LIVE: Pegasus XL launch - AIM mission - April 25, 2007

• LIVE: Pegasus XL launch - AIM mission - April 25, 2007 by jacqmans on 13 Mar, 2007 03:12
• Mar. 12, 2007
  
  RELEASE: 07-62
  
  SPACECRAFT TO STUDY CLOUDS AT EDGE OF SPACE ARRIVES AT VANDENBERG
  
  VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the
  Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft arrived Saturday at Vandenberg Air Force
  Base, Calif., for a targeted April 25 launch aboard a Pegasus XL
  rocket.
  
  The AIM spacecraft will fly three instruments designed to study polar
  mesospheric clouds located at the edge of space, 50 miles above the
  Earth's surface in the coldest part of the planet's atmosphere. The
  mission's primary goal is to explain why these clouds form and what
  has caused them to become brighter and more numerous and appear at
  lower latitudes in recent years. AIM's results will provide the basis
  for the study of long-term variability in the mesospheric climate and
  its relationship to global climate change.
  
  Mating of the three stages of the Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL has been
  underway at Vandenberg. The AIM spacecraft now joins the Pegasus
  rocket at the facility. AIM will undergo a series of readiness tests
  to verify its state of health, and the instruments will be cleaned
  and calibrated. Technicians also will partially deploy the craft's
  solar arrays for illumination testing.
  
  AIM is scheduled to be mated to the Pegasus XL during the second week
  of April, after which final inspections will be conducted.
  Approximately one week later, after the test team performs a launch
  countdown rehearsal and flight simulation, the payload fairing will
  be installed around the spacecraft.
  
  Two days before launch, the Pegasus rocket with the AIM spacecraft
  will be transported to the Vandenberg runway where it will be
  attached beneath the Orbital Sciences L-1011 carrier aircraft.
  
  NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is
  managing the AIM launch, and Orbital Sciences Corporation is
  conducting launch services.
  
  AIM is the seventh Small Explorers mission under NASA's Explorer
  Program. The program provides frequent flight opportunities for
  world-class scientific investigations from space within heliophysics
  and astrophysics. The Explorers Program Office at Goddard Space
  Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., manages this NASA-funded mission. The
  Center for Atmospheric Sciences at Hampton University, Hampton, Va.,
  leads the mission. The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
  at the University of Colorado, Boulder, built two of the spacecraft's
  three instruments, manages the mission and will control the satellite
  after launch. The Space Dynamics Laboratory of Utah State University,
  Logan, built the third instrument. Orbital Sciences Corporation,
  Dulles, Va., designed, manufactured and tested the AIM spacecraft.
  
  For more information about NASA and the AIM program, visit:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/aim
  
  
  -end-
  
• #1 by jacqmans on 23 Mar, 2007 14:49
• STATUS REPORT: ELV-032307
  
  EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT
  
  Mission: AIM (Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere)
  Launch Pad: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
  Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
  Launch Date: April 25, 2007
  Launch Time: 1:26:49 p.m. PDT
  
  Since NASA's AIM spacecraft arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base,
  Calif., on March 10, the prelaunch processing has gone well and is on
  schedule. A critical milestone was achieved when technicians
  performed a partial deployment of the solar array and successfully
  conducted an illumination test. Instrument cleaning and calibration
  is currently under way. The spacecraft separation system is scheduled
  to be installed this weekend. Mating of the AIM spacecraft to the
  Pegasus XL rocket is targeted for April 3.
  
  The mating of the three stages of the Pegasus XL is complete. A flight
  simulation successfully tested the launch vehicle, including testing
  of the reaction control system pneumatic thrusters. Next week, prior
  to mating the AIM spacecraft to the Pegasus XL, the spacecraft will
  be electrically connected to the launch vehicle for a flight
  simulation. Another flight simulation will be conducted during the
  second week of April, after AIM is mechanically mated and
  electrically integrated onto the Pegasus rocket.
  
• #2 by Chris Bergin on 23 Mar, 2007 18:18
• This will be a live coverage event. I'm assuming we'll have NASA TV coverage for this?
• #3 by DaveS on 23 Mar, 2007 18:28
• Quote

  Chris Bergin - 23/3/2007  8:18 PM
  
  This will be a live coverage event. I'm assuming we'll have NASA TV coverage for this?

