NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: HIPAR on 06/18/2011 02:52 pm
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An article about the Wet Dress Rehearsal for an upcoming GPS satellite launch:
http://www.examiner.com/nasa-in-national/delta-iv-rocket-tested-ahead-of-launch
According to ULA the next GPS IIF satellite will leave on 14 July 2011. But, I have seen reference to a possible delay to assess a spacecraft component issue.
--- CHAS
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An article about the Wet Dress Rehearsal for an upcoming GPS satellite launch:
http://www.examiner.com/nasa-in-national/delta-iv-rocket-tested-ahead-of-launch
According to ULA the next GPS IIF satellite will leave on 14 July 2011. But, I have seen reference to a possible delay to assess a spacecraft component issue.
--- CHAS
Nice to see an article about this process. The general public is usually not informed about the long work of a launch campaign.
- Ed Kyle
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An article about the Wet Dress Rehearsal for an upcoming GPS satellite launch:
http://www.examiner.com/nasa-in-national/delta-iv-rocket-tested-ahead-of-launch
According to ULA the next GPS IIF satellite will leave on 14 July 2011. But, I have seen reference to a possible delay to assess a spacecraft component issue.
--- CHAS
Nice to see an article about this process. The general public is usually not informed about the long work of a launch campaign.
- Ed Kyle
Especially for DoD missions.
--- CHAS
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An interesting photo tour of the Mobile Service Structure where the Delta IV with GPS IIF-2 is being processed for its 14 July launch.
http://www.universetoday.com/87156/launch-complex-37b-level-by-level/#more-87156
This is GPS IIF-2 being prepared for delivery to the Cape:
(http://spaceflightnow.com/delta/d355/images/gps2f2.jpg)
--- CHAS
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Any updates on this launch ?
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Any updates on this launch ?
Looks like a busy July for launches. Anyhow I was amazed to lookup the new GPS IIF-2 vs the old models. The early models were launched on Delta II's. Some great HW being launched.
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Is the launch window still 0649-0708 GMT?
That would be 2:49-3:08 a.m. EDT; deep darkness at the launch site!
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Is the launch window still 0649-0708 GMT?
That would be 2:49-3:08 a.m. EDT; deep darkness at the launch site!
According to ULA, that is the current launch window. The launcher is to be Delta 355. GPS IIF-2 is Space Vehicle Number 63 (SVN63).
It's going somewhere into GPS Plane D. I'm thinking it will eventually replace SVN24 that was launched way back in 1991 on the 4th of July.
If this mission proceeds as did inaugural Delta IV GPS launch, the ground trace shows the satellite arriving on orbit somewhere over the South China Sea. Spacecraft separation occurs 3 hours and 33 minutes into the mission.
GPS IIF satellites go directly to the GPS constellation. Earlier Block II GPS satellites were all launched by Delta II and released into a transfer orbit awaiting a boost from an apogee kick motor.
The Air Force expects the satellite will be ready for us all to use after a thirty day on orbit positioning and engineering checkout.
--- CHAS
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Seen from the causeway on July 8
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ULA:
All launch preparations are progressing well in support of the Delta IV GPS IIF-2 launch set for Thursday, July 14 for the U.S. Air Force. The launch window is 2:49 until 3:08 a.m. EDT. Satellite coordinates and some important event dates surrounding launch can be found below. Additionally, please find the mission overview booklet attached.
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The launch was postponed 24 hours, now set for Friday July 15 at 0645 GMT.
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Timing suggests ordnance or spacecraft problem.
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I was planning on heading out to Port Canaveral for this launch. Has it truly been delayed until Friday morning? I can't find any confirmation of this. Even ULA's site is still saying 7/14.
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Here's what ULA just put out:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GPS Block IIF satellite launch postponed 24 hours
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. – The launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the GPS IIF-2 payload for the Air Force is being postponed 24 hours to allow the GPS spacecraft team time to complete an assessment of a technical item.
The launch is rescheduled for Friday, July 15 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at the opening of a 19-minute window at 2:45 a.m. EDT. The forecast for July 15 shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch.
