NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 10/19/2010 01:48 pm
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Don't see a thread for this one yet.
ULA PAO note:
A historically significant launch is going to take place Oct. 29 when a United Launch Alliance Delta II carries the COSMO-4 satellite into space from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex-2 scheduled for 7:20 p.m. PDT. This will be the 350th launch in Delta program history and it will occur during our year long 50th anniversary celebration of the program. The mission was procured by Boeing Launch Services and was launched for the Italian Space Agency, the Italian Ministry of Defence and Thales Alenia Space. The first Delta launch occurred on May 13, 1960.
Mission Booklet:
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ULA also sent on a handy fact sheet on history of Delta II launches from SLC-2:
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This will be the 350th launch in Delta program history ....
Note that this will only be the 337th Thor-derived Delta launch. The 350 total includes 13 Delta IV launches, which is a whole 'nother rocket. ;)
This will be the 716th Thor-family launch attempt (and 603rd orbital attempt), if one includes the NASDA "Thors" and excludes the Thors that blew up on the pad prior to T-0.
- Ed Kyle
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A Shame to see this LV winding down, remember when one practically went off every month? Now not so much
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Thor 103 is probably classified as NO TEST..........
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Thor 103 is probably classified as NO TEST..........
That's right. I don't count Thor 103 or "Discoverer Zero" among the launch totals.
- Ed Kyle
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I could NEVER understand Discoverer "Zero" getting any mention at all. Wasn't in a countdown for flight I am pretty sure.
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I could NEVER understand Discoverer "Zero" getting any mention at all. Wasn't in a countdown for flight I am pretty sure.
A pre-launch test, not on launch day, as I recall. Ullage motors fired, damaging Agena enough for a write-off, but the Thor later flew.
- Ed Kyle
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Delay:
Delta II COSMO - SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Oct. 31
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Oct. 28, 2010) - The launch of Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission has been rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 31 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. Previously, the launch was scheduled for Friday, Oct. 29. During final preparations Wednesday to ready the Delta II rocket for flight, a sample from the propellant to be loaded into the Delta II to power it during flight failed to meet established standards.
To allow engineers the additional time required to correct this issue, the scheduled Friday launch attempt was delayed 48 hours. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I).
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Moved for live coverage!
Webcast will be available at http://ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml or http://mfile.akamai.com/83518/live/reflector:24692.asx?bkup=21534
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Anyone know what the launch direction will be? Will the launch likely be visible from the LA area?
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Space launches are always visible from LA
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Anyone know what the launch direction will be?
In the Mission Booklet that Chris posted in the original thread post.
Flight azimuth: 196 degrees. (Page 6)
Attached screenshot of Page 13.
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Anyone know what the launch direction will be? Will the launch likely be visible from the LA area?
Possibly if you are very close to the mountains you might miss the solids burning which might be necessary to see and track after jettison. Good hunting!
The direction is southward.
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Anyone know what the launch direction will be? Will the launch likely be visible from the LA area?
Possibly if you are very close to the mountains you might miss the solids burning which might be necessary to see and track after jettison. Good hunting!
Thanks! I'll probably be in a meeting, but I've advised my photographer brother. We're in Pasadena, so the mountains may be problematic.
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Anyone know what the launch direction will be? Will the launch likely be visible from the LA area?
For Vandenberg launches Brian Webb is something of an expert. He writes, "Liftoff probably occurs too long after sunset for sunlight to illuminate the first stage exhaust plume (in other words, there will probably not be a Twilight Effect)."
http://www.spacearchive.info/vafbsked.htm
His page on viewing VAFB launches in general:
http://www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm
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Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Oct. 31, 2010) - An United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission sits poised ready for launch on its Space Launch Complex-2 launch pad here. The Delta II is set for liftoff at exactly 7:20:07 p.m. PDT with a one second launch window. COSMO-SkyMed is an end-to-end Earth observation dual-use (civil and military) system comprised of four medium-sized satellites and supporting ground stations for orbit control systems and data reception and processing. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I). Photos by Thom Baur, The Boeing Company.
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Somehow 3 solids are not quite the same show as 9 solids.............but I love the one second window.
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Another great launch preview article by William Graham:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/10/delta-ii-350th-last-scheduled-commercial-launch-cosmo-4/
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Somehow 3 solids are not quite the same show as 9 solids.............but I love the one second window.
I guess not, but considering the talent behind these launches, it will always be a pleasure to see :)
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Another great launch preview article by William Graham:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/10/delta-ii-350th-last-scheduled-commercial-launch-cosmo-4/
Very informative and well written article William! Thanks.
