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Electron : LC-1B : TROPICS F3 : 26 May 2023 (03:46 UTC)
by
Conexion Espacial
on 10 Apr, 2023 20:33
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#1
by
Conexion Espacial
on 10 Apr, 2023 20:38
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#2
by
Conexion Espacial
on 10 Apr, 2023 21:01
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#3
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 10 Apr, 2023 23:19
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https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230410005386/en/Rocket-Lab-to-Launch-NASA%E2%80%99s-Cyclone-Tracking-Satellite-Constellation-from-New-ZealandRocket Lab to Launch NASA’s Cyclone-Tracking Satellite Constellation from New Zealand
To ensure the constellation is in orbit for the 2023 storm season, Rocket Lab will launch NASA’s four TROPICS satellites from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand across two dedicated Electron missions in May
April 10, 2023 04:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, today announced it will launch NASA’s TROPICS constellation across two dedicated Electron missions lifting off from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand next month.
The TROPICS constellation (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation Structure and Storm Intensity with a Constellation of Small Sats) will monitor the formation and evolution of tropical cyclones, including hurricanes, and will provide rapidly updating observations of storm intensity. This data will help scientists better understand the processes that effect these high-impact storms, ultimately leading to improved modelling and prediction. The two missions are expected to launch within approximately two weeks of each other in May 2023. The first launch, named ‘Rocket Like a Hurricane,’ is expected to launch as soon as May 1 NZST (30 April EDT) and the second mission, named ‘Coming to a Storm Near You,’ is expected to follow around May 16 NZST (May 15 EDT).
The constellation, which is part of NASA’s Earth System Science Pathfinder Program, consists of four CubeSats that require launch to a specific orbit at an altitude of 550 kilometers and inclination of about 30 degrees. All four satellites need to be deployed into their operational orbit within a 60-day period, making Electron the ideal launch vehicle as it enables dedicated launch to unique orbits on highly responsive timelines. The two missions were initially scheduled to lift-off from Launch Complex 2 at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia but will now take place at Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand to support a Q2 launch window that will see the satellites reach orbit in time for the North American 2023 hurricane season.
“The need for improved climate and weather data from space is acute and growing. Hurricanes and tropical storms have a devastating effect on lives and livelihoods, so we’re immensely proud to be entrusted by NASA to launch the TROPICS missions which will enable scientists and researchers to accurately predict storm strength and give people time to evacuate and make plans,” said Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck. “With the 2023 hurricane season fast approaching, time is of the essence for these missions. Because we operate three launch pads across two countries, we can constantly assess the launch manifest and adapt launch schedules and locations based on customer and mission requirements.”
“The ability to advance our understanding of tropical cyclones from space has been limited by the ability to take frequent measurements, particularly from microwave instruments that see into the storms,” says Will McCarty, Program Scientist for the TROPICS Mission. “Historically, satellites have been too large and expensive to provide observations at a time-frequency that is consistent with the timescales at which tropical cyclones can evolve. The CubeSat era has allowed for smaller, less expensive satellites. With modern small satellite design, we designed a constellation that optimizes the scientific utility of the mission in a way that we can launch in a cost-effective manner. These factors enable TROPICS to provide a new understanding of tropical cyclones by decreasing the time by which a given storm is revisited by the satellites.”
Rocket Lab was selected to launch the TROPICS missions as part of NASA’s Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) launch services contract.
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#4
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 15 Apr, 2023 02:57
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Crosspost:
https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1646968461162344448
Two launches, four satellites, one mission - to monitor hurricanes and extreme storms to better predict their intensity and save lives.
Both Electron rockets are now undergoing final preparation ahead of lift-off for the two @NASA TROPICS launches next month 🚀🚀🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️
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#5
by
GewoonLukas_
on 15 May, 2023 20:53
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Rocket Lab Sets Date for Second NASA TROPICS Launch to Deploy Storm Monitoring Constellation
May 15, 2023
MAHIA, New Zealand--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) (“Rocket Lab” or “the Company”), a leading launch and space systems company, is preparing for the second of two dedicated Electron launches to deploy a constellation of storm monitoring satellites for NASA.
The launch, called ‘Coming To A Storm Near You,’ is scheduled for lift-off no earlier than 17:30 on May 22nd NZST from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. The launch follows on from the successful ‘Rocket Like a Hurricane’ Electron launch on May 8th 2023, which deployed the first two CubeSats of NASA’s TROPICS constellation. The ‘Coming To A Storm Near You’ launch will deploy the final two TROPICS CubeSats, completing the constellation.