  Yep. If it is a NASA mission, you can count on NASA TV coverage. It's always good to check the NASA TV listing:
  
  April 24, Tuesday
  4 p.m. – AIM Prelaunch News Conference – Vandenberg (Public and Media Channels)
  Immediately following - AIM Mission Science Briefing – Vandenberg (Public and Media Channels)
  
  April 25, Wednesday
  3 – 5 p.m. – AIM Launch Coverage – Vandenberg (Public and Media Channels)
• #4 by Jim on 23 Mar, 2007 18:28
• Quote

  Chris Bergin - 23/3/2007  3:18 PM
  
  This will be a live coverage event. I'm assuming we'll have NASA TV coverage for this?

  
  yeppers and  the website too
• #5 by eeergo on 27 Mar, 2007 15:27

• There's a new gallery dedicated to AIM's processing in KSC Media Gallery: http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=117 Some good images of the Pegasus XL rocket to carry it... maybe some could even be useful for the newly created OSC Q&A thread

  http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images//medium/07pd0656-m.jpg" width="720" border="0" />

  http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images//medium/07pd0657-m.jpg" width="720" border="0" />

  http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images//medium/07pd0666-m.jpg" width="720" border="0" />

• #6 by jacqmans on 30 Mar, 2007 16:33
• EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT
  
  Mission: AIM (Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere)
  Launch Pad: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
  Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
  Launch Date: April 25, 2007
  Launch Time: 1:26:49 p.m. PDT
  
  NASA's AIM spacecraft processing continues to go well and is on
  schedule. Technicians have completed cleaning and calibrating the
  instruments and installed the spacecraft separation system. AIM has
  been electrically connected to the Pegasus for integrated testing and
  a flight simulation. Actual mating of the spacecraft to the rocket is
  planned to begin on or about April 3.
  
  Flight simulation No. 3 is under way with the vehicle and spacecraft
  electrically connected. Another flight simulation will be conducted
  during the second week of April, after AIM is mechanically mated and
  electrically integrated onto the Pegasus rocket. The fairing will
  then be installed around the AIM spacecraft.
  
• #7 by jacqmans on 05 Apr, 2007 16:30
• MEDIA ADVISORY: M07-36
  
  NASA MEDIA BRIEFING ON MISSION TO STUDY EARTH'S HIGHEST CLOUDS
  
  WASHINGTON - NASA will host a media teleconference on Wednesday, April
  11 at 2 p.m. EDT to discuss science objectives of the Aeronomy of Ice
  in the Mesosphere (AIM) mission.
  
  AIM is scheduled to launch April 25 from Vandenberg Air Force Base,
  Calif., aboard a Pegasus launch vehicle. It will measure high
  altitude noctilucent ("night shining") clouds to determine why they
  form and vary, which may be linked to climate change.
  
  Briefing participants are:
  -- Vicki Elsbernd, AIM Program Executive, NASA Headquarters,
  Washington
  -- Jim Russell, AIM Principal Investigator, Hampton University,
  Hampton, Va.
  -- Chris Savinell, AIM mission manager, Goddard Space Flight Center,
  Greenbelt, Md.
  
  Reporters should call 1-888-398-6118 and use the pass code "clouds" to
  participate in the teleconference. International media should call
  1-210-234-0007.
  
  Audio of the teleconference will stream live at:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio
  
  Supporting images will be posted concurrent with the briefing at:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/aim/AIM_L14_media.html
  
  For more information about the AIM mission, visit:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/aim
  
  
  -end-
  
• #8 by jacqmans on 06 Apr, 2007 16:19
• EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT
  
  Mission: AIM (Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere)
  Launch Pad: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
  Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
  Launch Date: April 25, 2007
  Launch Time: 1:26:49 p.m. PDT
  
  NASA's AIM spacecraft was mated to the Pegasus XL rocket on Wednesday.
  An integrated flight simulation is scheduled for early next week.
  Later that week, operations will begin for installation of the
  Pegasus fairing around the AIM spacecraft.
  
  The Pegasus rocket with the AIM spacecraft is currently planned to be
  installed onto the transporter April 16. The L-1011 carrier aircraft
  is slated to arrive at Vandenberg Air Force Base the following day.
  Transporting Pegasus/AIM to the runway for mating operations with the
  carrier aircraft is scheduled for April 22.
  
  
• #9 by jacqmans on 11 Apr, 2007 15:48
• RELEASE: 07-84
  
  NASA AIMS TO CLEAR UP MYSTERY OF ELUSIVE CLOUDS AT EDGE OF SPACE
  
  WASHINGTON - NASA is preparing to launch the Aeronomy of Ice in the
  Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft, the first mission dedicated to
  exploration of mysterious ice clouds that dot the edge of space in
  Earth's polar regions. These clouds have grown brighter and more
  prevalent in recent years and some scientists suggest that changes in
  these clouds may be the result of climate change.
  