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Somehow 3 solids are not quite the same show as 9 solids.............but I love the one second window.
I guess not, but considering the talent behind these launches, it will always be a pleasure to see :)
And since we are witnessing a vanishing breed of 50 plus years duration it is a pleasure with some sadness.
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Man, the final planned commercial launch of the Delta II and the final flight of Space Shuttle Discovery both in the same week... not for weak eyed. :'(
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Man, the final planned commercial launch of the Delta II and the final flight of Space Shuttle Discovery both in the same week... not for weak eyed. :'(
Tying that sentiment with Art's last post. Truly a sad moment. Great vehicle.
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launch dedicated to James Gregory Jacobs
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Launch commentary by:
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47 minutes to launch... no issues.. weather good so far
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I hope some people are watching this live. I'm amazed at how much the vehicle sways!
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I hope some people are watching this live. I'm amazed at how much the vehicle sways!
Certainly is a little shimmy there... can't show it in screen grabs
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Webcast already! Good work Roger!
Audio sounds terrible.
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Man, the final planned commercial launch of the Delta II and the final flight of Space Shuttle Discovery both in the same week... not for weak eyed. :'(
Tying that sentiment with Art's last post. Truly a sad moment. Great vehicle.
Sad, but not quite the end. One more to go- which I hope to see depart in Sep 2011. I'll miss the Delta II when it's finally gone.
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Man, the final planned commercial launch of the Delta II and the final flight of Space Shuttle Discovery both in the same week... not for weak eyed. :'(
Tying that sentiment with Art's last post. Truly a sad moment. Great vehicle.
Sad, but not quite the end. One more to go- which I hope to see depart in Sep 2011. I'll miss the Delta II when it's finally gone.
Is that yet to be manifested? The commerical world's version of STS-135?
Important to know, given the headline I gave the launch preview.
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Man, the final planned commercial launch of the Delta II and the final flight of Space Shuttle Discovery both in the same week... not for weak eyed. :'(
Tying that sentiment with Art's last post. Truly a sad moment. Great vehicle.
Sad, but not quite the end. One more to go- which I hope to see depart in Sep 2011. I'll miss the Delta II when it's finally gone.
Is that yet to be manifested? The commerical world's version of STS-135?
Important to know, given the headline I gave the launch preview.
NPP.
http://jointmission.gsfc.nasa.gov/launch.html
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Scrub???
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scrub
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SCRUB!
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SCRUB!
Awww...
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No word on when a new attempt will be... Not sure why they scrubbed... That seemed to come out of nowhere
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That was a terse, depressed sounding scrub announcement from launch control...
Webcast indicated whatever caused the scrub had been in work for a while...
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"Due to a technical concern" is all they are saying.
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And thats all for the webcast tonight
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Man, the final planned commercial launch of the Delta II and the final flight of Space Shuttle Discovery both in the same week... not for weak eyed. :'(
Tying that sentiment with Art's last post. Truly a sad moment. Great vehicle.
Sad, but not quite the end. One more to go- which I hope to see depart in Sep 2011. I'll miss the Delta II when it's finally gone.
Is that yet to be manifested? The commerical world's version of STS-135?
Important to know, given the headline I gave the launch preview.
NPP.
http://jointmission.gsfc.nasa.gov/launch.html
Ah ok. Last scheduled commercial launch is what we had. We know abotut NPP and GRAIL.
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Hmm, scrub would have been about the time of FTS or steering checks.
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Delta II COSMO - SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Nov. 1
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Oct. 31, 2010) - The launch of Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission has been rescheduled for Monday, Nov. 1 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. During the terminal launch countdown Sunday, an engine section heater did not operate properly. The heater is designed to keep the Delta II’s engine components warm during the fueling of the rocket prior to flight.
To allow engineers the time required to correct this issue, the scheduled Sunday launch attempt was delayed 24 hours. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I).
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ULA note they are still pressing ahead with tonight's attempt.
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ULA note they are still pressing ahead with tonight's attempt.
Excellent :)
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They are still working on the heater .. workers on the pad. Cutting it close?
--- CHAS
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They are still working on the heater .. workers on the pad. Cutting it close?
--- CHAS
Work at the pad- on pad, LV and payload- (and the associated GSE) happens on day of launch ALL the time...
