Author Topic: LIVE: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Cape Canaveral SLC-41 - January 19/20, 2018  (Read 73736 times)

Offline Targeteer

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #20 on: 12/20/2017 09:17 am »
Los Angeles Air Force Base, Home of Space and Missile Systems Center 2 hrs · Facebook

SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite fueling operations authorized;
Prepares for encapsulation

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- Preparations for the January 2018 launch of the fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite, commonly called GEO Flight-4, are underway at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Having verified satellite integrity after successful delivery from Sunnyvale, California to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, the SBIRS team was approved to start fueling operations for GEO Flight-4.

Proper fueling is crucial to the mission team's efforts to use GEO Flight-4's satellite propulsion system to guide the satellite to its geosynchronous orbit following separation from a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The GEO Flight-4 space vehicle will be loaded with sufficient fuel to reach its intended orbit and to maintain its proper orbit over its design life of twelve years.

The SBIRS constellation is designed to replace the legacy Defense Support Program satellite constellation. SBIRS will continue to provide significantly enhanced capabilities to support missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness and technical intelligence missions.

Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding this topic by sending an email to [email protected].

Get the latest Los Angeles Air Force Base News at www.losanqeles.af mil,
on Facebook @SpaceandMissileSystemsCenter,
and on Twitter @AF_SMC, #SpaceStartsHere, #GE03_Flight4, #SMC_STEM
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #21 on: 12/29/2017 07:43 am »
SBIRS GEO Flight 4
 

SBIRS GEO Flight 4, the next Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite to join the U.S. Air Force’s Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) during assembly and test at Lockheed Martin’s satellite manufacturing facility in Sunnyvale, California
Jacques :-)

Offline zubenelgenubi

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #22 on: 12/31/2017 05:31 pm »
Rocket and satellite preps on track for next Atlas 5 launch, December 29

Quote
The Atlas 5’s first stage was stacked on top of a mobile platform inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral’s Complex 41 launch pad early last week. It was to be followed by the hoisting of the Atlas 5’s Centaur upper stage and a single strap-on solid rocket booster.

This paragraph is written in past tense.  Is the CCB + Centaur + single booster integrated as of Dec. 29?


Re: change of SBIRS-GEO launches from 401 to 411 launch configuration:
The interesting thing is, that this time an Atlas-V(411) instead of the Atlas-V(401) was ordered

SBIRS-GEO has either gained some additional mass or an different orbital injection profile will be used.

https://govtribe.com/project/ja-15-37-for-space-based-infrared-systems-sbirs-geo-flight-4-launch-services

It's possible the extra SRB is for increased performance to allow the Centaur to fully de-orbit into the ocean.

Quote
The change will allow the Centaur upper stage to make a controlled de-orbit and re-entry after it releases the SBIRS GEO Flight 4 satellite, a measure to prevent the flight from adding to space debris in Earth orbit.

So, we should see NOTAMs/NOTMARs for the Centaur disposal as the launch date approaches.
Kudos to c3i's insight!
***


Not addressed in the article:
Will there be a WDR?  (I remember that NSF experts have commented that WDRs are no longer performed as Standard Operating Procedure for Cape launches of the 401 variety.  Does that extend to all 4x1 configurations?  I assume also that if the customer chooses to pay for a WDR, that supersedes ULA SOP.)
« Last Edit: 12/31/2017 05:48 pm by zubenelgenubi »
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Offline ZachS09

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #23 on: 12/31/2017 05:50 pm »
zubenelgenubi, ULA hardly does Wet Dress Rehearsals for Atlas V. The only times I recall WDRs being done for Atlas V are before specific NASA payloads are launched.
Liftoff for St. Jude's! Go Dragon, Go Falcon, Godspeed Inspiration4!

Offline Targeteer

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #24 on: 01/01/2018 09:39 pm »
Interesting discussion of SBIR HEO/GEO coverage with graphs of sensor visibility...
  https://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/2017/12/where-to-hide-your-nuclear-missile.html

Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #25 on: 01/10/2018 02:31 am »
Los Angeles Air Force Base, Home of Space and Missile Systems Center Montgomery, AL

SBIRS GEO Flight-4 encapsulation completed

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif. -- The Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite completed encapsulation today at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

This encapsulation event is a significant milestone in GEO Flight-4's launch process as it marks the satellite's completion of all major testing milestones prior to launch.

On Thursday, Jan. 11, GEO Flight-4 will make the journey to Space Launch Complex-41, where it will be mated with its Atlas V-411 rocket. It is scheduled for launch on Jan. 18, 2018, at 7:52 p.m., Eastern (4:52 p.m. Pacific).