Accredited media representatives interested in covering the launch from the Kennedy Space Center News Center must report by July 15, at 12:30 a.m.. to the parking lot at the KSC Media Services Press Accreditation Building on State Road 3 across from Air Liquide, for Air Force badging and escort. Media representatives must provide proper credentials and two forms of identification, at least one with a photo. Drivers must have a valid current driver's license, motor vehicle registration and proof of insurance, and follow all safety and security procedures and instructions.
(more)
Notes:
1. Remote camera set-up: Media representatives interested in setting up remote cameras must report to the parking lot of Space Florida/SpaceX, near the CCAFS front gate, on July 14, at 3:15 p.m. for badging and escort to the SLC-37 area. Air Force and ULA Communications representatives plan to meet and escort media to the Kennedy Space Center Press Site. Escort and access is contingent upon operational constraints.
2. Live satellite feed information for broadcast:
ALL TIMES EASTERN STANDARD TIME
01:53 Bars & Tone
02:24 Broadcast Starts
02:49 Window Opens
03:08 Window Closes
03:33 End Program
Satellite – AMC 3
Transponder – 16C
Band – C-Band Analog
Orbital Position – 87 Degrees W
Carrier – SES Americom
Bandwidth – 36 MHz (Full Transponder)
Downlink Freq – 4020 MHz (Vertical)
5. Webcast: The launch can be viewed via Webcast at: http://www.ulalaunch.com
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Oh nice, thanks for this update, I was looking for an official confirmation too.
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Yes, thanks for posting that Chris!
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Sure thing guys.
Moved for live coverage
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Sure thing guys.
Moved for live coverage
This launch excites me as not focused on a Delta IV before.
This is an USAF launch? Is the payload processed at Aerotech or other. Any pics available?
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Sure thing guys.
Moved for live coverage
This launch excites me as not focused on a Delta IV before.
This is an USAF launch? Is the payload processed at Aerotech or other. Any pics available?
Wet dress rehearsal:
http://www.americaspace.org/?p=7826#more-7826
GPS-2F info:
http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/navstar-2f.htm
http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/space/gps/index.html
And my favorite ( :) ) picture of the Delta 4 in HIF:
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Sure thing guys.
Moved for live coverage
This launch excites me as not focused on a Delta IV before.
This is an USAF launch? Is the payload processed at Aerotech or other. Any pics available?
USAF
and the payload was processed at the DPF
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Heading out there to watch tonight for sure, should be quite a sight in the dark night sky.
Any updates when it comes to weather prognosis? Last I heard was 70% chance of launch.
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It appears they have just scrubbed due to weather preventing MST rollback.
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Probably a 24 hour scrub.
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And I was all sleep-shifted over ;)
Appreciate the notes.
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (July 14, 2011) – The launch of a Delta IV rocket carrying the Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-2 payload was scrubbed today due to unfavorable weather which prevented the launch team from rolling the Mobile Service Tower away from the vehicle for launch. The launch is rescheduled for Saturday, July 16 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The opening of the 19-minute launch window is 2:41 a.m. EDT. The forecast for July 16 shows a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for the launch.
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Weather when the scrub was called.
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Oh Rats!! Had Accreditation to go see this launch too, and now its a definite scrub? I had a feeling when I saw the lightning flashes out to sea. We've gotta go home Friday... :(
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Yes, sadly our Cape contact confirmed its a scrub; with the lightning ringing the whole area etc.
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I had a feeling when I saw the lightning flashes out to sea. We've gotta go home Friday... :(
That sucks Matt, but at least you got to see Atlantis :)
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I had a feeling when I saw the lightning flashes out to sea. We've gotta go home Friday... :(
That sucks Matt, but at least you got to see Atlantis :)
Oh you bet!! :) Atlantis was excellent. The next time we'll be out this way it'll be for humans-on-a-Falcon or SLS, or for the first KSC launch of Falcon Heavy ;) LOOONNGG flights home now and back to work Monday morning :(
'Bye for now.
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Yes, sadly our Cape contact confirmed its a scrub; with the lightning ringing the whole area etc.
See above, this site is always first with news.
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Actually SFN timestamp on the scrub shows they were first by way of notification. They have EELVs in the bag, credit where credit's due.
I'm sure everyone is thankful for RG to post in a speedy fashion.
PS How's the weather looking today?
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Actually I see ULA are currently go pre their latest release, so we'll change the call signs on the thread.