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Workers have departed .. preparing to 'Gas er up'
--- CHAS
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Suns setting over the Rocket, Very very nice picture! :)
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webcast starting shortly
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webcast starting
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Launch window opens at 7:20pm Pacific time - 1 second window
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launch dedicated to ULA employee Greg Jacobx
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50 minutes to launch
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T- 15 minutes and holding... this is a 20 minute hold
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38 minutes to launch - weather not expected to be a problem tonight
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Cycling LOX tank vent
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31 minutes to liftoff - no issues - everything on track so far
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L-30 minutes. Polling to proceed with countdown.
All GO.
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Go to release the hold.
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Hold released - T-15 minutes and counting
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Final hold will be at T-4 minutes
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100 percent favorable weather. That's California for you I guess! :)
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T-10 minutes
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Ha! Twitter can be amussing at times - right after polling:
@ChrisAstro Chris Calubaquib:
READY READY READY READY READY READY READY READY READY READY READY READY READY #Delta2 #launch #California
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engine regulator go
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T-8 minutes. L-18 minutes. BIH at T-4 minutes.
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pressurizing fuel tank
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RCO is go
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topping LOX
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launch enable on
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Entering 10 minute hold
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Into the BIH for 10 minutes.
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fill and drain cycles complete
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Sitting in hold...
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The launch vehicle director's center looks more like the San Siro with all those Italian flags.
(http://tipsntrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Milanisti.jpg)
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The launch vehicle director's center looks more like the San Siro with all those Italian flags.
Many of those Italians were processing neighbors of mine a bit over a month ago... Couldn't really talk to them.
I hope they have a great night tonight.
About to come out of hold. Polling.
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launch conductor polling team, AC stand by LD ready
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One poll standing by.
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AC now go
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l- 6 minutes, s/c configured for launch
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This is a one second window, it either goes off from here or scrubs for tonight...
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AC now go
asked to document an alarm for AC (in some pages...missed it)
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t-4 minutes and counting, GN2 purge, transfer power to internal power
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Now counting.
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arming ordinance, s/c go
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hold! GN2 issue
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HOLD!
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HOLD! And that'll be SCRUB.
Issue with the Gaseous Nitrogen purge?
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Thats it for tonight. hold
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HOLD! And that'll be SCRUB.
Oh darn. Not again. :(
Looking so promising.
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awwwwwwwwwwwwwgh :(
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thats it
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All of these minor issues popping up to cause scrubs, anything to do with low flight rate?
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All updates to the hotline...
Not sure about turnaround now.
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Would imagine it will have to wait until after STS-133 launches, while this Delta II is in California the Eastern Range still supports west coast launches.
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webcast over
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Will hang around for the official statement (trying to sleep shift back to GMT for 133) - ULA communications are very good at turning around statements.
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All of these minor issues popping up to cause scrubs, anything to do with low flight rate?
What rocket components have a limited shelf life? Of course outdoor equipment exposed to the elements might degrade in a subtle manner and fail when stressed after a layover.
I've noticed that a Soyuz always leaves on time after the choo choo tugs it out to the pad.
--- CHAS
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ULA:
Delta II COSMO - SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Nov. 2
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Nov. 1, 2010) - The launch of Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 2 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. During the terminal launch countdown Monday, mission managers noted an insufficient flow of Gaseous Nitrogen in the Delta II engine compartment. Gaseous Nitrogen is used to ensure that critical components in close proximity to cryogenic propulsion systems are kept warm.
To allow engineers the time required to correct this issue, the launch attempt is delayed 24 hours. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I).
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What rocket components have a limited shelf life?
Lots of things. For example, anything with batteries would be a candidate for limited life or needing special processing after a set period of time. (not that there is any indication of that being at play here).
The limited life items start to be really problematic if the slips start taking big jumps of calendar time. This is part of how, for example, one launch campaign I recall spent a year sitting at VAFB until it went.
We'll have to wait and see now what range availability and the outcome of the scrub creates in terms of the next available launch attempt.
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All of these minor issues popping up to cause scrubs, anything to do with low flight rate?
What rocket components have a limited shelf life? Of course outdoor equipment exposed to the elements might degrade in a subtle manner and fail when stressed after a layover.
soft goods on the second stage that are exposed to the hypergolic propellants.
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All of these minor issues popping up to cause scrubs, anything to do with low flight rate?
What rocket components have a limited shelf life? Of course outdoor equipment exposed to the elements might degrade in a subtle manner and fail when stressed after a layover.
soft goods on the second stage that are exposed to the hypergolic propellants.
And in case anyone didn't understand that, Jim means seals & the like.
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I've noticed electrical/electronic equipments that haven been regularly activated do not receive routine servicing and are prone to intermittent problems after a prolonged layover.
