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Electron - DARPA R3D2 - March 28, 2019 (23:27 UTC)
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jan, 2019 20:47
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Presser:
Rocket Lab to launch dedicated Electron mission for DARPA
The mission intends to space-qualify a new membrane reflect-array antenna and highlights the Electron rocket’s suitability as a responsive, flexible and rapidly-acquired launch service for commercial and government missions alike
Huntington Beach, California. January 22, 2019 – Small satellite launch company Rocket Lab announced today that its first mission of 2019 will be a dedicated launch of a 150kg satellite for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The mission highlights US Government demand for the type of responsive, ultra-flexible and rapidly acquired launch service that characterizes the Rocket Lab launch experience on Electron.
DARPA’s Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) mission is scheduled for launch in late February and intends to space-qualify a prototype reflect array antenna to improve radio communications in small spacecraft. The antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, packs tightly inside the small satellite for stowage during launch, before deploying to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter once it reaches low Earth orbit. This high compaction ratio enables larger antennas in smaller satellites, enabling satellite owners to take advantage of volume-limited launch opportunities while still providing significant capability. The mission could help validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today, but one which could revolutionize global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet.
“Rapid acquisition of small satellite launch capabilities is increasingly important to US Government organizations like DARPA. The ability to rapidly space-qualify new technology and deploy space-based assets with confidence on short notice is a service that didn’t exist for dedicated small satellites until now,” says Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. “We’re honored to provide Electron’s agile and flexible launch service to DARPA and we look forward to delivering the innovative R3D2 payload to orbit.”
The mission, the first of monthly Electron launches this year, will lift-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula of New Zealand. To ensure precise insertion and responsible orbital deployment, the R3D2 payload will be deployed via the Electron Kick Stage to a circular orbit. Using this unique launch method, Electron’s second stage is left in a highly elliptical orbit where the stage is subject to significant atmospheric drag, causing it to de-orbit and burn up to nothing in a reduced time frame. The Kick Stage is then used to deploy the satellite payload to a precise orbit, following which the Kick Stage can perform a de-orbit burn to speed up its re-entry, leaving no orbital debris behind in space.
The Rocket Lab Electron launch experience is the world’s first customized small satellite launch service. With the choice of two Rocket Lab launch sites, and the ability to rapidly launch to orbit as frequently as every 72 hours, each mission is tailored to the customer requirements. For the first time, small satellite customers are enjoying unmatched flexibility, responsiveness and control over their own orbit.
ENDS
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#1
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Jan, 2019 20:55
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#2
by
Davidthefat
on 22 Jan, 2019 20:57
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That mission patch is on point.
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#3
by
Bean Kenobi
on 23 Jan, 2019 20:33
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So mission name seems to be "DARPA R3D2" this time.
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#4
by
russianhalo117
on 24 Jan, 2019 20:20
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Someone want to start predicting this new trajectory and orbit inclination et Cetera.
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#5
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 13 Feb, 2019 08:11
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#6
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 13 Feb, 2019 20:54
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#7
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 14 Feb, 2019 06:39
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#8
by
Olaf
on 18 Feb, 2019 07:05
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#9
by
jamesh9000
on 18 Feb, 2019 09:06
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The previous launches' WDR took place 4 days before the first launch attempt, not sure why they haven't given us a NET date for this one.
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#10
by
Comga
on 18 Feb, 2019 20:03
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In the images above, the fairing is on the Electron for the WDR
Are the payloads encapsulated during this test and any subsequent hot fire?
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#11
by
Inoeth
on 19 Feb, 2019 05:10
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In the images above, the fairing is on the Electron for the WDR
Are the payloads encapsulated during this test and any subsequent hot fire?
I don't think we've ever heard the answer to that question- the best solution might just be to tweet at Peter Beck and ask at some point... I would however guess that (for now) they're doing something similar to SpaceX and not have a payload in the fairing as a way of preventing any sort of AMOS type situation... tho I could be wrong.
I will say I am also surprised that we don't even have a NET date given the success they've apparently had during this launch campaign...
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#12
by
russianhalo117
on 20 Feb, 2019 01:44
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In the images above, the fairing is on the Electron for the WDR
Are the payloads encapsulated during this test and any subsequent hot fire?
I don't think we've ever heard the answer to that question- the best solution might just be to tweet at Peter Beck and ask at some point... I would however guess that (for now) they're doing something similar to SpaceX and not have a payload in the fairing as a way of preventing any sort of AMOS type situation... tho I could be wrong.
I will say I am also surprised that we don't even have a NET date given the success they've apparently had during this launch campaign...
DARPA payload and its experimental mision is reason for vague target date.
