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Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: beidou on 01/30/2014 12:21 pm

Title: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: beidou on 01/30/2014 12:21 pm
Discussion Thread for GPS III-2 mission.  For overall discussion of the GPS III program please use the GPS III Program - General Thread (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=47172.0)

NET April 2019 on Delta IV from SLC-37 at CCAFS.





[GPS World] Lockheed Martin Powers on Second GPS III Satellite in Production (http://gpsworld.com/lockheed-martin-powers-on-second-gps-iii-satellite-in-production/)
Quote
The Lockheed Martin team developing the U.S. Air Force’s next generation Global Positioning System (GPS) recently turned on power to the bus and network communications equipment payload of the program’s second satellite designated GPS III Space Vehicle 2 (SV-02).

The successful powering on of GPS III SV-02, on December 19, 2013, at Lockheed Martin’s Denver-area GPS III Processing Facility (GPF), is a major production milestone which demonstrates the satellite’s mechanical integration, validates its interfaces, and leads the way for electrical and integrated hardware-software testing.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 06/26/2017 03:58 pm
News Release Issued: Jun 26, 2017 (9:07am EDT)

GPS III in Full Production: Second Lockheed Martin Satellite Assembled, Ready to Begin Environmental Testing

Navigation Payload Delivered for Third Satellite in Most Powerful GPS Constellation Ever

DENVER, June 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a specialized cleanroom designed to streamline satellite production, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is in full production building GPS III – the world's most powerful GPS satellites. The company's second GPS III satellite is now assembled and preparing for environmental testing, and the third satellite is close behind, having just received its navigation payload.

In May, the U.S. Air Force's second GPS III satellite was fully assembled and entered into Space Vehicle (SV) single line flow when Lockheed Martin technicians successfully integrated its system module, propulsion core and antenna deck. GPS III SV02 smoothly came together through a series of carefully-orchestrated manufacturing maneuvers utilizing a 10-ton crane.

GPS III SV02 is part of the Air Force's next generation of GPS satellites, which have three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities. Spacecraft life will extend to 15 years, 25 percent longer than the newest GPS satellites on-orbit today.

"Now fully-integrated, GPS III SV02 will begin environmental testing this summer to ensure the satellite is ready for the rigors of space," said Mark Stewart, vice president of Navigation Systems for Lockheed Martin. "This testing simulates harsh launch and space environments the satellite will endure, and further reduces any risk prior to it being available for launch in 2018."

A Factory Full of GPS III Satellites

Right behind GPS III SV02, eight more contracted GPS III satellites are moving through production flow at Lockheed Martin's nearly 40,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art GPS III Processing Facility near Denver.

GPS III SV03 recently completed initial power on of its bus, which contains the electronics that operate the satellite. The company received SV03's navigation payload from its supplier, Harris Corporation, in May. After further system testing, SV03 will be ready for full integration later this fall.

GPS III SV04's major electronics are being populated as it prepares for its own initial power on. This satellite's navigation payload is expected to arrive and be integrated into its space vehicle before the end of the year.

Components of the next six satellites, GPS III SV05-10, are arriving at Lockheed Martin daily from more than 250 suppliers in 29 states. To date, more than 70 percent of parts and materials for SV05-08 have been received. The company was put under production contract for SV09-10 in late 2016.

All of these satellites are now following the Air Force's first GPS III satellite, GPS III SV01, through a proven assembly, integration and test flow. SV01 completed its final Factory Functional Qualification Testing and was placed into storage in February 2017 ahead of its expected 2018 launch.

Investing in the Future of GPS III

With multiple satellites now in production, Lockheed Martin engineers are building GPS III smarter and faster. Key to their success is the company's GPS III Processing Facility, a cleanroom manufacturing center designed in a virtual-reality environment to maximize production efficiency. Lockheed Martin invested $128 million in the new center, which opened in 2011.

The company's unique satellite design includes a flexible, modular architecture that allows for the easy insertion of new technology as it becomes available in the future or if the Air Force's mission needs change. Satellites based off this design also will already be compatible with both the Air Force's next generation Operational Control System (OCX) and the existing GPS constellation.

"From day one, GPS III has been a team effort and our successes would not have been possible without a strong Air Force partnership. GPS III will ensure the U.S. maintains the gold standard for positioning, navigation and timing," said Stewart. "We look forward to bringing GPS III's new capabilities to our warfighters and beginning to launch these satellites in 2018."

The GPS III team is led by the Global Positioning Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

For additional GPS III information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: Newton_V on 11/17/2017 09:59 pm
I would change the thread title to: Spring 2019
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: gongora on 11/17/2017 10:03 pm
I would change the thread title to: Spring 2019

Would you also change the SpaceX launches to be after that?
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: Newton_V on 11/17/2017 10:12 pm
I would change the thread title to: Spring 2019

Would you also change the SpaceX launches to be after that?

I don't know, but it's quite possible (likely?) GPS will launch on F9 before Delta IV.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: vaporcobra on 05/25/2018 10:12 pm
SV02 completed thermal vacuum testing in December 2017 and is "expected to be declared 'Available for Launch' this summer."
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 08/21/2018 01:14 pm
News Release Issued: Aug 21, 2018 (9:07am EDT)


U.S. Air Force Declares Second Lockheed Martin GPS III Satellite "Available for Launch"

GPS III Space Vehicle 02 (GPS III SV02) is complete, tested and expected to launch in 2019

DENVER, Aug. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As the first Lockheed Martin-built (NYSE: LMT) GPS III satellite prepares to ship to the launch pad, the U.S. Air Force has declared that the second GPS III satellite is complete, fully tested and ready to launch.

The Air Force's "Available for Launch" declaration is the final acceptance of Lockheed Martin's second GPS III Space Vehicle (GPS III SV02) – declaring it technically sound and ready to launch. GPS III SV02 will bring new capabilities to U.S. and allied military forces, and a new civil signal that will improve future connectivity worldwide for commercial and civilian users.

GPS III SV02 now awaits official call up for launch in Lockheed Martin's GPS III Processing Facility clean room in Denver. In June, the Air Force officially called up its first GPS III satellite for launch.

"The first GPS III satellite, GPS III SV01, was declared 'Available for Launch' in September 2017. It is now being prepared for shipment to Cape Canaveral, Florida for a launch before the end of the year," said Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin's program manager for Navigation Systems. "With two GPS III satellites now ready for launch, and the third GPS III expected to be ready by early next year, we're building strong momentum. These satellites will soon begin modernizing the current GPS constellation with new capabilities and more advanced technology."

GPS III will be the most powerful GPS satellite ever on orbit. GPS III will have three times better accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities. GPS III's new L1C civil signal also will make it the first GPS satellite to be interoperable with other international global navigation satellite systems.

Lockheed Martin is now in full production on ten GPS III satellites at its GPS III Processing Facility near Denver.

In June, GPS III SV03 completed Thermal Vacuum testing, strenuous environmental trials simulating operations in the harshest space environments. In May, the antenna deck was added to GPS III SV04, fully integrating it into a complete satellite ready to begin environmental testing.

Right behind GPS III SV04 on the production line, the fifth, sixth and seventh GPS III satellites are in component build-up. The fifth satellite already has its navigation payload and is expected to be fully assembled later this summer. To date, more than 90 percent of parts and materials for all 10 satellites under contract have been received.