Customarily, they degrade as contacts associated with switches and connectors gradually become resistive. Even those bayonet locked sealed connectors occasionally are problematic. Card edged connections are notorious.
We all know batteries self discharge so I'd think fresh batteries are installed prior to launch.
--- CHAS
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ULA:
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Nov. 2, 2010) - An United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket with the COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission sits poised ready for launch on its Space Launch Complex-2 launch pad here. The Delta II is set for liftoff at exactly 7:20:05 p.m. PDT with a one second launch window. COSMO-SkyMed is an end-to-end Earth observation dual-use (civil and military) system comprised of four medium-sized satellites and supporting ground stations for orbit control systems and data reception and processing. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I). Photos by Thom Baur, The Boeing Company.
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ULA:
Due to the nationwide television coverage of the mid-term elections, broadcast satellite time is not available tonight to broadcast the launch of the Delta II COSMO SkyMed-4 launch live.
Might have to swallow some pride and tell you all to go to SFN, as they are on KSC grounds and can have ULA resources hooked up to get some updates. We'll see how it goes.
Remember, we can't copy and paste SFN updates, as they will be copyrighted.
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There might still be something on the ELV portal.
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SFN had live video before the webcast started the last two attempts, So hopefully they'll have it again.
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Yep, here's the video stream:
http://www.livestream.com/newchannel/popoutplayer?channel=spaceflightnow
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screen grabs - courtesy of the above link.
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screen grabs - courtesy of the above link.
If it launches tonight I'll be so upset...don't have my company laptop for a live feed. ugh.
Relying on you fine people for live coverage :)
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screen grabs - courtesy of the above link.
If it launches tonight I'll be so upset...don't have my company laptop for a live feed. ugh.
Relying on you fine people for live coverage :)
I feel your pain but if it doesn't launch tonight, I'll be upset! :) After the push back on Fri, and the last 2 scrubs, I'm getting tired of standing on top of my A/C to get a good view/photo of it 10 minutes beforehand.
Well, getting ready to head out in a bit. Man, hope this is nothing like last night....if so the phone is going to get thrown (only because the camera is too expensive! ;D )
If I get a decent shot, I'll post it. Its been trial and error lately...
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wish I had sound with this feed... should be about 10 minutes or so to launch...
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Well they've got past the T-4mins hold.
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T-1 Minute.
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venting stopped... assume its being pressurized for flight
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T-30 seconds
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You can see it's pressurized for flight.
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Another scrub??
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OOps, SCRUB
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SCRUB!
Wonder what happened.
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Scrub at T-46s
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OOps, SCRUB
again?? :(
Can see a cell phone go flying soon...lol
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SCRUB!
Wonder what happened.
ULA comms are pretty fast to release a statement. At least we'll get the satellite webcast with audio on the next attempt. Tonight was a one-off due to the satellites being already booked for the election coverage.
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darn... back to venting now... thought we were going to make it this time...
At least the next attempt will have the normal webcast feed which should make it a bit easier to follow...
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OOps, SCRUB
again?? :(
Can see a cell phone go flying soon...lol
Hey, I threw it against a wall about 3 min before launch....wasn't connecting to anything...lol...AGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Another SCRUB!!!! Man when the phone finally kicked in and I saw VAFB's twitter say "1 min until launch" I turned it off and put it in my pocket, getting ready to see it. My heart was beating in anticipation!!! After a few minutes and nothing, I knew something was wrong. Then I checked the phone (again) saw a see of tweets: SCRUB...Man, it was so close....
Interested in the cause this time. Thanks for the updates everyone.
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last one for tonight... Venting is pretty much done - must be far enough along in the draining of the tanks now...
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VAFB Twitter states two alarms triggered 1 Min before liftoff sounded and the launch team decided to stop the count. I bet the Italians are happy ;)
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I bet the Italians are happy ;)
Happier than aborting two minutes later.
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http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/index-vafb.html
Has 4 video streams, Worth bookmarking for tomorrow or whenever the next attempt is! :)
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I bet the Italians are happy ;)
Happier than aborting two minutes later.
Yep, having your payload impact the water is far worse than having your vehicle sit safely on the pad...
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I bet the Italians are happy ;)
Happier than aborting two minutes later.
True...point taken...just got caught up in wanting to see this finally go. I'd rather wait a while for a successful launch then have one go early and fail.
