NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: jacqmans on 10/14/2009 09:00 pm
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Boeing's 3rd Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite Shipped to Cape Canaveral
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 14, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that the third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite built for the U.S. Air Force was shipped on Sept. 28 to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., where it will be tested and prepared for a November launch.
WGS-3 completes the initial constellation of three WGS satellites, which will provide high-capacity X-band and Ka-band communications to U.S. forces and allies across all current theaters of operation around the world. WGS-1 has been in operation over the Pacific since April 2008, and WGS-2 has been operating over the Middle East since August 2009. Both satellites have met or exceeded mission requirements throughout their testing and operational phases.
"With its extraordinary increase in satellite communications capacity and flexibility, WGS helps our warfighters more effectively execute their missions on land, at sea and in the air," said Brig. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Vice Commander of the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. "This is another great milestone for the WGS team, which is performing superbly and setting the standards for getting these critical communications assets into space and into operational use."
"WGS addresses our military's ever-growing appetite for high-bandwidth satellite communications," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "We're now working with the Air Force to determine how future WGS satellites could be enhanced to handle missions involving airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and communications-on-the-move."
WGS-3 was flown on an Air Force C-5 transport from Boeing's Satellite Development Center in El Segundo to Cape Canaveral last month. Before being shipped, WGS-3 completed mission assurance reviews and challenging factory tests that simulated the stress of the satellite's mission. The satellite successfully completed vibration tests and thermal vacuum tests. The vibration tests replicated the stresses of launch. Thermal vacuum tests were conducted in an airless chamber, with the satellite operating at full power, and subjected to extremes of heat and cold to simulate the working conditions it will experience in space.
At Cape Canaveral, WGS-3 will undergo about six weeks of prelaunch testing and processing, including fueling, encapsulation inside the launch vehicle fairing, and integration with the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV launch vehicle.
Boeing built two previous WGS satellites and is currently building three more for the Air Force. WGS-3 is the final satellite in the Block I series. Three Block II satellites are planned for launch in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
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Can I assume delta is performing their tanking test? Tower is rolled back and the xenons are lit.
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It was completed yesterday
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Launch attempt moved to NET Dec. 2. Further delay may begin to push on Delta II/WISE ILC due to personnel assignments and post-flight data review requirements.
That'd be a real shame for WISE- they have significant processing to do if their launch date moves around, because of the difficulties in chilling the cryogen for the instrument.
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I assume they wouldn't be able to put WISE ahead of WGS in the schedule if the latter is delayed further?
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ULA Mission Booklet
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Popular Geostationary satellite locations for near worldwide coverage. I've seen reference to WGS-3 being an Atlantic satellite.
--- CHAS
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80% chance of bad weather on Wednesday, 20% on Thursday.
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Launch delayed 24 hrs to Thursday due to bad weather: http://www.ulalaunch.com/
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ULA Mission Booklet
A Medium with a 5 meter "Heavy" upper stage. Am I remembering correctly that ULA intends to eventually phase out the 4 meter upper stage?
- Ed Kyle
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ULA Mission Booklet
A Medium with a 5 meter "Heavy" upper stage. Am I remembering correctly that ULA intends to eventually phase out the 4 meter upper stage?
- Ed Kyle
I believe it was the no solid CBC that they were going to phase out
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I believe it was the no solid CBC that they were going to phase out
Is that the reason, why the GPS-IIF sats will fly on D-IVM(4,2) while a no solid D-IVM should have more than enough performance?
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Absolutely nothing to say, but getting annoyed with the wrong date on the thread title, so this post will correct :)
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Does anyone know the story behind the platypus on the logo?
Edit: Also, not many "on the pad" pictures to be found...
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WGS originally stood for Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Like the WGS, the platypus is the evolutionary "gapfiller" between reptiles and mammals. The name changed to Wideband Global Satcom, but the platypus stuck.
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Thanks Nick. I'm surprised by the lack of pics to be found this close to launch?!
I wonder how many medium+(5,4) have flown before.
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I wonder how many medium+(5,4) have flown before.
None, this is the first flight.
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I wonder how many medium+(5,4) have flown before.
None, this is the first flight.
Is the CBC for the M+ (5,4) structurally reinforced somehow to carry the added loads from the "extra" SRBs, or is it the same as every other CBC that has flown?
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it is different than all the others that have flown
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I wonder how many medium+(5,4) have flown before.
None, this is the first flight.
Is the CBC for the M+ (5,4) structurally reinforced somehow to carry the added loads from the "extra" SRBs, or is it the same as every other CBC that has flown?
Yes, the part that attaches the interstage to the upper part of the CBC is different. Also there is an X-brace inside the CBC which I assume connects all the SRM attach points for added strength. There are probably other changes as well.
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Yes, the part that attaches the interstage to the upper part of the CBC is different. Also there is an X-brace inside the CBC which I assume connects all the SRM attach points for added strength. There are probably other changes as well.
Neither Delta nor Atlas have x-bracing on the inside. The differences are the additional attach points. The strengthening is done on the tank skin and
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Yes, the part that attaches the interstage to the upper part of the CBC is different. Also there is an X-brace inside the CBC which I assume connects all the SRM attach points for added strength. There are probably other changes as well.