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Actually I see ULA are currently go pre their latest release, so we'll change the call signs on the thread.
Thanks for the update, Launches are very good at filling boring cargo transfer days on the ISS. ;D
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Weather is reasonable - ULA:
Overall Probability of Weather Constraint Violation: 40%
Primary Concern: Cumulus, Anvil, Debris, Thick Cloud Rules
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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (July 15, 2011) – A United Launch Alliance Delta IV stands ready for launch at Space Launch Complex-37 with the Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-2 payload. Launch is scheduled for Saturday, July 16 at 2:41 a.m. EDT. GPS IIF-2 is the second in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation systems utilizing 24 satellites, in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per place, positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the earths’ surface.
Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
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Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
Looking good :)
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... GPS IIF-2 is the second in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation systems utilizing 24 satellites, in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per place, positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the earths’ surface ...
I see lots of references to the GPS constellation consisting of 24 satellites. That's actually the minimum number occupying the so called prime orbital slots. Twenty four are required for meeting a geometrical requirement related to the specified system accuracy. At this moment, there are 31 satellites transmitting. One is set unusable so 30 are available for use.
More specifically, the Air Force recently announced the completion of the 24+3 GPS constellation. The system operators were flying the 'extra' satellites in proximity to the prime slots. Although that configuration maintained a backup posture, the extra satellites didn't materially contribute to constellation effectiveness. About a year ago, they began repositioning six satellites to provide better coverage in the mountain valleys of Afghanistan.
There are also a few residual satellites available for emergency service.
--- CHAS
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Any news on the Launch? Weather doesn't look any better today (at least for me, being no weather expert :) ) than yesterday. I was surprised to read that they did the roll back today...
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Any news on the Launch? Weather doesn't look any better today (at least for me, being no weather expert :) ) than yesterday. I was surprised to read that they did the roll back today...
60 percent chance of favorable weather. Still a long time to launch yet.
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I think there will be no launch:
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I think there will be no launch:
Still seven hours, and it is Florida, and you know what they say about Florida weather :)
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There was some nasty looking weather stuff west of the Cape this afternoon. NEXRAD shows T-Storms are dissipating.
Rocket might get rained upon before the rain moves out to sea. I guess it's watertight.
--- CHAS
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Fueling has started
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I guess it's watertight.
--- CHAS
Correct.
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Launch Preview article - another excellent one from William Graham:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/07/ula-delta-iv-launch-gps-iif-2-cape-canaveral/
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ULA:
We are now just four hours from launch. Everything is progressing well and the team is not working any technical issues at this time. The weather is still a concern, but it is trending in the right direction
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Forgot we have a viewing thread for this! Moved posts and merged :)
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=25979.0
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2 hours or so to launch.
Webcast will be active shortly before then at http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Multimedia_Webcast.shtml
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Camera 001 on Pad 39A has pointed it's self over to the Delta IV.
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Silly question, but I'm wondering what that "fire" is venting from the smokestack thing on the MST side of that lightning mast? I meant to ask that during the last Delta IV launch from there and forgot about it...LOL.
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Silly question, but I'm wondering what that "fire" is venting from the smokestack thing on the MST side of that lightning mast? I meant to ask that during the last Delta IV launch from there and forgot about it...LOL.
Flare stack for burning off the boiled-off LH2.
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Flare stack for burning off the boiled-off LH2.
Thank you :)
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Anyone have ideas on getting the ULA webcast into VLC? I hate these damn flash players...
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Anyone have ideas on getting the ULA webcast into VLC? I hate these damn flash players...
Haven't managed to get ULAs new flash working in VLC yet. :( Annoying as they had a lovely feed before.
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T-5 minutes and holding.
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Does anyone know if there's a radio frequency we can tune to for updates?
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Polling to come out of the hold.
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Polling is go.
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Go to come out of the hold.
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Swing arms ready.
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T-5 minutes and counting. Vehicle going to internal power.
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Transfer internal complete.
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Ordnance armed.
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CBC pre-press started.
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Press purges on.
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T-120 seconds. HTPA spin up, hydraulic pressure at 4000 psi.
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T-90 seconds.
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Range go.
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T-60 seconds. Go Delta IV!