In April, the company submitted a proposal to the government to build up to 22 additional GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) satellites which would bring even further enhanced capabilities to the GPS constellation's more than four billion users.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: gongora on 09/12/2018 02:30 am
Cross-posts; Telstar 18 Vantage (APStar 5C) launch delayed 24 hours:
Tweet from Jeff Foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1037824119511896065):
Quote
Shotwell confirmed after the panel that the Falcon 9/Telstar 18 Vantage launch slipped a day to Sunday night (EDT), didn’t specify a reason.
And:
Quote
Now targeting September 9 launch of Telstar 18 VANTAGE from Pad 40 in Florida. Rocket and payload are healthy; additional time will be used to complete pre-flight checkouts.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1037843911870316545 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1037843911870316545)
***

From SFN launch schedule, September 6 update (https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/):
Delta IV-Heavy/NROL-71 delayed from September 26 to December 3.

Delta IV-Medium/WGS-10 launches on January 23, 2019.

Falcon 9/Dragon CRS-17 delayed from NET February 1 to February 17, 2019.

Minotaur I/NROL-111 delayed from December 2018 to 2nd quarter 2019.

Delta IV-Medium/GPS III-2 launches on April 4, 2019.

Falcon 9/GPS III-3 delayed from August 2019 to October 2019.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 09/12/2018 09:00 pm
This is the last Delta IV-Medium launch.

More particularly, it's the Delta IV-M variety with a 4-meter diameter upper stage and 2 solid rocket boosters.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 12/18/2018 08:36 pm
Will the same be true for the DCSS on this launch?
Is the 2nd stage de-orbit a requirement from the USAF, or is it a choice by SpaceX?  (Or something else?)

It's a requirement.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III-2 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: Newton_V on 12/18/2018 09:04 pm
Will the same be true for the DCSS on this launch?
Is the 2nd stage de-orbit a requirement from the USAF, or is it a choice by SpaceX?  (Or something else?)

It's a requirement.

Yes, there is a de-orbit burn for this mission.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : NET April 2019
Post by: vapour_nudge on 12/26/2018 05:34 am
According to SFN this launch will now take place in the summer of 2019 to allow more time for the checkout of the first GPS 3 satellite
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : NET mid 2019
Post by: Norm38 on 12/26/2018 03:17 pm
Ah, this is where GPS III -2 is. I was confused because SpaceX has 1, 3 and 4.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 01/17/2019 09:56 pm
Launch month update: July 2019
Source: SFN Launch Schedule (https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/), updated Jan. 16
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 03/04/2019 09:45 pm
Cross-post from the WGS-10 launch thread:
From the post with Starliner adapter unloading pictures (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=43958.msg1875342#msg1875342), it looks like the first stage for WGS-10 was also being delivered on the Mariner.
<snip>
***

I wonder if the DCSS was also aboard?

According to launch updates at https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-wgs-10 , dated Jan. 26, 2019
Quote
The common booster core first stage and the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage arrived in July, 2018 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station from our factory in Decatur, Alabama, sailing to Florida aboard the Mariner cargo vessel.
Delivery was earlier than first appeared!

By process of elimination, this November 2018 delivery could be the CBC of this last Delta-IV Medium!  If not both the CBC and DCSS.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 03/12/2019 09:41 pm
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html
Quote
And the final launch of a Delta 4 medium version rocket will loft the second next-generation GPS III series satellite on July 25.

EDIT 3/16 UTC: This is it--one more Delta Medium launch to go.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: gongora on 03/21/2019 12:28 am
GPS III Space Vehicle 02 “Magellan” arrives in Florida; Prepares for July launch (https://www.losangeles.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1790980/gps-iii-space-vehicle-02-magellan-arrives-in-florida-prepares-for-july-launch/)
Quote
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. --
The U.S. Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center’s Global Positioning Systems Directorate achieved another major program milestone March 19, successfully delivering the second GPS III Space Vehicle to Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville, Florida to begin satellite launch processing.

 “The shipment of this second GPS III satellite is once again an excellent representation of the collaborative effort and increasing efficiencies of SMC’s push towards rapid acquisitions and operations of space technologies,” said Lt Gen John F. Thompson, SMC commander and Air Force program executive officer for Space. “We are adding this second GPS III satellite just seven months from the launch of the inaugural Block III space vehicle, continuing our objective of modernizing GPS.”           

The satellite, dubbed “Magellan” in honor of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth, was transported in a custom container from the Lockheed Martin factory facility in Waterton, Colorado to the Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville, Florida, by a C-17 Globemaster III originating from Shepherd Field Air National Guard Base, West Virginia, 167th Air Lift Wing. The transportation crew consisted of both contractor and government personnel who oversaw the entire operation to ensure that the conditions of the transport environment would not damage any of the satellite’s sensitive components.

The delivery of SV02 starts the clock for final testing and checkout of the spacecraft prior to launch. Like SV01, this satellite will be processed at the Astrotech Space Operations Florida facility. A government and contractor team will ensure the full functionality of the satellite by performing various tests. Processing this time around will gain efficiencies from lessons learned on SV01. As the spacecraft nears launch, the team will prepare for propellant loading and will encapsulate the satellite into its protective fairing supplied by the launch provider. At the completion of these activities, the satellite will be integrated with the United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Delta IV launch vehicle. It is significant to note that GPS III SV02 will be the final payload to catch a ride on the Delta IV (4, 2) configuration of ULA’s Launch Vehicle.

 “As we prepare to launch this second GPS III satellite, we acknowledge a major transition of the GPS III program into a production program.” said Col. Steve Whitney, director of the GPS Directorate. “Having successfully launched our ‘Satellite of Firsts,’ Vespucci, last December; we now look forward to a more regular pace of launches with this one and several more just on the horizon, as we continue to uphold the Gold Standard in space based position, navigation, and timing.”

GPS III SV02 is currently slated to launch in July this year. Once on-orbit it will join the operational constellation of 31 GPS satellites. GPS delivers the world’s gold standard in positioning, navigation, and timing services supporting vital U.S. and allied operations worldwide, underpinning critical financial, transportation, and agricultural infrastructure that billions of users have come to depend on daily.

Media representatives who would like to interview a subject matter expert or learn more about the GPS III SV02 launch should send an email to [email protected].
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: Targeteer on 03/22/2019 01:49 am
https://twitter.com/AFSpace/status/1108850865417453568
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 03/22/2019 12:52 pm
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 03/27/2019 08:41 am
News Release Issued: Mar 26, 2019 (11:03am EDT)

Second Lockheed Martin-Built GPS III Satellite for the U.S. Air Force Arrives In Cape Canaveral For July Launch
Satellite Will Bring New Technology and Capabilities To Modernize the GPS Constellation

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida, March 26, 2019 – The U.S. Air Force’s second new GPS III satellite, bringing higher-power, more accurate and harder-to-jam signals to the GPS constellation, has arrived in Florida for launch.

