Author Topic: LIVE: Atlas V 501 - NROL-39 - December 5, 2013 (23:14 PST)  (Read 104722 times)

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Offline Targeteer

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Re: Atlas V 501 - NROL-39 - December 5, 2013 (ETD 23:13 PST)
« Reply #41 on: 12/05/2013 06:30 am »
The most interesting "ride alongs" that I know of are NASA's two TWINS payloads, which are carried aboard two NRO satellites in Molniya orbits. It was a little surprising to me that the NRO would allow that. Having separate auxiliary payloads is one thing, but having them mounted directly to the spacecraft seemed to me like a big step, though clearly they were okay with it.

http://twins.swri.edu/index.jsp

Anyone know of any more like this?

If you want high inclination at that distance, aren't the NRO birds pretty much the only option? 
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Targeteer

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

Offline Chris Bergin

Moved for live coverage.
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Offline Prober

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2017 - Everything Old is New Again.
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Offline savuporo

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Orion - the first and only manned not-too-deep-space craft

Offline William Graham

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Offline Targeteer

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ULA from Facebook--good news

The weather forecast for tonight's ‪#‎NROL39‬ launch has improved to 60% favorable! Launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base is planned for 11:13 pm PST, and the webcast begins at 10:53 pm PST
« Last Edit: 12/06/2013 12:36 am by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Targeteer

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NROL-39 is last launch for 33 year program veteran

http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/year-employee-to-bid-farewell-after-one-last-liftoff/article_4fb13442-5d7d-11e3-9251-001a4bcf887a.html?comment_form=true
Nice story....wonder if any of nsf users know him or if he is a user?
 

I got that link from a ULA Facebook post in full disclosure
« Last Edit: 12/06/2013 12:39 am by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline Chris Bergin

William Graham's extensive launch overview - again a very informative read:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/12/atlas-v-launch-nrol-39-vandenberg/

Going to get some sleep and back for live coverage.
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Offline robertross

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William Graham's extensive launch overview - again a very informative read:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/12/atlas-v-launch-nrol-39-vandenberg/

Going to get some sleep and back for live coverage.

Super article William. Thanks.

Sadly I will be in a state of beautiful sleep while the launch takes place, after a trying day. Go Atlas V!

Offline Artyom.

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Quote
ULA ‏@ulalaunch
The NROL39 count has just entered a planned 30-min hold. This is the first of two planned holds in the count.

https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/408816958248079360

Offline Helodriver

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Record cold temperatures for the California Central Coast tonight, but I'll be heading out there in a little bit to see it. Debating the view from the bluff on north base or getting closer by the south base gate. At least there's no marine layer tonight. :)

Offline flying_penguin

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KVBG 060455Z AUTO 04008KT 10SM CLR 04/M10 A3012 RMK AO2 SLP194 T00441100 TSNO VISNO RWY12

4.4 C = 39.9 F


Offline Helodriver

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That's cold for here. I'm going to wait for confirmation of fueling beginning before making the drive.

Online Steven Pietrobon

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Webcast is at

http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Webcast.shtml

starting at 10:53 pm PST (6:53 am UTC).

Quote
ULA ‏@ulalaunch 1m
New launch time for #NROL39: 11:14:30 pm PST.
« Last Edit: 12/06/2013 04:50 am by Steven Pietrobon »
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Online Galactic Penguin SST

ULA ‏@ulalaunch
New launch time for #NROL39: 11:14:30 pm PST.
Astronomy & spaceflight geek penguin. In a relationship w/ Space Shuttle Discovery. Current Priority: Chasing the Chinese Spaceflight Wonder Egg & A Certain Chinese Mars Rover

Offline Artyom.

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Offline Chris Bergin

Good morning.

Remember, it's much faster sending a message to me if there is a need for a correction.

Webcast....
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Online Steven Pietrobon

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Coverage has started.
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

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