[...]
Edit to add:
One @NASA TROPICS launch down, one to go! 🚀
🗓️We’re targeting no earlier than May 22 UTC/NZST for the launch of ‘Coming To A Storm Near You’, the second of two Electron launches to deploy NASA's TROPICS storm monitoring constellation.
https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1658215028011728897
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#6
by
Ken the Bin
on 16 May, 2023 04:04
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#7
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 16 May, 2023 23:25
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#8
by
Ken the Bin
on 17 May, 2023 14:09
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NGA notices.
170649Z MAY 23
HYDROPAC 1633/23(76).
WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
220330Z TO 220715Z MAY, ALTERNATE
230300Z TO 230700Z, 240230Z TO 240630Z,
250200Z TO 250600Z, 260130Z TO 260530Z,
270100Z TO 270500Z, 280045Z TO 280430Z,
290015Z TO 290400Z, 292345Z TO 300330Z,
302315Z TO 310300Z,
312245Z MAY TO 010230Z JUN,
012215Z TO 020215Z, 022145Z TO 030145Z,
032115Z TO 040115Z AND
042045Z TO 050045Z JUN
IN AREA BOUND BY
39-15.00S 177-48.00E, 39-12.00S 177-51.00E,
39-06.60S 178-00.00E, 38-56.40S 178-20.40E,
39-07.20S 178-27.00E, 39-20.40S 177-57.60E,
39-24.00S 177-57.60E, 39-25.20S 177-48.00E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 050145Z JUN 23.//
170636Z MAY 23
HYDROPAC 1632/23(76,83).
SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
220330Z TO 220715Z MAY, ALTERNATE
230300Z TO 230700Z, 240230Z TO 240630Z,
250200Z TO 250600Z, 260130Z TO 260530Z,
270100Z TO 270500Z, 280045Z TO 280430Z,
290015Z TO 290400Z, 292345Z TO 300330Z,
302315Z TO 310300Z,
312245Z MAY TO 010230Z JUN,
012215Z TO 020215Z, 022145Z TO 030145Z,
032115Z TO 040115Z AND
042045Z TO 050045Z JUN IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 33-34.80S 172-47.55W, 32-46.80S 173-46.20W,
35-58.00S 177-54.06W, 36-46.55S 177-00.00W.
B. 26-56.41S 155-33.85W, 26-01.20S 156-07.50W,
28-44.90S 162-21.97W, 29-41.99S 161-53.52W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 050145Z JUN 23.//
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#9
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 17 May, 2023 14:43
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#10
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 17 May, 2023 22:50
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1658967807273603072Today’s a beautiful day for a launch rehearsal! Electron is on the pad for final checks before this weekend’s second launch to complete the @NASA TROPICS constellation.
Coming To A Storm Near You NET May 22.
UTC | 05:30
NZT | 17:30
ET | 01:30
PT | 22:30 (May 21)
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#11
by
SpaceFinnOriginal
on 20 May, 2023 19:48
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A bit confused with flights count. Why this topic refers as "Flight 3", when official press kit says "launch 2" and twitter posted above says "Mission 2"?What's the difference?
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#12
by
trimeta
on 20 May, 2023 19:49
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A bit confused with flights count. Why this topic refers as "Flight 3", when official press kit says "launch 2" and twitter posted above says "Mission 2"?What's the difference?
Depends on whether you count Astra's TROPICS launch. It seems like NASA and Rocket Lab are trying to quietly pretend that that never happened, hence not including it in the count.
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#13
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 20 May, 2023 20:51
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1660025172555100161 🚀Launch update: with unfavorable weather conditions over LC-1, our launch for @NASA TROPICS will now be NET Tuesday 23 May.
'Coming To A Storm Near You' launch window opens:
UTC | 05:00
NZT | 17:00
EDT | 01:00
PDT | 22:00 (22 May)
More info: rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-…
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#14
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 21 May, 2023 20:43
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1660381431070351361🚀Launch update: 'Coming To A Storm Near You' has a storm coming near us these next few days, so we’re now targeting NET Thursday 25 May for our final TROPICS launch for @NASA.
Launch window opens:
UTC | 04:00
NZT | 16:00
EDT | 00:00
PDT | 21:00 (22 May)
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#15
by
TrevorMonty
on 22 May, 2023 00:57
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Weather gods are doing their darndest to stop these satellites spying on them.
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#16
by
OneSpeed
on 23 May, 2023 07:22
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NGA notices.