  The first opportunity for launch is on Wednesday, April 25 from
  Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., aboard a Pegasus launch vehicle.
  
  AIM will conduct the first detailed probe of this unusual phenomenon
  typically observed approximately 50 miles above the Earth's surface
  in the mesosphere. The mesosphere is the region just above the
  stratosphere. Researchers know very little about how these polar
  mesospheric clouds form, why they are being seen at lower latitudes
  than ever before or why they have recently grown brighter and more
  frequent.
  
  "These clouds are indicators of conditions in the upper reaches of the
  Earth's atmosphere, and are an important link in the chain of
  processes that result in the deposition of solar energy into Earth's
  atmosphere," said Mary Mellott, AIM program scientist, NASA
  Headquarters, Washington. "AIM will provide an understanding of how
  and why these clouds form, an important contribution toward the NASA
  goals of understanding the fundamental physical processes of our
  space environment and how the habitability of planets is affected by
  the interaction of planetary magnetic fields and atmospheres with
  solar variability."
  
  The clouds are noctilucent, meaning they can be seen from the ground
  only at night, when they are illuminated by sunlight no longer
  visible from the Earth's surface. The brightest of these clouds are
  now known to be primarily composed of water ice. Their seasonal
  lifecycle is controlled by complex interactions between temperature,
  water vapor, solar activity, atmospheric chemistry and small
  particles on which the cloud crystals form. Human-induced factors
  such as carbon dioxide cause a warming in the lower atmosphere but a
  cooling in the mesosphere.
  
  The clouds form in the coldest part of the Earth's atmosphere at the
  summer season in the polar regions. In the northern hemisphere they
  begin appearing in mid-May and last through mid-August, in the
  southern hemisphere beginning mid-November and lasting through
  mid-March.
  
  "The occurrence of these clouds at the edge of space and what causes
  them to vary is not understood," said AIM principal investigator
  James Russell III, Hampton University, Hampton, Va. "One theory is
  that the cloud particles grow on 'seeds' of meteoric dust or dust
  lofted up from below. AIM will provide the comprehensive data needed
  to test current theories for cloud formation or develop new ones, and
  allow researchers to build tools to predict how they will change in
  the future."
  
  AIM will be comprised of three instruments: the Solar Occultation for
  Ice Experiment; the Cloud Imaging and Particle Size Experiment; and
  the Cosmic Dust Experiment. The satellite will simultaneously measure
  air pressure and temperature, moisture content and cloud dimensions,
  providing data needed to determine the role of polar mesospheric
  clouds as an important indicator of the planet's changing climate.
  
  The clouds appear to be a relatively recent phenomenon, first reported
  in the late 19th century shortly after the volcanic eruption on the
  Indonesian island of Krakatoa. The first daytime observations of the
  clouds were made by satellite in 1969. Regular space-based
  observations began in 1982 with NASA's Solar Mesosphere Explorer
  using instruments primarily designed for other purposes.
  
  "This Small Explorer mission is a good example of the huge science
  returns we can get for a relatively small cost investment," said
  Vicki Elsbernd, program executive for the AIM mission, NASA
  Headquarters.
  
  For more information about NASA and the AIM mission, visit:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/aim
  
• #10 by jacqmans on 14 Apr, 2007 09:36
• Mission: AIM (Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere)
  Launch Pad: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
  Launch Vehicle: Pegasus XL (Orbital Sciences)
  Launch Date: April 25, 2007
  Launch Time: 1:26:49 p.m. PDT (4:26:49 p.m. EDT)
  
  NASA's AIM spacecraft was mated to the Pegasus XL rocket on April 4.
  An integrated flight simulation was successfully completed earlier
  this week. Technicians began operations to install the Pegasus
  fairing around the AIM spacecraft, followed by black light inspection
  of the fairing and spacecraft. The spacecraft umbilical was
  disconnected and re-routed to allow the payload fairing to move into
  the clean room.
  
  The Pegasus rocket with the AIM spacecraft is currently planned to be
  installed onto the transporter on April 16. The L-1011 carrier
  aircraft is slated to arrive at Vandenberg Air Force Base the
  following day. The transport of Pegasus/AIM to the runway for mating
  operations with the L-1011 is scheduled for April 22.
  
