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LIVE: Minotaur IV Tacsat-4, September 27 2011 by Ronsmytheiii on 23 Sep, 2011 00:26
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#1 by Ronsmytheiii on 23 Sep, 2011 00:33
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Quote
The Naval Research Laboratory's Tactical Satellite IV (TacSat-4) has been encapsulated inside the fairing (nose cone) of an Orbital Sciences Corporation Minotaur-IV+ launch vehicle in preparation for a Sept. 27 launch from the Alaska Aerospace Corporation's Kodiak Launch Complex.
http://www.nrl.navy.mil/media/news-releases/133-11r/ -
#2 by Ronsmytheiii on 23 Sep, 2011 00:34
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#3 by Ronsmytheiii on 23 Sep, 2011 00:48
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#4 by Salo on 24 Sep, 2011 08:09
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#5 by tehwkd on 27 Sep, 2011 10:50
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Current T-0 is 1545 UTC / 11:45am EDT / 00:45 JST
Webcast: http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow -
#6 by Ronsmytheiii on 27 Sep, 2011 11:38
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#7 by Ronsmytheiii on 27 Sep, 2011 11:41
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LV, SV, and range all green right now
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#8 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 12:32
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Current T-0 is 1545 UTC / 11:45am EDT / 00:45 JST
Webcast: http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
Is this the only webcast available? -
#9 by tehwkd on 27 Sep, 2011 12:51
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Current T-0 is 1545 UTC / 11:45am EDT / 00:45 JST
Webcast: http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
Is this the only webcast available?
Appears to be. Been looking for 2 days and this is the only one that's been mentioned. -
#10 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 12:52
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Current T-0 is 1545 UTC / 11:45am EDT / 00:45 JST
Webcast: http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
Is this the only webcast available?
Appears to be. Been looking for 2 days and this is the only one that's been mentioned.
Okay! Thanks! -
#11 by Chris Bergin on 27 Sep, 2011 14:57
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Launch preview/overview article by William Graham:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/09/orbital-minotaur-launch-tacsat4/ -
#12 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:05
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Launch is 40 minutes away...
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#13 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:07
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#14 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:09
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#15 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:15
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Launch time: 1549:00UTC.
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#16 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:19
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T-30 minutes. All goes well for launch. No issues being worked.
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#17 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:23
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#18 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:31
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T-18 minutes...
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#19 by Chris Bergin on 27 Sep, 2011 15:32
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Fair play to SFN for getting a webcast out. Otherwise we'd have nothing.
I'm rushing home in a moment, and no sure I'll get back to T-0, so it's all yours Rui!
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#20 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:35
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T-12m. Weather is green for launch.
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#21 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:36
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#22 by Space Pete on 27 Sep, 2011 15:37
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Moved for live coverage.
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#23 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:41
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#24 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:42
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T-7m. The destruct system has been armed.
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#25 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:43
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#26 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:43
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T-5m 30s. All go for launch...
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#27 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:44
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T-5m. Avionics on internal power.
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#28 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:45
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Flight computer armed for flight.
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#29 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:45
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T-4m. Inertial on flight mode.
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#30 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:46
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T-3m and counting...
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#31 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:47
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#32 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:47
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T-2m...
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#33 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:47
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Auto sequence started...
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#34 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:48
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T-1m... all go!
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#35 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:48
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Go for launch!!!
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#36 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:48
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T-30s...
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#37 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:49
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LAUNCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
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#38 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:49
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Attitude nominal... into MaxQ
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#39 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:50
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Stage 1 / 2 sep...
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#40 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:50
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Stage 2 ignition confirmed.... all systems nominal...
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#41 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:51
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Stage 2 motor pressure nominal. Attitude nominal...
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#42 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:52
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Stage 2 / 3 sep! Stage 3 ignition! Fairing sep!!!
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#43 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:52
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Stage 3 burn-out...
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#44 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:53
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Into a coasting phase of almost 20 minutes...
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#45 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:54
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Vehicle attitude nominal. Nominal flight so far...
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#46 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:56
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618 km downrange...
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#47 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:56
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#48 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:57
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Stage 4 ignition in 15m 30s...
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#49 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:58
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Nominal flight... in a coast phase...
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#50 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:58
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Launch vehicle as completed orientation for 4th stage ignition...
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#51 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 15:59
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Vehicle power nominal... all good so far...
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#52 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:01
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Stage 4 ignition in 11m 30s... all nominal...
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#53 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:02
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T+13m. Smooth flight...
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#54 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:04
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Vehicle power nominal...
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#55 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:05
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T-15m 30s.... Stage 4 ignition in 7m 30s...
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#56 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:06
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Launch vehicle attitude, power and all other systems are nominal...
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#57 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:07
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T+18 m... all good...
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#58 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:08
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Next event will be the ignition of the fourth stage after a coast period of 20 minutes...