On March 18, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) shipped the Air Force’s second GPS III space vehicle (GPS III SV02) to Cape Canaveral for an expected July launch. Designed and built at Lockheed Martin’s GPS III Processing Facility near Denver, the satellite traveled from Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, to the Cape on a massive Air Force C-17 aircraft. The Air Force nicknamed the GPS III SV02 “Magellan” after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

GPS III is the most powerful and resilient GPS satellite ever put on orbit. Developed with an entirely new design, for U.S. and allied forces, it will have three times greater accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities over the previous GPS II satellite design block, which makes up today’s GPS constellation.

GPS III also will be the first GPS satellite to broadcast the new L1C civil signal. Shared by other international global navigation satellite systems, like Galileo, the L1C signal will improve future connectivity worldwide for commercial and civilian users.

The Air Force began modernizing the GPS constellation with new technology and capabilities with the December 23, 2018 launch of its first GPS III satellite. GPS III SV01 is now receiving and responding to commands from Lockheed Martin’s Launch and Checkout Center at the company’s Denver facility.

“After orbit raising and antenna deployments, we switched on GPS III SV01’s powerful signal-generating navigation payload and on Jan. 8 began broadcasting signals,” Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President for Navigation Systems. “Our on orbit testing continues, but the navigation payload’s capabilities have exceeded expectations and the satellite is operating completely healthy.”

GPS III SV02 is the second of ten new GPS III satellites under contract and in full production at Lockheed Martin. GPS III SV03-08 are now in various stages of assembly and test. The Air Force declared the second GPS III “Available for Launch” in August and, in November, called GPS III SV02 up for its 2019 launch.

In September 2018, the Air Force selected Lockheed Martin for the GPS III Follow On (GPS IIIF) program, an estimated $7.2 billion opportunity to build up to 22 additional GPS IIIF satellites with additional capabilities. GPS IIIF builds off Lockheed Martin’s existing modular GPS III, which was designed to evolve with new technology and changing mission needs. On September 26, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.4 billion contract for support to start up the program and to contract the 11th and 12th GPS III satellite.

Once declared operational, GPS III SV01 and SV02 are expected to take their place in today’s 31 satellite strong GPS constellation, which provides positioning, navigation and timing services to more than four billion civil, commercial and military users.

For additional GPS III information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 04/27/2019 01:53 am
Brief note re: GPS III SV-02 launch processing at Astrotech:
Cape Canaveral preparing for key military launches (https://spacenews.com/cape-canaveral-preparing-for-key-military-launches/), dated April 24
Quote
Johnathon Caldwell, program manager for Lockheed Martin’s navigation systems, said the company wrapped up checkout testing in Florida in late March and won’t resume operations until May when preparations will begin for satellite fueling and integration with the Delta 4 fairing.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 05/22/2019 04:55 pm
GPS III SV02 Shipping to Launch

Lockheed Martin's second GPS III satellite for the U.S. Air Force is packed for shipping to Cape Canaveral for launch.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: RocketLover0119 on 06/01/2019 12:30 pm
Delta Mariner arrived in Port Canaveral this morning, and while yes, the main attractions is the atlas core aboard, the core for this mission was also onboard.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1134780430392201216
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: TGMetsFan98 on 06/01/2019 12:46 pm
Delta Mariner arrived in Port Canaveral this morning, and while yes, the main attractions is the atlas core aboard, the core for this mission was also onboard.

https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1134780430392201216

The core for this mission was already at the cape as of April: https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1116015886241075200

The core on board Delta Mariner is for NROL-44 next year.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37 : July 25, 2019
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/06/2019 07:58 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1136711154833793027

Quote
The launch campaign is underway for United Launch Alliance's final Delta IV Medium rocket, which will deploy a new navigation satellite for the Global Positioning System on July 25.

Mission blog: ulalaunch.com/missions/delta…
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 06/08/2019 04:42 pm
Some complementary launch campaign coverage to the ULA tweet:
Final ‘single stick’ Delta 4-Medium rocket arrives at Florida launch pad (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/06/07/final-single-stick-delta-4-medium-rocket-arrives-at-florida-launch-pad/), dated June 7
Quote
Positioned on a 36-wheel diesel-fueled transporter, the Delta 4’s first and second stages — already mated together — emerged from ULA’s Horizontal Integration Facility on May 28 for the short drive to Cape Canaveral’s Complex 37 launch pad. A hydraulic lift raised the rocket vertical inside the launch pad’s mobile gantry May 29, and workers installed a pair of solid-fueled boosters on each side of the orange first stage May 31 and June 3.

The Delta 4’s first and second stages, powered by hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne engines, were connected together inside ULA’s hangar near the launch pad before last week’s rollout.
<snip>
[GPS III SV02] will be added atop the Delta 4 rocket closer to launch, wrapped inside the launcher’s protective nose cone.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: PM3 on 06/12/2019 01:37 pm
Launch window on July 25 is 10:55–11:21 am EDT (14:55–15:21 UTC).

http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/13/2019 03:11 pm
Confirmed:

https://twitter.com/AF_SMC/status/1138936288277458944

Quote
GPS III SV02 launch window opens at 10:55 a.m. EDT Jul. 25 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. #SpaceStartsHere #GPSIIISV02 #DeltaIV #SMC #LAAFB #AFSPC #USAF #45SW #Driveto48 #EpicSpeed #Magellan #GPSIIILaunchDay
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: gongora on 06/20/2019 12:01 am
https://twitter.com/AF_SMC/status/1141495330694815744
Quote
Fill ‘er up! It’s almost GO time!: GPS III SV02 “Magellan” has reached another milestone on the road to its July launch after being loaded with 3200.9 lbs of high-purity hydrazine (N2H4) and 1559.4 lbm of oxidizer (N204). #SpaceStartsHere #GPSIIISV02 #DeltaIV #SMC #LAAFB #AFSPC
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 06/28/2019 07:49 am
GPS III Space Vehicle 02 encapsulated ahead of planned July launch

June 27, 2019

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- 

The Air Force’s Lockheed Martin-built Global Positioning System III satellite was encapsulated within the United Launch Alliance (ULA) payload fairing at Astrotech June 26 in preparation for its upcoming launch next month at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The USAF Space and Missile Systems Center, home to the vanguard of satellite acquisition professionals, and the nation’s launch procurer of choice, was responsible for GPS III SV02’s rigorous Mission Assurance certifications and testing leading to full launch- and mission-readiness.

Encapsulation within the payload fairing protects it against the impact of dynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating during its harrowing journey through Earth’s atmosphere, and supports the ability to communicate with the satellite until separation from the rocket on orbit.

GPS III SV02, known as “Magellan,” in honor of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the Earth, is now ready to be rolled out to its pad at Space Launch Complex-37, where it will be mated with the ULA Delta IV (4,2) rocket. This will be the final launch for the Delta IV (4,2) configuration. It is scheduled for liftoff on July 25 at 10:55 a.m. EDT.

SMC conducted a rigorous source selection to ensure the Delta IV rocket met all mission requirements. SMC is responsible for all Mission Assurance analyses, which encompass technical evaluations of the products, system requirements verification and validation and examining every single piece of hardware that builds the rocket. This due diligence enables Magellan to be reliably placed on orbit to meet civilian and Warfighter communications needs.

Magellan will join the current 31-satellite operational constellation, plus one GPS III satellite currently undergoing on-orbit checkout, to continue providing the “Gold Standard” in positioning, navigation and timing services for more than four billion users worldwide. The encapsulation brings Magellan one-step closer to launch.

