-
#140
by
Chris Bergin
on 04 Oct, 2012 16:52
-
ULA:
"We have had successful spacecraft separation. This is the last communication regarding the launch of Delta IV GPSIIF-3."
Heh!
Release:
United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Successfully Launches Global Positioning System Satellite for the U.S. Air Force
Launch Marks 65th Successful ULA Launch in Less than Six Years
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Oct. 4, 2012) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-3 payload for the United States Air Force lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 here at 8:10 a.m. EDT today. This launch marks the 9th ULA launch this year, the 54th Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) mission, and the 65th launch since ULA was formed nearly six years ago.
“Congratulations to the entire team on today’s successful launch of the GPS IIF-3 satellite,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “ULA and our mission partners have a rich heritage with the GPS program and we are proud to have served alongside the government and contractor teams over the last two decades to provide important Global Positioning System capabilities for our national defense and for millions of civilian and commercial users around the world."
This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium-plus configuration vehicle using a ULA single common booster core powered by a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with two Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors. The payload was encapsulated by a composite payload fairing and powered by the four-meter diameter upper stage using the PWR RL10B-2 engine. The GPS IIF-3 launch marked the ninth flight of the Delta IV medium+ (4,2) configuration and the 21st flight of the Delta IV family of launch vehicles.
“We are honored to be the primary launch provider for our nation. Reliability, quality, and on-time performance are ULA’s hallmarks,” said Sponnick. “Our nation’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines rely on our performance in accurately placing our customer’s critical payloads in their required orbits.”
GPS IIF-3 is the third in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the earths’ surface. The GPS IIF series provides improved accuracy and enhanced performance for GPS users.
The EELV program was established by the United States Air Force United States Air Force to provide assured access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads. The commercially developed EELV Program supports the full range of government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and providing significant cost savings over the heritage launch systems.
ULA's next launch is the Atlas V OTV-3 mission for the Air Force scheduled October 25 from Space Launch Complex-41 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., and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
-
#141
by
input~2
on 04 Oct, 2012 16:53
-
S/C could be catalogued under 38833/ 2012-053A
I found an orbit close to that announced by Penguin above:
20451.8 x 20454.9 km x 55.0°
(elset#2)
-
#142
by
Chris Bergin
on 04 Oct, 2012 16:54
-
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2012) – A United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket blasts off from Space Launch Complex-37 at 8:10 a.m. EDT with the U.S. Air Force’s Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-3 satellite. This launch marks the 9th ULA launch this year, the 54th Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) mission, and the 65th launch since ULA was formed nearly six years ago. GPS IIF-3 is the third in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the earths’ surface.
Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
-
#143
by
robertross
on 04 Oct, 2012 16:58
-
ULA:
"We have had successful spacecraft separation. This is the last communication regarding the launch of Delta IV GPSIIF-3."
Heh!
woot!
Congrats to ULA on a job well done
-
#144
by
edkyle99
on 04 Oct, 2012 17:18
-
This sets the "record", such as it is, for most Delta 4 launches in a calendar year.
Four.
- Ed Kyle
-
#145
by
Rocket Science
on 04 Oct, 2012 17:29
-
Great looking vehicle, great looking launch. Congrats and well done!
-
#146
by
Nick L.
on 04 Oct, 2012 17:56
-
Congrats to ULA on another successful launch!
-
#147
by
jacqmans
on 04 Oct, 2012 18:38
-
Boeing Modernizes GPS Network with 3rd GPS IIF Satellite
SVN-65 sends 1st signals following launch on Delta IV rocket
Addition to GPS constellation will provide more accurate navigation for military and civilians
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Oct. 4, 2012 -- The Global Positioning System (GPS), which military, commercial, and civilian users rely on for accurate navigation, is becoming more capable with deployment of the third Boeing [NYSE: BA] GPS IIF for the U.S. Air Force. The IIF model is the most advanced GPS satellite to date.
SVN-65 is on orbit and performing as expected following liftoff at 8:10 a.m. Eastern time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket. Controllers confirmed initial contact with the spacecraft at 11:43 a.m. Eastern time. The satellite's GPS signals will be turned on and tested within a few days.
"With this third IIF satellite now on orbit, Boeing continues to deliver more precise navigation and timing capabilities for military and commercial uses worldwide," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.
GPS IIF is delivering greater navigational accuracy through improvements in atomic clock technology; a more secure and jam-resistant military signal; a protected, more precise, and interference-free civilian L5 signal, and an extended design life.
Following a sequence of maneuvers and other on-orbit tests, SVN-65 will be placed into medium Earth orbit. After the spacecraft's safety is validated, the Air Force will verify its operability with the rest of the on-orbit constellation and the Boeing-built ground control system known as the Operational Control Segment.