• #11 by jacqmans on 17 Apr, 2007 19:11
• MEDIA ADVISORY: 14-07
  
  NASA SETS PRESS AND MEDIA EVENTS FOR AIM LAUNCH
  
  NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) spacecraft, is
  scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California by
  an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL vehicle at 1:26 p.m. PDT on April 25
  within a launch window that extends from 1:23 to 1:30 p.m. PDT. The
  drop point of the Pegasus from the L-1011 carrier aircraft is a
  location over the Pacific Ocean approximately 100 miles offshore
  west-southwest of Point Sur, Calif. AIM will be launched at an
  azimuth of 192.5 degrees into a circular polar orbit of 375 miles
  with an inclination of 97.77 degrees.
  
  AIM is a two-year mission to study polar mesospheric clouds. These are
  the Earth's highest clouds, which form an icy membrane 50 miles above
  the surface at the edge of space. These clouds, which are visible
  from the ground with the naked eye, form in the spring and summer at
  high latitudes and have been seen for over a century, reflecting the
  Sun's light in the twilight sky. The mission's primary goal for the
  spacecraft's three instruments is to explain why these clouds form,
  and discover what is causing them to appear more frequently and at
  lower latitudes.
  
  NASA Kennedy Space Center is responsible for launch vehicle/spacecraft
  integration and launch countdown management. NASA Goddard Space
  Flight Center is responsible for the overall AIM mission management.
  Hampton University in Hampton, Va., is the prime contractor and is
  leading the mission, assisted by the University of Colorado and
  Virginia Tech. Orbital Sciences Corporation is responsible for
  providing the Pegasus XL launch service to NASA.
  
  Prelaunch Press Conference
  
  A prelaunch press conference and mission briefing, to be carried live
  on NASA Television, will begin at 1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT) on April 24
  in the conference room of the NASA-KSC Resident Office at Vandenberg
  Air Force Base.
  
  Participating in the prelaunch press conference will be:
  
  Vicki Elsbernd, AIM Program Executive
  NASA Headquarters, Washington
  
  Omar Baez, NASA Launch Director/NASA Launch Manager
  Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
  
  Bryan Baldwin, Pegasus Launch Vehicle Program Director
  Orbital Sciences Corporation, McClean, Va.
  
  Mike McGrath, AIM Project Manager
  Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
  University of Colorado, Boulder, Co.
  
  Captain Damon Vorhees, Launch Weather Officer, U.S. Air Force
  30th Weather Squadron, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
  
  AIM Mission Science Briefing
  
  An AIM mission briefing will immediately follow the prelaunch press
  conference. Participating will be:
  
  Mary Mellott, AIM Program Scientist
  NASA Headquarters, Washington
  
  James Russell III, AIM Principal Investigator
  Hampton University, Hampton, Va.
  
  Scott Bailey, AIM Deputy Principal Investigator
  Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
  
  AIM Press Accreditation and Launch Coverage
  
  News media desiring accreditation to cover the prelaunch press
  conference and launch of Pegasus/AIM should call the 30th Space Wing
  Public Affairs Office at Vandenberg Air Force Base at 805-606-3595.
  
  On April 24, local media desiring to cover the AIM prelaunch press
  conference and mission science briefing should meet at the main gate
  of Vandenberg Air Force Base on California State Road 1 at 12:20 p.m.
  for escort to the NASA Vandenberg Resident Office in Building 840.
  
  On launch day, April 25, media representatives should meet at the
  Vandenberg main gate at noon to be escorted to the Vandenberg Air
  Force Base runway to view the departure of the L-1011 aircraft. Media
  will then be taken to the viewing room of the NASA Mission Director's
  Center located at Building 840 on South Vandenberg Air Force Base.
  From there, media may follow the flight and launch of Pegasus/AIM.
  
  Assuming a successful flight of the Pegasus, a post-launch news
  conference will not be held. However, launch vehicle and spacecraft
  representatives will be available afterward to informally answer
  questions from the media.
  
  NASA Television Launch Coverage of Pegasus/AIM
  
  Live coverage on NASA Television of the Pegasus/AIM launch will begin
  at noon a.m. PDT (3 p.m. EDT) on April 25 and continue through
  spacecraft separation from the Pegasus vehicle, which occurs
  approximately 10 minutes after launch. Live audio of the launch
  coverage and the Pegasus/AIM briefings will be available on the "V
  circuits" that may be dialed at 321-867-1220, 1240, 1260, 7135.
  