Neither Delta nor Atlas have x-bracing on the inside. The differences are the additional attach points. The strengthening is done on the tank skin and
Mmmm, it seems that Jim was saying something he shouldn´t have and somebody cut him off.. ;)
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Yes, the part that attaches the interstage to the upper part of the CBC is different. Also there is an X-brace inside the CBC which I assume connects all the SRM attach points for added strength. There are probably other changes as well.
Neither Delta nor Atlas have x-bracing on the inside. The differences are the additional attach points. The strengthening is done on the tank skin and
Mmmm, it seems that Jim was saying something he shouldn´t have and somebody cut him off.. ;)
..... and in the news, a series of black helicoptors appeared mysteriously around Titusville...
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Don't need a helicopter, just one man in black putting his finger on the power button ;)
I wonder if he was copy and pasting from one of his previous post and didn't get the quote... The conspiracy theories will abound, Hoagland now has something new to make up stories about ;)
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Don't need a helicopter, just one man in black putting his finger on the power button ;)
I wonder if he was copy and pasting from one of his previous post and didn't get the quote... The conspiracy theories will abound, Hoagland now has something new to make up stories about ;)
At some point in time Hoagland might have to add the pen name R. C. Hogwash.
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Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., (Dec. 3, 2009) - A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket with the Air Force’s Wideband Global SATCOM-3 (WGS-3) satellite sits poised on its Space Launch Complex-37 launch pad ready for flight. The WGS-3 mission is set to launch at 7:22 p.m. EST with its launch window stretching until 8:43 p.m. The WGS-3 mission is the third installment of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system. The WGS satellites are important elements of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to America’s troops in the field for the next decade and beyond. (Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance)
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Yes, the part that attaches the interstage to the upper part of the CBC is different. Also there is an X-brace inside the CBC which I assume connects all the SRM attach points for added strength. There are probably other changes as well.
Neither Delta nor Atlas have x-bracing on the inside. The differences are the additional attach points. The strengthening is done on the tank skin and
From the USAF via a website that shall not be named:
"The five-meter, 47-foot-long composite payload fairing is a first flight item, as well as the four solid rocket motor configuration, two of which are thrust vector controlled, and two are fixed nozzle. For added support, we also use the X-brace within the Common Booster Core."
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ULA Mission Booklet
A Medium with a 5 meter "Heavy" upper stage. Am I remembering correctly that ULA intends to eventually phase out the 4 meter upper stage?
- Ed Kyle
I believe it was the no solid CBC that they were going to phase out
Would the "no solid" CBC be flown without solids for light payloads?
It makes sense to reduce configurations as much as possible. The two upper stage options seems to offer a likely candidate for future configuration rationalization, but it would mean giving up the lightest payload ranges for Delta. The common upper stage idea (Atlas and Delta) is probably the best path toward that goal, but, as always, needs $$$$$$.
- Ed Kyle
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The two upper stage options seems to offer a likely candidate for future configuration rationalization, but it would mean giving up the lightest payload ranges for Delta.
Why do you give up the light payload ranges? Wouldn't you just have excess capacity? Maybe I don't understand the upper stage options to which you refer.
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The two upper stage options seems to offer a likely candidate for future configuration rationalization, but it would mean giving up the lightest payload ranges for Delta.
Why do you give up the light payload ranges? Wouldn't you just have excess capacity? Maybe I don't understand the upper stage options to which you refer.
The 5-meter upper stage weighs nearly 0.6 tonnes more empty than the 4-meter upper stage and can carry 7-ish tonnes more propellant. Part of that extra dry mass comes directly out of payload capability, part of it could be made up by burning the extra propellant carried, but the latter "make up" is limited by the smaller liftoff thrust to weight ratio of a Medium without solids, etc. The heavier/wider payload fairing and interstage also takes away payload capacity.
Basically, it would likely mean giving up the Medium-no-solids vehicle altogether, since it would only be Delta 2-class at best. A Medium 5,2 works (5-meter upper stage, 2 solids), but it carries about 1.5 tonnes less to LEO (and 1 tonne less to GTO) than a Medium 4,2, for example.
- Ed Kyle
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Hello Ed.
I am following this launch also.
A question for you:
What is the plan with the Delta 4 upper stages?
I heard something about a new common upper stage for both the Delta 4 and the Atlas 5. Do you have any information about this upper stage dimensions - 4 vs 5 meters?
Kasper
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Hello Ed.
I am following this launch also.
A question for you:
What is the plan with the Delta 4 upper stages?
I heard something about a new common upper stage for both the Delta 4 and the Atlas 5. Do you have any information about this upper stage dimensions - 4 vs 5 meters?
Kasper
It is part of long term planning, proposed but not funded to my knowledge.
http://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/publications/UpperStageEvolutionJPC2009.pdf
- Ed Kyle
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ULA Mission Booklet
A Medium with a 5 meter "Heavy" upper stage. Am I remembering correctly that ULA intends to eventually phase out the 4 meter upper stage?
- Ed Kyle
I believe it was the no solid CBC that they were going to phase out
Would the "no solid" CBC be flown without solids for light payloads?