Maps from the TROPICS F2 webcast and the NGA notices.
First is a screen shot from the F2 webcast, which shows the ground track at SECO. The map from the NGA notice matches the ground track. It shows a launch to a roughly 50° azimuth, followed by a very gradual dogleg to starboard, with the azimuth at SECO close to 90°. This had the effect of reducing the orbital inclination from 39.26° (if you were to launch due East from Mahia), to about 35.5°. Insertion was to a circular orbit at an altitude of 550km.
The kick stage burn over the equator further reduced the inclination to 32.75°.
Edit: Updated to the CelesTrak values.
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#17
by
Comga
on 23 May, 2023 17:19
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@OneSpeed
These plots are fascinating but the trajectory is hard to understand
The launch reduces the orbit inclination by about 9° from ~39° to 30°.
In your description this 9° is split between ~2° with the first stage dogleg at low velocity and the remaining 7° at the 550 km equator crossing.
I guess that the optimization flies the first stage as far north as it can while keeping an injection to 550 km altitude over the Equator within the capabilities of the second stage.
Circular orbit velocity at that altitude is ~7.6 km/sec (an OK approximation since the orbit is neither circular nor at apogee)
At that velocity a 7° change in inclination requires a ∆V of almost 1 km/s.
Even with the tiny TROPICS cubesats payload, is a standard Photon capable of this?
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#18
by
trimeta
on 23 May, 2023 17:36
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@OneSpeed
These plots are fascinating but the trajectory is hard to understand
The launch reduces the orbit inclination by about 9° from ~39° to 30°.
In your description this 9° is split between ~2° with the first stage dogleg at low velocity and the remaining 7° at the 550 km equator crossing.
I guess that the optimization flies the first stage as far north as it can while keeping an injection to 550 km altitude over the Equator within the capabilities of the second stage.
Circular orbit velocity at that altitude is ~7.6 km/sec (an OK approximation since the orbit is neither circular nor at apogee)
At that velocity a 7° change in inclination requires a delta-V of almost 1 km/s.
Even with the tiny TROPICS cubesats payload, is a standard Photon capable of this?
If it helps, it seems like despite various press talking about the final inclination being "nearly 30°", it's actually just under 32.75°. So that would reduce the necessary delta-V a little.
Source (which also seems to suggest that the second stage put the payload in a 35.5° orbit, and Photon only had to drop it another 2.75°):
https://twitter.com/TSKelso/status/1655622908029603840
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#19
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 24 May, 2023 05:17
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1661186553123577863Safe inside Electron’s fairing, the final pair of @NASA TROPICS sats are ready to head to space tomorrow.
Upper air winds could be a factor but with LRR complete, right now we are GO for launch!
Launch window opens:
UTC | 04:00
NZT | 16:00
EDT | 00:00
PDT | 21:00, 24 May
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#20
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 24 May, 2023 20:16
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twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1661465625540304897
Welcome to launch day! It's almost time to go to space for the final launch for the @NASA TROPICS mission to monitor hurricanes and storms.
The launch window opens for today's Electron launch from LC-1 at:
UTC | 04:00
NZT | 16:00
EDT | 00:00
PDT | 21:00, 24 May
https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1661465629885603840Yes, there will be a livestream! Commentary starts from approx. T-20 mins to lift-off.
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#21
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 24 May, 2023 22:25
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https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1661495405316538369Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is set to launch the final batch of TROPICS satellites via the "Coming to a Storm Near You" mission.
nasaspaceflight.com/2023/05/coming… - by Anthony Iemole (@SpaceXFan97)
Launching from Launch Complex 1B (LC-1B), the 70-minute launch window opens at 4:00 PM NZST (04:00 UTC).
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#22
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 24 May, 2023 22:26
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1661498611027558400Launch ops are underway at Launch Complex 1 for today's @NASA TROPICS launch.
Upper level winds are a watch item for lift-off - but the count is going smoothly so far and the team is on track for the launch window opening at 04:00 UTC.
More info: rocketlabusa.com/missions/next-…
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#23
by
trimeta
on 24 May, 2023 23:48
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https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1661516096023953409Our latest weather data confirms upper level winds are strong and expected to remain that way at today's lift-off target.
The weather is looking better for tomorrow, so we’re moving our @NASA TROPICS launch attempt to NET May 26, 03:30 UTC / 15:30 NZT.