  In the continental United States, NASA TV is available via satellite
  on AMC-6, Transponder 17, C-band, located at 72 degrees West
  longitude. The frequency is 4040.0 MHz video, 6.8 MHz audio, MPEG-2
  digital signal. In Alaska and Hawaii, NASA TV is available on AMC-7,
  Transponder 18, C-band, at 137 degrees West longitude. The frequency
  is 4060.0 MHz, also an MPEG-2 digital signal. Polarization is
  vertical, and audio is monaural at 6.80 MHz. A digital integrated
  receiver decoder is required; an analog signal is no longer
  available.
  
  For NASA TV launch coverage information and schedules on the Internet,
  visit:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
  
  Web Prelaunch, Launch and Mission Coverage of Pegasus/AIM
  
  For live launch coverage and AIM mission information, go to the AIM
  link on the NASA Portal at:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/aim
  
  On launch day, the launch blog will be activated beginning at noon
  PDT. Real-time updates will be featured as countdown milestones
  occur. A launch highlight podcast will be posted at approximately
  L+30 minutes.
  
  Pegasus/AIM News Center
  
  The Pegasus/AIM News Center at the NASA Vandenberg Resident Office
  will be staffed starting on April 19 and may be reached between 8
  a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PDT at 805-605-3051. A recorded status report will
  also be available starting April 20 and may be reached by dialing
  805-734-2693. The U.S. Air Force 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
  office may be reached at 805-606-3595.
  
  
  -end-
  
• #12 by DaveS on 24 Apr, 2007 19:27
• *bump*
  Today's two AIM press-conferences coming up in about 30 minutes. Then the launch tommorow.
• #13 by eeergo on 24 Apr, 2007 20:17
• An interesting fact they mentioned during the conference is that AIM uses magnetic torque bars, instead of RCS thrusters, to control its attitude. These bars create magnetic fields that interact with Earth's, to create forces. They will be first used right after payload separation, to slow AIM's roll.
• #14 by eeergo on 24 Apr, 2007 20:23
• Wow, 0% probability of weather prohibiting launch both tomorrow and the day after! I guess we could live with some more of these forecasts during Shuttle missions
• #15 by TitanFan on 25 Apr, 2007 03:39
• With the AIM launch being scheduled for tomorrow (4/25/07), about what day did the L-1011 arrive at Vandenberg?  My first guess would be Friday sometime because I saw a large aircraft inbound to Vandenberg and I was too far away to ID it, but I could be wrong.  Also, what kind of chase plane will more than likely be used?  I believe it was a NASA F/A-18 last time.
• #16 by John44 on 25 Apr, 2007 04:48
• The Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) mission will provide the first detailed exploration of Earth's unique and elusive noctilucent or night shining clouds that are found literally on the "edge of space." The satellite is scheduled to launch from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on April 25, 2007.
  
  AIM Prelaunch News Conference
  http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1875&Itemid=2
  
  AIM Mission Science Briefing
  http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1876&Itemid=2
  
  anik note: "Pegasus AIM question" and "AIM Mission Briefings" threads are moved into "LIVE: Pegasus XL launch - AIM mission - April 25, 2007" thread
  
• #17 by Jim on 25 Apr, 2007 17:42
• Countdown started hours ago.  Now at T-2:35 hrs
• #18 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 17:44
• Historically Black University Leads NASA AIM Mission
  
  NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM) is scheduled to launch on Wed., April 25 at 4:26 p.m. EDT from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., via a Pegasus XL launch vehicle. The mission is led by Hampton University, making it the first Historically Black College and University to have the principle investigator and total mission responsibility for a NASA satellite mission.
  
  
  AIM will study why polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) form and why they vary. These clouds are also called "noctilucent" or night-shining clouds. This is NASA's first mission dedicated to exploration of these unique and mysterious clouds. These clouds are being seen at lower latitudes than ever before, and have recently grown brighter and more frequent, suggesting a connection to global change.
  
  
    WHAT:    The launch of NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM)
             mission led by Hampton University will air live at HU.
  
    WHEN:    Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 4 p.m. EDT
  
    WHERE:   Phenix Hall Auditorium, 40 East Tyler Street, on the campus of
             Hampton University, Hampton, Va.
  
  
• #19 by Jim on 25 Apr, 2007 18:31
• Stargazer engines started
• #20 by Rob in KC on 25 Apr, 2007 18:35
• When does NASA TV coverage begin?
• #21 by William Graham on 25 Apr, 2007 18:35
• With Pegasus, is T-0 the time that the aircraft takes off, or the time that the Pegasus is released?
• #22 by William Graham on 25 Apr, 2007 18:36

• Quote

  Rob in KC - 25/4/2007 6:35 PM When does NASA TV coverage begin?

