Author Topic: Atlas V 541 - NROL-42 - VAFB SLC-3E - Sep 24, 2017 05:50 UTC (Sep 23 2250 PDT) (Read 57446 times)

satwatcher · « **Reply #120 on:** 09/24/2017 12:44 pm »

NROL-42 is transmitting at the same frequency as USA-259 launched on NROL-35 with the same Atlas-V configuration, while initial doppler measurements indicate the orbit is close to Molniya, confirming NROL-42 is a Trumpet FO.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #121 on:** 09/24/2017 12:46 pm »

Congratulations to ULA and the NRO for the successful launch!

ZachS09 · « **Reply #122 on:** 09/24/2017 12:56 pm »

Congrats to the United Launch Alliance and the National Reconnaissance Office on yet another successful Atlas V mission.

Rocket Science · « **Reply #123 on:** 09/24/2017 01:10 pm »

Congrats to all the teams, well done! Thanks for the coverage NSF especially Leo and his assistant Steven!

Star One · « **Reply #124 on:** 09/24/2017 01:53 pm »

Congratulations to all concerned in another successful Atlas V launch.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #125 on:** 09/24/2017 02:08 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/24/2017 12:17 pm

ULA photos:

Hi-res versions and another ULA shot attached.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #126 on:** 09/24/2017 02:19 pm »

Congratulations to ULA for maintaining their unbeaten record run:

Quote

121

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/911912592217538560

kdhilliard · « **Reply #127 on:** 09/24/2017 03:34 pm »

Any more information about the hold? I couldn't make it out clearly, but the call I heard at T-2:46 (or 18:13 into the broadcast) sounded like, "LC this is STOPS(?) OD. Hold, hold. hold. I say again. LC this is OPS(?) OD. Hold, hold, hold. We lost commanding."

The feature article doesn't currently mention the hold.

~Kirk

hartspace · « **Reply #128 on:** 09/24/2017 04:06 pm »

Quote from: kdhilliard on 09/24/2017 03:34 pm

Any more information about the hold? I couldn't make it out clearly, but the call I heard at T-2:46 (or 18:13 into the broadcast) sounded like, "LC this is STOPS(?) OD. Hold, hold. hold. I say again. LC this is OPS(?) OD. Hold, hold, hold. We lost commanding."

The feature article doesn't currently mention the hold.

~Kirk

It was NOPS OD. NRO Operations Squardron (NOPS) at Colorado Springs coordinates communications with the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) stations around the world. Presumably, they lost comm somewhere in the system that they needed for the launch.

Jarnis · « **Reply #129 on:** 09/24/2017 04:08 pm »

If I heard correctly, there was also a loss of telemetry to *somewhere* (Denver?) during the ascent, but Atlas V didn't really care and did the job anyway.

fs10inator · « **Reply #130 on:** 09/24/2017 04:18 pm »

Early in the launch, I heard Marty Malinowski, but later in the launch, up until PLF jettison, I heard Rob Gagnon. I'm kinda curious as to what is going on.

psionedge · « **Reply #131 on:** 09/24/2017 04:47 pm »

Quote from: fs10inator on 09/24/2017 04:18 pm

Early in the launch, I heard Marty Malinowski, but later in the launch, up until PLF jettison, I heard Rob Gagnon. I'm kinda curious as to what is going on.

They said Denver lost telemetry but Vandenberg still had it. Perhaps Marty was in Denver so they switched to someone on site?

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #132 on:** 09/24/2017 05:15 pm »

Some catch-up posting...
Ted Molczan posted NROL-42 pre-launch elements on Seesat-l about 24 hours before launch-time.

Then, he posted NROL-42 estimated elements while the launch was in progress.

And, thanks to Steven and Chris for the launch thread coverage!
***

9/26/17 EDIT
Next scheduled Atlas V launch from SLC-3E: InSight on May 5, 2018!

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #133 on:** 09/24/2017 06:12 pm »

Quote

My quick research says #AtlasV passed the Soyuz-U2 this morning with 73 launches without a single failure. Congrats @torybruno & @ulalaunch!

https://twitter.com/tgmetsfan98/status/911997410435567616

catdlr · « **Reply #134 on:** 09/24/2017 09:51 pm »

addition launch footage from various locations....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_LBXX9BcIk?t=001

input~2 · « **Reply #135 on:** 09/25/2017 06:45 am »

2017-056A 42941 USA 278

Jim · « **Reply #136 on:** 09/25/2017 04:09 pm »

Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/24/2017 06:22 am

Rollout photos published by ULA

Roll back. The rocket doesn't move, the tower rolls back

Danderman · « **Reply #137 on:** 09/25/2017 05:19 pm »

http://metro.co.uk/2017/09/24/strange-lights-spotted-in-sky-over-la-as-hidden-planet-is-predicted-to-hit-earth-6952228/

Mystery lights over LA last Saturday night!

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #138 on:** 09/25/2017 05:55 pm »

RE: Apparent long service lives of Trumpet and the following models of Molniya-orbit SIGINT satellites...

From Signals intelligence gatherer successfully launched by powerful Atlas 5 rocket:

Quote

“U.S. signals intelligence satellites have demonstrated long service lives. Recent observations by my colleagues Peter Wakelin and Brad Young reveal that all six previously launched Trumpets continue to maintain operational orbits. They consist of the first generation satellites launched in 1994, 1995 and 1997, and the follow-on satellites launched in 2006, 2008 and 2014,” said respected satellite observer Ted Molczan.

“Whether NROL-42 is intended to grow the fleet, or replace one of the older members remains to be seen.”

Fly the satellite that your father (or mother) flew!

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #139 on:** 09/30/2017 08:26 am »

Quote

USA 278, 2017-056A, 42941 launched by #NROL42 Doppler curve summary 6 days after launch.

https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/914012538584498177