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#24
by
Ken the Bin
on 25 May, 2023 03:37
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[zubenelgenubi: Launch is currently scheduled for May 26 03:30 UTC. YT link:]
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#25
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 25 May, 2023 22:17
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#26
by
Vahe231991
on 26 May, 2023 01:54
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#27
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 26 May, 2023 02:11
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#28
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:17
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#29
by
catdlr
on 26 May, 2023 03:18
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Steven, G-Day. Good coverage coming.
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#30
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:29
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Hosted webcast has begun.
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#31
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:30
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#32
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:33
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T-15 minutes. Our hosts for today.
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#33
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:35
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T-13 minutes. Propellant loading is complete.
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#34
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:36
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T-12 minutes. Performing poll.
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#35
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:37
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T-11 minutes. Go for terminal count at T-10 minutes.
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#36
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:38
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T-10 minutes. Sixth anniversary of first Electron launch on 25 May.
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#37
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:40
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GNC Team Lead. Describing dogleg and inclination change with the kick stage.
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#38
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:43
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Payload and Kick Stage engine.
T-5 minutes.
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#39
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:45
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T-3 minutes. Autosequence is locked. Go for autosequence start at T-2 minutes.
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#40
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:46
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T-2 minutes. Vehicle is on internal power. FTS is green and ready for launch.
LOX load is complete.
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#41
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:47
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T-1 minute. Tanks pressed for flight.
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#42
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:48
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#43
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:48
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#44
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:50
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#45
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:51
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First stage separation.
T+3 minutes.
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#46
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:52
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Fairing separation.
T+4 minutes.
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#47
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:53
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#48
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:54
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#49
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:55
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#50
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:56
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#51
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:57
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#52
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 03:58
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SECO.
Second stage separation.
T+10 minutes.
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#53
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:00
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Animation of future separation events. Upcoming events.
+00:31:00 Kick Stage Curie engine ignition
+00:33:40 Curie engine Cut Off
~+00:33:45 Payload deployed
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#54
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:08
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#55
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:08
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twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1661942347419070465
LAUNCH! Rocket Lab's Electron rocket launches with “Coming to a Storm Near You” - the final TROPICS launch for NASA from Launch Complex 1B (LC-1B) on the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand.
Overview:
nasaspaceflight.com/2023/05/coming…
Livestream:
youtube.com/watch?v=hhuJsj…
https://twitter.com/nasaspaceflight/status/1661942911729106945Staging 1-2.
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#56
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:09
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#57
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:10
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#58
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:11
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https://twitter.com/rocketlab/status/1661945092310183936And that's second stage engine cut-off confirmed! The Kick Stage is now beginning its plane change maneuver for @NASA TROPICS.
We expect to receive confirmation of payload deployment at approx. T+47 mins, and we'll be back with updates then.
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#59
by
Comga
on 26 May, 2023 04:15
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In the YouTube version of the webcast I am watching there is a NASA ‘vector’ logo smack on top of the Rocketlab altitude data.
One can see how Keith Cowing of NASAWatch has practically made a decades long career of yelling at the NASA PAO to no effect.
Just an hour ago I accessed webpage on Capstone where “NASA” was displayed in bright blue letters on bright red backing.
Don’t these people even look at their own output?
But congrats on the launch, Rocketlab!
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#60
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:18
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T+30 minutes. One minute to expected third stage ignition.
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#61
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:19
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T+31 minutes. Expected third stage ignition for two minutes and 40 seconds.
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#62
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:21
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T+33 minutes 40 seconds. Expected third stage cutoff. Separation is expected to be approximately five seconds later.
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#63
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:23
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Expected separation was called at T+34 minutes and 35 seconds, 50 seconds later than stated in the press kit.
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#64
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:26
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Launch day photos from Rocket Lab flickr
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#65
by
trimeta
on 26 May, 2023 04:30
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The stream had been stuttering for me for a couple of minutes, and fully died at T+37:55. I guess ultimately it doesn't matter, since we're probably going to get confirmation of Acquisition of Signal and good orbital insertion via Twitter regardless, but a rare issue with a Rocket Lab livestream.
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#66
by
catdlr
on 26 May, 2023 04:31
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Back from Caregiver duties. Steve and Future are doing a great job. So much easier to cover than the last launch from Korea.
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#67
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:33
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The stream had been stuttering for me for a couple of minutes, and fully died at T+37:55. I guess ultimately it doesn't matter, since we're probably going to get confirmation of Acquisition of Signal and good orbital insertion via Twitter regardless, but a rare issue with a Rocket Lab livestream.
I get the same problem. The livestream comes back and works for a seconds and then stops.