   

  NASA says it will start at 3 pm. I assume this is EDT, so that would be 19:00 GMT.

• #23 by Jim on 25 Apr, 2007 18:42
• http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/
• #24 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 18:47

• ---

  
• #25 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:01

• ---

  
• #26 by William Graham on 25 Apr, 2007 19:02
• Webcast started. The TriStar is taxying
• #27 by vt_hokie on 25 Apr, 2007 19:03
• Always loved the L-1011!  
• #28 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:05

• ---

  
• #29 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:16
• 10 mins to Stargazer take off.
• #30 by Chris SF on 25 Apr, 2007 19:18
• From Chris' preview article:
  
  "With all the interest surrounding SpaceX's Falcon I launch vehicle of late, many forget that Pegasus was the world's first privately developed space launch vehicle. Its maiden 1990 mission marked the first all-new, unmanned space launch vehicle developed in the US in more than 20 years.
  
  Other landmarks included the Pegasus being the first winged vehicle to accelerate to eight times the speed of sound, and the first air-launched rocket to place satellites into orbit, using its carrier aircraft as an 'air breathing reusable first stage.'"
  
  Didn't know that!
• #31 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 19:21
• Poll for takeoff underway.
• #32 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:23
• High quality video for L2 is recording now (will be available pretty much right after conclusion) - will be about 100mb plus. A free video will be recorded too (the launch part).
• #33 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:28
• L-1011 now airborne!!!  
• #34 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:29

• ---

  
• #35 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:30
• Very neat chase plane:

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• #36 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:32
• NASA reconnaissance jet is now airborne too!!!
• #37 by Lee Jay on 25 Apr, 2007 19:33
• Anyone have tail numbers?
• #38 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:35
• Pegasus looking good as it is climbing. It's way too cloudy too see anything unfortunately

  ---

  
• #39 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:38
• AIM Spacecraft:

  ---

  
• #40 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:39
• 
  How long until Pegasus seperation?
• #41 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:40
• Quote

  ShuttleDiscovery - 25/4/2007  8:39 PM
  
  
  How long until Pegasus seperation?

  
  26 minutes past the hour, so about 45 mins or so.
• #42 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 19:40
• Quote

  ShuttleDiscovery - 25/4/2007  3:39 PM
  
  
  How long until Pegasus seperation?

  
  About 40 minutes.
  Go Pegasus!
• #43 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:43
• Quote

  Nick L. - 25/4/2007  8:40 PM
  
  

  Quote

  ShuttleDiscovery - 25/4/2007  3:39 PM
  
  
  How long until Pegasus seperation?

  
  About 40 minutes.
  Go Pegasus!

  
  
  Thank you. Looking forward to seeing it in space very soon...
• #44 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 19:43
• Shot of the L-1011 with the Pegasus.

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• #45 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:45
• Quote

  Nick L. - 25/4/2007  8:43 PM
  
  Shot of the L-1011 with the Pegasus.

  
  You beat me to it! I take it this is from that chase plane?
• #46 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:46
• Close up of the Pegasus

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• #47 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 19:47
• T-40 mins.
• #48 by EirikV on 25 Apr, 2007 19:54
• CNN Pipeline is broadcasting the live coverage in Pipe 2.
• #49 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 19:55
• The very delicate procedure of the Pegasus being attached to the Stargazer...

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• #50 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 19:58

• ---

  
• #51 by EirikV on 25 Apr, 2007 20:05
• Some pictures..
  
  

  ---

  

  

  
• #52 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:06
• Lovely images guys. Keep them coming.
  
  T-20 minutes.
• #53 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:13
• Do we have the steps.. seq numbers.. etc  13 mins... polling for internal power transfer
• #54 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:14
• On internal power
• #55 by William Graham on 25 Apr, 2007 20:14

• Quote

  Avron - 25/4/2007 8:13 PM Do we have the steps.. seq numbers.. etc 13 mins... polling for internal power transfer

   http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/index-ae.html

• #56 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:15
• FTS checks...?
• #57 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:15
• FTS checks good.
• #58 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:16

• ---

  
• #59 by Jim on 25 Apr, 2007 20:16
• flight termination system
• #60 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:17
• Thanks .. see all them folks are out there
• #61 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:18
• Launch window is go!
• #62 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 20:18
• How long now until Pegasus seperation?  
  