This second GPS III launch exemplifies SMC’s transition to the new SMC 2.0 - Production Corps construct, with more satellites awaiting their ride to orbit. As the U.S. enters a new era with space as a Warfighting domain, SMC is spearheading the way with more significant U.S. acquisition agility initiatives that will drive innovation within the space enterprise and speed the delivery of crucial new capabilities to Warfighters.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 07/03/2019 12:38 am
Encapsulation photos:

https://twitter.com/AF_SMC/status/1146188765716721665

Quote
GPS III SV02 successfully passed its final checkouts and was encapsulated last week at Astrotech’s processing facility. One step closer to launch! #SMC #SpaceStartsHere #GPSIIISV02 #DeltaIV  #LAAFB #AFSPC #USAF #45SW #EpicSpeed #Magellan #GPSIIILaunchDay #Summeroflaunch
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 07/12/2019 01:30 pm
Lockheed Martin’s Second GPS III satellite is encapsulated prior to launch.

The second Lockheed Martin-built GPS III space vehicle (GPS III SV02) was recently encapsulated within its protective fairings in preparation for launch.

Photo credit: Lockheed Martin
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : July 25, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 07/12/2019 01:31 pm
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019
Post by: Chris Bergin on 07/17/2019 02:54 pm
ULA: (Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., July 17, 2019) The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the GPS III SV02 mission for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center is delayed, due to an anomaly during component testing at a supplier which has created a cross-over concern. Upon further evaluation, additional time is needed to replace and retest the component on the launch vehicle. Launch of the GPS III SV02 mission is now targeted for no earlier than Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019
Post by: russianhalo117 on 07/23/2019 09:22 pm
Potentially the last DIV to fly RL10B-2 ahead of planned switch to RL10C-2 on DCSS and ICPS (NET flight 2). RL10C-2 switch per AR and ULA documentation published over the years through 2019.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019
Post by: jacqmans on 07/25/2019 01:31 pm
Acting Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Donovan is shown United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV rocket on Space Launch Complex-37 on July 19, 2019, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Donovan visited the 45th Space Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., to become more familiar with space launch operations
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 07/25/2019 07:14 pm
Cross-post:
http://www.launchphotography.com/Delta_4_Atlas_5_Falcon_9_Launch_Viewing.html
Quote
The next Delta 4 launch from Cape Canaveral will be the final launch of the medium version of the Delta 4 rocket, flying with two solid rocket boosters, and will loft the second next-generation GPS III series satellite on August 22 at 9:00am EDT. The launch window extends to 9:27am EDT.
9:00 am - 9:27 am EDT = 1300 - 1327 UTC
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/01/2019 10:48 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1157005406197207041

Quote
The next @AF_SMC Global Positioning System navigation satellite #GPSIIISV02 Magellan, built by @LockheedMartin, has moved to the launch pad and successfully hoisted atop its #DeltaIV rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for liftoff Aug. 22. https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-gps-iii-sv-2
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/16/2019 06:39 pm
Pictures from ULA
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/17/2019 03:46 am
More ULA photos
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/20/2019 06:14 am
Press kit is out. Glad to see the upper stage being sent to an ocean impact after delivering the payload to a 1200 km by 20185 km 55.0° orbit.

https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-gps-iii-sv-2
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/20/2019 06:15 am
Mission poster.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 08/20/2019 03:46 pm
Also at https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-gps-iii-sv-2 , dated August 20
Launch Readiness Review completed
Launch managers have approved entering the countdown for liftoff Thursday of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the second Global Positioning System III (GPS III SV02) spacecraft for the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center.

The Launch Readiness Review, chaired by Paul Aragon, ULA's launch director for this mission, was completed this morning at the Delta Operations Center. Leaders from ULA and the Air Force assessed all aspects pf mission readiness, discussed the status of pre-flight processing work, heard technical overviews of the countdown and flight, and previewed the weather forecast.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the managers were polled, gave a unanimous "ready" for launch and then signed the Launch Readiness Certificate.

Thursday's launch is scheduled for 9:00:30 a.m. EDT (1300:30 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The available window extends to 9:27 a.m., a duration of 26 minutes and 30 seconds.

Launch opportunities will be available at the top and bottom of every minute during the launch window, giving us a total of 54 shots for launching throughout the window.

The official launch weather forecast, according to the 45th Weather Squadron, has improved to an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions for the liftoff, with scattered clouds, southeasterly winds at 8 peaking to 12 knots and a temperature near 84 degrees F. The only concern will be showers offshore drifting too close to the launch area, causing a launch weather rule violation for cumulus clouds or flight through precipitation.

United Launch Alliance will provide complete live coverage of the night owl countdown in this blog starting Wednesday night at 11:45 p.m. EDT (0345 UTC). Our Live Launch Updates Blog brings you official and timely information during the Delta IV rocket's countdown with automatically-refreshing updates.

The live launch webcast begins on this page Thursday at L-20 minutes, or 8:40 a.m. EDT (1240 UTC).
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: gongora on 08/20/2019 07:40 pm
[Florida Today] This 24-year-old engineer will be ‘on console’ for final flight of ULA's Delta IV medium rocket (https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2019/08/20/delta-iv-medium-set-final-launch-thursday/2052497001/)
Quote
Every mission has unique challenges and this one is no different. On Thursday morning the ULA Delta IV medium will launch an Air Force GPS communication satellite. But it was originally slated to launch on an Atlas V rocket so it has two adapters, one for the Delta and the other for the Atlas, and they're stacked on top of each other.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/21/2019 02:08 pm
https://youtu.be/8nbMUMqeBKM
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/21/2019 06:46 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164242920469409795

Quote
The 15th and last mission for United Launch Alliance Delta IV medium rocket carrying the GPSIII satellite for a 9:00am launch tomorrow morning from launch pad 37! @45thSpaceWing @ulalaunch @torybruno @ExploreSpaceKSC
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 06:32 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164396719616012288
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 06:32 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164413022766604288
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 06:33 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164416968188973056
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 06:33 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164422006433075200
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 06:37 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164425986491985920
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 06:41 am
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 07:10 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164432145072513024
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 07:37 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164441224138428417
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 07:44 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164442643700637697
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 07:49 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164443501603545088
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 08:10 am
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164449298005798912
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: nzguy on 08/22/2019 08:21 am
Looking forward to this launch and seeing another operational GPS III satellites. GPS III SV01 completed its tests and according to published research articles is providing the highest quality signals of all GNSS satellites launched so far.

Below is some information I got from the CGSIC mailing list:
Quote
GPS III Space Vehicle 02 Launch scheduled for 22 August 2019
All CGSIC:

On August 22nd, the Air Force plans to launch the second satellite in the Block III series of modernized GPS spacecraft with entry into the operational constellation planned for Spring 2020.  The Air Force has 10 GPS III satellites in development and has awarded a contract for GPSIII SV-11 through SV-32.  GPS III features new clocks, L1C (a new civil signal), and other upgrades for enhanced accuracy and robustness.  Currently, there are 31 GPS satellites in operational service, including 12 Block IIF satellites and 19 spacecraft from previous generations.  To learn more about the GPS constellation, go to www.GPS.gov.  GPS III SVs will be launched and checked out using the new ground control software, GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Block 0.  This OCX Block 0 system, also known as the GPS III Launch and Checkout System (LCS), completed end-to-end factory mission readiness testing with the first GPS III satellite to ensure seamless operation and successfully performed GPS III SV-01 launch and early orbit checkout.  Successful completion of these tests provided a high level of confidence for the satellite’s ability to survive the launch environment, reach its operational orbit, and perform its mission.