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#59 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:09
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Stage 4 ignition in 3m 30s...
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#60 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:09
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T+20m and counting... This is the 5th Minotaur-IV launch...
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#61 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:11
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All systems nominal... waiting Stage 4 ignition...
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#62 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:12
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Stage 4 electronic power on...
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#63 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:13
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We should have Stage 4 ignition...
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#64 by just-nick on 27 Sep, 2011 16:14
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Is this an expected LOS?
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#65 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:14
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3 minutes to spacecraft separation...
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#66 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:15
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Is this an expected LOS?
Yes, it passed out of range of the Vandenberg AFB tracking station. -
#67 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:16
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T+27 m... spacecraft separation in 60 seconds...
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#68 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:17
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TacSat-4 estimated separation time!!!
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#69 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:18
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At this time there are no communications links with the satellite...
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#70 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:19
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T+29m 30s. The next ground station pass will take place at 1625UTC.
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#71 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:19
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AOS in Santiago, Chile, in 4m 30s...
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#72 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:23
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Image of Stage 1 / 2 sep.
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#73 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:24
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Waiting for the confirmation of spacecraft separation.
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#74 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:26
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Should have had AOS in Santiago, Chile, by now...
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#75 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:28
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Webcast replaying now... Still waiting news of spacecraft separation...
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#76 by Galactic Penguin SST on 27 Sep, 2011 16:29
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SFN is reporting a nominal S/C separation and orbit parameters.
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#77 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:30
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Confirmation of spacecraft separation!
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#78 by Satori on 27 Sep, 2011 16:31
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Congratulations to all involved. Nice flight!
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#79 by Chris Bergin on 27 Sep, 2011 16:35
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Thanks Rui! Reminder of William's article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/09/orbital-minotaur-launch-tacsat4/ -
#80 by jacqmans on 27 Sep, 2011 21:12
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ORBITAL SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHES MINOTAUR IV ROCKET FOR U.S. AIR FORCE
CARRYING TACSAT-4 SATELLITE
-- Successful Flight of Minotaur IV Extends Perfect Launch Record of
Minotaur Family to 23 Missions --
(Dulles, VA 27 September 2011) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB),
one of the world’s leading space technology companies, announced today that
its Minotaur IV space launch vehicle was successfully launched for the U.S.
Air Force, placing the U.S. Navy’s Tactical Satellite-4 (TacSat-4) into a
precise orbit of the Earth. The Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office
is the launch sponsor of the TacSat-4 program, which is demonstrating the
use of standard interfaces to shorten development timelines and delivering
tactical capabilities to the foot soldier.
The mission originated from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska on
September 27, 2011. The rocket’s first stage ignited at 11:49 a.m. (EDT),
beginning its flight into low-Earth orbit. Approximately 28 minutes later,
the Minotaur IV deployed the TacSat-4 satellite into its targeted highly
elliptical orbit of approximately 7,415 miles (11,865 kilometers) by 115
miles (185 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. The TacSat-4 launch was
the fifth Minotaur IV flight and the 23rd overall mission for the Minotaur
product line over the last 11 years, all of which have been successful.
“The successful Minotaur IV flight continues our well-established record of
mission success for the Minotaur rocket family. Orbital is proud to
support the U.S. Air Force with the newest member of the Minotaur launch
vehicle family for the operationally responsive TacSat program,” said Mr.
Ron Grabe, Orbital’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of its
Launch Systems Group. “With a perfect track record of 23 successful
launches over the last 11 years, the Minotaur family has proven to be a
valuable asset for the Department of Defense to meet its space launch
needs.”
The Minotaur family of launch vehicles is based on government-furnished
Peacekeeper and Minuteman rocket motors that Orbital has upgraded and
integrated with modern avionics and other subsystems to produce a
cost-effective launcher based on flight-proven hardware. The Minotaur
product line utilizes standardized avionics and subsystems, mature
processes and experienced personnel to make them reliable and cost
effective. Minotaur rockets are capable of launching from all major U.S.
spaceports, including launch sites in Alaska, California, Florida and
Virginia.
About Minotaur IV
The Minotaur IV is a four-stage space launch vehicle that uses
flight-proven propulsion, avionics and other subsystems. It leverages the
experience of the Air Force’s Peacekeeper ICBM program, along with the
extensive flight heritage of Orbital’s Minotaur I, Pegasus® and Taurus®
space launch vehicles to produce a highly reliable launcher for U.S.
government space programs.
The space launch configuration of Minotaur IV is made up of three
decommissioned Peacekeeper solid fuel rocket motors that Orbital has
upgraded and integrated with modern avionics and other subsystems, combined
with a commercially-supplied solid-fuel upper stage. For the TacSat-4
mission, Orbital flew an enhanced performance configuration of the Minotaur
IV which utilizes a STAR 48 solid fuel motor with thrust vector control as
the fourth stage, replacing the Orion 38 motor that had flown on the
previous two Minotaur IV space launches. Minotaur IV is capable of
launching payloads up to 4,000 lbs. (or 1,800 kg.) to low-Earth orbit.