With the RS-68A, there is no need for the "reduced weight" medium CBC. Only one CBC configuration is needed for Med, M+(4,2), M+(5,2),M+(5,4). The only difference being the interstage for 4 or 5 meter upperstages. The RS-68A offsets the heavier core allowing it to fly the same payloads without solids.
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Delta 346 on the pad live shots. Sunlight!
- Ed Kyle
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How visible will it be from the florida west coast do you think? My son wants to see, but I need to know if I need to book-it the two hours to KSC.
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How visible will it be from the florida west coast do you think? My son wants to see, but I need to know if I need to book-it the two hours to KSC.
If there are not numerous amounts of clouds, you should be able to see something. How much? I'm not sure. Just look to the east.
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How visible will it be from the florida west coast do you think? My son wants to see, but I need to know if I need to book-it the two hours to KSC.
If there are not numerous amounts of clouds, you should be able to see something. How much? I'm not sure. Just look to the east.
So, hop in the car and drive for an hour might not be a bad idea.
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Hello Ed.
I am following this launch also.
A question for you:
What is the plan with the Delta 4 upper stages?
I heard something about a new common upper stage for both the Delta 4 and the Atlas 5. Do you have any information about this upper stage dimensions - 4 vs 5 meters?
Kasper
It is part of long term planning, proposed but not funded to my knowledge.
http://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/publications/UpperStageEvolutionJPC2009.pdf
- Ed Kyle
Thanks Ed!
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Your son will love the road trip. If I was him I would be voting with the gas pedal ;)
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Moved for live coverage. Preview article to be published shortly.
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I wonder how many medium+(5,4) have flown before.
None, this is the first flight.
Is the CBC for the M+ (5,4) structurally reinforced somehow to carry the added loads from the "extra" SRBs, or is it the same as every other CBC that has flown?
Yes, the part that attaches the interstage to the upper part of the CBC is different. Also there is an X-brace inside the CBC which I assume connects all the SRM attach points for added strength. There are probably other changes as well.
So this is the first kind of this particular type of delta 4 medium rocket to ever be launched? Cool
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Launch Preview article - by William Graham.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/12/live-ula-delta-iv-launch-with-wgs-3/
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Will this launch be shown live on TV anywhere? NASA TV? I know it as US military launch and not NASA.
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Anyone know what the parking is like at Jetty Park for launch viewing??
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Will this launch be shown live on TV anywhere? NASA TV? I know it as US military launch and not NASA.
ULA Webcast:
A web simulcast will be available on the ULA website at http://www.ulalaunch.com/index_webcast.html beginning 25 minutes prior to launch.
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Launch Preview article - by William Graham.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/12/live-ula-delta-iv-launch-with-wgs-3/
Good article; comprehensive and nicely organized! I particularly appreciated the parts of the article that put the vehicle for this launch into broader contexts, i.e. how it fits within the progression of Delta IV and overall EELV flights. It doesn't mention though: are there are any future launches anticipated to use the M+ (5,4) configuration?
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Is there a weather thread for this launch or does anyone have any info?
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Live video, no audio, though.
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%201
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%202
Edit: To watch both, open one in an asf player and one in an rm player. Stream 2 is weather graphics cycling through.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/aevideo1.rm
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/aevideo2.rm
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are there are any future launches anticipated to use the M+ (5,4) configuration?
I believe the next planned launch using the Medium+ (5,4) configuration will be WGS-4 in 2011.
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How do storms in Florida know exactly when to show up at the Cape?
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How do storms in Florida know exactly when to show up at the Cape?
Seems like they're trying to chase down a leak of some sort. Helium was mentioned. Appears to be a non-constraint for now.
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Upper level winds are red at this time, however expected to turn green before the open of the window.
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T-5 minutes and holding.
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T-5 minutes and holding for 15 minutes.
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Explaining what a hat trick means ;D
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Interesting that fairing sep occurs before 1-2 sep instead of the other way around (the usual for D-IV).
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Upper level winds still red. Looking like we will not make the window open.
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High winds a concern. New T-0 coming due to need for weather balloon data.
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Looking for a 0037Z T-0 (7:37 PM ET).
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Establishing T-0 at 7:37 PM local time.
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RocketCam. :)
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00:53 ZULU - new T-0 due to high winds
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New T0=0053Z.
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Why is the clock at 5:01?
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Expecting to be red on clouds until 01:31 Zulu :(
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Not looking good for the window - PAO.
Coming out of the red thick clouds at 01:31 would leave them with 12 minutes to play with.
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L7B weather balloon burst early. L7A balloon still going strong.
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Not looking good for the window - PAO.
Coming out of the red thick clouds at 01:31 would leave them with 12 minutes to play with.
Not quite. Given that the final countdown is 5 minutes, that gives them only 7 minutes which means a final resume time of 0137Z. If the weather is still red by 0130Z I expect a scrub.
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L-10 minutes. Standing by on the poll.
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New T-0: 01:23 ZULU
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Requesting another new T-0 of 0123Z (8:23 local time)
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Now in breach of the thick cloud rule. Range is otherwise go for the 01:23Z T-0
Any ULA guys able to say what the technical issue is (that previously noted leak?)
