Posted on 07/15/2004 2:38:43 AM PDT by bd476
If all goes well, a Delta II rocket will take off from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California at 3:01:59. This will be the fourth attempt. Live coverage right now in countdown mode on NASA TV webstream. Image is clear on dial-up ISP. Listen for a loud sonic boom on the West Coast.
"Image : Aura's Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) is designed to profile atmospheric chemistry across the globe. Aerosols are one of the trace gases humans introduce into the atmospheric chemistry through pollution. Credit: NASA"
"Aura is part of the Earth Observing System (EOS), a program dedicated to monitoring the complex interactions that affect the globe using NASA satellites and data systems. The spacecraft is specifically designed to answer three basic questions about our atmosphere."
"Is the Earth's ozone layer recovering?
Earth's stratosphere contains the ozone layer, a barrier that protects life from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. One of Aura's main goals is to monitor levels of ozone and the pollutants that contribute to depleting it.
Is air quality getting worse?
The lower level of our atmosphere, known as the troposphere, is also affected by human activity. Aura will make the first space-based observations of the troposphere to discover global patterns and trends that shape its health.
How is the Earth's climate changing?
Water vapor and ozone in the upper layers of our atmosphere are important factors in maintaining global temperature. Aura will study the levels and distribution of these key gases to better understand how they regulate climate."
Associate Administrator for Earth Science
Dr. Ghassem Asrar has been involved with the Aura spacecraft since he helped design it almost a decade ago.
"I served as the Earth Observing System (EOS) chief scientist, helping define the scientific objectives for the EOS program and Aura mission," says Asrar.
The Earth Observing System is a group of three different spacecraft: Terra, Aqua and Aura. The three satellites will provide the most comprehensive picture of Earth available. Terra and Aqua are already in orbit, and have been sending back incredible data; now it's time for Aura to join the team.
"This is a major achievement for the Agency and the nation," explains Asrar. "For all of us, this is really a dream come true."
Weather As An Issue for Cancelling A Launch:
"Weather is a concern for a launch attempt on Thursday morning. The current forecast calls for only a 60 percent probability of acceptable weather conditions. The primary concerns are for thick clouds and the possibility of triggered lightning in the launch area due to the remnants of daytime thunderstorm activity in Southern California.
In addition, Tropical Storm Blas, off the coast of Baja California, could prevent a P3 aircraft from flying to its launch support position. The P3 relays telemetry from the launch vehicle back to the launch team at Vandenberg."
Yesterday's Cancelled Launch:
"The launch of NASA's Aura spacecraft atop a Boeing Delta II rocket was scrubbed this morning due to an issue with one of the two batteries on the second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle. At approximately three minutes before the scheduled liftoff time, as the batteries were being transferred to internal power, the battery current level dropped below prescribed limits, triggering a launch hold."
Aura Satellite Earth Observing Mission
People Involved in Aura Project
Thanks, will put on NASA tv now.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Second stage operations are operational. Weather is good. Final four minute countdown. Relief valve lets out steam, normal.
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.
220 seconds speed at 8400 miles an hour. Successful separation. Second stage operation. 12,000 miles an hour now.
We could track it for about 45 seconds before the red dot finally disappeared. No sonic boom heard this far away.
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.
16,000 Miles per hour.
Drat, not sure why I didn't think of going outside to see if it was visible. Thanks for the description!
Already over the South Pole headed for Africa.
Back then, the nation was still fearful of a Soviet missile attack. ;)
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.
Laugh! We've gotten a bit spoiled, have we?
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