Delta IV to Launch GPS III SV02

Rocket: Delta IV Medium+ (4,2)
 • Mission: Global Positioning System III SV-2
 • Launch Date: Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019
 • Launch Time: The 27-minute launch window opens at 9 a.m. EDT • Live Broadcast: 8:40 a.m. EDT  ( https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/delta-iv-gps-iii-sv-2 )
 • Launch Location: Space Launch Complex-37, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

Mission Information: United Launch Alliance will use a Delta IV rocket to launch the second Global Positioning System III (GPS III) satellite built by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. GPS III represents the next step in modernization of the worldwide navigation network with a new generation of advanced satellites offering improved accuracy, better anti-jam resiliency and a new signal for civil users.

Launch Notes: GPS III SV02 will be the 29th and final flight of the Delta IV Medium rocket, the 73rd GPS launch by a ULA or heritage vehicle and marks ULA's 135th mission. Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, dial the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321 or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch,  twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch ; hashtags #DeltaIV #GPSIIISV02.

Constellation Changes:  The Air Force Second Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS) indicates that GPS III SV02, SVN-75/PRN-52, will replace SVN-45/PRN-21 in the D plane slot 3. The GLAN is (D-3, 11.37 degrees).

V/R Rick Hamilton

CGSIC Executive Secretariat

GPS Information Analysis Team Lead

U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center

703-313-5930

Of particular note is the proposed PRN number 52 which I assume will be for testing. People might not realise but for many years the GPS ICD has allowed for PRN numbers up to 64, though almost every commercial receiver currently only tracks up to PRN 32 so it might be a while before it shows up as receivers will need firmware updates.

I imagine once the satellite has finished testing it might be placed into either PRN 4 or PRN 21.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 08:22 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164450584281440261
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 08:22 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164451125170511872
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 09:09 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164458052172603393
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 09:09 am
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164463926144372736
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 09:14 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164465495392825346
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 09:35 am
FEATURE ARTICLE: Delta IV Medium aims for well-earned retirement with GPS finale -

By Chris Gebhardt

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/08/delta-iv-medium-retirement-gps-finale/

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1164471087461208065
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 09:54 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164475051627991041
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:03 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164484136893128704
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:03 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164487648418906112
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:04 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164490529515737088
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:12 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164493899794198528
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:14 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164495799994204160
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:42 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164502974661615616
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:52 am
https://twitter.com/ExploreSpaceKSC/status/1164503990337511426
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:55 am
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164506145110650881
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 11:56 am
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164506243504988160
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:00 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 12:01 pm
Everyday Astronaut will also be live streaming this launch:

https://youtu.be/SnGD__egREQ
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 12:18 pm
Thomas:

https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1164511055541874689
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:18 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164510974918791168
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 12:18 pm
Webcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AgiyxDoXtE
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:28 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164514204893831168
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:31 pm
Less then 10 minutes to start of webcast.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 12:34 pm
Chris G listening to the loop says two issues being worked. GH2 leak and another "out of limits" issue.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:36 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164516134063878144
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:36 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164516057106665472
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:37 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164516897804750848
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:39 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164517270040784896
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:40 pm
Not for resale.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:42 pm
Webcast has begun.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 12:42 pm
ULA webcast say no issues in work, so they must have cleared them.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:43 pm
Our host.

Weather is 90% go. Winds are 5 m/s, 28.1 C temp.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:44 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164517934678626304
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: joncz on 08/22/2019 12:44 pm
Typical warm Florida morning.  :o

Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:46 pm
L-15 minutes. Vehicle description.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:46 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164518800592707585
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:47 pm
Vehicle preparation.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:48 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164519372448305152
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:49 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164519741253439491
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:49 pm
L-12 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:50 pm
Describing logo.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 12:50 pm
Tributes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:51 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164520162382503937
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:51 pm
Launch dedication.

L-10 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:52 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164520377617395712
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:52 pm
L-9 minutes. Solar radiation acceptable.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:54 pm
L-8 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:54 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164521134165024768
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:55 pm
L-7 minutes. Poll board. Extending built in hold by five minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:56 pm
L-6 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:56 pm
New T-0 of 13:06:00 UTC.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:57 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164521676014608385
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: joncz on 08/22/2019 12:57 pm
There's my son!
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:58 pm
L-9 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 12:59 pm
L-8 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 12:59 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164522490149986304
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:00 pm
L-7 minutes. Performing poll.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:00 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164522669800349698
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:01 pm
L-6 minutes. Go for launch.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:02 pm
Completed poll.

L-5 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:02 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164523120595820546
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:03 pm
T-4 minutes and counting.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:04 pm
T-3 minutes. FTS internal.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:05 pm
T-2 minutes. Vehicle internal.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 01:05 pm
Overnight photos released by ULA
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:06 pm
T-1 minute. Range green.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:06 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164524142764396549
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:07 pm
Liftoff!
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:07 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164524570956771329
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 01:08 pm
Launch clip:

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1164524554594729984
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:08 pm
T+1 minute. Passing maxQ.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:08 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164524753123717120
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:09 pm
Booster separation.

T+2 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:09 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164524825664249857
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:10 pm
T+3 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:10 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164525214635646978
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:11 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164525439978577922
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:11 pm
T+4 minutes.

First stage separation.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:12 pm
Fairing separation.

T+5 minutes,
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:13 pm
T+6 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:14 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164526048257511424
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:14 pm
T+7 minutes. Talking about oldest GPS satellite. 24 years and still going!
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:15 pm
T+8 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:15 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164526368287272961
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:16 pm
T+9 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:17 pm
T+10 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:18 pm
T+11 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:19 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164527218296406016
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:19 pm
T+12 minutes. Talking about designing launch trajectory.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:19 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164527594722795520
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:20 pm
T+13 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/22/2019 01:20 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164527471271669760
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:21 pm
Cutoff!
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:22 pm
Talking about previous Delta IV launches. Upcoming events.

Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:23 pm
T+16 minutes.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 01:24 pm
Tribute video:

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1164528618577518599
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Chris Bergin on 08/22/2019 01:24 pm
Mike Deep photo:

https://twitter.com/mike_deep/status/1164527185367097348
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:25 pm
Launch replay and end of webcast.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: lucspace on 08/22/2019 01:26 pm
Two birds...
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:01 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/22/2019 01:29 pm
Upcoming events.

1:06:47.3 Second Main Engine Start (MES-2)
1:10:14.6 Second Main Engine Cutoff (MECO-2)
1:55:26.6 GPS III Magellan Separation
2:30:55.2 Third Main Engine Start (MES-3)
2:31:10.5 Third Main Engine Cutoff (MECO-3)
3:07:50.5 End of Mission
7:08:36.3 Ocean Impact
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: nzguy on 08/22/2019 01:32 pm
Will the second burn be visible on the ground? It looks like its going to be directly south of the Australian East coast, and there is clear night skies around here currently.

