NASASpaceFlight.com Forum

Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => NGIS (Formerly Orbital ATK) - Antares/Cygnus Section => Topic started by: rayleighscatter on 12/22/2015 01:33 am

Title: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 12/22/2015 01:33 am
Current estimated launch date: May/June 2016
Wallops Flight Facility Launch Pad 0A


First flight Antares 230
Return to flight @ Wallops LP 0A
Second attempt for first flight of Castor 30XL second stage
Third flight of Enhanced Cygnus
Orbital ATK's first orbital launch (as combined company)


Resources:

Orbital ATK GENERAL Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=46.0

Orbital ATK (Antares/Cygnus) News Articles:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/orbital/


==

L2 Antares/Cygnus Section - Really good section with a lot of documentation, video and content resources exclusive to L2:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=54.0
(Now includes 100s of mbs of unreleased hi res images taken of Cygnus from the ISS during ORB-D, ORB-1, and ORB-2).
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 12/22/2015 01:55 am
Current estimated launch date: May/June 2016
Wallops Flight Facility Launch Pad 0A


First flight Antares 230
Return to flight @ Wallops LP 0A
Second attempt for first flight of Castor 30XL second stage
Third flight of Enhanced Cygnus
Orbital ATK's first orbital launch (as combined company)


Resources:

Orbital ATK GENERAL Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=46.0

Orbital ATK (Antares/Cygnus) News Articles:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/orbital/


==

L2 Antares/Cygnus Section - Really good section with a lot of documentation, video and content resources exclusive to L2:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=54.0
(Now includes 100s of mbs of unreleased hi res images taken of Cygnus from the ISS during ORB-D, ORB-1, and ORB-2).

Progress is back, Extended Cygnus is flying, SpaceX is triumphant--let's get Antares back up and make it a great 2015-2016 for all the rocketship companies. (And, you too, Mr. Bezos.)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Star One on 12/22/2015 04:05 pm
Isn't this the next Atlas mission, if not why are they jumping around with the numbering?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Jim on 12/22/2015 04:28 pm
Isn't this the next Atlas mission, if not why are they jumping around with the numbering?

no, it is correct.  OA-6 is on Atlas
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: baldusi on 12/22/2015 04:34 pm
Wasn't AO-6 supposed to launch on Atlas V after AO-5 on Antares 200, but then AO-5 was delayed?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 12/22/2015 08:35 pm
Isn't this the next Atlas mission, if not why are they jumping around with the numbering?
I think earlier on, OA-5 on Antares was roughly scheduled to launch about March and OA-6 was supposed to launch around June but it sounds as if Antares got delayed a little, and the Atlas launch got moved up, so suddenly the two flights swapped places, after mission numbers had already been assigned.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Robotbeat on 12/26/2015 04:59 pm
Favorite thing about Antares Return to Flight is that Wallops is just a ~2 hour drive from my house, and I know a really good spot to watch from (and I feel very bad saying it because of the heartbreak of all the Orbital engineers, but I am sort of disappointed I didn't see the ENORMOUS fireball of the last Antares from that close spot).
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Space Ghost 1962 on 12/26/2015 07:34 pm
... but I am sort of disappointed I didn't see the ENORMOUS fireball of the last Antares from that close spot).

Be careful what you wish for. Even though great safety is practiced for very good reasons in keeping people away from danger, it is not always a pleasant spectacle to be close to a launch failure.

Took someone to the launch of the first F9 1.1 on a lark at the last moment, and while a bit rummy from lack of sleep got us close enough to feel the heat from those 9 1d's. Surrounded by young SX engineers, she enjoyed the spectacle of the pressure waves / brilliance / awe of the experience.  But being a physicist, she started calculating the energy and proximity.

When we watched the Antares launch failure (from a far greater distance), she remarked that perhaps we'd been too close to the Falcon, as the pressure wave would've knocked us off our feet not to mention airborne debris.

Have spent over 40 years with tinnitus from various events/sources. Have stories. Again - be careful what you wish for.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Robotbeat on 12/28/2015 12:57 am
But what a story to tell! :D
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: grythumn on 12/31/2015 02:20 pm
Favorite thing about Antares Return to Flight is that Wallops is just a ~2 hour drive from my house, and I know a really good spot to watch from (and I feel very bad saying it because of the heartbreak of all the Orbital engineers, but I am sort of disappointed I didn't see the ENORMOUS fireball of the last Antares from that close spot).

What's your favorite spot? I like the old ferry dock; it's a little further than Arbuckle, but I like the angle better and it's not nearly as crowded.

-Bob
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ScaryDare on 01/13/2016 05:31 pm
On vacation with my wife and this was eastbound on I-10 just east of Houston.  (This morning). Cygnus was flying low.

Edit: feel free to move to an appropriate thread
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ScaryDare on 01/13/2016 05:41 pm
One more shot.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Guinness_Harp on 01/13/2016 05:52 pm
This is the Pressurized Cargo Module and it's heading to KSC for the OA-6 mission.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: edkyle99 on 01/13/2016 06:36 pm
This is the Pressurized Cargo Module and it's heading to KSC for the OA-6 mission.
Why is the PCM in Texas?  Early PCMs went directly from Italy to the launch site.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Guinness_Harp on 01/13/2016 06:40 pm
It was shipped via ship and arrived at the Houston port.  Just a logistics convenience and timing.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 01/21/2016 02:58 pm
Another article - this one full of cool quotes - for Antares' return:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/01/orbital-atk-antares-second-life/ - by Philip Sloss.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Jim on 01/21/2016 04:09 pm

Why is the PCM in Texas?  Early PCMs went directly from Italy to the launch site.



OA-4 PCM went from Italy to the launch site via Savannah
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Confusador on 01/27/2016 04:16 pm

Why is the PCM in Texas?  Early PCMs went directly from Italy to the launch site.



OA-4 PCM went from Italy to the launch site via Savannah

Which intuitively makes more sense than Houston, but logistics are complicated and I suppose irrelevant.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 02/26/2016 09:09 pm
And another great article on Antares 230, via Chris Gebhardt:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/orbital-atk-summer-debut-new-antares-230/
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: robertross on 02/26/2016 11:55 pm
And another great article on Antares 230, via Chris Gebhardt:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/02/orbital-atk-summer-debut-new-antares-230/

Great scoop Chris G!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: AnalogMan on 03/04/2016 06:44 pm
Status from recent NAC meeting.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 03/04/2016 11:54 pm
Status from recent NAC meeting.
What is "regression testing?"
(See Cygnus status, SM regression testing was conducted 2/9/16-2/29/16)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: BrianNH on 03/05/2016 10:38 am
In software, regression testing means retesting software that was previously working to make sure you haven't broken it with recent changes.  In particular, you want to test the system as a whole to ensure that changes you made in module A does not cause module B to malfunction.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: guyw on 03/05/2016 12:48 pm
To expand on regression testing, you normally keep a suite of tests that you know the results of from previous runs, and compare the results of new runs against the software you updated to make sure it works the same way, or if you expect a different behavior due to your updates, you get that new behavior.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: docmordrid on 03/10/2016 01:51 am
Dunno how else to say this, but isn't naming this born to burn up on re-entry spacecraft after STS-107 Commander Rick Husband a little wrong? I've heard several other observers say the same thing.

SFN.... (http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/08/photos-cygnus-packed-up-and-fueled-for-trip-to-the-space-station/)

Quote
The International Space Station cargo ship launching from Cape Canaveral on March 22 has been given a name — the SS Rick Husband
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Sesquipedalian on 03/10/2016 05:13 am
Dunno how else to say this, but isn't naming this born to burn up on re-entry spacecraft after STS-107 Commander Rick Husband a little wrong? I've heard several other observers say the same thing.

Agreed.  I appreciate the sentiment, but I cringed.  The SAFFIRE payload doesn't help either. :(

EDIT: However, the S.S. Rick Husband is OA-6, not OA-5 as in this thread...
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: woods170 on 03/10/2016 04:37 pm
Dunno how else to say this, but isn't naming this born to burn up on re-entry spacecraft after STS-107 Commander Rick Husband a little wrong? I've heard several other observers say the same thing.

SFN.... (http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/08/photos-cygnus-packed-up-and-fueled-for-trip-to-the-space-station/)

Quote
The International Space Station cargo ship launching from Cape Canaveral on March 22 has been given a name — the SS Rick Husband
My thoughts exactly. This is why I think it is a bad idea to name spacecraft after people. Fortunately for ATV this worked out fine but I didn't like it being named after people either.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 03/14/2016 09:56 pm
Quote
The Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized module for the Orbital ATK CRS-5 mission arrives at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on March 8, 2016, to begin processing. Cygnus is scheduled to fly atop the Antares rocket to deliver supplies, equipment and science experiments to the International Space Station this summer from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops.

I'm not sure what building that is, it isn't OA's HIF.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/15/2016 01:28 am
Quote
The Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized module for the Orbital ATK CRS-5 mission arrives at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on March 8, 2016, to begin processing. Cygnus is scheduled to fly atop the Antares rocket to deliver supplies, equipment and science experiments to the International Space Station this summer from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops.

I'm not sure what building that is, it isn't OA's HIF.

Its the Wallops Island Payload Processing Facility:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Payload_Processing_Facility_at_Wallops_Flight_Facility_01.jpg
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: cycleroadie on 03/17/2016 12:46 pm
Slipping till 6/24
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 03/17/2016 07:42 pm
Slipping till 6/24

That's the same day as SpaceX CRS-9 and NROL-61. Three launches in one day?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Ronsmytheiii on 03/17/2016 08:16 pm
Slipping till 6/24

That's the same day as SpaceX CRS-9 and NROL-61. Three launches in one day?