The satellite will join three others launched since 2011 to complete the deployment of the initial SBIRS fleet, which provides early warning of missile launches heading for the United States and its allies, including those potentially carrying nuclear weapons.

The Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the U.S. Air Force's center for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes GPS, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space-based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.

Media representatives can submit questions for response regarding this topic by sending an email to [email protected]

###

Get the latest Los Angeles Air Force Base News at www.losanqeles.af mil, on Facebook @SpaceandMissileSystemsCenter, and on Twitter @AF_SMC


The Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite stands ready for encapsulation Jan. 9, 2018 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.


Technicians prepare for the encapsulation of the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, Jan. 9, 2018.



Technicians make last-minute preparations for the encapsulation of the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, Jan. 9, 2018.



Technicians point out details on the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite prior to its final encapsulation at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, Jan. 9, 2018.


With one half of a payload fairing in place, technicians move the remaining half of the protective shroud to completely encapsulate the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, Jan. 9, 2018.


A unique, low angle image shows the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite just after its final encapsulation at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, Jan. 9, 2018.


An artist's concept of the Air Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit Flight-4 (SBIRS GEO-4) satellite on station, providing early warning of missile launches heading for the United States and its allies, including those potentially carrying nuclear weapons. (Courtesy graphic)
« Last Edit: 01/14/2018 01:56 pm by jacqmans »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #26 on: 01/10/2018 04:51 am »

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #27 on: 01/10/2018 01:57 pm »
Hello all,

Kennedy just put launch tickets on-sale for the 2018-01-18 launch. LC-39 Observation Gantry tickets are $49 (in addition to getting into KSC) and Saturn-V Center tix are $20 (in addition to park fees).

If you have the chance definitely go for the LC-39 viewing. LC-39 to SLC 41 is a mere 2.3 miles. That is the closest the public is allowed to a launch anywhere in the US.

You can purchase online here https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches-and-events/events-calendar/2018/january/rocket-launch-ula-atlas-v-sbirs-geo-4.

c

Offline jacqmans

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #28 on: 01/11/2018 01:40 pm »
News Release Issued: Jan 11, 2018 (8:07am EST)


Sealed Up, Ready to Go: U.S. Air Force's SBIRS GEO Flight-4 Missile Warning Satellite Encapsulated for Launch

Current SBIRS' constellation continues to deliver outstanding infrared surveillance performance

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Jan. 11, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force's fourth Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellite built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) was encapsulated on Jan. 9. The SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite is now ready for its planned Jan. 18 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

During encapsulation, SBIRS GEO Flight-4 was sealed in its launch fairing, an aerodynamic, nose-cone shell that protects the satellite during launch. In the coming days, the fairing with the satellite enclosed will be mounted on top of the Atlas V rocket as launch preparations continue.

SBIRS GEO Flight-4 is the latest satellite to join the Air Force's orbiting network of satellites equipped with powerful scanning and staring infrared surveillance sensors. The sensors collect data for use by the U.S. military to detect missile launches, support ballistic missile defense, expand technical intelligence gathering and bolster situational awareness on the battlefield.

Back on the ground, a sophisticated new SBIRS ground control system serves as the nerve center for the entire SBIRS satellite constellation and receives large amounts of data from the satellites' powerful sensors. The SBIRS control system and its operators convert this data into actionable reports for defense, intelligence and civil applications.

"SBIRS provides our military with timely, reliable and accurate missile warning and infrared surveillance information," said Tom McCormick, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Overhead Persistent Infrared systems mission area. "We look forward to adding GEO Flight-4's capabilities to the first line of defense in our nation's missile defense strategy."

Lockheed Martin manufactured the SBIRS GEO Flight-4 satellite at its Sunnyvale, California, facility. The satellite was delivered to Florida on Oct. 31, 2017. 

Building on SBIRS
The Air Force's SBIRS program continues to grow resilient, persistent, space-based infrared surveillance capabilities.

The planned launch of SBIRS GEO Flight-4 comes just 12 months after the launch of SBIRS GEO Flight-3, which in March 2017 sent its first images back down to Earth in a milestone known as "first light." These two satellites join SBIRS' GEO-1 and GEO-2, which received Air Force Space Command Operational Acceptance in 2013, and have performance that matches, and in some cases exceeds, requirements.

The next SBIRS satellites, GEO-5 and GEO-6, will bring increased resiliency, production efficiency and the ability to add new advanced sensor suites to the constellation using Lockheed Martin's modernized LM 2100 satellite bus. In September, a system Critical Design Review for the modernized design for GEO 5 and 6 was conducted with the Air Force, authorizing the satellites to enter into the manufacturing and integration phase.