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Launch enable.
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Green board, flight lock in.
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Liftoff!
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Mach 1.
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Max-Q.
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SRM sep.
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Down to 58%.
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MECO, 1-2 sep, NEDS deploy and second stage start!
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Fairing sep.
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Interview with Capt. Finley of the USAF.
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T+10 minutes. Downrange 1241 nm.
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Good morning!!! Thanks for the coverage Nick! Good work!!!
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Altitude 172.1 nm, speed 24400 fps, downrange 1576 nm.
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My Launch Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_FqwQu3XIg
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SECO-1. Now coasting for 9 minutes.
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Good morning!!! Thanks for the coverage Nick! Good work!!!
Thanks Rui!
Sorry about the delayed screenshots - the stupid Flash player means I have to print-screen, open the picture, crop, save, and upload.
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Excellent! Congrats to all teams.
Of course, makes one wonder about RS-68 as the future of main engines for SLS, and also makes me wonder why they won't say "RL-10". What a great engine!
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Second burn will last about 3:20, in a little over 3 minutes from now.
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Passing the South American coast.
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T+20 minutes.
Altitude 137.4nm, speed 25,519 fps, downrange 3528 miles.
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Second stage start.
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Downrange 4027 nm.
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Watch the apogee go!
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Speed 28,767 fps.
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Little over a minute to go.
Chamber pressures rock-solid.
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Altitude 130 nm.
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SECO-2.
Now into the second coast phase for around 3 hours. One more short burn after that, and then S/C sep.
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Webcast ending.
Congrats to ULA and everyone involved on a great launch so far!
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Webcast ending.
Congrats to ULA and everyone involved on a great launch so far!
Excellent work Nick!
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Webcast ending.
Congrats to ULA and everyone involved on a great launch so far!
Excellent work Nick!
Thanks Chris!
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An updated version of William Graham's article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/07/ula-delta-iv-launch-gps-iif-2-cape-canaveral/
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A shot I took from Port Canaveral....basically the only one I took that came out decent. :-\
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It cleared up pretty well in the end! What a great launch! I watched it from Kars Park. Here are a couple of shots to enjoy until the pics from the remote cameras turn up...
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Another great launch. Thank you for the coverage.
Mid-July was exceptional so far - so many different events (and all successful as well)
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USSTRATCOM observed 11-036A in
20,464 km x 21,736 km inclined 54.82°
and 11-036B in
20,430km x 20,465 km inclined 55.03°
(this one could be the S/C)
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Wikipedia has already been updated
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_GPS_satellite_launches
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The official launch announcement:
NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2011047
SUBJ: SVN63 (PRN01) LAUNCH JDAY 197
1. NANU TYPE: LAUNCH
NANU NUMBER: 2011047
NANU DTG: 160718Z JUL 2011
SVN: 63
PRN: 01
LAUNCH JDAY: 197
LAUNCH TIME ZULU: 0641
2. GPS SATELLITE SVN63 (PRN1) WAS LAUNCHED ON JDAY 197
THIS SATELLITE WILL UNDERGO EXTENSIVE ON-ORBIT CHECK OUT PRIOR TO BEING SET HEALTHY.
A USABINIT NANU WILL BE SENT WHEN THE SATELITTE IS SET ACTIVE TO SERVICE.
3. POC: CIVILIAN - NAVCEN AT 703-313-5900, HTTP://WWW.NAVCEN.USCG.GOV
MILITARY - GPS OPERATIONS CENTER AT HTTP://gps.afspc.af.mil/GPSOC, DSN 560-2541,
COMM 719-567-2541, [email protected], HTTP://gps.afspc.af.mil/GPSOC/GPS
MILITARY ALTERNATE - JOINT SPACE OPERATIONS CENTER, DSN 276-3514. COMM 805-606-3514.
[email protected]
--- CHAS
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Oh mama....:o
http://www.launchphotography.com/GPS_2F-2.html
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Oh mama....:o
http://www.launchphotography.com/GPS_2F-2.html
Ben is an absolute master of the art. I wonder though, is he not allowed to site cameras at the pad for these ULA launches? (Not that it matters when he can produce stunning images such as these from across the river.)
