the time:
http://twitter.com/ulalaunch

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #10 on:** 04/08/2011 08:23 pm »

ULA:

UPDATE - April 8, 1 p.m. PDT: The launch of an Atlas V carrying the NROL-34 payload has been rescheduled for April 14, 2011, in order to allow time for the launch team to replace an avionics component on the vehicle. The launch is now scheduled for April 14 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The opening of the launch window is 9:24 p.m. PDT.

edkyle99 · « **Reply #11 on:** 04/11/2011 04:40 pm »

Is anyone besides me missing the good old days, back when secret satellites were launched without fanfare, inside plain, unadorned payload fairings?

- Ed Kyle

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #12 on:** 04/11/2011 04:58 pm »

ULA note that: All launch preparations are progressing in support of the launch date of Thursday, April 14, for Atlas V NROL-34. The opening of the launch window is 9:24 p.m. PDT. The weather forecast looks excellent for launch with a 100% chance of acceptable weather! Satellite coordinates and some important event dates surrounding the launch can be found below.

L-1: Wednesday, April 13

· 1300: Remote camera photographers meet at the South Gate for escort to SLC-3 to set cameras

L-0: Thursday, April 14

· ~1630: MST Roll – I will send pictures shortly after

· 2000: 30 SW/PA meets media at the Main Gate Visitor Control for escort to media launch viewing site

· 2104: The NROL-34 launch will be carried live beginning 20 minutes prior to launch and will conclude approximately 4.5 minutes following launch. A simulcast of the broadcast can be viewed here: http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

· 2124: Opening of the launch window (9:24 p.m. PDT)

Satellite Coordinates

ALL TIMES PACIFIC DAYLIGHT TIME

TEST -- APRIL 13, 2011

A 15-MINUTE TEST WILL BE CONDUCTED AT 12:00 P.M. PDT

LAUNCH -- APRIL 14, 2011

BEGIN TRANSMISSION (BARS AND TONE) – 8:30 P.M.

BROADCAST START – 9:04 P.M.

LAUNCH – 9:24 P.M.

SATELLITE: AMC 1

TRANSPONDER: C15

BAND: C Band Analog

ORBITAL POSITION: 103 degrees west

CARRIER: SES Americom

BANDWIDTH: 36 MHz

UPLINK FREQ: 6225 MHz Vertical

DOWNLINK FREQ: 4000 MHz Horizontal

Weather Forecast

Launch Forecast: High pressure will dominate the region creating fair weather conditions and a tight pressure gradient with increased winds throughout the period. Winds at 168 foot will be from the northwest at 15-20 knots gusting up to 28 knots for MST roll. After sunset, wind gusts will dissipate to 10-15 knots for T-0. Temperatures will remain in the low to mid 50’s. Maximum upper-level winds will be west-northwesterly at 70 knots at 37,000 feet. There are no predicted space weather events to affect the launch.

Overall probability of violation at T-0: 0%

AnalogMan · « **Reply #13 on:** 04/11/2011 04:58 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/08/2011 08:23 pm

ULA:

UPDATE - April 8, 1 p.m. PDT: The launch of an Atlas V carrying the NROL-34 payload has been rescheduled for April 14, 2011, in order to allow time for the launch team to replace an avionics component on the vehicle. The launch is now scheduled for April 14 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The opening of the launch window is 9:24 p.m. PDT.

Looks like this launch date has a shorter window of only 29 minutes (9:24 to 9:53 pm PDT) compared with 1 hour previously for April 12.

Antares · « **Reply #14 on:** 04/12/2011 12:40 am »

Probably just giving a little more public fidelity of the actual launch window instead of the launch period. This has been done for most NRO launches.

DaveJes1979 · « **Reply #15 on:** 04/12/2011 06:09 pm »

Does anyone have word on launch windows if they scrub Thursday?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #16 on:** 04/13/2011 01:43 am »

ULA:

Everything continues to go well as we progress towards the launch of Atlas V NROL-34 on Thursday night. The launch time is set for 9:24 p.m. PDT. We’ve had a bit of a change in weather, with the possibility of high wind gusts during MST roll and into the launch time. In terms of wind constraints, it is now looking like a 30% chance of acceptable weather for launch. The winds look the same for an attempt on April 15 as well.

robertross · « **Reply #17 on:** 04/13/2011 01:47 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/13/2011 01:43 am

ULA:

Everything continues to go well as we progress towards the launch of Atlas V NROL-34 on Thursday night. The launch time is set for 9:24 p.m. PDT. We’ve had a bit of a change in weather, with the possibility of high wind gusts during MST roll and into the launch time. In terms of wind constraints, it is now looking like a 30% chance of acceptable weather for launch. The winds look the same for an attempt on April 15 as well.