At the center of SBIRS is its ground control system, which receives and processes a vast amount of satellite data. In late 2016, the Air Force operationally accepted "SBIRS Block 10," a new control system developed by Lockheed Martin, which includes enhancements like faster data collection times, improved threat detections, and improved target tracking and infrared information to enable troops to see dimmer targets faster.

SBIRS Block 10 also provides the Air Force with greater efficiency by consolidated ground control for the legacy Defense Support Program, as well as SBIRS satellites and payloads in GEO and Highly Elliptical Orbits.

For additional SBIRS information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/sbirs.
Jacques :-)

Offline zubenelgenubi

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #29 on: 01/11/2018 11:00 pm »
Does anyone have the patch artwork seen on the PLF?  (I saw it also on the banner in the delivery imagery.)
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Offline jacqmans

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #30 on: 01/14/2018 01:54 pm »
AtlasV to Launch SBIRS GEO Flight 4 for the U.S. Air Force

Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 4 Mission Overview

•Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 4 Mission ArtworkRocket: Atlas V 411
•Mission: Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO Flight 4
•Launch Date: Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018
•Launch Time: The 40-minute launch window opens at 7:52 p.m. EST
•Live Broadcast: Tune in beginning at 7:32 p.m. EST
•Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Mission Description: SBIRS, considered one of the nation's highest priority space programs, is designed to provide global, persistent, infrared surveillance capabilities to meet 21st century demands in four national security mission areas: missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. The SBIRS team is led by the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.

Launch Notes: ULA also launched the first three SBIRS GEO missions. SBIRS GEO Flight 4 mission will mark ULA’s 125th mission overall since the company was founded in 2006. It’s also the 75th Atlas V launch since the rocket’s inaugural flight in 2002.

Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, dial the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321 or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch; hashtags #AtlasV #SBIRS.


Go Atlas! Go Centaur! Go SBIRS GEO Flight 4!
Jacques :-)

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #31 on: 01/14/2018 02:11 pm »
Does anyone have the patch artwork seen on the PLF?  (I saw it also on the banner in the delivery imagery.)

Can't find a higher-res version at the moment...

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #32 on: 01/14/2018 02:37 pm »
Does anyone have the patch artwork seen on the PLF?  (I saw it also on the banner in the delivery imagery.)

Can't find a higher-res version at the moment...

Coincidence between world view/coverage area on the patch and current SBIRs coverage graphic?  Me thinks not...
« Last Edit: 01/14/2018 02:39 pm by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #33 on: 01/14/2018 08:05 pm »
Is the eagle carrying a rocket in its talons?

Offline Star One

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Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #34 on: 01/15/2018 06:46 am »
Is the eagle carrying a rocket in its talons?

Yes it is.

That’s not an eagle I’d want to meet that’s for certain!
« Last Edit: 01/15/2018 06:47 am by Star One »

Online Steven Pietrobon

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #35 on: 01/15/2018 07:55 am »
Here's the press kit.
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #36 on: 01/15/2018 12:09 pm »
Quote
Looking good for Thursday’s #AtlasV launch from the Cape. Pgo of 80%, cumulus clouds. #SBIRS

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/952890292574699521

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #37 on: 01/15/2018 12:14 pm »
Here's the forecast Tory referred to, 80% GO:

Quote
Launch day overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Clouds

24-hour delay overall probability of violating weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Cumulus Clouds

Offline ZachF

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #38 on: 01/15/2018 03:54 pm »
Always enjoy watching the goofy-looking 411s blast off
artist, so take opinions expressed above with a well-rendered grain of salt...
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Offline zubenelgenubi

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Re: Atlas V 411 - SBIRS GEO-4 - Jan 18, 2018 - Canaveral SLC 41
« Reply #39 on: 01/15/2018 04:10 pm »
Is the eagle carrying a rocket in its talons?

Yes it is.

That’s not an eagle I’d want to meet that’s for certain!

Looks like a giant Kryptonian eagle: able to fly in outer space, catch and grip missiles in its talons, and destroy missiles in flight with heat vision.

Can we assume it is a sentient being from Krypton, and not "merely" trained to perform martial feats?

What a great companion for the son of Jor-El!

DC Comics: Please make it so!  With classic narration by the great Bill Woodson! (I see he died last year at the age of 99, so I guess we don't get that.)


« Last Edit: 01/15/2018 08:10 pm by zubenelgenubi »
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