LIVE: Delta IV - NROL 27 - March 11, 2011

[awalters]

Live updates for the Delta IV (NROL 27), currently in the HIF (Horizontal Integration Facility)

[robertross]

FYI: there is live activity at the launch facility.

Streaming video available to those who can get it.

[WHAP]

Shouldn't this be posted in the L-32 thread?

[robertross]

Shouldn't this be posted in the L-32 thread?

Oops, sorry (and thanks). Saw the NROL designation on the 'upcoming launch' thread, and didn't see it on the L-32.

[JosephB]

Layperson question if I may, does L-27 have 68A's? (I'm guessing not).
I know L-49 is the first flight of them but is there a manifest out there that lists the engines each flight will have? Thanks.

[Robotbeat]

Layperson question if I may, does L-27 have 68A's? (I'm guessing not).
I know L-49 is the first flight of them but is there a manifest out there that lists the engines each flight will have? Thanks.

Interesting... When is NROL-49 planned, now? Jan 11th, 2011? That's only about 5 weeks away! They're already acceptance-tested, right? (Am I missing a thread discussing this?)

[JosephB]

It's been on the pad a while, check out VAFB website.

[Robotbeat]

It's been on the pad a while, check out VAFB website.

Where on the webpage is this information?

[JosephB]

Here is a good pic of it.
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/photos/mediagallery.asp?galleryID=2153&page=2

I thought I saw an article & more pics on SFN. (I think)

[Jim]

L-49 does not use RS-68A's.

[JosephB]

L-49 does not use RS-68A's.

I could have swore I read that they were supposed to debut during the first heavy west coast launch. Was this ever true way back when?

Time to read more & post less, yikes.

[Rocket Guy]

No, there was a report after a recent test that indicated early 2012 for their debut as I recall. A particular flight was mentioned but I don't remember.

[William Graham]

There's a launch patch for L-27 on ebay. It is fairly bland in terms of obvious "clues", however it does contain the latin phrase "nos suo caelum" which translates as "we join the sky" (join as in connect). That suggests to me that it may be a communications satellite (SDS).

[C5C6]

NROL 27 is scheduled for launch from CCAFS on March 11th isn't it??? any updates on launch preparations???

[Targeteer]

Discussion of the NROL-27 patches...

http://sattrackcam.blogspot.com/2011/02/nrol-27-patches.html

"Some independant analysts believe NROL-27 will be a geostationary SDS satellite. The patches, especially the second one, tend to support that suspicion.

The Latin "Nos Suo Caelum" in the second patch means "We Connect the Heavens". This is exactly what SDS satellites do: they provide an uplink and downlink platform between other (reconnaissance) satellites and their operating centers. The red Dragon in the second patch, might indicate this new SDS will notably serve a role for SIGINT satellites (as historically, dragons in patches signify SIGINT satellites)."

I recognize Leo the lion but not the bird.  The red sections of the otherwise yellow gryphon raise a few questions...

[Targeteer]

No, there was a report after a recent test that indicated early 2012 for their debut as I recall. A particular flight was mentioned but I don't remember.

Does anyone know if the first RS-68A flight will be on a Delta IV Heavy or Medium?

[slothead]

I'm going to be in Florida on March 11, and the KSC visitor center shows the NROL 27 on the calendar, but it doesn't give the time.  While the USAF may not want the public to be aware of the exact launch time, is there a customary launch time (window, etc) that I could plan on so that I can schedule my day to be able to see the launch?  Any suggestions/information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

[Jim]

  While the USAF may not want the public to be aware of the exact launch time, is there a customary launch time (window, etc)

late afternoon/early evening

[William Graham]

According to NASA FDF, the launch is scheduled for 22:00 UTC.

[Rocket Guy]

Closer to 2300 than 2200.