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#13
by
Kryten
on 20 Feb, 2019 09:17
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DARPA payload and its experimental mision is reason for vague target date.
The fact they don't have the launch licence yet can't help either.
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#14
by
Zed_Noir
on 20 Feb, 2019 16:12
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DARPA payload and its experimental mision is reason for vague target date.
The fact they don't have the launch licence yet can't help either.
Think they don't need the FAA license for launching a payload for the USAF.
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#15
by
starbase
on 25 Feb, 2019 14:23
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#16
by
russianhalo117
on 25 Feb, 2019 17:59
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#17
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Feb, 2019 13:54
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New window will be known in the next few days, per Rocket Lab (asked them).
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#18
by
Ragmar
on 04 Mar, 2019 19:54
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Any update on when this bad boy is going to launch?
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#19
by
PM3
on 04 Mar, 2019 20:53
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#20
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 05 Mar, 2019 06:18
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#21
by
spacebleachers
on 05 Mar, 2019 12:14
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Or their customers aren’t ready to launch, and they have enough class to not call out (expose) their clients.
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#22
by
TrevorMonty
on 05 Mar, 2019 18:23
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Or their customers aren’t ready to launch, and they have enough class to not call out (expose) their clients.
If DARPA payload is having problems thought they would of moved to next mission.
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#23
by
spacebleachers
on 05 Mar, 2019 19:19
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Unless, as we just saw with SpaceX, NASA and the DM-1 mission, DARPA has priority as part of the agreement to fly, then unless the delay is significant, like months, they need to keep the launch site reserved for this launch.
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#24
by
wardy89
on 05 Mar, 2019 23:49
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Be patient, they will let us know when they are ready for launch.
They are still a very young company and new to orbital launches, i am sure they are learning lots about their vehicle and launch pad and that data takes time to process.
Just remember how long it took other new space companies to really be in a position to start increasing their flight rate.
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#25
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 06 Mar, 2019 17:15
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#26
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 06 Mar, 2019 17:57
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1103367553659748352Following a delay to payload arrival, the R3D2 spacecraft is now at LC-1 & integration is underway! The launch window has been adjusted to the second half of March to provide the prime contractor with additional time to complete payload and spacecraft validation & verification.
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#27
by
Chris Bergin
on 07 Mar, 2019 00:27
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Rocket Lab Presser!
Rocket Lab designates launch window for DARPA R3D2 mission
Huntington Beach, California – March 6, 2019: US small satellite launch company Rocket Lab has designated a 14-day window for the next Electron launch, the RF Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) mission for DARPA. The window will be open from 17 - 30 March 2019, NZDT. Within the window, lift-off will be scheduled between 11:30 and 15:30 NZDT (22:30 – 02:30 UTC).
Rocket Lab’s Senior Vice President of Global Launch Services, Lars Hoffman, says the DARPA R3D2 mission highlights Electron’s critical role in enabling small satellite innovation by delivering responsive and tailored launch services to rapidly space-qualify new technologies.
“Small satellite technology is evolving at break-neck pace, and the DARPA R3D2 mission is a prime example of the significant capabilities small satellites can deliver now that frequent and reliable access to space is a reality on Electron,” he says. “Our team has racked up three orbital missions and deployed 24 satellites already, but the R3D2 mission is particularly exciting. It marks the first dedicated Rocket Lab mission carrying a single satellite that maximizes Electron’s nominal lift capability of 150kg.”
Live video coverage of the launch will be available on Rocket Lab’s website at
www.rocketalbusa/live-stream. For real-time updates on launch day, follow Rocket Lab on Twitter @RocketLab
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#28
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 07 Mar, 2019 04:49
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The window opens on 16 March UTC! Thread title update?
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#29
by
PM3
on 07 Mar, 2019 14:46
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DARPA payload and its experimental mision is reason for vague target date.
The fact they don't have the launch licence yet can't help either.
Think they don't need the FAA license for launching a payload for the USAF.
FAA today published the license
LLS 17-095 (Rev. 3), issued Dec 11, 2018, expires Dec 31, 2019
Rev 2 was for "test launches".
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#30
by
Ragmar
on 07 Mar, 2019 20:38
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Looking at the pictures they Tweeted--did they encapsulate the payload at the customer site in the US?
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#31
by
Davidthefat
on 08 Mar, 2019 19:28
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Looking at the pictures they Tweeted--did they encapsulate the payload at the customer site in the US?
LC-1 is a New Zealand Site.
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#32
by
zubenelgenubi
on 08 Mar, 2019 20:08
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Looking at the pictures they Tweeted--did they encapsulate the payload at the customer site in the US?
LC-1 is a New Zealand Site.