Something will slip, a long way out to force someone to swap dates right now.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 04/30/2016 03:00 am
OA's mission patch design.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/05/2016 03:08 pm
Orbital ATK Antares return: Next week: Rollout. Hot Fire S1: Late May. OA-5 Launch likely just after 4th July.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rocx on 05/05/2016 05:57 pm
OA-5 Launch likely just after 4th July.
Would be nice for you Amerikanskis if an [sarcasm]all-American[/sarcasm] rocket like Antares launches on the 4th of July. Perhaps you'll even get to see some great fireworks!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Hauerg on 05/05/2016 06:19 pm
OA-5 Launch likely just after 4th July.
Would be nice for you Amerikanskis if an all-American rocket like Antares launches on the 4th of July. Perhaps you'll even get to see some great fireworks!
All-American??.
IIRC they use an ukrainian first stage powered by 2 russian RD-182 engines.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rocx on 05/05/2016 06:26 pm
All-American??.
IIRC they use an ukrainian first stage powered by 2 russian RD-182 engines.
And the cargo can is Italian. I was being sarcastic, which is hard to convey on the internet.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: notsorandom on 05/05/2016 06:38 pm
OA-5 Launch likely just after 4th July.
Would be nice for you Amerikanskis if an [sarcasm]all-American[/sarcasm] rocket like Antares launches on the 4th of July. Perhaps you'll even get to see some great fireworks!
Pathfinder, Deep Impact, and STS-121 were pretty nice 4th of July shows.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 05/05/2016 07:12 pm
OA-5 Launch likely just after 4th July.
Would be nice for you Amerikanskis if an [sarcasm]all-American[/sarcasm] rocket like Antares launches on the 4th of July. Perhaps you'll even get to see some great fireworks!
Pathfinder, Deep Impact, and STS-121 were pretty nice 4th of July shows.

Yep. And Viking 1 was originally a July 4, 1976 landing, if I recall right, but once they reviewed their landing site options, shifted to a July 20 landing---another great space day.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 05/09/2016 10:38 pm
Some information from the quarterly earnings conference call May 5.  OA-5, OA-7, and a launch cadence of 2-3 CRS missions per year.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/edited-transcript-oa-earnings-conference-200923610.html
Quote
First of all -- Blake alluded to this in his comments -- we've got, I think, three big events relating to Antares this year. The first one will occur later this month. In fact, next week, we will roll out to the launch pad, the first re-engined Antares in preparation for buyer testing of the first stage and its new engines, which will occur later this month. That's the first milestone.

Assuming things go smoothly there, then probably on the order of six weeks later -- so that would put us around just after the fourth of July -- we expect to be ready to launch the first of two re-engined Antares rockets on a space station cargo mission, which we call OA-5. And then we will turn around about three or four months later, probably sometime in November, for a second Antares launch on another space station cargo run. So those are the three big events this year. All of the hardware necessary for the engine test, as well as the first two launches of the re-engined rocket, is at the Wallops Island launch base now. And so we are getting close to being back to flight-ready status.

Beyond this year, with the new extension mission added, and with the new CRS-2 contract coming on line, the base level of demand, really through the middle of the next decade, for Antares should run at two or three launches per year. And that gives us a solid foundation on which we can increase market reach of the vehicle, and flight rates as well. We designed Antares, like we do most of our launch vehicles, to represent good businesses for our customers in terms of schedule and reliability, and good businesses for us in terms of profit margin, at fairly modest launch rates.

And we do that by commonality across a broad range of target vehicles, missile defense interceptors, small space launch vehicles, and now with Antares medium-class vehicles, we use a lot of interchangeable parts and subsystems. We use the same engineering and manufacturing teams and facilities, and so as we go from two or three launches a year to five or six launches a year, there's a lot of operating leverage for us in that. Once we get back to flight status and put a couple of good launches behind us, then I think we will start to see some real traction in the broader market, beyond just NASA cargo delivery.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: reesekw on 05/10/2016 11:28 pm
You guys are thinking too much.. It was a nice tribute to Col. Husband. 



Dunno how else to say this, but isn't naming this born to burn up on re-entry spacecraft after STS-107 Commander Rick Husband a little wrong? I've heard several other observers say the same thing.

SFN.... (http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/03/08/photos-cygnus-packed-up-and-fueled-for-trip-to-the-space-station/)

Quote
The International Space Station cargo ship launching from Cape Canaveral on March 22 has been given a name — the SS Rick Husband
My thoughts exactly. This is why I think it is a bad idea to name spacecraft after people. Fortunately for ATV this worked out fine but I didn't like it being named after people either.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: psloss on 05/11/2016 12:47 am
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/730126015066865664
Quote
The #Cygnus #OA5 service module shipped out to @NASA_Wallops today, progressing toward this summer's Antares #launch
(pic attached)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 05/11/2016 02:43 pm
I'm guessing the name for Cygnus OA-5 will be "S.S. Neil Armstrong".
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Flying Beaver on 05/12/2016 07:44 pm
"Orbital ATK’s Antares first stage with the new engines is rolled from NASA Wallops Flight Facility’s Horizontal Integration Facility to Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport  Pad-0A on May 12, 2016 in preparation for the upcoming stage test in the next few weeks. The team will continue to work meticulously as they begin final integration and check outs on the pad and several readiness reviews prior to the test. The window for the stage test will be over multiple days to ensure technical and weather conditions are acceptable."

Image from OrbitalATK
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 05/12/2016 10:08 pm
The water tower lost a scar and gained a logo.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/13/2016 12:38 am
So sad, that scar gave it some character!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: jacqmans on 05/13/2016 03:52 am
Orbital ATK’s Antares first stage with the new engines is rolled from NASA Wallops Flight Facility’s Horizontal Integration Facility to Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad-0A on May 12, 2016, in preparation for the upcoming stage test in the next few weeks. The team will continue to work meticulously as they begin final integration and check outs on the pad and several readiness reviews prior to the test. The window for the stage test will be over multiple days to ensure technical and weather conditions are acceptable.

(NASA photo/Allison Stancil)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: jacqmans on 05/18/2016 12:38 pm
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rocx on 05/18/2016 12:41 pm
(NASA photo/Allison Stancil)

Interesting road signs there in the photo! I understand that the ISS exit is through the Antares/Cygnus ferry, but to what bus service does the sign 'Moon ahead' lead?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 05/18/2016 12:56 pm
That sign points to Pad 0B and has been there since the LADEE launch.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: abaddon on 05/18/2016 01:33 pm
Someone is clearly confused... why were they trying to get to the Moon from MARS?







I'll see myself out.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/18/2016 01:53 pm
Interesting that they did not post photos of the business end of Stage No. 6.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 05/18/2016 02:31 pm
Someone is clearly confused... why were they trying to get to the Moon from MARS?







I'll see myself out.

Remember the LADEE launch on September 7, 2013? A Minotaur V rocket launched from Pad 0B that day, and it just so happens that the Minotaur V has trans-lunar injection capability.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: SWGlassPit on 05/18/2016 03:37 pm
Someone is clearly confused... why were they trying to get to the Moon from MARS?

I'll see myself out.

Remember the LADEE launch on September 7, 2013? A Minotaur V rocket launched from Pad 0B that day, and it just so happens that the Minotaur V has trans-lunar injection capability.

*Woosh*
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Kansan52 on 05/18/2016 04:21 pm
No, no, no. The arrow points to the spot in the sky you can see the Moon (on certain cloudless nights).


May need abaddon's exit.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: arachnitect on 05/18/2016 10:35 pm
Interesting that they did not post photos of the business end of Stage No. 6.

 - Ed Kyle

RD-181 engines integrated on the OA-5 booster are visible in some of the photos in this article:

http://www.universetoday.com/128874/upgraded-antares-rolls-out-to-virginia-launch-pad-high-stakes-engine-test-looms/
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/19/2016 12:47 am
Interesting that they did not post photos of the business end of Stage No. 6.

 - Ed Kyle

RD-181 engines integrated on the OA-5 booster are visible in some of the photos in this article:

http://www.universetoday.com/128874/upgraded-antares-rolls-out-to-virginia-launch-pad-high-stakes-engine-test-looms/
Yes, but no images of the assembled boat tail.  Remember too that this was not the OA-5 booster that was rolled out.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2016 11:40 am
I'm hoping we get an actual static fire date. Nothing yet.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/19/2016 12:11 pm
Greetings!

I will be in the area of Wallops Island and plan to go to the NASA visitor center tomorrow and also see if I can get eyes on anything on the pad.  Is there anything I should look out for?  Should I expect to see anything related to this launch?

pat o.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2016 12:39 pm
Greetings!

I will be in the area of Wallops Island and plan to go to the NASA visitor center tomorrow and also see if I can get eyes on anything on the pad.  Is there anything I should look out for?  Should I expect to see anything related to this launch?

pat o.


Welcome Pat!

A big rocket on the pad. ;) Photos would be cool!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/19/2016 12:41 pm
Thanks, Chris.  I'm looking forward to watching the launch in person as well, as I live much closer to Wallops than I do the Cape.

I will do my best to get photos.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: acolangelo on 05/19/2016 12:57 pm
I’m also planning on attending the launch—just a 3 hour drive from Philadelphia down to Wallops! I’ll be sure to post photos throughout the trip.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/21/2016 02:04 am
Well, this is about the best I could do with the lens I had and being 2+ miles away.  I tried, they wouldn't let me get closer. :)

Either way it was still cool to set eyes on it.  Looking forward to heading down again in 6-7 weeks!!

First two photos were taken from the same location.  Third photo was from the lobby of the Visitor's Center.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: acolangelo on 05/21/2016 02:43 am
Well, this is about the best I could do with the lens I had and being 2+ miles away.  I tried, they wouldn't let me get closer. :)

Either way it was still cool to set eyes on it.  Looking forward to heading down again in 6-7 weeks!!

First two photos were taken from the same location.  Third photo was from the lobby of the Visitor's Center.

Awesome! Any talk about the launch or anything of interest that you picked up during the visit?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/21/2016 03:10 am
There wasn't much talk about the launch.  There was a small Antares exhibit which gave general information about the rocket.  Keep in mind this was just a random Friday and there were only a couple of staff people present at the visitor center.  They have scheduled events/activities every Saturday there, so I'm guessing they would probably have more info at those events.

I had a good conversation with one of the officers at the "back gate" (as I would call it) which is about 2 miles from the pad, near the media site.  He basically confirmed what I had already gathered from poking around town, and that is that you can easily get a good view of the launch from MANY places in the area.  Some of the houses near in the area are literally only about 3 miles away and have a nearly unencumbered view of the pad.  Pretty cool!  He said probably the best place to watch the launch is somewhere along the Chincoteague Causeway.