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OOps, SCRUB
again?? :(
Can see a cell phone go flying soon...lol
Hey, I threw it against a wall about 3 min before launch....wasn't connecting to anything...lol...AGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Another SCRUB!!!! Man when the phone finally kicked in and I saw VAFB's twitter say "1 min until launch" I turned it off and put it in my pocket, getting ready to see it. My heart was beating in anticipation!!! After a few minutes and nothing, I knew something was wrong. Then I checked the phone (again) saw a see of tweets: SCRUB...Man, it was so close....
Interested in the cause this time. Thanks for the updates everyone.
Where were you watching from?
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Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Nov. 4
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Nov. 2, 2010) - The launch of Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission is rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 4 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. During the terminal launch countdown on Tuesday, at approximately one minute before launch, mission managers noted a low second stage battery voltage reading. This battery is used to power the electrical systems on the Delta II second stage during flight.
To allow for crew rest after three straight days of launch attempts and engineers the time required to correct this issue, the next launch attempt is scheduled for Nov. 4. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I
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OOps, SCRUB
again?? :(
Can see a cell phone go flying soon...lol
Hey, I threw it against a wall about 3 min before launch....wasn't connecting to anything...lol...AGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Another SCRUB!!!! Man when the phone finally kicked in and I saw VAFB's twitter say "1 min until launch" I turned it off and put it in my pocket, getting ready to see it. My heart was beating in anticipation!!! After a few minutes and nothing, I knew something was wrong. Then I checked the phone (again) saw a see of tweets: SCRUB...Man, it was so close....
Interested in the cause this time. Thanks for the updates everyone.
Where were you watching from?
The San Fernando Valley (Northridge)...
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Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Nov. 4
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Nov. 2, 2010) - The launch of Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission is rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 4 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. During the terminal launch countdown on Tuesday, at approximately one minute before launch, mission managers noted a low second stage battery voltage reading. This battery is used to power the electrical systems on the Delta II second stage during flight.
To allow for crew rest after three straight days of launch attempts and engineers the time required to correct this issue, the next launch attempt is scheduled for Nov. 4. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I
Wont't this conflict with the STS-133 launch attempt?
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Wont't this conflict with the STS-133 launch attempt?
It shouldn't. There's a forty-degree difference in inclination and VAFB is four-fifths of an orbit away from KSC, if nothing else. I also suspect that the target altitudes will be different too.
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Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Nov. 4
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Nov. 2, 2010) - The launch of Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean basin Observation) mission is rescheduled for Thursday, Nov. 4 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. During the terminal launch countdown on Tuesday, at approximately one minute before launch, mission managers noted a low second stage battery voltage reading. This battery is used to power the electrical systems on the Delta II second stage during flight.
To allow for crew rest after three straight days of launch attempts and engineers the time required to correct this issue, the next launch attempt is scheduled for Nov. 4. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I
Wont't this conflict with the STS-133 launch attempt?
There are few to no resource conflicts
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This doesn't count as a scrub...
Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 Mission Rescheduled for Nov. 5
Vandenberg AFB, Calif., (Nov. 3, 2010) - The launch of the Delta II COSMO-SkyMed 4 (Constellation of four SAR radar satellites for global Earth Observation performed for the Italian Space Agency, the Minister of Defence and the Ministry of Research) mission has been rescheduled for Friday, Nov. 5 with a launch time of 7:20 p.m. PDT. During a review and analysis by Thales Alenia Space of the current position of the three COSMO-SkyMed satellites currently on orbit, it was determined that in order for COSMO SkyMed-4 to be correctly inserted into the constellation, a launch could not take place on Nov. 4 due technical reasons.
The Delta II second stage low voltage battery issue has been resolved and the rocket is ready for launch. Updates to the COSMO SkyMed-4 mission status will be issued as new information becomes available. United Launch Alliance provides the Delta II launch vehicle and mission services under a commercial launch service contract administered by Boeing Launch Services for Thales Alenia Space-Italia (TAS-I).
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I may have missed this somewhere, but does anybody know what the upper level wind limits are for this thing? According to the local meteorologists, starting this weekend we're supposed to have some changing weather, and I was just curious as to what the launch constraints are.
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Winds aloft aren't absolute limits. It has to do with wind shear (dv/dh) and its effect on controllability. That's what the balloon releases are for. Theoretically also, if it were flying into a mean headwind it could underperform, but that's supposed to be within the 3sigma performance reserve.
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A tailwind could depress the trajectory at times..............
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ULA note they are still on for tonight. Let's see if we can get one vehicle off the ground today.
And they are back to a nominal webcast setup.
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Countdown has begun for tonight's launch attempt.
Tonight's launch time, window open for one second:
7:20:03pm PDT - 10:20:03pm EDT - 02:20:03 GMT
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Currently pooling for cryogenic fuelling...
