Author Topic: LIVE: Atlas V 401 - TDRS-M - August 18, 2017 (Read 82530 times)

Jim · « **Reply #80 on:** 07/26/2017 09:35 pm »

Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 07/26/2017 09:25 pm

Quote from: Jim on 07/26/2017 08:41 pm
Quote from: Chris Bergin on 07/26/2017 07:56 pm
I don't have a further slip yet, but it was always the risk, especially if NASA thinks they've (AstroTech I assume) really messed this up they want even more work doing.

Astrotech has no involvement in the delays.

I thought Astrotech was responsible for the damage and now the replacement of the omni antenna?

Boeing spacecraft and only Boeing does the work on it.
Astrotech only provides facilities. They do not perform work on spacecraft.

That is the conop no matter where a spacecraft is launched from, the spacecraft contractor does all the work on the spacecraft. So when LM, Loral, Boeing, Orbital, NG, etc send a spacecraft to Kourou, Baikonur, CCAFS/KSC, VAFB, etc, they all send a team to work on their spacecraft.

Newton_V · « **Reply #81 on:** 07/26/2017 10:15 pm »

Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 07/25/2017 10:03 pm

Or will the NROL-42 launch be delayed?

L-42 is in September now.

gongora · « **Reply #82 on:** 07/26/2017 10:31 pm »

Quote from: gongora on 07/26/2017 07:11 pm

SpaceflightNow just updated their launch schedule and it has this on August 20, did it slip some more?

Now the 20th
Tweet from @NASAKennedy

Quote

We are now targeting Aug. 20 for launch of the TDRS-M spacecraft. A 40-minute launch window would open at 7:56 a.m. EDT.

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #83 on:** 07/26/2017 10:59 pm »

Quote from: gongora on 07/26/2017 10:31 pm

Quote from: gongora on 07/26/2017 07:11 pm
SpaceflightNow just updated their launch schedule and it has this on August 20, did it slip some more?

Now the 20th
Tweet from @NASAKennedy
Quote
We are now targeting Aug. 20 for launch of the TDRS-M spacecraft. A 40-minute launch window would open at 7:56 a.m. EDT.

Article updated to reflect the 20th confirmation. Note on this: NASA did request the 10th yesterday. So something has clearly happened/become a lot clearer in the last 24hrs to cause an additional 10 day slip.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #84 on:** 07/26/2017 11:01 pm »

Quote

TDRS-M Status Update - July 26, 2017

NASA has provided Boeing concurrence to remove and replace the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite’s (TDRS-M) Omni S-band forward antenna. Pending Eastern Range approval, NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are now targeting Aug. 20 for launch. A 40-minute launch window would open at 7:56 a.m. EDT. This new date allows for time to replace the antenna, which was damaged earlier this month while Boeing was conducting final spacecraft closeout activities at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Florida. TDRS-M will launch atop an ULA Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/tdrs-m-status-update-july-21-2017

ChrisGebhardt · « **Reply #85 on:** 07/26/2017 11:06 pm »

Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/26/2017 11:01 pm

Quote
TDRS-M Status Update - July 26, 2017

NASA has provided Boeing concurrence to remove and replace the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite’s (TDRS-M) Omni S-band forward antenna. Pending Eastern Range approval, NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are now targeting Aug. 20 for launch. A 40-minute launch window would open at 7:56 a.m. EDT. This new date allows for time to replace the antenna, which was damaged earlier this month while Boeing was conducting final spacecraft closeout activities at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Florida. TDRS-M will launch atop an ULA Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/tdrs-m-status-update-july-21-2017

Interesting. Yesterday at the NASA Advisory Council meeting, Greg Williams, Deputy Associate Administrator for Policy and Plans in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, said that replacement of the Omni antenna occurred Monday. Wonder if this statement from NASA PAO means that replacement didn't start Monday as stated to NAC?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #86 on:** 07/27/2017 12:14 pm »

Confirmation via our notes repair work started Monday too.

And per my previous post, as Jim noted, this is all on Boeing, not Astrotech.

zubenelgenubi · « **Reply #87 on:** 08/03/2017 08:17 pm »

TDRS-M mission overview PDF attached.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #88 on:** 08/07/2017 10:47 pm »

18th confirmed:
https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2017/08/07/tdrs-m-flight-ready-aug-18-launch-date-approved/

TDRS-M Flight Ready, Aug. 18 Launch Date Approved

The Omni S-band antenna on NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-M) has been successfully removed and replaced at Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Florida. An unrelated electrostatic discharge incident has also been resolved, and launch processing has resumed. The spacecraft has been moved from the fueling stand and is now mated to the launch vehicle adapter as part of integrated operations with ULA.