I think Ragmar's question is:
Did they encapsulate the payload at the customer site in the USA, and then ship it ENCAPSULATED to NZ, LC-1?
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#33
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 08 Mar, 2019 23:38
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Press Kit! Payload mass is 150 kg and orbit is 425 km at 39.5°.
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#34
by
Darkblue006
on 11 Mar, 2019 15:55
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"WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab's first launch of the year, which was scheduled for late February, has been pushed back to the second half of March because of the delayed arrival of its payload, an experimental military satellite."
https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1103348053694734336looks like the usual red tape excuses for Darpa delivery delays..
A lot like when you are late with an assignment but you know you need it to look like you turned it in on time.
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#35
by
eeergo
on 15 Mar, 2019 05:07
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#36
by
Olaf
on 16 Mar, 2019 09:08
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#37
by
Chris Bergin
on 22 Mar, 2019 02:20
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#38
by
Chris Bergin
on 23 Mar, 2019 21:35
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24 hours to launch!
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#39
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 24 Mar, 2019 01:38
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Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
46 minutes ago
We are at L-1 day for the @DARPA #R3D2 mission on Electron! Weather is tracking green and we're currently targeting no earlier than 22:30 UTC tomorrow (11:30 NZDT) for lift-off.
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109633560195915776
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#40
by
Chris Bergin
on 24 Mar, 2019 15:46
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#41
by
chewi
on 24 Mar, 2019 16:23
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#42
by
chewi
on 24 Mar, 2019 16:56
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#43
by
chewi
on 24 Mar, 2019 17:47
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#44
by
RocketLover0119
on 24 Mar, 2019 18:26
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#45
by
RocketLover0119
on 24 Mar, 2019 20:15
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#46
by
Rondaz
on 24 Mar, 2019 20:16
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#47
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 24 Mar, 2019 20:57
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Link to livestream.
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#48
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 24 Mar, 2019 21:20
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Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
1 minute ago
Blue skies over Launch Complex 1 today. Weather is green for launch! ☀️The webcast for today's mission will be live in approx 60 minutes. Lift-off is targeted for 23:36 UTC.
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109942172759949312
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#49
by
MATTBLAK
on 24 Mar, 2019 21:22
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It's a beautiful, calm day for a launch down there - about 22 degrees Celcius!
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#50
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 24 Mar, 2019 22:19
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Scrub!
Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
12 seconds ago
The team has identified a video transmitter 13dB down with low performance. It's not an issue for flight, but we want to understand why, so we're waiving off for the day. We'll assess and advise a new target lift-off time soon.
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109957631299538945
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#51
by
Chris Bergin
on 24 Mar, 2019 22:20
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#52
by
ulm_atms
on 24 Mar, 2019 22:54
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Weather tomorrow looks to be about the same as today's:
https://www.metservice.com/rural/hawkes-bay#!/mahiaHowever the weather seems to start going downhill Wednesday night into Thursday. Here's to hoping for a quick issue resolve and it doesn't turn into something that takes a while to figure out.
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#53
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 25 Mar, 2019 01:17
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Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
5 minutes ago
Launch update: The team is going to take tomorrow to replace the video transmitter, then we'll be back on the pad to launch @DARPA’s R3D2 satellite. Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Tuesday 26 March UTC for launch.
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110001051208429568
Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
5 minutes ago
No video transmitter = no launch webcast, and we all love a good show!
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110001249804414976
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#54
by
Lewis007
on 26 Mar, 2019 04:55
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#55
by
Sam Ho
on 26 Mar, 2019 20:45
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And yet another 24 hours:
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110638209770254336A weather & COLA window (space traffic) briefing has been completed for the @DARPA R3D2 launch from LC-1. With limited COLA windows and a high chance (45%) of violating weather criteria tomorrow, launch is now planned for no earlier than 22:30 UTC, 28 March.
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#56
by
CameronD
on 27 Mar, 2019 21:25
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There's a high pressure system moving into the area over the next couple of days, so, fingers-crossed, they should be good to go this time.. before it gets nasty again early next week.
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#57
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Mar, 2019 18:04
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#58
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Mar, 2019 19:08
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#59
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 21:04
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Link to livestream.
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#60
by
RocketLover0119
on 28 Mar, 2019 21:04
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#61
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 21:31
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Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
3 minutes ago
We are at T-60 minutes for the @DARPA #R3D2 mission on Electron! Launch webcast will go live approx. 15 mins before target lift-off
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1111394440222900224
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#62
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 21:41
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Peter Beck
@Peter_J_Beck
4 minutes ago
T-50 mins
twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1111396808201109504
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#63
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:15
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Webcast should be starting soon.
