Delta II Rocket with "Aura" Satellite Launch Set For 3:02 a.m. PST 15 July 2004 Vandenberg AFB

NASA.Gov Aura Earth Observing Mission ^ | 15 July 2004

[bd476]

Let's hope fourth time is a charm. There are several "working" issues reported yet NASA announcer sounds optimistic for a launch at 3:02 a.m.

[Las Vegas Dave]

Thanks, will put on NASA tv now.

[bd476]

Delta II set to launch in approximately 21 minutes. 4th attempt, there are some issues, reservoir engine shifting condition evaluated and there is no problem.

Winds are a concern, they're looking at weather balloon readings and will resolve before the final 3 minute countdown. Also they confirm that range reports support launch.

[bd476]

NASA TV Live Web Stream Delta II Rocket Launch at 3:02 a.m. from Vandenberg Air Force Base Ping

Delta II set to launch in approximately 21 minutes. 4th attempt, there are some issues, reservoir engine shifting condition evaluated and there is no problem.

Winds are a concern, they're looking at weather balloon readings and will resolve before the final 3 minute countdown. Also they confirm that range reports support launch.

[bd476]

This is a pretty exciting event for 2:52 a.m. That rocket is 125 feet tall, 9 engine rockets strapped on. Imagine the sonic boom that thing will set off.

[bd476]

Delta II Rocket now has successfully transitioned to internal power.

Mission Director announced instructions that should a failure be noticed during the 4 minute final countdown, they should announce "Hold, hold, hold" except in the final 60 second countdown.

[bd476]

Second stage operations are operational. Weather is good. Final four minute countdown. Relief valve lets out steam, normal.

[McGruff]

Fox and Friends say less than 1 min. Live video.

[bd476]

30, 25, 20 seconds LIFT OFF! Six of 9 boosters fully working, now final 3 boosters working, now jettisoned, 1,000 miles an hour. First stage guidance in. 5,200 miles an hour. 200 seconds past lift off.

[bd476]

220 seconds speed at 8400 miles an hour. Successful separation. Second stage operation. 12,000 miles an hour now.

[The KG9 Kid]

We went up to the roof and saw the launch. Looked like a meteor going sideways. The rocket exhaust dimmed as it left the atmosphere which was a sight to behold.

We could track it for about 45 seconds before the red dot finally disappeared. No sonic boom heard this far away.

[The KG9 Kid]

The exhaust was powerful enough to see the flames licking like a campfire trailing behind the rocket. I was surprised that it was large enough to see even from 200 miles away. It was larger than the planes landing at SFO.

[bd476]

Wahooooo! Congratulations NASA, JPL and all Aura Satellite Scientists and Personnel!

16,000 Miles per hour.

[bd476]

Drat, not sure why I didn't think of going outside to see if it was visible. Thanks for the description!

[The KG9 Kid]

Already over the South Pole headed for Africa.

[The KG9 Kid]

It wasn't as fantastic as other Vandenberg launches I've seen over the years when I lived in Southern California. I remember one launch made at dusk in the late 80s that left a magnificent giant winding trail behind it that stopped traffic on the 60 freeway.

Back then, the nation was still fearful of a Soviet missile attack. ;)

[bd476]

No sonic boom here either. I didn't think of going outside to look for it. We have a lot of ambient light outside here in S. California. Cool that you got to see it.

[Flyer]

need a better WiFi antenna for the roof

Laugh! We've gotten a bit spoiled, have we?