Posted on 08/17/2016 9:14:07 PM PDT by ameribbean expat
Aug 19 - Delta IV : AFSPC-6 Launch site Cape Canaveral AFB, FL Launch Date Aug 19 From Launch Pad LC-37B Launch Window : 12:00 to 4:00am EDT (4:00 to 8:00 GMT) United Launch Alliance will launch a Delta IV rocket carrying the US air Force's twin satellite mission AFSPC-6 into orbit.
A pair of Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites will be inserted to a near-geo¬synchronous orbit. The twin GSSAP spacecraft, built by Orbital ATK, will support U.S. Strategic Command space enhanced awareness operations. Data from GSSAP will uniquely contribute to timely and accurate orbital predictions, enhancing our knowledge of the geosynchronous orbit environment, and further enabling space flight safety to include satellite collision avoidance.
The Delta V will fly in the medium+ configuration with a common core booster two strap on solid rocket motors, a single Delta Cryogenic Second Stage and a 4 metre payload fairing.
(Excerpt) Read more at americaspace.com ...
Is this a second SpaceX rocket, or are they actually able to get that recovered on the barge a few days ago back and ready to be launched again this quickly?
This is ULA- read Lockheed and Boeing. SpaceX has only recently been awarded USAF contracts.
http://fortune.com/2016/04/28/spacex-air-force-ula-rocket/
I’m parked a few miles from the cape waiting for a bus for family and friends of workers to take me through the Air Force gate to get up close and personal for this launch.
That’s great. About two and a half hours now.
I used to ditch school after lunch break and ride my bike over to the port and the airport...everybody was going somewhere and I was stuck. Now I watch the rocket launches...I guess some things never change.
Clear night for you?
Crystal clear and huge full moon reflecting on the water. Looking for some amateur radio repeaters while I wait. Occasionally, one of the local repeaters broadcast all the traffic live. No luck yet.
Ping
Thanks for the ping!
Launch coverage here:
http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/08/17/d375_journal/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BScrUfSGPr8
http://www.ulalaunch.com/webcast.aspx
Latest updates:
0305 GMT (11:05 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Loading of the upper stage liquid hydrogen tank has been accomplished as fueling proceeds tonight at Complex 37.
0252 GMT (10:52 p.m. EDT Thurs.)
Two hours and counting! Still targeting 12:52 a.m. EDT (0452 GMT) for launch tonight.
I think I pinged you Jack, I’m scary close to the pad. Titan III road, 2.9 miles. I can post some vids tomorrow.
Launch time now says 12:52
No way!
GO for launch of the Delta 4 rocket from Cape Canaveral at 12:52
Yeah, this distance can’t be safe, but they dumped a whole bus load of engineers and their friends and family here so I have to believe it is safe. They even have porta-potties, LOL!
2.9 miles is about the distance they had for watching the Space Shuttle so you are okay.
5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1
as Jackie Gleason once said:
“And away we go!”
They made it to orbit!
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