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Go for cryogenic loading into the Delta-2...
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LOX loading on the first stage has began...
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First stage LOX loading finished at 9:03 pm EDT. First stage steering checks have been completed. All nominal so far.
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Live coverage now starting.
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Currently at T-15 minutes and holding, no issues being reported.
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Pooling...
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L-30 minutes. All to go pick up the count at T-15 minutes.
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L-25 minutes. T-15 minutes and counting.
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Winds update...
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T-10 minutes...
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Under L-20 mins.
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No issues reported at this time...
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No flight constraints to tonight's launch so far. Will enter a 10 minute hold at T-4 minutes.
Weather is 90% go.
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T-4m; 10 m built-in hold
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T-4 minutes and holding for 10 minutes.
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Remove black cats from vicinity - Check.
Do not walk under any stairs - Roger.
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Getting ready to poll again
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L-10 minutes.
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polling... all ready or go
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L-9 minutes. Polling.
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Polling...
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All currently go for launch.
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Where are people listening/watching? Can I get a link?
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Where are people listening/watching? Can I get a link?
http://mfile.akamai.com/83518/live/reflector:24692.asx?bkup=21534
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COSMO 4 ready for launch!
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L-5 minutes, preparing to come out of the hold.
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T-4 minutes and counting. Any unexpected warning or bells shall announce "HOLD" on the net.
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Now counting down.
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Resuming count...
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Vehicle electronics going to internal.
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Arming ordnance.
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T-3 minutes.
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Spacecraft is go.
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T-120 seconds.
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Pressuring.
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Pressurizing to flight pressure.
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Range Go. Topping.
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T-60 seconds.
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T-30
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T-10 seconds.
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LAUNCH!!
Get up there!
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LAUNCH!!
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Good pitch and yaw. Going trans sonic.
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MaxQ
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Groundlit motors burnout.
15 seconds later, jettison.
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solids jettisoned
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T+2 mins.
23 miles alt
5 miles downrange.
2,023 mph
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T+ 3:00 Looking good.
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4,300 mph at T+3 minutes.
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Lost audio on my feed, thanks for the text updates guys.
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MECO.
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MECO.
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MECO.
Staging.
1-2 Sep.
Second stage ignition.
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Fairing sep.
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Fairing sep.
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Stage 1-2 separation! Stage 2 ignition.
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MECO?
I got about five seconds of audio. Heard "Second Stage Pressure" something or other
Now "Second stage pressure holding very steady"
What's a "CRD"? They have been commanded "OFF".
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Just a dot now...
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6 minute, 42 second second stage burn.
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90 miles alt.
423 miles downrange.
11,218 mph.
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And on to the animation... STK?
Chamber pressure good, engine control good.
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Engine control "very very good" on the second stage.
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MECO?
I got about five seconds of audio. Heard "Second Stage Pressure" something or other
Now "Second stage pressure holding very steady"
I believe he was just saying the second stage pressure was increasing as planned for second stage burn.
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Switched to TDRS
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Switched to TDRS tracking.
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12,913 mph at T+8 mins
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This is the first time that I noticed launch commentary sounds like a horse-race announcer.
We need to do better. It's not about the numbers, I don't think. (Space Fans, tell me if I'm wrong.) We should talk about what folks are looking at in the data. So long as eyetar doesn't snag us.
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Two minutes to SECO-1.
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9 minutes into the flight. 2 minutes until SECO-1.
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Second stage chamber pressures declining marginally, this is usual.
14,806 mph.
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10 minutes into flight
1 minute to SECO 1
Comment earlier, all major events within 1 second of planned
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This is the first time that I noticed launch commentary sounds like a horse-race announcer.
We need to do better. It's not about the numbers, I don't think. (Space Fans, tell me if I'm wrong.) We should talk about what folks are looking at in the data. So long as eyetar doesn't snag us.
I kinda like it to be honest. Besides, I put money on downrange so my horse is romping home ;D
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15,803mph as we approach SECO-1.
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SECO 1.
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SECO-1.
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SECO-1. Hydraulic system pressure beginning to drop.
101.1 NM in altitude
1,606 NM downrange
16,954 MPH
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Animation lagging the tlm. :-)
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SECO-1
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100 miles alt.
1600 miles downrange.
16,900 mph.
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MECO?
I got about five seconds of audio. Heard "Second Stage Pressure" something or other
Now "Second stage pressure holding very steady"
What's a "CRD"? They have been commanded "OFF".