About Orbital
Orbital develops and manufactures small- and medium-class rockets and space
systems for commercial, military and civil government customers. The
company’s primary products are satellites and launch vehicles, including
low-Earth orbit, geosynchronous-Earth orbit and planetary exploration
spacecraft for communications, remote sensing, scientific and defense
missions; human-rated space systems for Earth-orbit, lunar and other
missions; ground- and air-launched rockets that deliver satellites into
orbit; and missile defense systems that are used as interceptor and target
vehicles. Orbital also provides satellite subsystems and space-related
technical services to U.S. Government agencies and laboratories. More
information about Orbital can be found at http://www.orbital.com.
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#81 by jcm on 28 Sep, 2011 02:49
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Congrats to Orbital!
Does anyone have a weight estimate for the fourth stage? We know the Star 48V motor is 4772 lb loaded 305 lb burnout in its nominal config (per the 2008 ATK catalog) but the Stage 4 also has the Minotaur GCA (Guidance Control Assembly).
I am guessing the empty stage 4 is in the 1000-2000 lb range. (we like to know these things for space debris calculations...)
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#82 by Ronsmytheiii on 28 Sep, 2011 02:52
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by the way, what is the difference between the SR-118 and the Castor-120 stages? according to wikipedia, the later is a derivative of the former however I dont trust it as a source.....
Good to see the Shuttle/Delta II legacy living on through the switch to STAR 48 -
#83 by edkyle99 on 28 Sep, 2011 03:16
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by the way, what is the difference between the SR-118 and the Castor-120 stages? according to wikipedia, the later is a derivative of the former however I dont trust it as a source.....
Good to see the Shuttle/Delta II legacy living on through the switch to STAR 48
Castor 120 data is available on page 20 of the ATK product catalog. http://www.atk.com/capabilities_space/documents/atk_catalog_may_2008.pdf
It says that "CASTOR 120 was designed, using proven technology, to meet the need for a medium-sized, reliable, solid rocket booster". As I recall, that meant a less aggressive thrust profile (Minotaur 4 SR-118 first stage burned for 56.6 seconds while Castor 120 has a listed 79.5 second burn time, etc.).
http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/Publications/Minotaur_IV_Guide.pdf
- Ed Kyle -
#84 by Lewis007 on 28 Sep, 2011 07:55
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#85 by just-nick on 15 Nov, 2011 17:31
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This is sort of off topic...but how does Minotaur IV handle roll control during the 1st three stages?
--N -
#86 by Tcommon on 15 Nov, 2011 21:26
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This is sort of off topic...but how does Minotaur IV handle roll control during the 1st three stages?
"cold-gas attitude control system resident in the avionics section providing roll control." -
#87 by Jim on 15 Nov, 2011 22:41
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This is sort of off topic...but how does Minotaur IV handle roll control during the 1st three stages?
"cold-gas attitude control system resident in the avionics section providing roll control."
That is only for the 4th stage -
#88 by Tcommon on 15 Nov, 2011 23:43
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This is sort of off topic...but how does Minotaur IV handle roll control during the 1st three stages?
"cold-gas attitude control system resident in the avionics section providing roll control."
That is only for the 4th stage
Yah, I was wondering about that. I thought the peacekeeper had a hypergolic roll control unit that was adapted to the ares1. Didn't see anything about it in the link though. -
#89 by Jim on 16 Nov, 2011 01:22
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Yah, I was wondering about that. I thought the peacekeeper had a hypergolic roll control unit that was adapted to the ares1. Didn't see anything about it in the link though.
That system doesn't fly on Minotaur. -
#90 by Tcommon on 16 Nov, 2011 15:06
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#91 by just-nick on 16 Nov, 2011 16:24
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Antonioe, where are you when we need you?That system doesn't fly on Minotaur.
so what does it use?
--N
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#92 by antonioe on 21 Nov, 2011 17:44
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Antonioe, where are you when we need you?That system doesn't fly on Minotaur.
so what does it use?
--N
Uh..? What...? Oh, sorry, I was looking the other way...
Well, M IV stages 1 and 2 do not have roll control. Stage 3 and 4 use the cold gas system. -
#93 by ugordan on 21 Nov, 2011 17:51
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Well, M IV stages 1 and 2 do not have roll control.
That means the vehicle can/will enter a random (slow) roll during the burn? -
#94 by kevin-rf on 21 Nov, 2011 20:31
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Better grab some Dramamine.
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#95 by just-nick on 21 Nov, 2011 23:14
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Better grab some Dramamine.
Indeed!
What kind of roll rate could the vehicle see during stage 1/2 flight? It is a symmetrical tube, after all, but what sort of asymmetric burning and/or rate coupling could get involved?
--N