Ah, weather. Quite the change from 0% of probability of launch violation.

rdale · « **Reply #18 on:** 04/13/2011 01:52 am »

Sorry I wasn't paying close attention to this thread

DaveJes1979 · « **Reply #19 on:** 04/14/2011 03:50 am »

Any weather updates?

Satori · « **Reply #20 on:** 04/14/2011 06:58 pm »

Moved for live coverage!

Satori · « **Reply #21 on:** 04/14/2011 06:59 pm »

Webcast will be available at http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #22 on:** 04/14/2011 09:05 pm »

L-0: Thursday, April 14

· ~1700: MST Roll –

· 1700: Next ULA update

· 2000: 30 SW/PA meets media at the Main Gate Visitor Control for escort to media launch viewing site

· 2104: The NROL-34 launch will be carried live beginning 20 minutes prior to launch and will conclude approximately 4.5 minutes following launch. A simulcast of the broadcast can be viewed here: http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml

· 2124: Opening of the launch window (9:24 p.m. PDT)

HyperTay · « **Reply #23 on:** 04/15/2011 12:15 am »

Edit: Never mind, I am mixing up my times! Carry on, Go Atlas! Go NRO!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #24 on:** 04/15/2011 12:23 am »

ULA:

We are almost 4 hours from the launch of Atlas V NROL-34 from Space Launch Complex-3. We have just received the OK to roll the mobile service tower (MST) back and the operation will be complete within the hour. Winds are still a concern at T-0, but they are expected to begin to die down around 7 p.m. PDT. The weather officer is reporting a 30% chance of acceptable weather for launch.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #25 on:** 04/15/2011 02:09 am »

ULA:

Entered the first of the planned holds about 15 minutes ago.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #26 on:** 04/15/2011 02:10 am »

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (April 14, 2011) - A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the National Reconnaissance Office’s L-34 payload stands ready to launch from Space Launch Complex-3 here after the mobile service tower rolled back into its parked position earlier this evening. The opening of the launch window is set for 9:24 p.m. PDT. Tonight’s launch marks the 25th launch of the Atlas V vehicle since its first launch in August 2002. This mission is in support of national security. Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #27 on:** 04/15/2011 02:19 am »

Ula doesn't seem to have a link to Windows media stream this time...

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #28 on:** 04/15/2011 02:27 am »

Another excellent launch article by William Graham:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/ula-atlas-v-launch-with-nrol-34/

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #29 on:** 04/15/2011 02:32 am »

ULA:

We are 2 hours from launch and the team is preparing for cryogenic tanking. The board is green as we get closer to launch. Winds remain the only issue.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #30 on:** 04/15/2011 03:22 am »

45 minutes to the webcast.

Hope someone's staying up to help with images.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #31 on:** 04/15/2011 03:26 am »

ULA:

Everything is going well with the count. We will have a weather briefing in about 45 minutes for an update on the conditions.

otisbow · « **Reply #32 on:** 04/15/2011 03:45 am »

The satellite broadcast is on AMC-1 T-15

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #33 on:** 04/15/2011 03:45 am »

L-40 minutes.

All seems nominal in the count, so let's hope those winds don't push things to the right.

Mapperuo · « **Reply #34 on:** 04/15/2011 03:52 am »

Quote from: otisbow on 04/15/2011 03:45 am

The satellite broadcast is on AMC-1 T-15

I clearly need to invest in a GIANT satellite dish to get these broadcasts from the UK. *chuckle*

otisbow · « **Reply #35 on:** 04/15/2011 04:00 am »

The satellite is located at 103 deg west and the footprint is for the conus only

Mapperuo · « **Reply #36 on:** 04/15/2011 04:03 am »

Quote from: otisbow on 04/15/2011 04:00 am

The satellite is located at 103 deg west and the footprint is for the conus only

Aye sorry, was a joke.