I think I worked out the second burn will be from 14:12:47 to 14:16:14 UTC
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 01:48 pm
John Kraus never disappoints:

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1164527487482847232

Quote
Liftoff! ULA’s Delta IV Medium rocket soars into the skies for the final time, launching the second GPS III satellite, dubbed “Magellan,” for the U.S. Air Force. Liftoff occurred from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral at 9:06am EDT.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Alter Sachse on 08/22/2019 01:51 pm
SVN 75 ?
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Newton_V on 08/22/2019 01:51 pm
Will the second burn be visible on the ground? It looks like its going to be directly south of the Australian East coast, and there is clear night skies around here currently.

I think I worked out the second burn will be from 14:12:47 to 14:16:14 UTC
Should be over 650 nmi altitude at that time.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 02:18 pm
These are fab too:

https://twitter.com/mike_deep/status/1164532036620759041

Quote
What a beautiful launch. I'm gonna miss these Delta IVs with the solid boosters. #DeltaIV #GPSIIISV02 @NASASpaceflight @torybruno

https://twitter.com/mhaskellphoto/status/1164541607510777856

Quote
What a way to send a rocket into the history books! Congrats @torybruno and @ulalaunch on a successful end to the Delta Medium program! #GPSIIISV02
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 02:19 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164540973352796161

Quote
Ignition

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164541051740180480

Quote
RL10 nominal. Body rates are good

https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164541812561731584

Quote
Clean MECO
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: gongora on 08/22/2019 02:20 pm
Propellant mass on the satellite (2159kg):

https://twitter.com/AF_SMC/status/1164475866585452545
Quote
Fill ‘er up! It’s almost GO time!: GPS III SV02 “Magellan” has reached another milestone on the road to launch after being loaded with 3200.9 lbs of high-purity hydrazine (N2H4) and 1559.4 lbm of oxidizer (N204). #SpaceStartsHere #GPSIIISV02 #DeltaIV #Magellan #GPSIIILaunchDay
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: nzguy on 08/22/2019 02:21 pm
Didn't see anything obvious. I guess if you had a big telescope you would be able to see it.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: bombyx on 08/22/2019 03:10 pm
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164553219068051456

Quote
Separation confirmed! The United Launch Alliance #DeltaIV rocket has released #GPSIIISV02 into the targeted orbit for @usairforce @AF_SMC @LockheedMartin to improve the quality of military navigation and expand civil capabilities. Live updates: http://bit.ly/div_gpsiiisv2
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 03:12 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1164555651638366208

Quote
135
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/22/2019 04:14 pm
Launch photos from ULA
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: RocketLover0119 on 08/22/2019 04:38 pm
John. Kraus.

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1164576296271319040
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: gongora on 08/22/2019 05:07 pm
Spaceflight Now has this for the GPS III SV02 mass:
https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1164553297434484736
Quote
Spacecraft separation confirmed. The 8,170-pound (3,705-kilogram) GPS 3 SV02 navigation satellite has deployed from the Delta 4 rocket’s second stage to begin a 15-year mission serving military and civilian users around the world. https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/08/22/delta-384-mission-status-center/

From GPS III SV01 launch I found this:
https://twitter.com/AF_SMC/status/1076853183375323137
Quote
A scheduled 46-second firing of Falcon 9's second stage Merlin engine will inject the roughly 9,700 lbs. GPS III SV01 into a higher, elliptical orbit closer to its final location approximately 12,550 miles (22,200 kilometers) above the Earth.
#SpaceStartsHere #GPSIIISV01 #Falcon9

Would anyone happen to know if both of those numbers are correct?
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: RocketLover0119 on 08/22/2019 05:13 pm
Mike Deep of NSF with his remotes, blimey:

https://twitter.com/mike_deep/status/1164585460494196736
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: zubenelgenubi on 08/22/2019 06:59 pm
Cross-post:
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1164565661969977347

My bold:
Quote
The traditional quick-look post-flight data review of today’s mission has occurred. Our official liftoff time was 9:06:00.167 a.m. EDT. The Delta IV Medium vehicle retires with a 100 percent mission success record in its 17 [years.] See our blog: http://bit.ly/div_gpsiiisv2
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/23/2019 05:55 am
Northrop Grumman Supports ULA Delta IV Medium+ Launch of GPS III SV02

Northrop Grumman flies final GEM 60 series rocket motors

DULLES, Va. – Aug. 22, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) provided the rocket boosters for today’s successful launch and deployment of the U.S. Air Force’s second Global Positioning System III-series satellite (GPS III SV02) on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Medium-Plus (M+) configuration rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. This launch marks the final flight for Northrop Grumman’s Graphite Epoxy Motors 60 (GEM 60) series rocket motors.

Northrop Grumman Supports ULA Delta IV Medium Launch of GPS III SV02
“Northrop Grumman’s long and successful rocket heritage plays an important role in maintaining assured access to space for national security,” said Charlie Precourt, vice president, propulsion systems, Northrop Grumman. “As we retire the 100 percent successful GEM 60, we look forward to flying evolved GEM motors on the Atlas V and future vehicles.”

For ULA’s Delta IV M+ configuration rocket, Northrop Grumman provided two 60-inch-diameter GEM 60 motors. At 53 feet long, the boosters burned for 90 seconds and together provided more than 560,000 pounds of thrust.

Northrop Grumman first began developing the GEM 60 motors to increase the payload-to-orbit capability of the Delta IV M+ launch vehicle ahead of its 2002 inaugural launch. This flight marks the final flight of GEM 60 motors after 17 years of 100 percent success. In total, the company manufactured 86 GEM 60 motors to be flown on 26 Delta IV launches.

From the GEM 60 motor, Northrop Grumman developed the 63-inch Graphite Epoxy Motor (GEM 63) and GEM 63XL variations under a cooperative development program with ULA. Up to five GEM 63 strap-on boosters can support a single Atlas V launch vehicle. The first GEM 63 boosters will fly in 2020. The GEM 63XL motor, currently in development, will support ULA’s Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle.

Northrop Grumman also produced several components and structures that flew on today’s mission that included: the interstage, centerbody, thermal shield, composite payload fairing, payload attach fitting and the payload attach fitting diaphragm.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 08/23/2019 06:57 am
SVN 75 ?

Yes.

https://amerisurv.com/2019/08/20/gps-iii-space-vehicle-02-launch-scheduled-for-22-august-2019/

"The Air Force Second Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS) indicates that GPS III SV02, SVN-75/PRN-52, will replace SVN-45/PRN-21 in the D plane slot 3. The GLAN is (D-3, 11.37 degrees)."

Congratulations to ULA and USAF for the successful launch of the last Delta IV Medium!
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/23/2019 08:15 am
News Release Issued: Aug 22, 2019 (11:21am EDT)


Second Lockheed Martin-Built Next Generation GPS III Satellite Responding to Commands, Under Self-Propulsion
First GPS III Satellite Successfully Completes On-Orbit Testing

DENVER, Aug. 22, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force's second next-generation GPS III satellite, built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), is responding to commands, under control and now using its own internal propulsion system to get to orbit following its successful launch this morning.