Command Receiver Decoders, they are used by range safety to activate the FTS if necessary
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coast phase animation.
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42 minute coast phase. ULA will be on the air through spacecraft separation.
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Animation still showing attitude changes...
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Pitch rate as expected
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Second roll rate is expected.
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Looked great from the Valley.....even though there was a bit of fog. I got a few shots, though not sure they're all that great. Still trying to get the hang of it.
Thanks to everyone here for all of the updates and congrats to all involved in making the launch happen.
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Animation spin gets a laugh on open mic
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Beautiful flight across the line of sight from Orange County. Nice orange solids and 30 seconds before MECO a wide plume became visible. 80 feet from me a group of noisy people were oblivious to the wonder of a rocket flight.
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Must be passing a pole...
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Just under 20 minutes to the second burn of the second stage.
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10 minutes to the second burn for the second stage
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Now just under 10 minutes until the burn.
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T+44:07 still going well. less than 10 minutes to next burn.
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This is the first time that I noticed launch commentary sounds like a horse-race announcer.
We need to do better. It's not about the numbers, I don't think. (Space Fans, tell me if I'm wrong.) We should talk about what folks are looking at in the data. So long as eyetar doesn't snag us.
I kinda like it to be honest. Besides, I put money on downrange so my horse is romping home ;D
It sounds sweet to me too, and always has. The commentary, as I understand it, is from the telemetry lab and is meant first and foremost to provide immediate vehicle performance feedback to the launch team, the VIPs, and the customer representatives.
- Ed Kyle
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5 minutes from the second burn.
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Ten second burn coming up
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Third roll rate stopped.
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Second burn.
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Second burn
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Ignition! SECO-2!
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SECO-2.
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4 minutes until S/C sep.
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Here are my photos...aren't that great, but it was my first honest try in getting this right. Hope you enjoy. :)
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Spacecraft Separation maneuver begun.
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Seco 2 burn numbers look good
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SECO-2 Orbital numbers are 'very very good.'
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About to stop pitch roll and yaw rates
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Roll, pitch, and yaw rates are nulled to 0.
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Stand by space craft sep
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S/C Sep!
Congrats to all involved in finally getting this one to do the job.
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Spacecraft sep!!
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Spacecraft separation! Congrats to all involved!
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Delta II has been a workhorse...
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Awesome! Congrats again to the launch team and all involved in making this flight successful.
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Here are my photos...aren't that great, but it was my first honest try in getting this right. Hope you enjoy. :)
Looks similar to my views through clearings and thin clouds. Good first effort.
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I kinda like it to be honest. Besides, I put money on downrange so my horse is romping home ;D
It sounds sweet to me too, and always has. The commentary, as I understand it, is from the telemetry lab and is meant first and foremost to provide immediate vehicle performance feedback to the launch team, the VIPs, and the customer representatives.
Good feedback, fellas. It's just not what the engineers are looking at, so I've always wondered if (1) the general public or (2) savvy NSFers and the like would rather something more informed. Vehicle position and velocity are the effect of what's really going on with the controls and motors. Currents, pressures, commands, angles are the importants.
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Thank you...only thing I missed was MECO and the exhaust plume. I bet that looked pretty spectacular as always. This took a more southerly track (obviously) then most of the launches I can remember seeing from here. Certainly more then the SBSS Minotaur IV, which in my position put it behind some trees. Oh well, there is always next time.
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United Launch Alliance Launches 350th Delta in Program’s 50-Year History
Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (Nov. 5, 2010) – For the 350th time in its illustrious 50- year program history, a Delta rocket launched from U.S. soil, adding another chapter to one of the most successful rocket launch programs in American history. The 350th mission was a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket launching the fourth Italian-built Constellation of Small Satellites for Mediterranean Basin Observation (COSMO-SkyMed 4) satellite from Space Launch Complex-2 at 7:20 p.m. PDT today. ULA successfully launched the first three COSMO-SkyMed satellites on Delta II vehicles June 7, 2007, Dec. 8, 2007, and Oct. 24, 2008.
The mission was procured by Boeing Launch Services and was launched for the Italian Space Agency, the Italian Ministry of Defence and Thales Alenia Space.
The first Delta launch took place on May 13, 1960. The Delta II used today has demonstrated a 98.6 percent success rate and, while ULA launches one mission at a time, COSMO-SkyMed 4 marks the 93rd successful launch of a Delta II dating back to 1997.