I apologize as I'm sure this isn't news to many here, and others would likely be able to provide more information.  I'm new here so it's exciting to me!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: kbaphoto on 05/21/2016 05:21 am
Just FYI, as many here are probably aware, if you want a public viewing location as close as you can be to the pad and with an unobstructed view (and closer than I believe you were and much closer than the Chincoteague causeway; it's also closer than the VIP/press area), the end of Arbuckle Neck Rd (at the waters edge and about 1.6 miles from the pad I believe) seems to be the best spot (assuming it will still be open - it was closed for the Ladee launch but has not been closed for Antares launches - its the next left after passing the main road to the pad).  Another popular area I think is called the old ferry landing (its a little further south and about 2 miles from the pad I believe).

There are many videos on YouTube taken from the Arbuckle location to give you an idea of the view.  I attached a couple of general (not significantly zoomed) photos I took several years ago of the Arbuckle location to give you some idea of the view and area.  Just as an example of the videos from that location, I previously posted a couple of the videos I have taken of Antares launches (with varying lenses from 250mm-420mm) from Arbuckle (including unfortunately an up close view of the explosion) on YouTube here:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3Sidtyet6pxt6os2uRlPQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3Sidtyet6pxt6os2uRlPQ)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/23/2016 12:32 am
Just FYI, as many here are probably aware, if you want a public viewing location as close as you can be to the pad and with an unobstructed view (and closer than I believe you were and much closer than the Chincoteague causeway; it's also closer than the VIP/press area), the end of Arbuckle Neck Rd (at the waters edge and about 1.6 miles from the pad I believe) seems to be the best spot (assuming it will still be open - it was closed for the Ladee launch but has not been closed for Antares launches - its the next left after passing the main road to the pad).  Another popular area I think is called the old ferry landing (its a little further south and about 2 miles from the pad I believe).

There are many videos on YouTube taken from the Arbuckle location to give you an idea of the view.  I attached a couple of general (not significantly zoomed) photos I took several years ago of the Arbuckle location to give you some idea of the view and area.  Just as an example of the videos from that location, I previously posted a couple of the videos I have taken of Antares launches (with varying lenses from 250mm-420mm) from Arbuckle (including unfortunately an up close view of the explosion) on YouTube here:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3Sidtyet6pxt6os2uRlPQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3Sidtyet6pxt6os2uRlPQ)

Yes!  I figured there had to be some more information!  This is really great info and pictures!  Thank you!!  If only I had simply looked more closely at a map I would have seen this road and scoped it out.  Oh well!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Space Lizard on 05/23/2016 05:21 pm
I'm hoping we get an actual static fire date. Nothing yet.
Any news?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: acolangelo on 05/23/2016 09:44 pm
Just FYI, as many here are probably aware, if you want a public viewing location as close as you can be to the pad and with an unobstructed view (and closer than I believe you were and much closer than the Chincoteague causeway; it's also closer than the VIP/press area), the end of Arbuckle Neck Rd (at the waters edge and about 1.6 miles from the pad I believe) seems to be the best spot (assuming it will still be open - it was closed for the Ladee launch but has not been closed for Antares launches - its the next left after passing the main road to the pad).  Another popular area I think is called the old ferry landing (its a little further south and about 2 miles from the pad I believe).

There are many videos on YouTube taken from the Arbuckle location to give you an idea of the view.  I attached a couple of general (not significantly zoomed) photos I took several years ago of the Arbuckle location to give you some idea of the view and area.  Just as an example of the videos from that location, I previously posted a couple of the videos I have taken of Antares launches (with varying lenses from 250mm-420mm) from Arbuckle (including unfortunately an up close view of the explosion) on YouTube here:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3Sidtyet6pxt6os2uRlPQ (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi3Sidtyet6pxt6os2uRlPQ)

This is awesome! I've never been to Wallops myself, so this is hugely helpful.

I'm game to meet up with any NSF members who will also be at the launch.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: tleski on 05/24/2016 02:22 pm
I am also planning to be there for the launch.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: psloss on 05/24/2016 07:21 pm
James Dean with Florida Today relaying an update (presumably from Space Congress 2016) on Antares testing at Wallops:
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/735178151538610176
Quote
Orbital ATK's Steinmeyer says Antares completed wet-dress Sun., planning hot-fire Tuesday (today?). NASA/CRS launch expected early July.
Guessing Tuesday means next week, but not sure.  It's been a while, but I heard there would be a lengthy period (week and a half or so) between the wet-dress and the hot-fire for data review.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: tleski on 05/24/2016 07:50 pm
flatoday_jdean: As a follow-up, Orbital ATK currently planning that Antares hot-fire next Tuesday at MARS/Wallops. #SpaceCongress2016

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/735193039694626816
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: AnalogMan on 05/24/2016 08:05 pm
These are other dates that I'm aware of:

23 Jun         SORR Stage Operations Readiness Review
28 Jun         SMSR Safety and Mission Success Review
30 Jun         FRR Flight Readiness Review
6 Jul (TBD)   Launch                                                           

Originally sourced from CoFR Matrix 20 May & FPIP 20 May (I don't have access to these documents, by the way, before anyone asks!)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 05/24/2016 10:16 pm
flatoday_jdean: As a follow-up, Orbital ATK currently planning that Antares hot-fire next Tuesday at MARS/Wallops. #SpaceCongress2016

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/735193039694626816

So that means the Static Fire is on May 31?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/25/2016 02:51 pm
Quote
@NASA_Wallops
Antares hot fire test, upgraded dual RD-181 rocket engines 5/31, window 5-8:15pm Pad-0A by @OrbitalATK @NASAGoddard
https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops/status/735479741424279552

Hot Fire May 31 between 5pm and 8:15pm
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2016 03:04 pm
Great news. It's been a long time coming.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: jacqmans on 05/25/2016 04:50 pm
Wallops Flight Facility will provide launch range support for an Orbital ATK Antares 230 rocket first stage test scheduled for May 31 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport's Pad-0A.

 The window for the engine test, or hot fire, is 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. EDT. Backup test dates run through June 5.

 During the test, the upgraded Antares dual RD-181 rocket engines will fire for 30 seconds at maximum 100% power (thrust) while the first stage of the test rocket will be held down on the pad. The hot fire will demonstrate the readiness of the rocket's first stage and the launch pad fueling systems to support upcoming flights.

 The test is a key milestone leading up to the next flight of the Antares rocket, which is targeted for later this summer.

 The test will be visible and audible in the Wallops Island local area. Given the broad window and non-operational nature of the test, no live webcast or formal public viewing is planned.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus ORB-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 05/25/2016 04:56 pm
I was cutting my forum teeth back in 2014 when ORB-3 met its end. I read about the launch time, forgot about it during the day and then remembered that evening when I was doing some laundry and saw a news flash. "Hey--I bet the NSF forums are covering it." Boy, did we ever.

But that was bittersweet. So happy to see Antares ready to work again, and in pretty rapid turnaround. Congrats in advance, Orbital ATK. The Age of Antares draws near once more.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/29/2016 02:55 pm
SFN is showing a launch time of 16:49 UTC (12:49 pm Eastern) on July 6.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/29/2016 11:03 pm
SFN is showing a launch time of 16:49 UTC (12:49 pm Eastern) on July 6.

I noticed that, but wasn't able to find that date/time anywhere else.  Any idea where they got that from?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2016 11:13 am
Quote
@NASA_Wallops
Antares hot fire test, upgraded dual RD-181 rocket engines 5/31, window 5-8:15pm Pad-0A by @OrbitalATK @NASAGoddard
https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops/status/735479741424279552

Hot Fire May 31 between 5pm and 8:15pm

Chris G with the article today and then we hope for the best in that window as the next step in Antares' return.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: wjbarnett on 05/31/2016 11:59 am
As I remember this static fire is not the flight (July OA-5) engines nor stage, correct? Today's (hopefully) test fire is a re-design verification test, yes? Does anyone know of the actual flight hardware will have its own static test fire prior to the scheduled launch (currently just ~5 weeks away)?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: cycleroadie on 05/31/2016 04:34 pm
As I remember this static fire is not the flight (July OA-5) engines nor stage, correct?

This is the flight hardware for OA-7
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: mainmind on 05/31/2016 04:57 pm
As I remember this static fire is not the flight (July OA-5) engines nor stage, correct?

This is the flight hardware for OA-7

What is the logic for doing a static fire now with the OA-7 hardware? Why not use OA-5? The payload isn't mated, so it isn't at risk. If there's a RUD with OA-7's hardware today, OA-5 gets delayed until they figure out why. If it was OA-5 that had the RUD, they would be equally delayed while upgrading OA-7 to avoid whatever flaw caused the failure and use OA-7 to launch the Cygnus and cargo of OA-5.

Seems strange not to use the rocket that's going to fly next for this test.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: baldusi on 05/31/2016 05:21 pm
As I remember this static fire is not the flight (July OA-5) engines nor stage, correct?

This is the flight hardware for OA-7

What is the logic for doing a static fire now with the OA-7 hardware? Why not use OA-5? The payload isn't mated, so it isn't at risk. If there's a RUD with OA-7's hardware today, OA-5 gets delayed until they figure out why. If it was OA-5 that had the RUD, they would be equally delayed while upgrading OA-7 to avoid whatever flaw caused the failure and use OA-7 to launch the Cygnus and cargo of OA-5.

Seems strange not to use the rocket that's going to fly next for this test.
They have to do the qualification firing for both the pad and the first stage. For safety reasons they probably won't have an upper stage, much less payload. If everything goes according to plan, they have the whole stack for OA-5 almost ready. If not, they would obviously delay. But they have a chance of going faster.
I suspect that RD-181 (and AJ-26 before), require more refurbishing than Merlin's, and that's why they can't do a quick turnaround.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: psloss on 05/31/2016 05:23 pm
If there's a RUD with OA-7's hardware today, OA-5 gets delayed until they figure out why.
The opposite: if the test succeeds in validating the integrated set (hardware / software / interfaces), they've saved time with separate, parallel processing flows rather than doing the work in serial.  If you use the OA-5 hardware for this test, you can't make early July even if the test succeeds.

They can continue to prep the OA-5 hardware in parallel with the pre-test campaign at the pad and post-test refurbishing for the OA-7 first stage.