Webcast is starting.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #37 on:** 04/15/2011 04:03 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #38 on:** 04/15/2011 04:05 am »

Good looking rocket.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #39 on:** 04/15/2011 04:05 am »

Don "The Voice" Spencer

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #40 on:** 04/15/2011 04:06 am »

L-18 mins.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #41 on:** 04/15/2011 04:08 am »

Winds are acceptable now!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #42 on:** 04/15/2011 04:08 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #43 on:** 04/15/2011 04:10 am »

Into the 10 minute BIH at T-4 minutes.

otisbow · « **Reply #44 on:** 04/15/2011 04:11 am »

Everything is looking good...GO ATLAS, GO NROL 34

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #45 on:** 04/15/2011 04:13 am »

ULA confirm the winds heading the right way:

We just entered our planned 4 minute hold. The winds have died down, but there is still only a 30% chance of acceptable level at launch

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #46 on:** 04/15/2011 04:14 am »

This launch is in memory of....

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #47 on:** 04/15/2011 04:15 am »

Also dedicated to Dr Fredeiche (spelling, no disrespect intended).

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #48 on:** 04/15/2011 04:16 am »

Polling for Go to resume the count.

manlymatt83 · « **Reply #49 on:** 04/15/2011 04:16 am »

Where can I watch this stream on video?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #50 on:** 04/15/2011 04:17 am »

Quote from: manlymatt83 on 04/15/2011 04:16 am

Where can I watch this stream on video?

Here you go:

http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Flash_Webcast.shtml

(Only flash available).

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #51 on:** 04/15/2011 04:18 am »

Polling is all GO to resume the count.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #52 on:** 04/15/2011 04:18 am »

60 seconds until they come out of the count.

manlymatt83 · « **Reply #53 on:** 04/15/2011 04:19 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/15/2011 04:17 am

Quote from: manlymatt83 on 04/15/2011 04:16 am
Where can I watch this stream on video?

Here you go:

http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Flash_Webcast.shtml

(Only flash available).

Thanks!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #54 on:** 04/15/2011 04:19 am »

About to come out of the BIH.

sdsds · « **Reply #55 on:** 04/15/2011 04:20 am »

Launch team before poll:

jimvela · « **Reply #56 on:** 04/15/2011 04:20 am »

counting

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #57 on:** 04/15/2011 04:20 am »

T-4 minutes and COUNTING.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #58 on:** 04/15/2011 04:20 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #59 on:** 04/15/2011 04:21 am »

T-3 minutes. Securing Atlas LO2/Flight Pressure.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #60 on:** 04/15/2011 04:21 am »

FTS internal.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #61 on:** 04/15/2011 04:22 am »

jimvela · « **Reply #62 on:** 04/15/2011 04:22 am »

T- 2:00 counting

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #63 on:** 04/15/2011 04:22 am »

T-2 minutes.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #64 on:** 04/15/2011 04:22 am »

Securing Centaur LO2 and LH2.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #65 on:** 04/15/2011 04:23 am »

Range Green.

Launch Enable.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #66 on:** 04/15/2011 04:23 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #67 on:** 04/15/2011 04:23 am »

T-30 seconds.

Go Atlas. Go Centaur!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #68 on:** 04/15/2011 04:24 am »

LAUNCH!!

Mapperuo · « **Reply #69 on:** 04/15/2011 04:24 am »

I do like the way that man says five.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #70 on:** 04/15/2011 04:25 am »

Good first stage so far.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #71 on:** 04/15/2011 04:25 am »

MaxQ

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #72 on:** 04/15/2011 04:26 am »

Going past the moon

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #73 on:** 04/15/2011 04:27 am »

SRM sep - couldn't see it.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #74 on:** 04/15/2011 04:27 am »

7900 mph

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #75 on:** 04/15/2011 04:28 am »

BECO and 1-2 sep.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #76 on:** 04/15/2011 04:28 am »

5G throttling.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #77 on:** 04/15/2011 04:28 am »

Staging. 1-2 Sep. Centaur igniton.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #78 on:** 04/15/2011 04:29 am »

Fairing Jettison.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #79 on:** 04/15/2011 04:29 am »

Fairing jettision.
End of mission coverage.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #80 on:** 04/15/2011 04:29 am »

Webcast cut off as is normal for this payload.

Congrats to all involved so far

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #81 on:** 04/15/2011 04:30 am »

Another lift off screenshot:

jimmiemac · « **Reply #82 on:** 04/15/2011 04:32 am »

Just had a FANTASTIC view right before fairing sep from my front yard here in San Diego!

sdsds · « **Reply #83 on:** 04/15/2011 04:32 am »

This one is after ignition but before the splatter hits the camera lens.