-
#148
by
input~2
on 04 Oct, 2012 19:18
-
Object B (possibly 2nd stage) :
38834/2012-053B in 20448.4 x 21975.3 km x 54.66°
-
#149
by
Star One
on 04 Oct, 2012 20:12
-
Spectacular launch, amazing how far up towards space they can still get a clear picture of the rocket.
-
#150
by
jacqmans
on 04 Oct, 2012 20:14
-
News Release Issued: October 4, 2012 2:52 PM EDT
ATK Propulsion, Composite and Spacecraft Technologies Help Launch GPS IIF-3 Satellite
ATK Supports the Launch of United Launch Alliance's Delta IV Medium Plus
ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK's (NYSE: ATK) Composite and Propulsion Technologies division supported today's successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying the GPS IIF-3 satellite.
The Delta IV medium-plus rocket that was used on this flight is in the 4, 2 configuration, which features two ATK 60-inch diameter Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM). The 53-foot-long motors were mounted on opposing sides of the rocket, with one vectorable motor per side, and provided additional lift capability for the Delta IV medium plus configuration rocket. The GEM 60s burned for approximately 90 seconds and provided 560,000 pounds of thrust to deliver the GPS IIF-3 satellite to its predetermined orbit. The composite cases for the GEM motors were fabricated at the ATK Clearfield, Utah facility and the motor was built at ATK's facility in Magna, Utah.
ATK also designed and produced the nozzle for the Delta IV's RS-68 engine. The Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne-built RS-68 is the largest hydrogen-fueled engine in the world. ATK also designed and produced the nozzle's thermal protection material, which is capable of shielding the nozzle from the extreme heat of launch when external temperatures can exceed 4,000°F. The nozzle is manufactured at ATK's Promontory, Utah facility.
ATK supplied seven key composite structures for the Delta IV Medium plus launch vehicle: the interstage that provides the interface between the Common Booster Core (CBC) and the cryogenic second stage, a centerbody that integrates the liquid oxygen (LO2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) tanks, a thermal shield that protect the RS-68 engine during ignition and flight, and a LO2 skirt. The payload was encapsulated by a 4-m (157-in) diameter composite payload fairing, along with a Payload Attach Fitting and Payload Attach Fitting Diaphragm required for payload integration.
The composite structures are four to five meters in diameter and range from one to eight meters in length. They are produced using advanced hand layup, machining, and inspection techniques at the ATK manufacturing facility in Iuka, Miss.
For the GPS IIF-3 satellite ATK provided a host of products including solar arrays, antennas and titanium propellant tanks. ATK designed, manufactured and delivered 12 satellite solar arrays (24 wings) for the Boeing-built GPS IIF-3 satellite. Each array provides up to 3.5 kilowatts of continuous power over the 12-year mission. The arrays were manufactured at ATK's Goleta, Calif., facility. ATK has achieved 100-percent on-orbit success on all solar arrays and deployable systems delivered and launched to date. The composite solar array substrates were manufactured at ATK's San Diego, Calif. facility. Additionally, ATK Goleta manufactured, tested and delivered 12 deployment booms for the Burst Detector Antennae (BDA) for the GPS IIF satellites.
ATK's Rancho Bernardo, Calif. facility performed final assembly and RF (Radio Frequency) test of the antenna suite for GPS IIF between 2003 and 2010. Antennas tested were the TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking & Command), LBS (L-Band System)/ITS (Integrated Transfer System) and BDA (Burst Detection Augmentation), for which gain and antenna pattern data were verified.
The Reaction Control System (RCS) propellant tank for the Delta IV rocket was manufactured at ATK's Commerce, Calif. facility. The GPS IIF has an ullage tank, for which ATK Commerce has responsibility for the blankets, heaters, thermistors and pressurant lines. This tank is a spherical vessel constructed of titanium. The mission will deploy the third satellite in the Block IIF series of the U.S. Air Force's next generation GPS spacecraft that will have improved accuracy, enhanced internal atomic clocks, better anti-jam resistance, a civil signal for commercial aviation and a longer design life.
This newest spacecraft will replace the GPS 2A-21 satellite that was launched by a Delta 2 rocket on June 26, 1993. The IIF series incorporate various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users.
-
#151
by
edkyle99
on 04 Oct, 2012 20:28
-
Object B (possibly 2nd stage) :
38834/2012-053B in 20448.4 x 21975.3 km x 54.66°
Very close to the final parameters of 2011-36B, the second stage used during the last GPS 2F launch.