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Hoping for a gap in the weather.
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Cape Winds told to take the L7A Balloon to max altitude.
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S/C ready for the new T-0.
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L-15 minutes.
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Going to the end of the window. 0143Z (8:43 PM local time)
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Not going to make 01:23 T-0.
01:43Z is the new T-0 - end of the window.
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Crossed fingers for the weather.
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Still hopeful they'll have a clean shot at the end of the window - PAO.
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L9A and L9B balloons released on time.
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L-20 minutes.
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We're going to need to pick up the count at 8:38 to be able to launch tonight.
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They've sorted out the clock. Now for the weather.
L-15 mins.
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SCRUB. 24 hour delay.
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SCRUB. Launch system error.
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SCRUB. Launch system error.
Well, that should about guarantee good weather at T-0.
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Are they going to tell us what the technical issue is??
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Air Force Statement:
Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2009) - The launch of the Air Force’s Delta IV Wideband Global SATCOM-3 (WGS-3) mission was scrubbed this evening due to additional time required to trouble shoot an anomaly with a ground launch control system. A second launch attempt has been preliminarily rescheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, with a launch window of 7:22-8:45 p.m. EST.
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Was the weather good at T-0 in the end? I came off the stream.
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Well the good thing about a scrub, and launch window around that time, is that I will have a better download, and maybe many more people will watch the launch.
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It does seem strange to me that so many launches end up targeted for late afternoon/early evening here in Florida -- the perfect time of day for storms.
I don't know if anyone ever has any active "say" in setting such times, but if there is such an opportunity, they need to aim for morning launches more often, as those would be significantly less likely to be interrupted by weather systems at most times of the year.
Ross.
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More money on swing shift. Need to schedule launch just after sunset for those gorgeous displays in the sunlight above the earth's shadow.
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It does seem strange to me that so many launches end up targeted for late afternoon/early evening here in Florida -- the perfect time of day for storms.
I don't know if anyone ever has any active "say" in setting such times, but if there is such an opportunity, they need to aim for morning launches more often, as those would be significantly less likely to be interrupted by weather systems at most times of the year.
Ross.
Launch time is driven by orbital requirements, not by individual desires. :o
Morning launches are a PITA. It's not the money, it's staying up all night and then having the most critical events occur when your body is trying to sleep.
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Screen capture:
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Delayed again. No word of why.
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NET December 5 is official.
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Will the launch window always be around the same time, e.g. early evening EST -> middle of night here. :(
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Delta IV WGS-3 Mission Targeted for Launch Dec. 5
Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., (Dec. 4, 2009) - The launch of the Air Force’s Delta IV Wideband Global SATCOM-3 (WGS-3) mission is now targeted for Dec. 5 with a launch window of 7:23-8:47 p.m. EST. After evaluating the situation, mission managers believe this will give the launch team the time required to replace an electronics card that is part of the ground equipment used to monitor telemetry data from the Delta IV and related systems for the launch. An anomaly with this monitoring system hardware led to the scrub of the first launch attempt Dec. 3. The Delta IV and WGS-3 spacecraft are safe and secure. Further updates on the status of the Delta IV WGS-3 mission will be issued as new information is available.
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... it's staying up all night and then having the most critical events occur when your body is trying to sleep.
Heh, I know that feeling all too well! :)
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Skies should be rapidly clearing out this afternoon (had some nice storms this morning.) There's just a small chance of a rain shower this evening, but it is expected to be breezy (15-25kts with some higher gusts.)
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And confirmation they are on for tonight
Delta IV WGS-3 Mission Officially Scheduled for Dec. 5
Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., (Dec. 4, 2009) - The launch of the Air Force’s Delta IV Wideband Global SATCOM-3 (WGS-3) mission is now scheduled for Dec. 5 with a launch window of 7:23-8:47 p.m., EST. The faulty electronics card in a piece of ground support equipment used to monitor telemetry data was replaced and the Delta IV and WGS-3 spacecraft are ready for flight. The current weather forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of acceptable weather during the launch window.
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Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., (Dec. 5, 2009) - For the second time in three days, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket with the Air Force’s Wideband Global SATCOM-3 (WGS-3) satellite sits poised on its Space Launch Complex-37 launch pad ready for flight. The WGS-3 mission is set to launch at 7:23 p.m. EST with its launch window stretching until 8:47 p.m. The WGS-3 mission is the third installment of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system. The WGS satellites are important elements of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to America’s troops in the field for the next decade and beyond. (Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance)
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I know that this will sound strange but that Delta-IVM (5,4) looks like a mock-up for some reason. It might just be the lighting angle. However, think it is because the hull is so clean. I guess I'm too used to the orbiters' mosaic hull TPS, the SRM segment joins and the longditudinal ridges on the ET giving the shuttle a slightly weathered and lived-in look.
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Should we expect to see anything different with this launch of a new variant?
Obviously, there will be more SRB exhaust than with any prior Delta IV. How about the gaseous hydrogen flame from the CBC? With the SRBs providing thrust and control authority, will the CBC propellant ratio be tuned even more aggressively for improved Isp instead of thrust, leaving even more free hydrogen to burn dramatically at the base of the rocket. Any chance of that?