(Similar to the 100 series three years ago.)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2016 05:51 pm
Article for the Static Fire (no word if they are still going for it today, but it's NET today):
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/05/orbital-atks-antares-rocket-static-fire-mars/

By Chris Gebhardt
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: gwiz on 05/31/2016 07:28 pm
Just heard that Kicksat 2 won't be aboard as their paperwork couldn't be completed in time.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 05/31/2016 09:42 pm
Video of the hotfire test
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10154233740574539

WBOC TV 16 Delmarva's News Leader
Bill Mich here: Just a quick video I shot from the marina in Chincoteague of the Antares Rocket hot fire test. We were obviously a few miles from the launch pad. You'll hear the low rumble around 20 seconds into the video, well after you see the smoke. Very cool to see. Also, a great spot to watch future launches from. (There were even close to two dozen people here for the hot fire.)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: tmoesser on 05/31/2016 09:47 pm
NASA WFF just posted on FB and Twitter.

https://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF/photos/a.220437381319704.76221.191575794205863/1286405071389591/?type=3&theater
https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops/status/737761015836839940

Quote
The Orbital ATK Antares hot fire test has been completed. Data review in progress. #antares

Listening in on the test net, things sounded very nominal.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2016 10:16 pm
Great news. Updated Chris G's article.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: TrevorMonty on 05/31/2016 10:22 pm
NASA WFF just posted on FB and Twitter.

https://www.facebook.com/NASAWFF/photos/a.220437381319704.76221.191575794205863/1286405071389591/?type=3&theater
https://twitter.com/NASA_Wallops/status/737761015836839940

Quote
The Orbital ATK Antares hot fire test has been completed. Data review in progress. #antares

Listening in on the test net, things sounded very nominal.
No RUD is good start.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2016 10:27 pm
There she blows:

Orbital ATK twitter:
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: catdlr on 05/31/2016 11:17 pm
Antares Hot Fire - May 31, 201

Orbital ATK

Published on May 31, 2016
The Earth shook (and so did the cameras)! Orbital ATK successfully conducted a hot fire test of the first stage its Antares medium-class rocket at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on May 31, 2016. (NASA video).

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvXuEDLHxfk
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2016 11:34 pm
Orbital ATK Conducts Test of Antares first Stage

Initial Data Points to Successful “Hot Fire” of Upgraded First Stage andNew Propulsion System

 

Company on Track for July Launch of OA-5 CRS Mission to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility

Dulles, VA 31 May 2016 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced it conducted a full-power "hot fire" test of the upgraded first stage propulsion system of its Antares medium-class rocket using new RD-181 main engines. The 30-second test took place at 5:30 p.m. (EDT) on May 31, 2016 at Virginia Space’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad 0A. Initial indications are that the test was fully successful. The Antares engineering team will review test data over the next several days to confirm that all test parameters were met. Assuming the success of the test is confirmed, it will clear the way for the resumption of Orbital ATK’s cargo logistics missions to the International Space Station (ISS) from Wallops Island, Virginia, currently scheduled for July.  (Video of the test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvXuEDLHxfk&feature=youtu.be)

“Early indications show the upgraded propulsion system, core stage and launch complex all worked together as planned,” said Mike Pinkston, Orbital ATK General Manager and Vice President, Antares Program. “Congratulations to the combined NASA, Orbital ATK and Virginia Space team on what appears to be a successful test.”

The primary goal of the test was to verify the functionality of the integrated first stage, including new engines, modified Stage 1 core, avionics, thrust vector control and pad fueling systems in an operational environment.

During the test, a number of operational milestones were met including full propellant loading sequence, launch countdown and engine ignition and shut down commands, as well as multiple throttle settings including full engine power. The test also validated the launch pad’s operation, including propellant tanking and the use of the water deluge system to protect the pad from damage and for noise suppression.

Orbital ATK will now purge and clean the engines of residual propellants and return the first stage used in this test to the Horizontal Integration Facility for full reconditioning prior to its use on the OA-7 mission slated for later this year. The Orbital ATK team will continue to prepare the Antares rocket that will launch the OA-5 mission, which is in the final stages of integration, systems testing and check-out in preparation for launch this summer.

Each of the new flight RD-181 engines has undergone hot fire acceptance testing at the manufacturer’s facility prior to being shipped to Orbital ATK. A certification test series was successfully completed in the spring of 2015 where a single engine was test fired seven times, accumulating 1,650 seconds of test time and replicating the Antares flight profile, before being disassembled for inspection.

“The successful stage test, along with the extensive testing of each new RD-181, gives us further confidence in the first stage propulsion and in moving forward to launch,” said Pinkston. “We are now focused on the OA-5 mission and launching the enhanced Cygnus spacecraft to the International Space Station on our upgraded, higher-performing Antares rocket.”

The enhanced Cygnus recently flew on the successful OA-4 and OA-6 missions, launched in December and March, respectively. The spacecraft has several new features, including larger cargo capacity, the use of Orbital ATK’s lightweight UltraFlexTM solar arrays, a mass optimized service module structure and a lighter weight propulsion system. Cygnus, like most Orbital ATK spacecraft, is compatible with multiple launch vehicles, enabling the recent use of United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V launch vehicle. The OA-5 mission will be the first Antares mission to launch the enhanced Cygnus.

Orbital ATK has successfully completed five cargo delivery missions to the ISS, including a demonstration mission in 2013 and four operational missions under the CRS-1 contract from 2014 to present. In total, the company has delivered 24,000 pounds (10,900 kilograms) of essential equipment and supplies in support of ISS crew and operations.

Under the CRS contract with NASA, Orbital ATK will deliver approximately 62,000 pounds (28,000 kilograms) of cargo to the ISS over 11 missions through 2018. The partnership is changing the way NASA does business, helping build a strong American commercial space industry and freeing the agency to focus on developing the next-generation rocket and spacecraft that will enable humans to travel farther in space than ever before. Orbital ATK is also on contract for six initial missions for the follow-on CRS-2 program.

 
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Space Ghost 1962 on 06/01/2016 12:05 am
Exhaust plume looks a bit rich for an ORSC engine. By chance were they increasing the deluge significantly into the trench?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: catdlr on 06/01/2016 02:25 am
Pad Camera View of Antares Hot Fire Test

Orbital ATK

Published on May 31, 2016
On May 31, 2016 Orbital ATK successfully conducted a hot fire test of the first stage of its Antares medium class rocket at the MARS Pad 0A at NASA Wallops Flight Facility. (NASA video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccbke8yhpHk?t=001

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccbke8yhpHk
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: woods170 on 06/01/2016 06:39 am
Exhaust plume looks a bit rich for an ORSC engine. By chance were they increasing the deluge significantly into the trench?
Probably so given that the flame trench had to take the full brunt for nearly 30 seconds. Much longer than during a regular launch.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Todd Martin on 06/01/2016 05:48 pm
With the more powerful engines, does anyone know if they will be throttled down at Max-Q to match the same pressure environment as the earlier engines?  Or, are they relying on the original safety margins to keep everything together even with higher performance?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: jacqmans on 06/03/2016 06:13 am
June 02, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-064

NASA Showcases Cygnus Spacecraft at Wallops Ahead of Space Station Mission

Media are invited to view and photograph Orbital ATK’s Cygnus spacecraft, packed with cargo for the International Space Station, at 10:30 a.m. EDT Tuesday, June 7 at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia.

Media also will have an opportunity to speak with NASA and Orbital ATK officials about the space agency’s effort to send supplies to the space station using commercial companies. The spokespersons available at the event include:
•Dan Tani, Senior Director, Mission and Cargo Operations, Orbital ATK, Dulles, Virginia
•Robyn Gatens, Deputy Director, International Space Station, NASA Headquarters, Washington

To attend this event, media must apply for accreditation by contacting Keith Koehler at [email protected] by 3 p.m. Monday, June 6. Accreditation is open only to media who are U.S. citizens.

Orbital ATK will make its fifth Cygnus cargo delivery to the space station this summer under its Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. The agency and Orbital ATK currently are targeting July for launch on the company’s Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0A at Wallops.

For more information about Orbital ATK, the Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk

More information about the International Space Station is available online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 06/03/2016 02:11 pm
Has anyone gleaned the dedication name of OA-5's Cygnus yet?

If you are of the Few that can ask questions during the press conference, that's the first to ask. It'll throw them off, expecting some dark question about Antares. :)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 06/03/2016 04:28 pm
Has anyone gleaned the dedication name of OA-5's Cygnus yet?

If you are of the Few that can ask questions during the press conference, that's the first to ask. It'll throw them off, expecting some dark question about Antares. :)

Earlier in the thread, I guessed "S.S. Neil Armstrong" because Armstrong was an extremely famous astronaut.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: PahTo on 06/06/2016 01:30 am
Has anyone gleaned the dedication name of OA-5's Cygnus yet?

If you are of the Few that can ask questions during the press conference, that's the first to ask. It'll throw them off, expecting some dark question about Antares. :)

Earlier in the thread, I guessed "S.S. Neil Armstrong" because Armstrong was an extremely famous astronaut.

He was also one of the best test pilots in history, and a true commander.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 06/06/2016 03:20 am
Has anyone gleaned the dedication name of OA-5's Cygnus yet?

If you are of the Few that can ask questions during the press conference, that's the first to ask. It'll throw them off, expecting some dark question about Antares. :)

Earlier in the thread, I guessed "S.S. Neil Armstrong" because Armstrong was an extremely famous astronaut.

He was also one of the best test pilots in history, and a true commander.

So, do you think Armstrong could be a good candidate for the namesake of OA-5?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: PahTo on 06/06/2016 05:37 am
Has anyone gleaned the dedication name of OA-5's Cygnus yet?

If you are of the Few that can ask questions during the press conference, that's the first to ask. It'll throw them off, expecting some dark question about Antares. :)

Earlier in the thread, I guessed "S.S. Neil Armstrong" because Armstrong was an extremely famous astronaut.

He was also one of the best test pilots in history, and a true commander.

So, do you think Armstrong could be a good candidate for the namesake of OA-5?

Well, not to go too far afield OT, but of course.  Better still, the first polar station on Luna, or perhaps the first polar station on Mars...
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 06/07/2016 02:38 pm
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/740190436141223936
OA-5 #Cygnus will be named after former @NASA #astronaut and naval officer Alan Poindexter #OA5
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 06/07/2016 05:19 pm
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/740190436141223936
OA-5 #Cygnus will be named after former @NASA #astronaut and naval officer Alan Poindexter #OA5

Oh, man. I wasn't even close to the right namesake.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 06/07/2016 05:30 pm
Who gets to decide each of the Cygnus' callsigns?