At about 11:01 a.m. ET, Air Force and Lockheed Martin engineers at Lockheed Martin's Launch & Checkout Facility near Denver declared they had full control of GPS III Space Vehicle 02 (GPS III SV02) shortly after the satellite's separation from its United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket booster. The satellite, nicknamed "Magellan" by the Air Force, began its rocket ride to space with a 9:06 a.m. ET launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

GPS III SV02 is now climbing towards its operational orbit about 12,550 miles above the earth under the power of its own Liquid Apogee engines. Engineers at Lockheed Martin Space's Waterton, Colorado facility are commanding the satellite using elements of the GPS Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) Block 0.

"GPS III SV02 is receiving and responding to commands just as planned. In the days ahead, we'll finish orbit raising to our operational slot and then send the satellite commands telling it to to deploy its solar arrays and antennas," said Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin Space's Vice President for Navigation Systems. "Once we are set up, we'll begin on-orbit checkout and tests, including extensive signals testing with our advanced navigation payload."

GPS III SV02 is the second GPS III satellite designed and built by Lockheed Martin to help the Air Force modernize today's Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation with new technology and capabilities. GPS III satellites provide 3x greater accuracy and up to 8x improved anti-jamming capabilities. GPS III also provides a new L1C civil signal, compatible with other international global navigation satellite systems, like Europe's Galileo.

The First GPS III Satellite Completes On Orbit Testing
GPS III SV02 will be the second GPS III satellite in orbit and the second GPS III satellite now being commanded from Lockheed Martin Space's facility.

On December 23, 2018, the Air Force launched the first GPS III satellite. Nicknamed "Vespucci," GPS III SV01 underwent months of checkout and thorough testing of its advanced, new navigation payload provided by Harris Corporation.

"GPS III SV01's performance exceeded expectations during testing," Caldwell said. "On July 12, we officially completed all On Orbit Check Out & Test activities. We are excited to see this satellite move to the next phase and perform in an operational environment."

That's expected to happen later this year once the first satellite is handed over to the Air Force.

Thinking Ahead From the Ground Up
In preparation for this handover, in 2016, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin the GPS III Contingency Operations (COps) contract to upgrade its current GPS ground control system – the Operational Control Segment (OCS) – to be able to "fly" today's 31-satellite constellation, as well as the new, more-powerful GPS III satellites, until OCX Block 1, still in development, is delivered.

Lockheed Martin delivered the GPS III COps software upgrade in May and it is currently undergoing preparations for installation.

COps is the latest GPS ground control upgrade project Lockheed Martin has had since it began sustaining the OCS in 2013. In November 2018, the company completed the AEP 7.5 upgrade -- the largest architectural change in the system's history -- replacing significant code, hardware and software to improve the system's cybersecurity capabilities and positioning the Air Force to better operate in contested, degraded and operationally limited environments.

In December 2018, the Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin the GPS Control Segment Sustainment II (GCS II) contract to continue to further modernize and sustain the OCS through 2025.

In 2020, the OCS is expected to receive the M-Code Early Use (MCEU) upgrade, which will allow control of M-Code, an advanced, new signal designed to improve anti-jamming and anti-spoofing, as well as to increase secure access to military GPS signals for U.S. and allied armed forces.

With GPS III SV01 and SV02 now on orbit, GPS III satellites continue to roll off the production line at Lockheed Martin's advanced $128-million GPS III Processing Facility near Denver. On May 27, the Air Force declared the GPS III SV03 "Available for Launch" (AFL) and had the company place it into storage waiting for a launch date. GPS III SV04-08 are now in various stages of assembly and test.

In all, Lockheed Martin is under contract to build up to 32 next-generation GPS III/IIIF satellites for the Air Force. Additional "IIIF" capabilities will begin being added at the 11th satellite. These will include a fully digital navigation payload, a Regional Military Protection capability, an accuracy-enhancing laser retroreflector array, and a Search & Rescue payload.

Lockheed Martin is proud to be a part of the Air Force's GPS III team. The GPS III team is led by the Production Corps, Mid-Earth Orbit Division, at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Operations Squadron (2SOPS), based at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, manages and operates the GPS constellation for both civil and military users.

For additional GPS III information, photos and video visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/gps.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/23/2019 08:16 am
https://youtu.be/lDfDUZUOcCs
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: ugordan on 08/23/2019 08:22 am
Mike Deep of NSF with his remotes, blimey:

https://twitter.com/mike_deep/status/1164585460494196736

Wow. All this time I thought that Delta IV used SRMs with TVC only when a 2nd pair of them was used... In retrospect I guess it made sense to have at least one of each pair with TVC if for nothing else then for roll control authority reasons.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/23/2019 08:24 am
SMC and its government, industry partners successfully launch GPS III SV 2 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
The U.S. Air Force and its mission partners successfully launched the second Global Positioning Systems (GPS) III satellite at  9:06 a.m. EDT, Aug. 22 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The Lockheed Martin-built satellite, known as “Magellan” (in honor of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe), was carried to orbit aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV (4,2) launch vehicle, the final flight for the Delta IV medium launch vehicle.

The USAF Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), home to the vanguard of satellite acquisition professionals, and the nation’s launch procurer of choice, was responsible for Magellan’s rigorous Mission Assurance certifications and testing leading to full launch- and mission-readiness. SMC also conducted a rigorous source selection to ensure the ULA Delta IV rocket met all mission requirements, which included examining every single piece of hardware that built the rocket. This due diligence enabled the satellite to be reliably placed on orbit to meet civilian and warfighter communications needs.

“A successful launch like today’s is always a proud moment for the team and its many members. I can’t reiterate how important this second GPS III launch is as we progress toward a modernized fleet and maintain US superiority in space.” said Lt. Gen. John F. Thompson, SMC commander and Air Force program executive officer for Space. “The launch of Magellan epitomizes the constant collaborative efforts which exemplify the continual improvements our teams at SMC are making in getting these satellites built and launched at EPIC Speed. With a third GPS launch planned for the end of the year, we continue to provide the “Gold Standard” in positioning, navigation and timing services for our military and for the world.”

GPS III’s Magellan separated from its upper stage approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes after launch. Engineers and operators at Lockheed Martin’s Waterton facility will now begin  on-orbit checkout and tests, which are estimated to complete in one month. Operational use is expected to begin within a year

“This launch was 7 months in the making. As soon as we launched Vespucci last December, the team got to work on the SV02 campaign to get Magellan into orbit,” stated said Col. Edward Byrne, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) Spacecraft Production Division chief. “This isn’t the end of our job with Magellan. We now have to carry out on-orbit checkouts, in parallel with preparations to launch SV03; not to mention the continual production effort of SV04. That is why the Production Corps space vehicles division is known as the ‘A-Team’. ”

Magellan will join the current GPS constellation comprised of 31 operational spacecraft, and will be the 21st M-Code-capable satellite added to the fleet. GPS satellites operate in Medium Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 20,200 km (12,550 miles) in six planes. Each satellite circles the Earth twice per day, providing the “Gold Standard” of position, navigation and timing services for billions of users worldwide. GPS III, the newest generation of GPS satellites, brings new capabilities to users, including three times greater accuracy and up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities.

“Having launched a GPS III satellite in December 2018 aboard a Falcon 9 and now today on a Delta IV, the team demonstrated again their commitment and capability to achieve 100% mission success,” said Col. Robert Bongiovi, Launch Enterprise director.”