“Today’s successful launch of the Cosmo-SkyMed-4 mission was the 350th Delta launch, which has provided an exceptional highlight to the year-long 50th anniversary celebration of the Delta program,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “The Delta system has achieved an extremely impressive track record of mission success over the last five decades. This achievement was made possible by the outstanding skills and hard work of our engineers and technicians along with the tremendous support we receive from our government, industry, and supplier mission partners. The ULA team is very pleased to have successfully launched the fourth COSMO-SkyMed satellite for Boeing, the Italian Space Agency, Ministry of Defence and Thales Alenia Space.”
The ULA Delta II 7420-10 configuration vehicle featured a ULA first stage booster powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-27A main engine and four Alliant Techsystems (ATK) strap-on solid rocket boosters. An Aerojet AJ10-118K engine powered the second stage. The payload was encased by a 10-foot-diameter composite payload fairing.
COSMO-SkyMed 4 is the final satellite in the initial constellation for this system. Each of the four satellites is equipped with a high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar operating in X-band. The overall objective of the program is global Earth observation and relevant data responding to the needs of the military and scientific community, as well as to the public demand for environmental control.
Formed in 2006, ULA combines the successful Atlas and Delta expendable launch vehicle programs offering cost-effective and reliable launch services to U.S. government customers, including the Department of Defense, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office and other commercial organizations. ULA’s next launch is the Delta IV Heavy mission for the NRO, scheduled to launch Nov. 16, from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., Harlingen, Texas and San Diego, Calif. Launch operations are located at CCAFS, Fla., and VAFB, Calif.
For more information on the ULA joint venture, visit the ULA Web site at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).
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Here's a shot from about 8-10 miles away. I was at the viewing site for attempt 2 and 3, but got chased off by the fog tonight. This was taken from a church parking lot overlooking the city of Lompoc and VAFB. This shot is fresh off the camera, no editing. When I'm actually not half-asleep (probably tomorrow), I'm going to nuke that power pole with Photoshop. Hope everbody likes it :)
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Love it. Thanks for uploading for all of us that weren't there.
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I'm going to nuke that power pole with Photoshop. Hope everbody likes it :)
I *like* the distribution line pole. But then again, I'm an electrical engineer! ;)
- Ed Kyle
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I'm going to nuke that power pole with Photoshop. Hope everbody likes it :)
I *like* the distribution line pole. But then again, I'm an electrical engineer! ;)
- Ed Kyle
LOL...I misjudged the location of the pad by just a teeny-tiny bit. I was hoping that it would come up to the left of that stupid pole...darn it! One of the folks that watched from the parking lot where I was at said that the pole added "perspective" to the shot...hahaha.
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Wow, great shot. I have to agree, the pole kinda adds something interesting to it. Thanks for sharing.
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Wow, great shot. I have to agree, the pole kinda adds something interesting to it. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Glad you liked it :)!
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Love it. Thanks for uploading for all of us that weren't there.
Thanks, Art. I'm definitley lucky to live around here and be able to see these things!
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The Cape has several sites that are "ruined" by poles and lines for launches. This pole actually helps to give perspective or depth leading into the background (or maybe not). Photo rules are made to be broken.
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A bit of minutia on this Delta. I noticed that on this rocket an American Flag decal was mounted above the Delta logo. The Delta logo, in its various forms, has typically, and maybe has always, been the top-most decal. ULA added the flag a few years ago, but it was usually mounted below the Delta and below the ULA decal. Someone must have insisted that the flag be relocated to fly above all else!
Now, if I could just talk ULA into putting the success stars back onto the Delta logo for the final few launches. ;) They would need 93 of them now!
- Ed Kyle
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The Boeing launch photo shows poles:
--- CHAS
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Ed's 'bit of minutia':
--- CHAS
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Thanks for the coverage everyone. I couldn't stay up...it was a long week.
Congrats to those involved. Glad she went up safely.
Great picture TitanFan! Thanks for sharing. I'd keep the pole.
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Flags with crossed staffs .. Is this the customer's mission artwork?
--- CHAS
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Flags with crossed staffs .. Is this the customer's mission artwork?
--- CHAS
ULA/Boeing's
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Great picture TitanFan! Thanks for sharing. I'd keep the pole.
Thank you! I'm going to keep the original with the pole in it, and I'll Photoshop a "pole-less" one as well. Best of both worlds :p
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The second stage is predicted to re-enter sometime between December 8 and December 24, in the Northern hemisphere.
Edit December 13: now predicted between December 14 and December 20
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The second stage finally re-entered yesterday December 16, at 1647UTC over SW Sudan.
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The satellite is now operational.
http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=507605226
--- CHAS