I mean, which official of Orbital ATK?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 06/07/2016 07:24 pm
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/740190436141223936
OA-5 #Cygnus will be named after former @NASA #astronaut and naval officer Alan Poindexter #OA5

Makes me wonder if someone at Orbital ATK happens to lurk on NSF and decided to tweet the answer to us and the general public--that was a rather quick resolution. :)

To our Orbital ATK lurkers, thanks! A nice choice. Shouldn't have to pick A-list names for everything.

Anyone know if Poindexter had any professional connections with Orbital ATK?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: collectSPACE on 06/07/2016 11:34 pm
Anyone know if Poindexter had any professional connections with Orbital ATK?

Poindexter flew combat missions with (Orbital ATK VP) Kent Rominger during Desert Storm and he piloted the mission (STS-122) that returned (Orbital ATK Senior Director) Dan Tani to Earth.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: psloss on 06/07/2016 11:53 pm
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/740190436141223936
OA-5 #Cygnus will be named after former @NASA #astronaut and naval officer Alan Poindexter #OA5

Makes me wonder if someone at Orbital ATK happens to lurk on NSF and decided to tweet the answer to us and the general public--that was a rather quick resolution. :)
Today was the spacecraft media event day at Wallops, as noted a few posts earlier (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=39101.msg1544347#msg1544347); I believe Orbital ATK made this announcement on the same media days for the OA-4 and OA-6 spacecraft at Kennedy Space Center.

https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/740189399116353536
Quote
Local reporters get a chance to see #Cygnus up close before we begin fueling for the OA-5 mission. #OA5
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 06/08/2016 12:52 pm
With the next Soyuz launch being pushed to July 7, can we expect any effect on the Antares launch?  Does the ISS often receive visiting vehicles within such a short time frame?

Sorry if these are newbie questions! :)
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 06/08/2016 02:36 pm
With the next Soyuz launch being pushed to July 7, can we expect any effect on the Antares launch?  Does the ISS often receive visiting vehicles within such a short time frame?

Sorry if these are newbie questions! :)

Good question.

Current CRS OA-5 launch date is July 6, one day prior. Next Soyuz is currently set for July 7 launch but a slow rendezvous for docking on July 9, if their technical issues are now resolved, per this thread. (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32006.msg1542410#msg1542410).

The departing crew normally leaves at least two days prior to an incoming crew. Further, the work needed to get one crew sent off, a new crew settled in, and a visiting vehicle berthed can be challenging.

It looks to me as if the dates are too close. If they're going to delay anything, it'll be OA-5 so that the next Expedition crew (who were probably set to bring OA-5 in) can settle.

If further delays for Soyuz occur, the ISS management must delay CRS-9 as the incoming crew is trained on installing the IDA docking port included with Dragon, hot on OA-5's heels on July 16.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: the_other_Doug on 06/08/2016 04:43 pm
If anything, due to the timing of getting IDA out of the trunk and onto the PMA, I'm expecting Dragon CRS-9 to leapfrog Cygnus OA-5 and fly first.  I could be wrong, though...
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 06/08/2016 05:40 pm
Roscosmos is holding firm to the ISS crew departure on June 18. We'll see. Timing should be interesting.

Any beta periods or Other Weird Space Weather Doohickeys that could cause a delay?

And don't they need to iksnay the current Cygnus before they get another one?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 06/08/2016 05:43 pm
If anything, due to the timing of getting IDA out of the trunk and onto the PMA, I'm expecting Dragon CRS-9 to leapfrog Cygnus OA-5 and fly first.  I could be wrong, though...

SpaceX has its mini go-fever vibe going with great launches and landings, so I suspect moving forward to rid themselves fully of the IDA-1/CRS-7 "curse" with IDA-2's arrival isn't a bad thing.

And I'm sure that while Orbital ATK is rearing to go fly their new bird, they wouldn't mind a little more time to ensure things are just right.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 06/15/2016 11:24 am
http://www.nasa.gov/social/spacex-crs-9-social
NASA Social posted for SpaceX CRS mission July 15-16

The article lists the CRS 9 mission as "the next cargo resupply to the International Space Station."
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: MattMason on 06/15/2016 12:36 pm
If anything, due to the timing of getting IDA out of the trunk and onto the PMA, I'm expecting Dragon CRS-9 to leapfrog Cygnus OA-5 and fly first.  I could be wrong, though...

You are correct, sir!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/15/2016 10:08 pm
Moving to at least August (Orbital ATK responded to our questions per source info of the slip). I'll write it up.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/15/2016 11:33 pm
And the article:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/06/return-antares-target-august-launch-oa-5-cygnus/
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: psloss on 07/12/2016 04:34 pm
Jeff Foust, relaying this from the ISS Research Development Conference:
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/752883840675225600
Quote
NASA ISS program manager Kirk Shireman says next Cygnus flight, on Antares, planned for “late August.” #ISSRDC
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: jacqmans on 07/14/2016 07:23 pm
July 14, 2016
MEDIA ADVISORY M16-085
Next Space Station Cargo Launch From Virginia Targeted for August, NASA Opens Media Accreditation


Media accreditation now is open for the launch of the next Orbital ATK Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Orbital ATK is targeting no earlier than Aug. 22 for the lift off of its Cygnus spacecraft on an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad-0A at Wallops. The spacecraft will carry crew supplies and vehicle hardware to the orbiting laboratory to support the Expedition 48 and 49 crews.

International media without U.S. citizenship must apply by Aug. 1 for credentials to cover the prelaunch and launch activities at Wallops. The application deadline is Aug. 17 for media who are U.S. citizens. Media should send their accreditation request to Keith Koehler at [email protected]. For questions about accreditation or additional information, contact Koehler by email or at 757-824-1579.

This will be the sixth cargo resupply mission by Orbital ATK under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract. Cargo resupply by U.S. companies ensures a national capability to deliver critical science research to the space station, significantly increasing NASA's ability to conduct new science investigations using the only microgravity laboratory.

Get more information about Orbital ATK, its Antares rocket and the Cygnus cargo carrier at:
http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk

Get more information about the International Space Station at:
http://www.nasa.gov/station
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: ZachS09 on 07/14/2016 10:02 pm
Usually, two U.S. launches within one day would be impossible, but since AMOS 6 and Cygnus OA-5 are taking off from two different sites, this is an exception.

Another example is Cygnus Orb-D1 and AEHF-3 in September 2013.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 07/20/2016 04:36 pm
Launch time for August 22 is 5:59 pm Eastern (21:59 UTC) per SFN.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 07/21/2016 01:32 pm
Launch time for August 22 is 5:59 pm Eastern (21:59 UTC) per SFN.

Can this be corroborated from somewhere besides SFN?  I'm not questioning their information, just wondering if this is "official" information.  Trying to make plans to come down for this launch.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: russianhalo117 on 07/21/2016 05:07 pm
Launch time for August 22 is 5:59 pm Eastern (21:59 UTC) per SFN.

Can this be corroborated from somewhere besides SFN?  I'm not questioning their information, just wondering if this is "official" information.  Trying to make plans to come down for this launch.
The information is valid as currently filed with NASA Wallops Flight Facility. As always this is subject to change
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 07/21/2016 05:08 pm
Launch time for August 22 is 5:59 pm Eastern (21:59 UTC) per SFN.

Can this be corroborated from somewhere besides SFN?  I'm not questioning their information, just wondering if this is "official" information.  Trying to make plans to come down for this launch.
The information is valid as currently filed with NASA Wallops Flight Facility. As always this is subject to change

Thank you!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 07/25/2016 12:34 am
http://www.nasa.gov/social/antares-return-social

Experience the return to flight of Antares!
We are inviting social media users to apply for credentials to cover the launch for the return to flight of Orbital ATK's Antares Rocket, currently targeted for 5:59 p.m. EDT, August 22, from Pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at our Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

A maximum of 50 active social media users will be selected to attend the two-day event August 21-22, 2016 and will be given the same access as news media in an effort to align the experience of social media representatives with those of traditional media.

NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:

View the launch of the Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket
Meet and interact with representatives from NASA and Orbital ATK
Tour Wallops Flight Facility
Meet students who have designed payloads for this mission
Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
Meet members of NASA's social media teams
Registration opens on this page today.  For U.S. citizens active on social media, the deadline to apply is 11:59pm ET on Sunday, July 31, 2016. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

So looking forward to this launch!
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 07/25/2016 05:31 pm
Quote
https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/757577518677303296
[Bill] Gerst[enmeier]: still planning next Antares/Cygnus launch to ISS for Aug 22, but “some challenges” to overcome to meet that date.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 08/10/2016 01:35 pm
Quote
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/763366112784515081
Orbital ATK says 1st launch of ISS cargo from Wallops on redesigned Antares rocket pushed back about month to 2nd half of Sept.

Official update from Orbital ATK:
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA5-Mission-Page/default.aspx?prid=92
Quote
Due to a variety of interrelated factors, including the company’s continuing processing, inspection and testing of the flight vehicle at Wallops Island, and NASA’s scheduling of crew activities on the International Space Station in preparation for upcoming cargo and crew launches, Orbital ATK is currently working with NASA to target a window in the second half of September for the launch of the OA-5 mission. A more specific launch date will be identified in the coming weeks.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 08/11/2016 12:46 am
The big news in the OA conference call this quarter was the $400M accounting error on the US Army ammo contract, but there was some space news.  The OA-5 delay was announced with the exact same language quoted in the previous post.  Also, the OA-5 hot fire, and other events, allowed them to clear off a good chunk of management reserve on CRS.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 08/11/2016 01:31 am
So, what was the deal with the $400M?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 08/11/2016 04:19 pm
So, what was the deal with the $400M?
Off topic for this thread, but OA has a $2.3B 10-year contract to manufacture small-caliber ammunition for the US Army in Lake City, Missouri.  The contract pricing assumed cost improvements that were not achieved, and their financial systems didn't let them know about the problem.  The market panic wasn't so much about losing $400M on the contract as the fact that they didn't know about the forecast loss for over a year, which is a massive breakdown in financial controls.