The TDRS-M spacecraft is flight ready, and the Eastern Range has recently approved Aug. 18 as the launch date. NASA, Boeing, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are targeting a 40-minute launch window that would open at 8:03 a.m. EDT. TDRS-M will launch on an ULA Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #89 on:** 08/09/2017 11:39 am »

Quote

#TDRSM is at the pad for integration. Looking forward to taking her to space soon

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/895247567755149312

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #90 on:** 08/11/2017 01:06 pm »

Quote

TDRS-M Spacecraft Secured in Payload Fairing, Delivered to Launch Complex
Posted on August 11, 2017 at 8:31 am by Anna Heiney.

NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-M (TDRS-M) has passed two more milestones as preparations continue toward liftoff. Launch of the newest addition to the agency’s TDRS constellation is slated for Aug. 18 at 8:03 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Processing activities at the Astrotech payload processing facility in nearby Titusville wrapped up with the TDRS-M spacecraft safely encapsulated in the payload fairing that will protect it through the early minutes of liftoff. The fairing arrived at the launch complex Aug. 9 after an early morning move from Astrotech. Now in position atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, the vehicle and spacecraft will undergo additional testing ahead of launch.

https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2017/08/11/tdrs-m-spacecraft-secured-in-payload-fairing-delivered-to-launch-complex/

Photo caption:

Quote

Inside the Astrotech facility in Titusville, Florida, the payload fairing for NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-M, is moved into position to encapsulate the spacecraft. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #91 on:** 08/14/2017 04:58 pm »

Launch forecast 70% GO

Quote

Launch day overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30%
Primary concern(s): Thick Clouds, Cumulus Clouds
24-hour delay overall probability of violating weather constraints 30%
Primary concern(s): Thick Clouds, Cumulus Clouds

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #92 on:** 08/15/2017 03:10 am »

ULA:

Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the TDRS-M spacecraft for NASA. The mission is set to lift off on a ULA Atlas V rocket on Friday, Aug. 18 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s L-4 forecast shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The Aug. 18 launch window is 8:03-8:43 a.m. ET.

Launch Forecast Summary:

Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30%

Primary concerns: Cumulus Clouds and Thick Clouds

Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30%

Primary concern: Cumulus Clouds and Thick Clouds

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #93 on:** 08/15/2017 12:16 pm »

Quote

#TDRSM

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/897429894170161152

russianhalo117 · « **Reply #94 on:** 08/15/2017 03:10 pm »

Atlas V TDRS-M Mission Profile

United Launch Alliance
An Atlas V 401 rocket will launch the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite-M (TDRS-M) into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. ULA is proud to partner with NASA to deliver these vital space communication satellites to orbit. ULA’s Atlas rocket was used for the second generation series and will complete the three satellite third generation series with the launch of TDRS-M.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #95 on:** 08/15/2017 03:23 pm »

Launch forecast issued on L-3 still 70% GO

Quote

Launch day overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30%
Primary concern(s): Thick Clouds, Cumulus Clouds
24-hour delay overall probability of violating weather constraints 30%
Primary concern(s): Thick Clouds, Cumulus Clouds

jacqmans · « **Reply #96 on:** 08/16/2017 08:12 am »

August 15, 2017
MEDIA ADVISORY M14-17

NASA Television to Air Launch of Next Communications Satellite

NASA is targeting 8:03 a.m. EDT Friday, Aug. 18, for the launch of its next Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) mission atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch, and related activities that begin Thursday, Aug. 17, will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website.

TDRS-M, built by Boeing, will provide NASA’s Space Network the ability to support critical space communication into the mid-2020s, ensuring scientists, engineers and control room staff can readily access data for missions like the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station.

Media badges will be issued at the Press Accreditation Office located on State Road 3, Merritt Island. For more information about media accreditation, send inquiries to [email protected]

Please Note that RSVPs will be required for the following events:

-L-1 Media Tour

-L-1 Remote Camera Setup and Pad Photo Opportunity

-Launch (NASA Causeway and VAB)

When you RSVP, please indicate in the subject line your name, affiliation and specific area(s) related to your RSVP. RSVPs must be sent to [email protected] no later than 9 a.m., Aug. 16

L-2 Day (Wednesday, Aug. 16)

Press Site Hours of Operation: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Badging Hours of Operation: 6:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Atlas V Rollout (8 a.m.)

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, media may observe rollout of the Atlas V rocket from the Vertical Integration Facility to the launch pad. Media should meet in the Kennedy Press Site parking lot at 8 a.m. for transportation to the viewing location near Space Launch Complex 41.

Media Tour (10:30 a.m.)