GpsGseEng · « **Reply #84 on:** 04/15/2011 04:32 am »

No problem seeing that one out here on the West Coast!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #85 on:** 04/15/2011 04:34 am »

Rebump of the overview article by William Graham:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/04/ula-atlas-v-launch-with-nrol-34/

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #86 on:** 04/15/2011 04:36 am »

Quote from: sdsds on 04/15/2011 04:32 am

This one is after ignition but before the splatter hits the camera lens.

Thanks! Because it was only a flash stream, all the screenshots I was taking was the old fashioned way of print screen, into MS Paint, crop, save and publish. Pain in the bum I can tell you!

northanger · « **Reply #87 on:** 04/15/2011 04:38 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/15/2011 04:36 am

Quote from: sdsds on 04/15/2011 04:32 am
This one is after ignition but before the splatter hits the camera lens.

Thanks! Because it was only a flash stream, all the screenshots I was taking was the old fashioned way of print screen, into MS Paint, crop, save and publish. Pain in the bum I can tell you!

Sorry

If I'd known that I woulda helped ya. I didn't know if I could keep up if I did that.

Jason Davies · « **Reply #88 on:** 04/15/2011 04:40 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/15/2011 04:05 am

Good looking rocket.

Not the first time you've said that. Fan of the Atlas V?

Art LeBrun · « **Reply #89 on:** 04/15/2011 04:41 am »

Beautiful flight from SE of LA. Passed through setting Orion just north of the Belt. Centaur ignition seemed to be a large orange cloud that dissipated very quickly.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #90 on:** 04/15/2011 04:42 am »

Not a problem, Northanger.

Fan of all LVs Jason.....but I do like the Atlas V. Probably second only to Shuttle. Very nice looking vehicle, and it this one had its own charms with the single booster

csmjr91090 · « **Reply #91 on:** 04/15/2011 04:53 am »

Couldn't have asked for a clearer night in LA! It was beautiful. Very nice climb and exhaust plume was very visible (even more so than L-41). Viewed staging & then centaur ignition. After that it disappeared.

Great job to the ULA/VAFB/NRO Team after yet another successful launch!!

STS Tony · « **Reply #92 on:** 04/15/2011 04:54 am »

Very noticeable!

Thanks for the coverage Chris.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #93 on:** 04/15/2011 05:13 am »

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #94 on:** 04/15/2011 05:36 am »

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (April 14, 2011) – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-3 at 9:24 p.m. PDT with the National Reconnaissance Office’s L-34 payload. This was the 25th launch of the Atlas V rocket since the vehicle’s first launch in August 2002. NROL-34 is also the fifth ULA launch for the NRO in the past seven months. The mission is in support of national security. Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance.

---

WOW!!!

Seattle Dave · « **Reply #95 on:** 04/15/2011 05:58 am »

That's great how it lights up the condensation and ice falling off it. Needs one of those MaxQ videos

kevin-rf · « **Reply #96 on:** 04/15/2011 06:19 am »

Job well done ULA!!!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #97 on:** 04/15/2011 06:42 am »

Quote from: Seattle Dave on 04/15/2011 05:58 am

That's great how it lights up the condensation and ice falling off it. Needs one of those MaxQ videos

There's an idea. Atlas V needs a Shuttle-style MaxQ rock video and another of Chris' "OMG, that's hardly my taste in music" suggestions

Lyrics work, excuse the title (not literal, obviously - Lady Gaga's done far worse)

"The city sleeps beneath me
Unrested, the longest night drives
The city sleeps tonight

A thousand miles by night, straight as the crow flies

Chasing right and wrong, countless miles from home
Without an end in sight, this is a battle song"

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #98 on:** 04/15/2011 06:42 am »

ULA presser:

ULA Successfully Launches Fifth NRO Mission in Seven Months

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (April 14, 2011) – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-3 here at 9:24 p.m. PDT today. Designated NROL-34, the mission is in support of national defense.

Today marked the 25th Atlas V rocket launch in program history. The first Atlas V launched in August 2002. Since then, Atlas V has launched a variety of payloads for the military, NASA, and commercial customers, all successfully.