Quote
Due to a variety of unusual circumstances, material errors in cost estimating and tracking occurred as the contract ramped up in 2014, but were obscured until this intensive review brought it to light.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: yg1968 on 08/16/2016 03:52 pm
Quote
https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/763366112784515081
Orbital ATK says 1st launch of ISS cargo from Wallops on redesigned Antares rocket pushed back about month to 2nd half of Sept.

Official update from Orbital ATK:
http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA5-Mission-Page/default.aspx?prid=92
Quote
Due to a variety of interrelated factors, including the company’s continuing processing, inspection and testing of the flight vehicle at Wallops Island, and NASA’s scheduling of crew activities on the International Space Station in preparation for upcoming cargo and crew launches, Orbital ATK is currently working with NASA to target a window in the second half of September for the launch of the OA-5 mission. A more specific launch date will be identified in the coming weeks.

I believe that NASA said towards the end of September in this briefing:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40804.msg1569519#msg1569519
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/07/2016 12:03 pm
Latest on Antares and the launch date evaluations:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/09/antares-rtf-oa-5-cygnus-iss/
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: sdsds on 09/08/2016 06:40 am
Fpr OA-5 with is relatively short docked duration is there a sense of how long it could remain on orbit as a free flyer? Long enough to do substantial research?
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Calphor on 09/08/2016 04:40 pm
Cygnus was designed to last up to a year as a free flyer. The primary constraint being the fuel for attitude control since the solar arrays are fixed.
Title: Re: Orbital ATK's Antares/Cygnus OA-5 UPDATES/DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 09/14/2016 11:48 am
Article from Jeff Foust on the OA-5 launch date.  Pretty much the same information as Chris's article from last week.

http://spacenews.com/antares-return-to-flight-now-planned-for-early-october/
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: spacepat_o on 09/22/2016 07:47 pm
In case you haven't already seen it elsewhere:

DateWindow Open (Eastern) (5 Minute Duration)
10/09/201622:47
10/10/201622:24
10/11/201622:02
10/12/201621:36
10/13/201621:13

https://www.reddit.com/r/OrbitalATK/comments/53pa6k/oa5_mission_page_updated_antares_rtf_targeted_for/d7xgpky
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 09/25/2016 04:30 am
The OA-5 Fact Sheet says that this mission is carrying Spire Cubesats to be deployed after ISS separation.

"In addition, a NanoRack deployer will release Spire Cubesats used for weather forecasting. These secondary payload operations will be conducted after Cygnus departs the ISS."
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 09/28/2016 11:44 pm
If launch is still scheduled for October 9 EDT/October 10 UTC,
then shouldn't there be news very soon regarding the integration of the Cygnus with its Antares?

(Cygnus was transferred to the fueling facility several days ago, and mating Cygnus with Antares in the HIF appears to be the next step in the process.)
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: cycleroadie on 09/29/2016 01:24 pm
If launch is still scheduled for October 9 EDT/October 10 UTC,
then shouldn't there be news very soon regarding the integration of the Cygnus with its Antares?

(Cygnus was transferred to the fueling facility several days ago, and mating Cygnus with Antares in the HIF appears to be the next step in the process.)

I have yet to see an actual date targeted, just the 5 day window, "Orbital ATK is targeting a five-day launch window of October 9-13, 2016 for the Antares OA-5 launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Virginia. A more specific date will be identified upon completion of final operational milestones and technical reviews." No word from Orbital since 9/20 that I have seen.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: mdeep on 10/02/2016 03:30 pm
It's probably time to mention Hurricane Matthew. The latest forecast track from NHC now indicates a slight left turn toward the Carolinas. It seems increasingly likely that Matthew will affect at least the first half of the 5 day window, even if it does recurve at the last second.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 10/04/2016 05:13 pm
When will they roll the rocket out to the pad (it's not already out there, is it??)? Will they delay rolling it out if the forecast is calling for high winds? In other words, if they need to wait until the storm passes before rolling out, how long after they roll out before they can possibly launch?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 10/04/2016 05:38 pm
When will they roll the rocket out to the pad (it's not already out there, is it??)? Will they delay rolling it out if the forecast is calling for high winds? In other words, if they need to wait until the storm passes before rolling out, how long after they roll out before they can possibly launch?

From the update thread, rollout is planned for October 11.  Matthew should be long gone (probably extratropical and off Canada) by then.

http://www.orbitalatk.com/news-room/feature-stories/OA5-Mission-Page/default.aspx?prid=180


Mission Update - October 4, 2016

NASA and Orbital ATK successfully completed a pre-launch Flight Readiness Review (FRR) and established a targeted launch date of October 13 for the OA-5 cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. In preparation for the mission, final integration of the company’s Cygnus spacecraft and Antares rocket is now underway, with roll out to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport’s Pad 0A anticipated to take place on October 11.

For an October 13 launch, liftoff is scheduled at 9:13 p.m. EDT and will be visible along the East Coast depending on atmospheric conditions. This schedule is subject to completion of all remaining pre-launch integration and testing activities and acceptable weather conditions prior to and during launch operations.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 9, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 10/05/2016 10:58 pm
From the update thread, rollout is planned for October 11.  Matthew should be long gone (probably extratropical and off Canada) by then.
That will teach me to make statements about where a hurricane will be in a week's time...  I'll just step out quietly now.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: jsmjr on 10/09/2016 01:32 am
Orbital usually posts a Google Earth KML file for the launch trajectory, but haven't seen one yet.  Anyone else?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: edkyle99 on 10/09/2016 02:09 am
Orbital usually posts a Google Earth KML file for the launch trajectory, but haven't seen one yet.  Anyone else?
When Antares last flew, it was "Orbital".  Now it is "Orbital ATK".  We may see differences in information availability.  The new company seems to me to be less informative than the old, but it might yet prove me wrong.   

 - Ed Kyle 
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 10/09/2016 05:17 pm
Quote
#Cygnus is ready to go! Mate to #Antares is scheduled for later today. #OA5
https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/785109911462154244
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Skyrocket on 10/11/2016 08:47 pm
Any info, how many of Spire's Lemur cubesats are on this launch?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: AnalogMan on 10/11/2016 10:34 pm
Any info, how many of Spire's Lemur cubesats are on this launch?

According to this Letter to the FCC there will be four Spire satellites released on this mission.

See:
http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=1146879 (http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=1146879)
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/12/2016 05:42 pm
If launch occurs on Sunday, October 16 (Monday, October 17 UTC), when is capture and berthing?
On the 19th? 20th?

<snip>
Oct. 11, 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY: M16-119

Atlantic Storm System Delays NASA Resupply Launch to Space Station

NASA and its partner Orbital ATK have postponed the launch of the company’s next commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station to no earlier than Sunday, Oct. 16, as the agency prepares for Tropical Storm Nicole at its tracking site in Bermuda.

A Sunday launch would occur at 8:03 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, with a five-minute window. The launch will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website beginning at 7 p.m. The date of the arrival of the Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft to the space station is to be determined.

<snip>
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: DaveS on 10/12/2016 07:08 pm
If launch occurs on Sunday, October 16 (Monday, October 17 UTC), when is capture and berthing?
On the 19th? 20th?

<snip>
Oct. 11, 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY: M16-119

Atlantic Storm System Delays NASA Resupply Launch to Space Station

NASA and its partner Orbital ATK have postponed the launch of the company’s next commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station to no earlier than Sunday, Oct. 16, as the agency prepares for Tropical Storm Nicole at its tracking site in Bermuda.

A Sunday launch would occur at 8:03 p.m. EDT from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, with a five-minute window. The launch will air live on NASA Television and the agency’s website beginning at 7 p.m. The date of the arrival of the Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft to the space station is to be determined.

<snip>
7:20am EDT for capture on October 19. NASA TV coverage starts at 6 am. Berthing at 8:45 am EDT with coverage starting at 8:30am EDT.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: northenarc on 10/13/2016 04:25 pm
 If I'm reading correctly China's manned launch Shenzhou 11 will liftoff just 33 minutes prior to this launch, should make for an interesting evening if the schedules hold.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/14/2016 02:04 pm
No updates from Bermuda after the storm.  Is no news good news?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 13, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: jsmjr on 10/14/2016 07:41 pm
No updates from Bermuda after the storm.  Is no news good news?

Here's some video from when Nicole hit.  Looked pretty rough.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10154654621299874/ (https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10154654621299874/)
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 16, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: DaveS on 10/14/2016 07:51 pm
No updates from Bermuda after the storm.  Is no news good news?
NASA posted this blog update: http://blogs.nasa.gov/orbital/2016/10/14/update-on-bermuda-tracking-station/?linkId=29951743

"The NASA tracking station in Bermuda received minor damage from Hurricane Nicole when it passed over the island Oct. 13, 2016. Repairs to the station have been made and the team is currently readying to support the launch.

The Bermuda site provides tracking, telemetry and flight terminations support for Antares launches from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Final testing is scheduled to be conducted the morning of Oct. 15 prior to the launch readiness review later that day."
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 16, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Targeteer on 10/14/2016 08:29 pm
CAPCOM reported to the crew during the evening DPC that Cygnus was go for launch on Sunday.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 16, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/16/2016 09:47 pm
I'm looking for documentation of the new capture and berthing date/time.

The only notice that I've found is in this article (http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/10/16/faulty-cable-delays-antares-launch-24-hours/):
Quote
The delay means the International Space Station crew will not receive the Cygnus supply ship mounted atop the Antares rocket until Sunday, after three new residents dock with the orbiting laboratory Friday aboard the Soyuz MS-02 spaceship.

Where will Cygnus loiter with respect to ISS?  (There will be more opportunities for amateur astronomers to observe Cygnus because of the loiter, compared to the previously planned 2-day flight.)

The same article says the faulty GSE cable is in the launch pad's hold-down system.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 16, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 10/17/2016 12:25 am
I live in the Norfolk area of Virginia and there will be a really good (84 deg alt) ISS flyover on Tue (18th). I am hoping to see both the ISS and Cygnus. Please launch tomorrow!!
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: d3jf on 10/17/2016 09:29 pm
Can someone please point me to a webcast with countdown net audio? Is it available? I'd like to have something open beside NASA TV. Thanks.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Herb Schaltegger on 10/17/2016 10:11 pm
Can someone please point me to a webcast with countdown net audio? Is it available? I'd like to have something open beside NASA TV. Thanks.