   
• #63 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:18
• Weather green
• #64 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:18
• Avionics going internal.
• #65 by EirikV on 25 Apr, 2007 20:18

• ---

  
• #66 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:19
• Range is go
• #67 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:19
• NASA management team is go!
• #68 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:19
• All go for launch on final readiness poll.
• #69 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:19
• L-7 and counting!
• #70 by William Graham on 25 Apr, 2007 20:20
• Webcast is only 17 seconds behind real-time. Not bad.
• #71 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:21
• Five minutes to drop.
• #72 by Avron on 25 Apr, 2007 20:21
• TDRSS coms at T+1
• #73 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:21

• ---

  
• #74 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:22
• Launch team is GO!
• #75 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 20:23
• Final poll: all go!
  
  Go Pegasus! Go AIM!
  
  L-4 minutes.
• #76 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 20:24
• L1011 inside drop box.
• #77 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:24
• Pegasus guidance ready!
• #78 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:24
• T-120 seconds!
• #79 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 20:25
• 2 minutes.
• #80 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:25
• Now on Launch Heading.

  ---

  
• #81 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:25
• T-60 seconds! Go Pegasus!
• #82 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:26
• T-30 seconds. Go Pegasus. Go AIM.
• #83 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:26
• Testing fins.
• #84 by Skinny on 25 Apr, 2007 20:26

• ---

  

  

  

  

  
• #85 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:27
• DROP and ENGINE START! GO PEGASUS GO!
• #86 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:27
• Very nice launch.
• #87 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:27
• MaxQ for Pegasus. T+1min
• #88 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:28
• Stage 1-2 sep!
• #89 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 20:28
• WO-HOOO!
  
  GO PEGASUS!!  A great launch
• #90 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:28
• Stage 1 burnout. Stage 2 ignition.
• #91 by Skinny on 25 Apr, 2007 20:28

• ---

  
• #92 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:28

• ---

  
• #93 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:29
• Fairing sep!
• #94 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:29
• Faring Sep. All nominal. T+2:30.
• #95 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:29

• ---

  

  

  
• #96 by Skinny on 25 Apr, 2007 20:29

• ---

  

  
• #97 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 20:29

• TVC and RCS are nominal.

  Coast phase (2 minutes)

• #98 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 20:30
• Sun affecting solar arrays and batteries of the spacecraft.
• #99 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:30

• ---

  
• #100 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:31
• Waiting for 2-3 Stage Sep.
• #101 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:32
• 260 miles in altitude and rising.

  ---

  
• #102 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:33
• Orienting for stage 3 burn.
• #103 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:33
• 60 seconds to Stage 3 ignition.
• #104 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:34
• 2-3 Seperation. Stage 3 ignition. All nominal. A few minutes away from spacecraft seperation.
• #105 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:34
• Stage 2-3 sep, stage 3 ignition!

  ---

  

  
• #106 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:34
• 360 miles altitude.
  
  Velocity got one big kick there. Over 12,000 miles per hour.
• #107 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:35
• Vehicle has reached orbit. Standing by for spacecraft seperation.
• #108 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:36
• Altitude 373 miles, velocity 17,000 mph.
• #109 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:36
• 17,000 miles per hour and stable.
  
  373 miles in altitude and stable.
  
  Waiting for spacecraft seperation.
• #110 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:37
• Spacecraft seperation! Nice job!
• #111 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:37
• SPACECRAFT SEPARATION!
  Congratulations to Orbital and Pegasus!
• #112 by Skinny on 25 Apr, 2007 20:37

• ---

  

  
• #113 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:37

• ---

  
• #114 by eeergo on 25 Apr, 2007 20:38
• Cool launch! Congratulations to Orbital and AIM teams!
  
  Now third stage performing collision avoidance maneuvers.
• #115 by Lee Jay on 25 Apr, 2007 20:38
• A very smooth, professional launch.  Well done and congratulations to the team!
• #116 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 20:39
• Definately a very quick and smooth launch. Success all round!
• #117 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:39
• 12 mins 15 seconds mission time.
• #118 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:41
• Free video of the launch here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=7663&start=1
  
  L2 video still recording.
• #119 by Nick L. on 25 Apr, 2007 20:43
• AIM signal received by TDRS.
• #120 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:43
• AIM happily in orbit. Telemetery picked up by TDRSS(Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System).
  