Also, is the thrust to weight ratio significantly different at liftoff? Will it make a visible difference in vehicle acceleration?
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yes, no, no, yes, yes. BOTE says acceleration will be 50% higher than 2 solids.
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http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan15large.jpg
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Currently mostly cloudy, winds from the northwest around 10-15mph.
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According to Todd Halvorson of Florida Today, probability of launch weather violation lowered to 20%.
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Weather within launch criteria
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Upper wind levels the main concern
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t-minus 6 minutes
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You can watch the weather feed here.
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%202 (asf)
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/aevideo2.rm
The Hangar AE camera is here.
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%201 (asf)
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/rrg2.pl?encoder/aevideo1.rm
No audio on either.
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T-minus 5 minutes and holding for 15 minutes
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would launch be visible from miami beach??
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Edit, red on upper winds
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would launch be visible from miami beach??
If it's clear, I believe so: http://www.ulalaunch.com/launch/WGS-3/WGS-3_MOB.pdf page 13
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Red for upper winds. Working out for how long.
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resetting to L-10 minutes
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New T-0 coming, due to upper level winds.
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L clock will go down still
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I think the window just opened, new L-0 ar 01:00 UTC or 8 pm ET
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L6 Balloon data due 00:45
New T-0 01:00 ZULU
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Range Go for new L-0
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L-20 minutes, all is worked to L-10 minutes
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Spacecraft clocks are synched
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New load/relief file has been loaded into the RIFCA.
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L-10 minutes
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Polling
Not ready pending balloon data
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Balloon data not compatible with the load relief. New T-0 in work, T-5 minute script aborted.
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Red on winds, no go for new L-0
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No go for the T-0 again. Issue with the load relief on weather balloon data.
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PAO sounds tired...
Swing arm pins back in.
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New T-0 of 0130Z (8:30 local)
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NEw T-0 at 01:30 UTC
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Range go for the new T-0.
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L-20 pick up at 8:10 local
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New T-0 - again! 0137Z.
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New L-0 at 8:37
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Still problems with balloon data
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New T-0 - again! 0137Z.
Thought I heard that one of the weather balloons failed (L7 ?)...possibly that was the one that allowed them to be ready to go at 0130Z.
The missing 5k ft "chunk" of data was I believe from L7B...
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Range approves of new L-0, LOS on one of the balloons going to reprocess data
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Balloon data by 8:30, if not will probably delay
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L-9 A and b balloon released cross your fingers
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New L-0 for end 01:47
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L-9 A and b balloon released cross your fingers
Still going to do the curve fit based on the L7B data...changing T-0 to end of window in order to accommodate retransmitting the data...think I heard they were missing data from 50k to 60k feet.
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Sinking S/C to new T-0
Range has approved final T-0 for tonight
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L-20 minutes
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L-10 minutes
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Polling to pick up count.
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Polling
ready to go
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Swing arm locking pins pulled. T-5 minute script running.
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PAO reports green for launch!
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Green board
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rocket cam video!
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PAO reports green for launch!
FINALLY!
I think it's finally looking good (fingers crossed)
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Go to come out of the hold.
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T- minus 5 minutes, terminal count, s/c to internal power
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Vehicle transferring to internal power.
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Ordnance arming.
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CBC tanks securing.
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T-120 seconds.
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HTPA spin up, hydraulic pressure at 4000 psi.
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Range go.
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Finally! :)
T-60 seconds.
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T-60 seconds. Go Delta IV!
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Green board.
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LIFTOFF! GO DELTA GO!
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LAUNCH!!
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1800 fps at 30 seconds.
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Supersonic - RUMBLE!
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max-Q.
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SRM tail off.
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SRM pair 1 and 2 sep.
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SRM sep. 1:51 into the flight.
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Vehicle weighs only half of what it did at liftoff.
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6,400 fps
38 miles downrange.
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Fairing sep! (pretty sure I saw it on the tracking camera)
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Fairing sep at 3:20.
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Down to 58%.
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MECO, sep upper stage start
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MECO.
1-2 Sep.
Second stage ignition.
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MECO! 1-2 sep, nozzle extension and engine start!
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15 minutes remaining in the opening burn.
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Talking with Maj. Hadley of the AF about the enhancements brought by WGS.
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Video about WGS.
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Best Spacecraft commercial... ever!
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Awesome WGS promo. That was a Royal Navy ship launching the cruise. Certainly a coalition assest, not just US.
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Best Spacecraft commercial... ever!
Long shot, but did you manage to record it Ron? That was brilliant.
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Best Spacecraft commercial... ever!
I have to agree as well. They really know how to sell a program!
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SECO-1, entering coast phase
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SECO-1. Now coasting.
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Hmm, the model forgot to stop burning!
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Hmm, the model forgot to stop burning!
Yeah, I noticed that too....that's okay, I'm still pepped by that video, I'll let it slide...lol
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Another three more of these birds to go, last one paid for by the Australian Government
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Reorienting for second stage restart. (notice they hid the incorrect exhaust plume :) )
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Hmm, the model forgot to stop burning!