I have this Spaceflight Now stream going. It's got some audio (no commentary) but doesn't seem "chatty" enough to be the full countdown net. Hard to tell though - still a good amount of time left.

http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow

EDIT: I've been listening for awhile now; from the callouts and responses, it does seem to be the countdown net, just not a lot of traffic on it yet.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/17/2016 11:03 pm
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 10/17/2016 11:45 pm
What was the reason for delaying launch from launch window open to launch window close?
EDIT: Answered in update thread.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: martin_nv on 10/17/2016 11:55 pm
Interesting, I did not know up til now that Antares launches are on the descending node of the ISS orbit.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: GWH on 10/18/2016 12:00 am
Telemetry animations by Atari.

Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/18/2016 12:03 am
That thing seemed to hop off the pad compared to the previous versions.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: therein69 on 10/18/2016 12:18 am
Congratulations on a successful return to flight Antares!!! Just got back from watching from North Brunswick NJ....179 miles as the crow flies to Wallops Island. Was able to see first stage climbing to a maximum elevation of about 20 deg. Thought I lost it after MECO. Did not realize second stage ignition is almost a minute later! Was able to track just about to orbit. Pretty amazing considering the distances involved.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 10/18/2016 12:19 am
Is this the first all up "new" vehicle (unflown first and second stages) since F9 six years ago?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: MostlyHarmless on 10/18/2016 12:24 am
Glad to see Orbital back in the saddle!  Looked like a completely nominal launch (except for the short delay). 

What was even better was the beautiful view we had from the WV panhandle.  Antares climbed above the horizon a lot sooner, and was way brighter than expected.  Could easily see it climb out, then pitch over to head downrange.  Lost it briefly in a bit of clouds, but was able to see MECO and 2nd stage ignition.  Had it in sight for another 90 seconds or so before it disappeared below the treeline. 

Very exciting to see space launches out of the Virginia spaceport (we were also able to see the other nighttime Minotaur launches a couple of years ago). 
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: apollolanding on 10/18/2016 01:00 am
Congrats OATK on a successful launch.  Watched it from Egg Harbor City, NJ and got to see it from about 7° above the horizon, through stage sep and 2nd stage ignition, almost to burnout.  My wife saw the ISS pass about 1 hour prior to launch.  2 for 1 evening.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 10/18/2016 01:42 am
Tomorrow (Tuesday) there will be a really nice visible ISS flyover for those of us on the mid Atlantic coast at 1925 EST. I am hoping to see both the ISS and Cygnus. From earth, how far behind the ISS would Cygnus appear to be? Will it look like it is in hot pursuit right behind the ISS, or will it be more like a long way behind?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: MATTBLAK on 10/18/2016 02:30 am
When the Antares 300 series is introduced with the full-throttle RD-181s; have any performance figures for that configuration been released?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: StarTracker on 10/18/2016 01:28 pm
Watching from south of Baltimore, first and second stage action was a beautiful sight. However, after what appeared to be second-stage burnout, the craft lit up again (making me question whether I had mis-remembered  Antares 230 as a 2- or 3-stage vehicle.) Despite flying towards night, did the Cygnus' trajectory take it briefly through daylight?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: PahTo on 10/18/2016 03:32 pm

Late again, but have to say congrats to the teams involved, from MARS to OATK, you guys came back in style.  I was at KSC to witness the launch of STS-122, so a bit more of a connection as well.  May the SS Alan Poindexter meet with success at every turn of the mission...
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: jsmjr on 10/18/2016 03:58 pm
Great ISS pass tonight over DC & Wallops.  Anyone know where to look for Cygnus around this time?  Does it trail or lead the ISS?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: PahTo on 10/18/2016 04:04 pm
Great ISS pass tonight over DC & Wallops.  Anyone know where to look for Cygnus around this time?  Does it trail or lead the ISS?  Thanks.

Should include SS Poindexter here:

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: baldusi on 10/18/2016 04:14 pm
Congratulations to Orbital ATK, NPO Energomash, KB Yuzhnoe, Wallops and the Range. Nominal debut and another star added tot he RD-170 legacy.
BTW, why is that now press kits lack the intended orbital parameters?

That marks at least 3 nations' access to space being mainly supported by the descendants of Valentin Glushko's stage combustion kerolox rocket engines. He probably would have never thought about it!

(Partly OT: are the new kerolox engines by India and South Korea linked to the RD-170/120 families?)
I don't know about South Korea, but I can tell you that Yuzhnoe did the blueprints for the SCE-200 (RD-810) and the YF-100 (RD-801). Since they only sold the blueprints, but no methods nor metallurgy, the Indians and Chinese had to develop everything up to the certification program.
Yuzhnoe had the RD-8, the only staged combustion steering engine, all developed by themselves. And the RD-120 and RD-120M projects. The RD-120, is a Glushko engine, and was used as the pilot project for the RD-170. So Glushko's legacy does launch vehicles on Russia, USA, China and soon India, plus the original Naro-1 rocket. Only comparable to Rocketdyne's S-3D, itself a descendant of the V-2 family.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 10/18/2016 05:23 pm
Great ISS pass tonight over DC & Wallops.  Anyone know where to look for Cygnus around this time?  Does it trail or lead the ISS?  Thanks.

Should include SS Poindexter here:

https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/

They *SHOULD*, I agree, but they don't.

I think you could get the TLE information from here
https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/
But I have no idea how to find Cygnus in there, or how to read it once I did find it. Anyone care to help?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/18/2016 06:19 pm
2016-062A and B have to be Cygnus and its upper stage.  Might be able to see it on Stellarium but I'm not home now to try.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: DecoLV on 10/18/2016 08:41 pm
It was really neat to see it liftoff without burning into a catastrophic conflagration this time.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: SkipMorrow on 10/18/2016 10:26 pm
2016-062A and B have to be Cygnus and its upper stage.  Might be able to see it on Stellarium but I'm not home now to try.

Good call using stellarium. How can I tell which is the upper stage and which is Cygnus? Anyway, I did find both 062A & B, and they both rise around 1948, so we won't see them together.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/18/2016 11:53 pm
My guess is that the lower one is the stage.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/19/2016 12:01 am
41818 and 41819 on heavens-above.com
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: ww2planes1 on 10/19/2016 12:53 am
Did the flame tail look more red to anyone else?  I was watching and I felt the engines were much more red/orange than usual for an LOX/RP1 rocket, and other people I've talked to who saw it from around the DC area said it looked very red. 

I believe the engines are supposed to be throttled back for launch, would that affect the color of the flame tail?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: AnalogMan on 10/19/2016 01:12 am
Did the flame tail look more red to anyone else?  I was watching and I felt the engines were much more red/orange than usual for an LOX/RP1 rocket, and other people I've talked to who saw it from around the DC area said it looked very red. 

I believe the engines are supposed to be throttled back for launch, would that affect the color of the flame tail?

I guess it depends upon the optical sensor you employed at the time  ;)

https://twitter.com/WeReportSpace/status/788384186864398340 (https://twitter.com/WeReportSpace/status/788384186864398340)
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lee Jay on 10/19/2016 02:29 am
41818 and 41819 on heavens-above.com

I saw ISS and both objects.  The lead object was far, far brighter than the trailing object.  I'm guessing Cygnus would be way brighter than the stage so I would guess the lead object was Cygnus.  I took pictures with sufficient resolving power to see Saturn's rings, but neither object was identifiable.  Obviously, ISS was quite easy to identify.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: CyndyC on 10/20/2016 12:10 am
The ISS is flying over Jacksonville tomorrow evening at 7:17pm EDT, but Cygnus may already be docked by then! I will take a look.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: DaveS on 10/20/2016 12:15 am
The ISS is flying over Jacksonville tomorrow evening at 7:17pm EDT, but Cygnus may already be docked by then! I will take a look.
Cygnus capture and berthing isn't until Sunday. It has to loiter in a parking orbit until the Soyuz MS-02 has docked.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Hog on 10/31/2016 03:06 pm
Did anyone catch the two objects before capture?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Sam Ho on 11/08/2016 08:26 pm
From the OA non-earnings conference call today:
Quote
More recently in mid-October, the company successfully launched our first re-engined Antares rocket for the OA V commercial resupply services mission to the international space station for NASA. The Antares performance was flawless with actual payload capacity somewhat higher than predicted.
http://seekingalpha.com/article/4021177-orbital-atks-oa-ceo-dave-thompson-q3-2016-results-earnings-call-transcript
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/20/2016 08:14 pm
Does anyone have the details on the post-separation flight plan?
My understanding was that the nanosats were to be released at 445 km altitude.
When will the orbit be raised?
Will the SAFIRE experiment be done before or after raising the orbit?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: sdsds on 11/21/2016 05:22 am
Chris Gebhardt has some details on the post-undocking plan in his recently published article.
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/11/cygnus-oa-5-station-one-month-mission/
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/21/2016 05:39 am
Chris Gebhardt has some details on the post-undocking plan in his recently published article.
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/11/cygnus-oa-5-station-one-month-mission/ (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/11/cygnus-oa-5-station-one-month-mission/)

But he does not mention any raising of the orbit.

The Nanoracks announcement (http://nanoracks.com/cygnus-berthed-with-external-cubesat-deployer/) says: "We anticipate Cygnus going into a higher orbit, pending nominal operations, that will enable the deployment of several CubeSats from the NanoRacks Cygnus External Deployer."

but when will this orbit raising occur and will it be to 445 km, which is about 39 km above the current altitude of the ISS (http://www.heavens-above.com/IssHeight.aspx?lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=UCT)?

Some simple calculations suggest that when the nanosats' orbits decay back to the altitude of the ISS in a couple of years there will be some pretty interesting dynamics.  That will be very interesting to watch.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Lar on 11/22/2016 12:55 am
Orbital ATK's OA-5 Mission Begins Next Phase, Performing Experiments in Space 

The “S.S. Alan Poindexter” Cygnus Departs International Space Station After Another Successful Delivery and Removal of Critical Cargo

Next Phase of Mission Marks Second Time Cygnus Used as a Science Platform

Dulles, Virginia 21 November 2016 – Orbital ATK (NYSE: OA), a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies, today announced that its Cygnus™ spacecraft successfully unberthed from the International Space Station, starting the second phase of its mission before it reenters Earth’s atmosphere. Orbiting on its own, free of the ISS, the “S.S. Alan Poindexter” Cygnus will conduct two secondary mission objectives as part of its flight program: the Saffire-II payload experiment and the deployment of CubeSats to enhance weather forecasting capabilities. This is the second time Orbital ATK will use a Cygnus spacecraft as a platform for conducting science experiments in space.