“Today’s successful launch of the NROL-34 mission represents a tremendous accomplishment for our national security customer,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “Less than two years ago, this integrated team put in place a very challenging plan to launch five EELV/NRO missions in less than seven months. The combined NRO Office of Space Launch, U.S. Air Force Launch & Range and ULA teams have executed this plan flawlessly, culminating in today’s successful launch aboard our 25th Atlas V rocket. With each of these incredibly important launches, we are reminded of the role we play in offering enhanced effectiveness and safety to the men and women protecting our country. Congratulations to the ULA team and our government, mission, and supplier partners for making these five successful NRO missions possible.”

This mission was launched by an Atlas V 411 configuration launch vehicle, which uses a single common core booster powered by the RD-180 engine and one solid rocket motor. This was the fourth launch of 2011 for ULA, including two for the NRO and one for the United States Air Force.

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V SBIRS GEO-1 mission currently scheduled for May 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., Harlingen, Tex. and San Diego, Calif. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

For more information on the ULA joint venture, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).

TitanFan · « **Reply #99 on:** 04/15/2011 07:38 am »

I was lucky enough to be invited out with the media for this launch, and the pneumonia I'll probably catch next week from standing out in the freezing cold for an hour waiting for this thing? SO worth it. One of the most beautiful launches I've seen. I actually forgot how bright these Atlases are, so my streak shot got washed out big time unfortunately, but oh well...live and learn. I've already got settings in mind for the next time. Anyway, here's my shots:

TitanFan · « **Reply #100 on:** 04/15/2011 07:41 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/15/2011 06:42 am

Quote from: Seattle Dave on 04/15/2011 05:58 am
That's great how it lights up the condensation and ice falling off it. Needs one of those MaxQ videos

There's an idea. Atlas V needs a Shuttle-style MaxQ rock video and another of Chris' "OMG, that's hardly my taste in music" suggestions

Lyrics work, excuse the title (not literal, obviously - Lady Gaga's done far worse)

"The city sleeps beneath me
Unrested, the longest night drives
The city sleeps tonight

A thousand miles by night, straight as the crow flies

Chasing right and wrong, countless miles from home
Without an end in sight, this is a battle song"

A "soundtrack" to this launch? Gotta be "Heaven's On Fire" by KISS

"Feel my heat takin' you higher,
burn with me, Heaven's on fire
Paint the sky with desire,
angel fly, Heaven's on fire"

DaveJes1979 · « **Reply #101 on:** 04/15/2011 06:59 pm »

Here is what it looked like from the South Base gate:

robertross · « **Reply #102 on:** 04/15/2011 07:29 pm »

Quote from: DaveJes1979 on 04/15/2011 06:59 pm

Here is what it looked like from the South Base gate:

Nice!

sdsds · « **Reply #103 on:** 04/17/2011 03:59 am »

Adam Ince captured a time-lapse photo of the launch from "approximately 200 miles away."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/adamince/5621283708

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #104 on:** 04/17/2011 05:44 am »

Interesting. The payload may turn out to be an NOSS pair, instead of a HEO ELINT sat as some guessed before...
http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2011/0202.html

Skyrocket · « **Reply #105 on:** 04/18/2011 06:11 am »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2011 05:44 am

Interesting. The payload may turn out to be an NOSS pair, instead of a HEO ELINT sat as some guessed before...
http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2011/0202.html

That is a very interesting development. Observations have confirmed two NOSS satellites:
http://satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2011/0202.html

NOSS pairs were put into orbit using a two burn profile for Centaur with a rather long coast phase . The second burn failed during the NROL-30 mission. Now it seems, they have added a booster so that the mission can be conducted with a single burn of Centaur to avoid a second burn after a longer coast phase.

I wonder, if this change has cosequences for other future LEO missions like the NROL-41 type (FIA-Radar ?) satellites.

William Graham · « **Reply #106 on:** 04/22/2011 03:57 pm »

I think FIA used a direct ascent anyway, so it probably wouldn't be affected.

This also means that the two upcoming 401 launches are probably SDS.

jcm · « **Reply #107 on:** 04/23/2011 01:27 am »

The second USA 229 payload has now been cataloged by the US as 37391,
and named "USA 229 DEB" (i.e. "debris"- hello JSPOCchio, did I just see your nose get longer by another couple of inches??)

It is being tracked by hobbyists in a 1017 x 1205 km x 63.4 deg orbit.