Yeah, I noticed that too....that's okay, I'm still pepped by that video, I'll let it slide...lol
That was a great video. Good job, WGS team!
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General question: As we're waiting for the 2nd burn of the 2nd stage, the animation is showing the vehicle angled down (relative to the horizon). Am I seeing this correctly?
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Upper stage restart, for three minutes
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Second burn of the second stage.
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Second stage restart! Burning for 3 minutes.
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Speed 31629 ft/sec.
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That's the upper stage's job done.
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SECO-2, spacecraft separation is next
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SECO-2! Around 8 minutes to spacecraft sep.
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PAO taking a break (but no coast period jazz... :( )
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Upperstage/SC rotating:
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General question: As we're waiting for the 2nd burn of the 2nd stage, the animation is showing the vehicle angled down (relative to the horizon). Am I seeing this correctly?
Given how flaky the animation has been tonight it's hard to say if the vehicle is actually doing what it shows. Of course the launch team knows what's really going on.
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General question: As we're waiting for the 2nd burn of the 2nd stage, the animation is showing the vehicle angled down (relative to the horizon). Am I seeing this correctly?
Given how flaky the animation has been tonight it's hard to say if the vehicle is actually doing what it shows. Of course the launch team knows what's really going on.
The upper stage and S/C are usually rotated in attitude during coast phases for thermal reasons
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General question: As we're waiting for the 2nd burn of the 2nd stage, the animation is showing the vehicle angled down (relative to the horizon). Am I seeing this correctly?
Given how flaky the animation has been tonight it's hard to say if the vehicle is actually doing what it shows. Of course the launch team knows what's really going on.
The upper stage and S/C are usually rotated in attitude during coast phases for thermal reasons
Thanks much guys!
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General question: As we're waiting for the 2nd burn of the 2nd stage, the animation is showing the vehicle angled down (relative to the horizon). Am I seeing this correctly?
Given how flaky the animation has been tonight it's hard to say if the vehicle is actually doing what it shows. Of course the launch team knows what's really going on.
The upper stage and S/C are usually rotated in attitude during coast phases for thermal reasons
But that's usually a roll, not a pitch maneuver right?
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spacecraft separation, congratulations ULA, Boeing, the USAF, and the DoD!
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Spacecraft Separation!
Excellent work, especially with them all having to keep their game faces on to the end of the window again.
Go Wideband! :)
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Spacecraft separation!
Congrats to ULA! Another great launch (36 launches in 36 months.)
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Webcast now ending.
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For those late, Here are the videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeCbnDYr3JI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcMIMRV23Qg
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Way to go ULA! Congrats. Well deserved addition for the troops. Hope commissioning goes just as well.
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And the science community is pleased: Load up WISE.
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Awesome WGS promo. That was a Royal Navy ship launching the cruise. Certainly a coalition assest, not just US.
Sorry Chris, that was a USN ARLEIGH BURKE-class destroyer. The only RN ships that operate TOMAHAWK are the TRAFALGAR and SWIFTSURE class SSNs.
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United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 36th Mission in 36 Months
Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., (Dec. 5, 2009) – Launching its 36th successful mission in 36 months, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket delivered the Air Force’s third Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS-3) satellite into orbit at 8:47 p.m. EST, today. Launching from Space Launch Complex-37, WGS-3 joins the AF’s two other WGS satellites, which both launched on ULA Atlas V vehicles on Oct. 10, 2007, and Apr. 3, 2009.
ULA was formed on Dec. 1, 2006, as a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and The Boeing Company, bringing together two of the launch industry’s most experienced and successful teams—the Lockheed Martin Atlas and Boeing Delta teams—that had supported America’s presence in space for more than 50 years. ULA’s first launch occurred only 14 days later as a Delta II rocket launched NROL-21 from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., on Dec. 14, 2006. Since then, including today’s mission, 35 more successful launches have occurred from CCAFS and VAFB including 11 Atlas V, 21 Delta II, and four Delta IV missions. It’s noted that two of the four Delta IV missions were the Delta IV Heavy configuration, which launches three common booster cores at once.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our nearly 3,850 ULA employees and our many government partners whom I’m privileged to work with at ULA,” said Michael Gass, ULA President and Chief Executive Officer. “This team of people, with their combined expertise, is the reason for this sustained mission success. When we formed ULA in 2006, our primary mission was to the deliver the highest reliable products for assured access to space for our government and commercial customers. Launching successfully 36 times in our first 36 months of company history is a significant accomplishment as we celebrate our third anniversary.”
The WGS-3 mission is the third installment of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system. The WGS satellites are important elements of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to America’s troops in the field for the next decade and beyond. WGS enables more robust and flexible execution of Command and Control, Communications Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), as well as battle management and combat support information functions. WGS-3 augments the existing service of the WGS-1 and WGS-2 satellites by providing additional information broadcast capabilities.
Jim Sponnick, ULA Vice President, Delta Product Line stated, “ULA congratulates the Air Force and our mission partners on the successful launch of WGS-3. It was appropriate the Air Force, which was one of the primary customers ULA was created to support, was the customer for today’s 36th launch in 36 months. WGS is also the first of the constellation of satellites to launch on both the Delta IV and Atlas V since the formation of ULA. This operational flexibility was a primary reason ULA was formed and we look forward to providing this capability to our government customers for decades to come.”