Launch Equipment Test Facility

The facility tests all the launch umbilicals for the mobile launcher of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This site is a versatile test and development area that supports the entire spectrum of operational programs. It was upgraded and refurbished to support SLS and is used to test a wide variety of large-scale hardware and ground support equipment components. Equipment at the facility can recreate liftoff and operational conditions to test component performance, and can supply cryogenics, hydraulics, electrical and other commodities to enable "test-as-you-fly."

L-1 Day (Thursday, Aug. 17)

Press Site Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Badging Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Prelaunch News Conference on NASA TV (9 a.m.)

A prelaunch news conference will be held at Kennedy’s Press Site TV Auditorium at 9 a.m. and air live on NASA Television and the agency's website.

Press conference participants include:
•Tim Dunn, launch director at NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida
•Badri Younes, deputy associate administrator for Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) at NASA Headquarters in Washington
•Dave Littmann, project manager for TDRS-M at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland
•James Wilson III, Boeing program manager for NASA/Civil Space Programs
•Scott Messer, ULA program manager for NASA missions
•Clay Flinn, launch weather officer with the 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral

Media may participate with questions via a phone bridge by calling the newsroom at Kennedy at 321-867-2468 no later than 15 minutes before the briefing begins. Media also can post questions during the briefings via Twitter by using the hashtag #askNASA.

Sonic Booms in Atmospheric Turbulence Flight Series (SonicBAT) Media Briefing (11 a.m.)

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is partnering with NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California; NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia; and Space Florida for an aeronautics research flight series expected to produce some sonic booms over Kennedy through late August. Media will hear from representatives of NASA, Space Florida and the Canaveral National Seashore concerning the upcoming supersonic flight series. The flight series is an agency aeronautical research effort to quiet the sound of sonic booms. The press conference will not be carried live on NASA Television; however, media unable to attend in person may participate with questions via a phone bridge by calling the newsroom at Kennedy at 321-867-2468 no later than 15 minutes prior to the briefing.

Media Tour (12:45 p.m.)

Kennedy Uplink Station/Launch Communications System Briefing

The Kennedy Uplink Station (KUS) antenna is part of a new S-band ground tracking system that will provide crucial launch communications capabilities to SLS and Orion in their early launch stages. Part of the larger Launch Communications Stations, the project is jointly funded by the Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) program and the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program. With this new antenna, SLS will be able to transmit at high data rates, as well as provide an S-band uplink capability to communicate with astronauts aboard Orion.

Ka-Band Objects Observation and Monitoring (KaBOOM) Briefing

NASA has embarked on a path to implement a high power, higher resolution radar system to track Near Earth Objects or NEOs such as asteroids and comets 100,000 times more accurately than optical telescopes as part of a system to defend the Earth from major impacts. The system will determine the size, shape, spin rate and surface properties of these NEOs to determine which are suitable for potential visits by astronaut crews. KaBOOM also will track orbital debris to ensure crew and spacecraft safety

Remote Camera Setup and Pad Photo Opportunity

On Thursday, Aug. 17, photographers will be transported to Space Launch Complex 41 to set up remote sound-activated cameras at the Atlas V launch pad. Media should meet in the Kennedy Press Site parking lot at 2 p.m.

L-0 Day (Friday, Aug. 18)

Press Site Hours of Operation: 5:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Badging Hours of Operation: 5:30 a.m. – 7 a.m.

Launch Viewing

News media wanting to view the launch from either the NASA Causeway or the Vehicle Assembly Building roof (space is limited) need to arrive to the Press Site by 6 a.m. Media also may view the launch from the Press Site.

NASA TV Launch Coverage

NASA TV live coverage will begin at 7:30 a.m. Coverage will conclude after spacecraft separation. There is no planned post-launch news conference. A post-launch news release will be issued as soon as the state-of-health of the spacecraft can be verified. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules and links to streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," the launch conductor’s countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135. Launch coverage also will be available on local amateur VHF radio frequency 146.940 MHz heard within Brevard County on the Space Coast.

NASA Web Prelaunch and Launch Coverage

Prelaunch and launch day coverage of the TDRS-M flight will be available on http://www.nasa.gov. Coverage will include live streaming and blog updates beginning at 7:30 a.m. as the countdown milestones occur. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the newsroom at 321-867-2468. You can follow countdown coverage on our launch blog at: https://blogs.nasa.gov/tdrs/

Learn more about the TDRS-M mission by visiting:

http://www.nasa.gov/tdrs

Join the conversation and follow the TDRS-M mission on social media by using Twitter and Facebook at:

https://twitter.com/NASA_TDRS

https://www.facebook.com/NASA.TDRS/