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#64
by
Comga
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:15
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Link to livestream.
The webcast is now live
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#65
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:16
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#66
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:16
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#67
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:18
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T-10 minutes. Go has been given for launch.
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#68
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:19
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T-8 minutes. Showing DARPA video.
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#69
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:21
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T-7 minutes. Ending webcast after separation of kickstage.
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#70
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:22
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T-6 minutes. Building one Electron every 30 days.
FTS on internal power.
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#71
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:23
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T-5 minutes. Range is green. Autosequence is on.
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#72
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:24
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T-4 minutes. Heater fans are off. Vehicle is ready for flight.
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#73
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:25
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T-3 minutes. Go for autosequence start.
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#74
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:26
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T-2 minutes. Vehicle is on internal power.
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#75
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:27
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T-1 minutes. Stage 1 and 2 are pressed.
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#76
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:28
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#77
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:28
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#78
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:29
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#79
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:30
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#80
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:31
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#81
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:31
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First stage spearation.
T+3 minutes.
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#82
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:32
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Fairing separation.
T+4 minutes.
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#83
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:33
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T+5 minutes. Beginning throttle down.
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#84
by
lrk
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:33
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Slight attitude oscillation on the upper stage. Was it this significant on previous flights?
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#85
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:34
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#86
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:35
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#87
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:36
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#88
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:37
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#89
by
lrk
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:37
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Was that the kick stage that just went by in the view from the nozzle camera?
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#90
by
Chris Bergin
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:40
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#91
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:40
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Kickstage separation .
Animation of satellite separation to occur in about 40 minutes.
Webcast has ended.
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#92
by
Comga
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:41
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Was that the kick stage that just went by in the view from the nozzle camera?
I believe that was the Moon. A clear crescent
VERY nice launch
Good views of the first stage, fairing halves, and batteries falling away.
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#93
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:43
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Was that the kick stage that just went by in the view from the nozzle camera?
I think that's the Moon.
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#94
by
HVM
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:46
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There was lot more pitch roll during 3rd stage separation than I remember from previous missions.
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#95
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 22:52
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Upcoming events. At the end of the webcast they said the next launch is in April.
+00:49:52 Kick Stage ignites
+00:51:45 Curie engine powering Kick Stage cuts off
+00:53:15 Payload separates from launch vehicle
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#96
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 23:20
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The burn should have completed by now.
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#97
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 23:20
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Separation should have occurred. Standing by for confirmation from Rocketlab.
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#98
by
HVM
on 28 Mar, 2019 23:35
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#99
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 28 Mar, 2019 23:39
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Success! Congratulations to Rocketlab and DARPA for the successful launch!
Rocket Lab
Verified account @RocketLab
59 seconds ago
Payload deployed. Precise orbital insertion by Electron's Kick Stage. Mission Success!
twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1111427291857379329
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#100
by
rickl
on 29 Mar, 2019 00:18
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Congratulations to Rocket Lab and DARPA. I hope the experimental satellite works. It looks like an interesting mission. I can even envision that this antenna technology might be adapted for space telescopes.
I've noticed on this and previous launches that Electron seems to wobble a bit on its way up to orbit. Is that because it's so small and light?
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#101
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 29 Mar, 2019 03:19
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#102
by
catdlr
on 29 Mar, 2019 04:21
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Updated link to today's launch
DARPA R3D2 Launch - 03/28/2019
Published on Mar 28, 2019
Lift-off of the R3D2 mission for DARPA occurred at 23:27 UTC on March 28, 2019, from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula
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#103
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 29 Mar, 2019 05:54
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https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1111465456764968961Successful Electron launch confirmed with three objects tracked in orbit: 16A (presumed R3D2) in 421 x 438 km x 39.5 deg orbit; 16B (presumed kick stage) in 417 x 438 km x 39.5 deg; 16C (Electron 2nd stage) in 199 x 434 km x 39.5 deg orbit.
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#104
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 29 Mar, 2019 06:13
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#105
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 10 Apr, 2019 06:54
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#106
by
TrevorMonty
on 25 Apr, 2019 06:16
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https://spacenews.com/northrop-grumman-highlights-benefits-of-orbital-atk-acquisition/While not a formal confirmation this mission is a success, follow extract suggests the antenna deployment has been successful.
DARPA has said little about R3D2 after its launch, but Warden’s comments suggested the mission was going well. “This successful demonstration will lend support to developing additional smaller, faster to launch and lower cost capabilities that can optimize the new commercial market for small, inexpensive launch vehicles by both the DOD and commercial users,” she said. “We’re extremely proud of this effort and I want to congratulate the entire team on its success.”