SMC’s Production Corps, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, leads the GPS III Magellan team. SMC’s Launch Enterprise led the launch, which took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corporation is the prime satellite vehicle contractor. Air Force Space Command’s 50th Space Wing and 2nd Space Operations Squadron operate the GPS constellation from Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado.

SMC is the U.S. Air Force's Center of Acquisition Excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes GPS, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space-based infrared systems and space situational awareness capabilities.

This second successful GPS III launch is an exemplary case of SMC’s ongoing transition to the “SMC 2.0” initiatives, as even more satellites await their ride to orbit. The U.S. is entering a new era with space as a Warfighting domain, and SMC is leading the way with more significant U.S. acquisition agility initiatives that will birth innovation within the space enterprise and speed the delivery of crucial new capabilities to Warfighters. SMC 2.0 encompasses the collaborative nature of the space enterprise and embraces the agility of production driving forward.

With Another launch of GPS III planned later this year, SMC will continue to support U.S. superiority in space at EPIC Speed.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: jacqmans on 08/23/2019 08:27 am
United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches GPS III Satellite for U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center
 
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 22, 2019) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the second Global Positioning System III (GPS III) satellite, designated Magellan, for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 on August 22 at 9:06 EDT. This mission marked the 29th and final flight of the Delta IV Medium rocket and the 73rd GPS launch by a ULA or heritage vehicle.

“Thank you to the team and our mission partners for the tremendous teamwork as we processed and launched this critical asset, providing advanced capabilities for warfighters, civil users, and humankind across the globe,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We are proud of the strong legacy of the Delta IV Medium program, and look forward to the future with our purpose-built Vulcan Centaur.”

The GPS III system, built by Lockheed Martin, represents the next step in modernization of the worldwide navigation network with a new generation of advanced satellites offering improved accuracy, better anti-jam resiliency and a new signal for civil users.

This mission launched aboard a Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) configuration vehicle, which included a 4-meter Payload Fairing and two Northrop Grumman solid rocket motors. The common booster core for Delta IV was powered by the RS-68A engine, and the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage was powered by the RL10B-2 engine, both supplied by Aerojet Rocketdyne.

ULA’s next launch is Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner, Orbital Flight Test, aboard an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

ULA maintains a track record of 100% mission success with 135 successful launches.

With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the world’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 130 satellites to orbit that provide Earth observation capabilities, enable global communications, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, and support life-saving technology.

For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: edkyle99 on 08/23/2019 03:37 pm
Many more ULA photos posted.  I suspect Ben Cooper involvement, but not sure.  Here's a few favorites.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Targeteer on 08/23/2019 06:16 pm
NAVSTAR?  How long has that name been retired?

44506    NAVSTAR 78 (USA 293)   2019-056A   369.69min  55.01deg    20174km   1195km
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: woods170 on 08/23/2019 07:42 pm
NAVSTAR?  How long has that name been retired?

44506    NAVSTAR 78 (USA 293)   2019-056A   369.69min  55.01deg    20174km   1195km

It hasn't been retired...obviously.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Lewis007 on 08/24/2019 06:19 am
Two launch patches (with the satellite called GPS-III 1)
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: TripleSeven on 08/24/2019 06:29 am
NAVSTAR?  How long has that name been retired?

44506    NAVSTAR 78 (USA 293)   2019-056A   369.69min  55.01deg    20174km   1195km

It hasn't been retired...obviously.

amazing how they have grown in size and capability today they are still changing the face of navigation ...navstar :)
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Newton_V on 08/24/2019 12:51 pm
The patch said GPS-III 1 because Delta IV was supposed to launch the first satellite before SpaceX took the payload for themselves.
What does that even mean?
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Newton_V on 08/24/2019 12:53 pm
Spaceflight Now has this for the GPS III SV02 mass:
https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1164553297434484736

Would anyone happen to know if both of those numbers are correct?
I suspect the 9,700 lbs includes a PLA or PAF in the number.  Somebody probably saw a "Payload Systems Weight" quoted somewhere, not separated SV mass.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: Targeteer on 08/28/2019 12:55 am
NAVSTAR?  How long has that name been retired?

44506    NAVSTAR 78 (USA 293)   2019-056A   369.69min  55.01deg    20174km   1195km

44506    NAVSTAR 78 (USA 293)   2019-056A   424.20min  55.01deg    20175km   4472km
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: nzguy on 08/28/2019 09:42 am
Two articles on the post-launch activities:
https://www.gpsworld.com/second-gps-iii-in-orbit-responding-to-commands/
https://www.gpsworld.com/ocx-supports-second-gps-iii-launch/

The satellite should reach its final orbit at the end of the week.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: nzguy on 09/02/2019 11:23 am
The TLE is now four days old but has the satellite at apogee 20,181km perigee 17,712km so I guess by now it has reached it final orbit.

Still no NAGU issued yet to indicate they have turned on the navigation payload.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: nzguy on 09/04/2019 09:29 am
Updated TLE has the satellite in its final orbit at apogee 20,195km perigee 20,183km.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/08/2019 03:58 pm
Slightly different image from John Kraus.

I love how the lighting gives it an almost oil painting look.

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1170715328596402179

Quote
Another closeup look at the final single-core Delta IV launch, which delivered the U.S. Air Force’s second GPS III satellite to orbit on August 22nd last month.
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 09/12/2019 04:03 pm
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1172175948910694401

Quote
Nostalgic for that last Delta IV single stick mission?  Here’s her accuracy. Another bullseye!  She went out on a flawless mission with incredible accuracy, delivering Magellan to a perfect orbit, and allowing it to go on station incredibly fast. Fare well Delta Medium
Title: Re: ULA Delta IV : GPS III SV02 : SLC-37B : August 22, 2019 (13:06 UTC)
Post by: GWR64 on 04/09/2020 04:13 pm
GPS SVN-75 is in operation.

Quote

2020015 --------------------------
SVN75 (PRN18) USABLE JDAY 092/1945
      

NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2020015
SUBJ: SVN75 (PRN18) USABLE JDAY 092/1945
1. NANU TYPE: USABINIT
NANU NUMBER: 2020015
NANU DTG: 011942Z APR 2020
REFERENCE NANU: N/A
REF NANU DTG: N/A
SVN: 75
PRN: 18
START JDAY: 092
START TIME ZULU: 1945
START CALENDAR DATE: 01 APR 2020
STOP JDAY: N/A
STOP TIME ZULU: N/A
STOP CALENDAR DATE: N/A

2. CONDITION: GPS SATELLITE SVN75 (PRN18) WAS USABLE AS OF JDAY 092
(01 APR 2020) BEGINNING 1945 ZULU.

3. POC: CIVILIAN - NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, HTTPS://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
MILITARY - GPS OPERATIONS CENTER AT HTTPS://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL/GPSOC, DSN 560-2541,
COMM 719-567-2541, [email protected], HTTPS://GPS.AFSPC.AF.MIL
MILITARY ALTERNATE - JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN 276-3526. COMM 805-606-3526.
[email protected]

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?Do=constellationStatus

The working point of SVN-75 is designated "D6".
Physically, the satellite is slightly ahead of the point D3 with SVN-45 (launch 2003).
SVN-75 is currently a bit slower and is slowly approaching point D3.