“Cygnus had a successful, month-long stay at the International Space Station, delivering critical cargo to the astronauts,” said Frank Culbertson, President of Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group. “Now, we get another opportunity to showcase this unique spacecraft’s expanded capabilities beyond its core cargo delivery function. To use Cygnus yet again as a research platform demonstrates a versatility and flexibility that we are proud to offer to our customers.”

Cygnus departed from the International Space Station at 8:22 a.m. EST on November 21, completing a 29 day stay at the orbiting laboratory. The mission, known as OA-5, began on October 17, 2016 when Cygnus launched aboard an upgraded Antares rocket from NASA Wallops Flight Facility, marking Orbital ATK’s return to flight operations in eastern Virginia.  Upon arrival at the station, Cygnus delivered 5,300 pounds (2,400 kilograms) of cargo and science experiments to the astronauts. The Expedition 50 crew members loaded the cargo module with approximately 2,469 pounds (1,120 kilograms) of items for disposal prior to Cygnus’ departure.

The Spacecraft Fire Experiment-II (Saffire-II), which was developed at NASA’s Glenn Research Center and funded by NASA’s Advanced Exploration Systems Division, is the second in a series of tests to study the behavior of large-scale fires in microgravity. Orbital ATK engineers will remotely conduct this experiment from the ground once Cygnus departs the International Space Station. The experiment will intentionally ignite nine different experimental material samples to help investigators better understand flammability of these materials in a microgravity environment. All data obtained from this experiment will be downloaded via telemetry.

Next, the “S.S. Alan Poindexter” will use a NanoRacks deployer to place several CubeSats into orbit to conduct meteorological research. The OA-5 mission is slated to end on November 27 when Cygnus is scheduled for a safe, destructive reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.


Question for those that might have an idea... The Saffire experiment is being carried out several days before the cubesat release. Is there no risk to the systems on the spacecraft that are responsible for cubesat deployment from the fire? I know it's controlled but zero chance? Or was the risk considered acceptable? I seem to recall that last time the fire was started pretty close to the time of deorbit...
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: cmcqueen on 11/22/2016 01:46 am
The Nanoracks announcement (http://nanoracks.com/cygnus-berthed-with-external-cubesat-deployer/) says: "We anticipate Cygnus going into a higher orbit, pending nominal operations, that will enable the deployment of several CubeSats from the NanoRacks Cygnus External Deployer."

but when will this orbit raising occur and will it be to 445 km, which is about 39 km above the current altitude of the ISS (http://www.heavens-above.com/IssHeight.aspx?lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=UCT)?

Some simple calculations suggest that when the nanosats' orbits decay back to the altitude of the ISS in a couple of years there will be some pretty interesting dynamics.  That will be very interesting to watch.

If the orbit is 39 km above ISS, maybe that would be enough for the nanosats to have orbital precession at a different rate than the ISS, so they will no longer be in the same orbital plane in a few years.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/22/2016 05:01 am
The Nanoracks announcement (http://nanoracks.com/cygnus-berthed-with-external-cubesat-deployer/) says: "We anticipate Cygnus going into a higher orbit, pending nominal operations, that will enable the deployment of several CubeSats from the NanoRacks Cygnus External Deployer."

but when will this orbit raising occur and will it be to 445 km, which is about 39 km above the current altitude of the ISS (http://www.heavens-above.com/IssHeight.aspx?lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=UCT)?

Some simple calculations suggest that when the nanosats' orbits decay back to the altitude of the ISS in a couple of years there will be some pretty interesting dynamics.  That will be very interesting to watch.

If the orbit is 39 km above ISS, maybe that would be enough for the nanosats to have orbital precession at a different rate than the ISS, so they will no longer be in the same orbital plane in a few years.

As I said, simple calculations.
The result was many degrees per year.

According to N2Y0, Cygnus (http://www.n2yo.com/?s=41818) (Perigee: 413.5 km Apogee: 422.7 km ) is about 5 km higher than the ISS (http://www.n2yo.com/?s=25544) (Perigee: 408.9 km Apogee: 417.3 km) on average.  ...  Have to keep watch until Friday.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Olaf on 11/22/2016 03:26 pm
https://blogs.nasa.gov/stationreport/2016/11/
Quote
The NanoRacks CubeSat Deployer – External (NRCSD-E) deploy is planned November 25, at which time the Cygnus will be 100 km above the ISS, this will be the the first time NRCSDs deploy above the ISS. A total of 4 LEMUR-2 satellites will deploy from the Cygnus vehicle.  The NanoRacks-LEMUR-2 satellites are part of a remote sensing satellite constellation that proves global ship tracking and weather monitoring.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/23/2016 05:10 pm
Cygnuss (http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41818) remains in a 413.6 km Perigee, 422.5 km Apogee orbit about 5 km above the ISS (http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25544). (Perigee: 408.8 km, Apogee: 417.3 km)

If the nanosats are released in this orbit, simple orbital calculations, with a SWAG on orbital decay due to atmospheric drag, and assuming the station's altitude is maintained often, says they will decay to the altitude of the ISS in a bit under a half year. At this point they will be almost halfway around the orbit.  Their relative lateral motion, due to the precession of the orbit, will be a bit under 100 meters per second.

It would make sense if NASA limited the pre-deployment  orbit raising of Cygnus to just this 5 km.

By the time the nanosats catch back up to the ISS, around a year out, the orbits should have precessed back into alignment, with the nanosats averaging about a mirror-image 5 km below the ISS.  They should trace out tall lazy ellipses, once per orbit.  These ellipses may be tall enough to cross the altitude of the ISS.  If no DAM is performed, it might be possible for the astronauts to spot them from the cupola as they approach from the anti-velocity direction and move out ahead.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/25/2016 05:24 am
Cygnus (http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41818) has circularized its orbit at 417.7 km.  (Perigee: 417.7 km  Apogee: 417.7 km) 
This remains 5.0 km higher than the ISS (http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25544). (Perigee: 408.8 km  Apogee: 417.2 km ).

If the nanosats are released into this orbit tomorrow, there will be one less source of variation in the altitude when they pass ~5 km below the ISS in about a year.  This should make them easier to avoid.

Cygnus should already trail the ISS by a couple thousand km.
(~(24*60/90)*2*pi*5=180*pi km/day ~560 km/day )
They raised the orbit within 52 hrs of the release but does anyone know precisely when?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/25/2016 04:42 pm
Cygnus (http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41818) is still in the circular orbit at 417.7 km, 5.0 km above the ISS (http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25544).

It is trailing as calculated.


When are the nanosats to be released?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: CyndyC on 11/25/2016 09:30 pm
When are the nanosats to be released?

In an article on the 21st (http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/11/21/cygnus-cargo-freighter-leaves-station-but-its-mission-is-not-over/), Spaceflight Now reported the first 2 would be released today at 4:05 p.m. EST (2105 GMT) and the next 2 at 7:10 p.m. EST (0010 GMT).

It would make sense if NASA limited the pre-deployment orbit raising of Cygnus to just this 5 km.

According to the NSF article on the same day (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/11/cygnus-oa-5-station-one-month-mission/), Orbital ATK & NASA ceased joint operations of Cygnus after it departed the approach ellipsoid, so it doesn't look like it will be NASA's decision, but it will be interesting to see if Orbital ATK came to the same conclusion you did. The SFN article reported the orbit would be 100km above the station. 
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: sdsds on 11/26/2016 02:39 am
Cygnus now reported at 502.7 x 511.2 km (semi major axis of 6877 km). 
http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=41818

ISS at 408.9 km x 417.1 km (semi major axis: 6783 km).
http://www.n2yo.com/satellite/?s=25544

6877 - 6783 = 94, so that's pretty much 100 km above ISS.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/26/2016 06:05 am
Cygnus is now reported by N2YO to be way above the ISS
Perigee: 502.6 km 
Apogee: 511.2 km
What's going on?

Cubesat deploying ;)

https://twitter.com/OrbitalATK/status/802258285650968578

Deploying that high will result in very long orbital lifetimes.
They must be planning to control and force their deorbits.
Anyone have any of those details?
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Olaf on 11/26/2016 07:15 am
https://spire.com/insights/news/historic-maneuver-cygnus-boosts-altitude-after-iss/
Quote
The mission, which has been approved by NASA, is the first of its kind to deploy satellites into a higher orbit after departing from the ISS.
The altitude boost provided by Cygnus to approximately 500km increases the on-orbit lifespan of the Spire’s LEMUR-2 satellites from about 9 months in a typical ISS deployment to at least 2 years. That amount of time is just inside a CubeSat “goldilocks” zone where their long-term usefulness and orbital life are in near-equilibrium. 
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: rayleighscatter on 11/26/2016 12:39 pm
A somewhat hypnotic view of one of the SAFFIRE samples burning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAvXxbeLwbU
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Danderman on 11/27/2016 01:16 am
The requirement is to deorbit within 25 years. Since natural decay will occur from 500 km within 5 years, there is no need for a deorbit system for these satellites.
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: Comga on 11/27/2016 01:39 am
The requirement is to deorbit within 25 years. Since natural decay will occur from 500 km within 5 years, there is no need for a deorbit system for these satellites.
Do you have anything to back that up?
A simple scaling from a 9 month orbital lifetime at 400 km says that the lifetime at 500 km is right around the quarter century mark.  Much more than five years
Title: Re: Antares - Cygnus OA-5 - October 17, 2016 - DISCUSSION
Post by: sdsds on 11/27/2016 02:23 am
Following the link in Olaf's post above leads to the Spire website. Spire now has the largest constellation of ship tracking satellites in the world. ISTM that gives them "expert opinion" status. They write: The altitude boost provided by Cygnus to approximately 500km increases the on-orbit lifespan of the Spire’s LEMUR-2 satellites from about 9 months in a typical ISS deployment to at least 2 years.

I bet someone at NASA even double-checked their calculations! ;-)