Does anyone have a video covering the SECO 1 period, the end of the first burn of the second stage? I'm interested in comparing mark times with predicted times.
- Ed Kyle
-
#152
by
edkyle99
on 05 Oct, 2012 19:00
-
-
#153
by
Silmfeanor
on 05 Oct, 2012 19:10
-
So it wasn't just our imagination. Something did happen.
- Ed Kyle
L2
-
#154
by
Chris Bergin
on 06 Oct, 2012 02:39
-
And ULA are now showing some of the issues we've been discussing in L2.
United Launch Alliance Provides Update to Global Positioning System Launch
Centennial, Colo., (Oct. 5, 2012) – ULA successfully launched and deployed the GPS IIF-3 satellite in a precise orbit Thursday, but during the launch, observed an unexpected data signature with the upper stage engine throughout a portion of the flight. The Delta IV’s robust system design, flight software, vehicle margins and propellant reserves enabled the successful outcome for this mission.
The unexpected signature was seen during second stage performance as evidenced by a reduced thrust level of the RL10 engine. The onboard inertial guidance and flight control systems compensated for the lower thrust conditions and the Delta second stage delivered the satellite to the proper orbit.
Per standard processes when a flight data item such as this has been identified, ULA and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne have formed a robust investigation team with oversight from major customers. The investigation will thoroughly assess all flight and operational data to determine direct and root causes, and identify/implement appropriate corrective action prior to future flights.
“Though the GPS IIF-3 mission was a complete success, ULA fully understands the challenges of launch and will thoroughly investigate and implement appropriate actions to reliably deliver our customer’s critical capabilities to the orbital positions required,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA’s vice president of Missions Operations.
ULA’s next launch is the Atlas V OTV mission for the Air Force, which utilizes a different model RL10 engine. A thorough review and understanding of this issue will be completed prior to certifying the OTV mission for launch.
ULA program management, engineering, test, and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
For more information on ULA, visit the ULA Web site at
www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at
www.facebook.com/ulalaunch and twitter.com/ulalaunch.
-
#155
by
HIPAR
on 06 Oct, 2012 03:21
-
According to this story, the second stage RL-10 burned 40 seconds longer than expected during its first firing and it burned 30 seconds longer than expected during its second firing:
http://www.spaceflight101.com/delta-iv-gps-iif-3-launch-updates.htmlWhy did it take so long to confirm spacecraft separation? Was the rocket not quite where it was supposed to be causing problems acquiring telemetry?
They did finally contact the satellite and determined all is well .. lucky this time.
--- CHAS
-
#156
by
Nick L.
on 06 Oct, 2012 04:56
-
According to this story, the second stage RL-10 burned 40 seconds longer than expected during its first firing and it burned 30 seconds longer than expected during its second firing:
http://www.spaceflight101.com/delta-iv-gps-iif-3-launch-updates.html
Why did it take so long to confirm spacecraft separation? Was the rocket not quite where it was supposed to be causing problems acquiring telemetry?
They did finally contact the satellite and determined all is well .. lucky this time.
--- CHAS
I wonder how much extra propellant is typically allowed for in the mission planning.
Based on a launch timeline I found, the planned burn time was about 760 seconds. The Payload Planners' Guide gives a maximum burn time for the second stage of 850 seconds, giving about 90 seconds of margin (although the thrust shortfall might have been caused by restricted propellant flow, so that could be longer). So they did get quite lucky indeed.
-
#157
by
sdsds
on 06 Oct, 2012 05:31
-
lucky this time
quite lucky indeed
Lucky?
The Delta IV’s robust system design, flight software, vehicle margins and propellant reserves enabled the successful outcome for this mission.It sure sounds like luck the customer has paid for. Fortune favors those who are well prepared!
-
#158
by
douglas100
on 06 Oct, 2012 08:59
-
Lucky?
The Delta IV’s robust system design, flight software, vehicle margins and propellant reserves enabled the successful outcome for this mission.
It sure sounds like luck the customer has paid for. Fortune favors those who are well prepared!
+1
When no word came through at the time of spacecraft separation I was starting to believe there was some kind of failure of the third burn with subsequent LOM. Then Chris came through with the news and I was glad to be proved wrong.
A handy reminder (if one is needed) of how hard this business is.
-
#159
by
Antares
on 06 Oct, 2012 13:17
-
I'm going with lucky. A payload closer to the M4,2 limits would not have made it. It's not like hardware is assigned thinking, "There might be a problem with this engine, so let's put it on a high-margin mission."
But, fortune smiled and that's how it came out. If it's a fleet problem, it manifested itself on a mission where it didn't matter. The investigation should make the fleet more robust.