- Ed Kyle
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Oh mama....:o
http://www.launchphotography.com/GPS_2F-2.html
Ben is an absolute master of the art. I wonder though, is he not allowed to site cameras at the pad for these ULA launches? (Not that it matters when he can produce stunning images such as these from across the river.)
- Ed Kyle
Maybe something prevented him from setting up his pad cameras this time? On his site he has several pad camera shots from previous ULA launches. In any case they're still great photos.
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Relative track positions of satellites in GPS Plane D .. simulation including new two line element set for 2011-036B (Object B):
--- CHAS
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Oh mama....:o
http://www.launchphotography.com/GPS_2F-2.html
Ben is an absolute master of the art. I wonder though, is he not allowed to site cameras at the pad for these ULA launches? (Not that it matters when he can produce stunning images such as these from across the river.)
- Ed Kyle
Maybe something prevented him from setting up his pad cameras this time? On his site he has several pad camera shots from previous ULA launches. In any case they're still great photos.
We are all (press) allowed to setup cameras at various places near the launch pad, usually the day before launch they will take us out there. Could simply be he wasn't able to get there during the setup times, especially with the delays.
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Possibly one of the best long exposure shots I've ever seen, courtesy of my friend Geir:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neonstz/5943368423/
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And here's my attempt at having a remote camera setup. Once again, I need to thank Alan Walters for his assistance setting up my camera, as I wasn't able to get over there due to work at the setup times. Unfortunately, the lens fogged with the humid weather and rain, but this time at least we know the system worked right. Hopefully bodes well for the future and getting some great shots!
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Anyone know why the mission patch looks like the Autobot (Transformers) symbol?
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Transformers, GPS in disguise ;)
Well, Jim did once post that satellites are the ultimate transformers, maybe Boeing has been reading his posts and got the hint ;)
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Larry, nice shot (1122) do you have more like those before launch photos ? I love to see more :)
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Larry, nice shot (1122) do you have more like those before launch photos ? I love to see more :)
Sorry Jacques that's the only one. I wasn't able to get over there when they took media out to the pad, and I think this was just a test shot for focus and all, hopefully if the Atlas in August goes on time I'll be there for everything, and will have lots of shots!
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Does anyone know where I can request/buy a pin/patch of the mission logo?
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Does anyone know where I can request/buy a pin/patch of the mission logo?
E-bay
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GPS IIF-2 (SVN63) developed a problem with its cesium atomic frequency standard so the system operators activated an alternate rubidium standard. The satellite was finally set usable.
NOTICE ADVISORY TO NAVSTAR USERS (NANU) 2011085
SUBJ: SVN63 (PRN1) USABLE JDAY 287/1953
1. NANU TYPE: USABINIT
NANU NUMBER: 2011085
NANU DTG: 142008Z OCT 2011
REFERENCE NANU: N/A
REF NANU DTG: N/A
SVN: 63
PRN: 1
START JDAY: 287
START TIME ZULU: 1953
START CALENDAR DATE: 14 OCT 2011
STOP JDAY: N/A
STOP TIME ZULU: N/A
STOP CALENDAR DATE: N/A
2. CONDITION: GPS SATELLITE SVN63 (PRN1) WAS USABLE AS OF JDAY 287
(14 OCT 2011) BEGINNING 1953 ZULU.
--- CHAS
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The Signal In Space (SIS) error for a GPS satellite consists of two components. The ephemeris error relates to the satellite ability to maintain a precise orbit. The clock error relates to the stability of the atomic frequency standard. Both of these parameters are continuously monitored and frequently calibrated by the master control station.
Attached is the SIS performance for the GPS constellation issued for 01 Nov 11. The PRN is a binary signal sequence that identifies the individual satellites.
GPS IIF-2 sends PRN01. It has been exhibiting a SIS error that's three times the error of the first Bock IIF satellite (GPS IIF-1) sending on PRN25.
Interestingly, GPS IIA-10, sending PRN32, consistently outperforms the newest satellite. That satellite was launched way back in Nov 1990.
Perhaps the GPS system operators are still 'fine tuning' the new satellite. They need to get these kinds of things under control to achieve expected modernized standards.
--- CHAS
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The Signal In Space (SIS) error for a GPS satellite consists of two components ...
Interesting post - thanks for that.