  (Thanks Dave).
• #121 by ShuttleDiscovery on 25 Apr, 2007 20:47
• I just want to say thanks to Chris for providing us with all these up to the second updates for this launch!
  
  Great job
• #122 by Chris Bergin on 25 Apr, 2007 20:52
• Full 187mb high quality video on L2.
• #123 by shuttlepilot on 25 Apr, 2007 21:01
• http://rapidshare.com/files/27920476/aimreplay.asf - launch replay from NASA TV.
• #124 by John44 on 25 Apr, 2007 21:13
• video AIM Launch  300K
  http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1886&Itemid=1
• #125 by vt_hokie on 25 Apr, 2007 21:49
• Quote

  ShuttleDiscovery - 25/4/2007  4:47 PM
  
  I just want to say thanks to Chris for providing us with all these up to the second updates for this launch!
  
  Great job

  
  I'll second that, and congrats to all involved!
• #126 by Paul Howard on 26 Apr, 2007 00:21
• Well done to Orbital and the NASA people involved.
  
  http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070425/aqw118.html?.v=3
• #127 by jacqmans on 26 Apr, 2007 03:14
• RELEASE: 07-92
  
  NASA'S AIM MISSION SOARS TO THE EDGE OF SPACE
  
  VANDENBERG, Calif. - NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM)
  spacecraft, the first mission dedicated to the exploration of
  mysterious ice clouds that dot the edge of space in Earth's polar
  regions, successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base,
  Calif., at 1:26 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, April 25.
  
  The mission will study clouds that are noctilucent, meaning they can
  be seen from the ground only at night, when they are illuminated by
  sunlight no longer visible from the Earth's surface.
  
  "The successful AIM launch initiates an exciting new era in
  understanding how noctilucent clouds form and why they vary," said
  Principal Investigator James M. Russell, III, of Hampton University
  in Hampton, Va. "The coordinated AIM measurements will provide the
  first focused and comprehensive data set needed to unravel the
  mysteries of these clouds."
  
  Noctilucent clouds are increasing in number, becoming brighter and are
  occurring at lower latitudes than ever before. "Such variations
  suggest a connection with global change," said Russell. "If true, it
  means that human influences are affecting the entire atmosphere, not
  just the region near the Earth's surface."
  
  The Stargazer L-1011 aircraft released a Pegasus XL rocket at a drop
  point over the Pacific Ocean, 100 miles offshore west-southwest of
  Point Sur, Calif. AIM was launched at an azimuth of 192.5 degrees
  into a circular polar orbit of 375 miles with an inclination of 97.7
  degrees.
  
  At approximately 1:36 p.m., communications from a Tracking Data and
  Relay Satellite confirmed spacecraft separation, and the solar arrays
  deployed autonomously soon thereafter.
  
  The spacecraft was declared operating nominally at approximately 2:44
  p.m., when it passed over the Svalbard, Norway, ground station.
  Spacecraft bus commissioning activities will be performed during the
  next six days while controllers verify satisfactory performance of
  all spacecraft subsystems.
  
  Throughout a 30-day check-out period, all the spacecraft subsystems
  and instruments will be evaluated and compared to their performance
  during ground testing to ensure satisfactory operation in the space
  environment. The instruments will maintain their protective covers to
  shield the near pristine optical surfaces from contamination while
  the spacecraft outgases volatile materials. Fourteen days after
  launch, the optical covers will be removed in sequence by ground
  commands, and the instruments will begin scientific operations.
  
  During the next two years, AIM scientists will methodically address
  each of six fundamental objectives that will provide critical
  information needed to understand cloud formation and behavior.
  
  "This mission has many firsts, including that Hampton University is
  the first historically black college and university to have the
  principle investigator and total mission responsibility for a NASA
  satellite mission," said Program Executive Victoria Elsbernd, NASA
  Headquarters, Washington.
  
  NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., is responsible for launch
  vehicle/spacecraft integration and launch countdown management.
  NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md., is responsible
  for the overall AIM mission management in collaboration with Hampton
  University, the University of Colorado, Boulder, and Virginia
  Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg. Orbital
  Sciences Corporation, Dulles, Va., is responsible for providing the
  Pegasus XL launch service to NASA.
  
  AIM is the ninth small-class mission under NASA's Explorer Program,
  which provides frequent flight opportunities for world-class
  scientific investigations from space within the heliophysics and
  astrophysics science areas.
  
  For more information about NASA and the AIM mission, visit:
  
  http://www.nasa.gov/aim