The mission was the first time the Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration was launched using a single common booster core with a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, four Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors, a PWR RL10B-2 upper stage engine and a five-meter diameter upper stage and composite payload fairing.
ULA's next launch, currently scheduled for Dec. 11, is a Delta II carrying the NASA Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission from Space Launch Complex-2 at VAFB with a launch window of 6:09-6:23 a.m., PST.
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Just watched the replay. Just as the telemetry guy calls 2 min 35 sec there appears to be several objects that fall away from the vehicle. I don't recall seeing something like that before on Delta IV. Any idea what those objects could be or am I just being fooled by some sort of camera/lighting illusion?
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(Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance)
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Just watched the replay. Just as the telemetry guy calls 2 min 35 sec there appears to be several objects that fall away from the vehicle. I don't recall seeing something like that before on Delta IV. Any idea what those objects could be or am I just being fooled by some sort of camera/lighting illusion?
Three things I've heard various people here say that is - don't know which is right:
-Foam insulation coming off
-Ice
-Something to do with the RS-68's ablative nozzle
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How does the "supersynchronous transfer orbit with a 237-nautical mile (nm) perigee, an apogee radius of approximately 36,167 nm, and an approximately 24-degree inclination" compare with the insertion orbit provided by Atlas V for WGS-1 and WGS-2? Does launching on Delta make it easier or more difficult for the spacecraft to reach its final orbit?
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Three things I've heard various people here say that is - don't know which is right:
-Foam insulation coming off
-Ice
-Something to do with the RS-68's ablative nozzle
My guess is it's #3, nozzle-related. You can see sporadic sparks coming out during night launches from onboard cameras on past launches as well.
Check out the sparks in this DSP-23 video, especially two big ones near the end.
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You know this was impressive. Something about the release of all that thrust just.... wow.
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Hi!
Did anyone managed to chatch the exact liftoff time in format 0147:XX.XXXUTC? ELV Portal is giving 0600:55.982 launch time...
Thanks!
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Just watched the replay. Just as the telemetry guy calls 2 min 35 sec there appears to be several objects that fall away from the vehicle. I don't recall seeing something like that before on Delta IV. Any idea what those objects could be or am I just being fooled by some sort of camera/lighting illusion?
All launch vehicles shed debris. It is the natural of the beast
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How does the "supersynchronous transfer orbit with a 237-nautical mile (nm) perigee, an apogee radius of approximately 36,167 nm, and an approximately 24-degree inclination" compare with the insertion orbit provided by Atlas V for WGS-1 and WGS-2? Does launching on Delta make it easier or more difficult for the spacecraft to reach its final orbit?
Just different ways to utilize all the performance of the launch vehicle
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Just watched the replay. Just as the telemetry guy calls 2 min 35 sec there appears to be several objects that fall away from the vehicle. I don't recall seeing something like that before on Delta IV. Any idea what those objects could be or am I just being fooled by some sort of camera/lighting illusion?
All launch vehicles shed debris. It is the natural of the beast
I love watching the debris fall from the Saturn V videos.
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How does the "supersynchronous transfer orbit with a 237-nautical mile (nm) perigee, an apogee radius of approximately 36,167 nm, and an approximately 24-degree inclination" compare with the insertion orbit provided by Atlas V for WGS-1 and WGS-2? Does launching on Delta make it easier or more difficult for the spacecraft to reach its final orbit?
Previous coverage indicated roughly the same orbit for WGS-2, but at 20.9 degree inclination. Inclination costs a lot in terms of launch vehicle capability. Given that the Atlas second stage is much smaller, it's hard to believe that both Atlas and Delta ran to depletion. It may be that's just where the AF wanted the payloads, and it will then take WGS roughly the same "effort" to get to its final orbit.
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:D Was very pleased to see the launch live last night. The rocket looked great and it looks like everything went off without a hitch. Excellent to see a new delta rocket setup fly for the first time. Also: If the "commercial hsf option to bridge the gap between shuttle and new vehicle" option is chosen, and if the delta 4 was selected to be the main provider, would this new architecture that flew last night be better to use for a manned capsule then older versions (or older setups)?
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would this new architecture that flew last night be better to use for a manned capsule then older versions (or older setups)?
Unlikely as you wouldn't want solids on a manned capsule. Both Orion and/or commercial LEO taxis would preferably use all-liquid EELV versions.
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According to an article at Spaceflight Now, the WGS-3 satellite orbit will be circularized using a combination of on-board rocket motors and ion propulsion engines. Then it will go into a temporary orbital position in range of a Boeing command station for contractor checkout. Finally it will be moved to it's operational location at 12 degrees west serving US forces operating in Europe, Africa and the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Commissioning will require many months.
--- CHAS
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would this new architecture that flew last night be better to use for a manned capsule then older versions (or older setups)?
Unlikely as you wouldn't want solids on a manned capsule. Both Orion and/or commercial LEO taxis would preferably use all-liquid EELV versions.
Makes sense since they probably want to avoid unnessecary g loading (or worse).