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#68
by
catdlr
on 26 May, 2023 04:33
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The stream had been stuttering for me for a couple of minutes, and fully died at T+37:55. I guess ultimately it doesn't matter, since we're probably going to get confirmation of Acquisition of Signal and good orbital insertion via Twitter regardless, but a rare issue with a Rocket Lab livestream.
Same for me just as I'm reading your post. Full page refresh didn't help.
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#69
by
catdlr
on 26 May, 2023 04:36
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Sorry, but the NASA stream seems better.
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#70
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:37
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A quick grab of the livestream when it worked for a few seconds at T+45 minutes and 29 seconds.
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#71
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:37
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Launch highlights
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#72
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:38
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Payload separation confirmed.
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#73
by
Steven Pietrobon
on 26 May, 2023 04:39
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End of webcast.
Congratulations to RocketLab and NASA for the successful launch!
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#74
by
trimeta
on 26 May, 2023 04:40
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#75
by
catdlr
on 26 May, 2023 04:41
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Thanks to the NSF crew, Steven and Future. G-Day
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#76
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:44
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#77
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:49
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#78
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 04:58
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#79
by
catdlr
on 26 May, 2023 05:56
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100% mission success by the team. Thank you @nasa for flying Electron again. Can’t wait to see what secrets are unlocked with TROPICS.
Great drone shot of the liftoff. I love the drone coverage this company provides. So tired of static shots.
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#80
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 07:38
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Couple more Rocket Lab photos
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#81
by
ZachS09
on 26 May, 2023 12:34
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100% mission success by the team. Thank you @nasa for flying Electron again. Can’t wait to see what secrets are unlocked with TROPICS.
Great drone shot of the liftoff. I love the drone coverage this company provides. So tired of static shots.
Agree with the cool drone shot. But I like both types of camera angles.
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#82
by
jacqmans
on 26 May, 2023 15:02
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May 26, 2023
RELEASE 23-057
NASA, Rocket Lab Complete Launch of TROPICS CubeSat Constellation
The final pair of NASA’s TROPICS (Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats) are in orbit after successfully launching at 11:46 p.m. EDT, May 25, (3:46 p.m. NZST Friday, May 26th), completing the constellation.
TROPICS launched aboard an Electron rocket from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 Pad B in Māhia, New Zealand. The smallsats were deployed at 12:20 am EDT on May 26. Signal for the first CubeSat was acquired at 1:16 a.m. EDT and at 2:19 a.m. for the second.
Through this mission, NASA will study tropical cyclones and aims to improve forecasting for hurricanes and typhoons.
“As a lifelong Floridian, I know firsthand how critical it is for millions of Americans to have timely and accurate forecasts for hurricanes. More intense rainfall and increased coastal flooding are devastating livelihoods and taking lives, demonstrating the importance of NASA’s cutting-edge science to help answer questions that nobody else can,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “With missions like TROPICS, NASA continues to lead the way in getting satellite data more quickly to our partners like the National Hurricane Center and Joint Typhoon Warning Center, providing vital forecasts that help our communities before, during, and after landfall.”
This launch follows a previous successful TROPICS launch with two other small satellites earlier this month.
“As we move into hurricane season for 2023, TROPICS will be in position to provide unprecedented detail on these storms, helping us better understand how they form, intensify, and move across the ocean,” said Karen St. Germain, lead of NASA’s Earth Science Division. “We rely on targeted, innovative missions like this to help create a robust Earth science portfolio.”
TROPICS is a constellation of four identical CubeSats designed to observe tropical cyclones in a unique, inclined low Earth orbit over Earth’s tropics – an orbit that allows them to travel over any given storm about once an hour. Current weather tracking satellites have a timing of about once every six hours.
“We are very excited to have the four satellites launched. We expect the new observing capabilities from TROPICS will improve our understanding of tropical cyclones and our ability to predict their track and intensity,” said William Blackwell, the mission’s principal investigator at MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, Massachusetts.
In addition to Blackwell, the TROPICS team includes researchers from NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and several universities and commercial partners. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, is managing the launch service.
For more information about NASA’s TROPICS, visit:
https://go.nasa.gov/3h46pJp
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#83
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 26 May, 2023 16:33
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#84
by
zubenelgenubi
on 26 May, 2023 16:48
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Thanks to the NSF crew, Steven and Future. G-Day
And, congratulations 🎊 to the entire launch campaign team!
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#85
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 27 May, 2023 09:56
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#86
by
FutureSpaceTourist
on 28 May, 2023 22:31
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