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Makes sense since they probably want to avoid unnessecary g loading (or worse).
Has nothing to do with g-loading but reliability of solids
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ULA has been like a machine this year with the launches.
Keep those great highlight video's coming!
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Does anyone have the RocketCam video all the way to 2nd stage ignition? Purely a matter of curiosity for me - I've always wondered if the RL-10 would generate a visible exhaust bloom like the SSME.
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Jim:
I did say "or worse".....
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I've always wondered if the RL-10 would generate a visible exhaust bloom like the SSME.
In vacuum, not really. Unless there's some vapor or particulate stuff moving by the nozzle, nothing is visible - the chamber acts like a flashlight during nighttime launches. There's one old Atlas night launch video where the booster is falling away and is illuminated when RL-10 kicks in.
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Interesting that the first stage looks to be "falling away" when it is merely slowing.
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A question about this version of the Delta IV. Over in the Direct forums there has been lots of talk about the problems of the RS-68 ablative nozzle when surrounded by shuttle type SRBs - hence the return to the RS-25. Yet the RS-68s this version of the Delta IV operates for one an a half minutes in close proximity to 4 fairly large SRMs with no problems.
What gives? Is the thermal/gas recirculation environment at the back of the Delta IV significantly different to the Direct designs? Was the problem with Direct the size and duration of the SRMs or was it the presence of multiple other RS-68s?
P
Edit: just noticed the same question being asked in the Delta IV Q&A section! I'll see if an answer eventuates there... ;D
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A question about this version of the Delta IV. Over in the Direct forums there has been lots of talk about the problems of the RS-68 ablative nozzle when surrounded by shuttle type SRBs - hence the return to the RS-25. Yet the RS-68s this version of the Delta IV operates for one an a half minutes in close proximity to 4 fairly large SRMs with no problems.
What gives? Is the thermal/gas recirculation environment at the back of the Delta IV significantly different to the Direct designs? Was the problem with Direct the size and duration of the SRMs or was it the presence of multiple other RS-68s?
The Delta-IV has one engine behind every core tank. The Direct 2.0 J-23x had three behind a much larger tank and also had much larger SRMs that burn for 30 seconds longer. The 'hole' in the air punched by the 8.4m-diameter shuttle ET-derived core prevents the cooling air circulation that is possible with the 5m-diameter Delta-IV core.
As you can imagine, this effect gets even worse with Ares-V. That has six RS-68As behind a 10m-diameter core, so the area under the tank gets even hotter.
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The radiant thermal power of the GEM-60 pales in comparison to that of the "SSM-151".
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The radiant thermal power of the GEM-60 pales in comparison to that of the "SSM-151".
80% ?
(4 * 6) / (2 * 15) = 0.8
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(4 * 6) / (2 * 15) = 0.8
Huh? What metric are you using? What's 6 and 15?
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Geometrically, it's going to scale with the surface area of the plume. 6 and 15, which need to be squared anyway, is oversimplified.
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ULA highlights video:
http://www.ulalaunch.com/launch/WGS-3/WGS3_LaunchHighlights.wmv
Very nice. :)
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Boeing's 3rd WGS Satellite Sends 1st Signals From Space
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., Dec. 6, 2009 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] has acquired the first on-orbit signals from the third of six Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites. The signals indicate that the spacecraft is healthy and ready to begin orbital maneuvers and operational testing. WGS is the latest U.S. Department of Defense satellite communications system.
A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket launched the WGS-3 satellite at 8:47 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 5 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A ground station in Dongara, Australia, received the satellite's first signals 58 minutes later at 9:45 p.m. Eastern time. Boeing's Mission Control Center in El Segundo, Calif., confirmed that the satellite is functioning normally.
"This mission marks another important advancement in the communications capabilities that our advanced satellites provide to U.S. military personnel around the world," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The nation's warfighters rely on satellites like this one to help them execute difficult missions safely and effectively, and the Air Force-Boeing team is committed to coming through for them."
Following a series of orbital maneuvers and on-orbit tests over the West Coast of the United States, WGS-3 will be placed into geosynchronous Earth orbit over the Atlantic Ocean. The satellite joins WGS-1, which entered service over the Pacific Ocean in April 2008, and WGS-2, which began operations over the Middle East in August 2009. The WGS-1 and WGS-2 satellites meet and, in some cases, exceed Air Force mission requirements. Together, the three WGS satellites will provide assured access to high-data-rate communications for U.S. forces and allies around the world.
WGS is the Department of Defense's highest-capacity communications satellite system. The satellites are built on the proven Boeing 702 platform with 13 kilowatts of power. The payload provides reconfigurable coverage areas and the ability to connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within their field of view via an onboard digital channelizer -- features not available on any other communications satellite.
Boeing is building three more WGS satellites for the Air Force with enhancements that include a radio frequency bypass designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring additional bandwidth. Satellites four through six are planned for launch in 2011 and 2013.
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Would have been nice of Boeing to mention 'who' acquired the signal from Dongoura... And it wasn't Boeing.
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WGS-3 has been handed over to the DoD:
http://spaceflightnow.com/delta/d346/100627stratcom.html
--- CHAS