Jim K Global Moderator Posted January 5, 2017 Global Moderator Share Posted January 5, 2017 Quote NASA Selects Two Missions to Explore the Early Solar System NASA has selected two missions that have the potential to open new windows on one of the earliest eras in the history of our solar system – a time less than 10 million years after the birth of our sun. The missions, known as Lucy and Psyche, were chosen from five finalists and will proceed to mission formulation, with the goal of launching in 2021 and 2023, respectively. “Lucy will visit a target-rich environment of Jupiter’s mysterious Trojan asteroids, while Psyche will study a unique metal asteroid that’s never been visited before,” said Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. “This is what Discovery Program missions are all about – boldly going to places we’ve never been to enable groundbreaking science.” Lucy, a robotic spacecraft, is scheduled to launch in October 2021. It’s slated to arrive at its first destination, a main belt asteroid, in 2025. From 2027 to 2033, Lucy will explore six Jupiter Trojan asteroids. These asteroids are trapped by Jupiter’s gravity in two swarms that share the planet’s orbit, one leading and one trailing Jupiter in its 12-year circuit around the sun. The Trojans are thought to be relics of a much earlier era in the history of the solar system, and may have formed far beyond Jupiter’s current orbit. “This is a unique opportunity,” said Harold F. Levison, principal investigator of the Lucy mission from the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, Colorado. “Because the Trojans are remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets, they hold vital clues to deciphering the history of the solar system. Lucy, like the human fossil for which it is named, will revolutionize the understanding of our origins.” Lucy will build on the success of NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, using newer versions of the RALPH and LORRI science instruments that helped enable the mission’s achievements. Several members of the Lucy mission team also are veterans of the New Horizons mission. Lucy also will build on the success of the OSIRIS-REx mission to asteroid Bennu, with the OTES instrument and several members of the OSIRIS-REx team. The Psyche mission will explore one of the most intriguing targets in the main asteroid belt – a giant metal asteroid, known as 16 Psyche, about three times farther away from the sun than is the Earth. This asteroid measures about 130 miles (210 kilometers) in diameter and, unlike most other asteroids that are rocky or icy bodies, is thought to be comprised mostly of metallic iron and nickel, similar to Earth’s core. Scientists wonder whether Psyche could be an exposed core of an early planet that could have been as large as Mars, but which lost its rocky outer layers due to a number of violent collisions billions of years ago. The mission will help scientists understand how planets and other bodies separated into their layers – including cores, mantles and crusts – early in their histories. “This is an opportunity to explore a new type of world – not one of rock or ice, but of metal,” said Psyche Principal Investigator Lindy Elkins-Tanton of Arizona State University in Tempe. “16 Psyche is the only known object of its kind in the solar system, and this is the only way humans will ever visit a core. We learn about inner space by visiting outer space.” Psyche, also a robotic mission, is targeted to launch in October of 2023, arriving at the asteroid in 2030, following an Earth gravity assist spacecraft maneuver in 2024 and a Mars flyby in 2025. /snip More at NASA Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted January 5, 2017 Share Posted January 5, 2017 Psyche should be interesting. If it's a protoplanet core the elemental mix and configuration could be revealing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted January 18, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted January 18, 2017 Launch Schedule Quote Jan. 19/20 Atlas 5 • SBIRS GEO Flight 3 Launch window: 0046-0126 GMT on 20th (7:46-8:26 p.m. EST on 19th) Launch site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-066, will launch the U.S. military’s third Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite, or SBIRS GEO 3, for missile early-warning detection. The rocket will fly in the 401 vehicle configuration with a four-meter fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. Delayed from May 26, July 27 and Oct. 3. [Dec. 19] Jan. 24 H-2A • DSN 2 Launch time: 0744-0858 GMT (2:44-3:58 a.m. EST) Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan A Japanese H-2A rocket will launch the DSN 2 military communications satellite for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Owned by DSN Corp., a joint venture between SKY Perfect JSAT, NEC Corp., and NTT Communications, the DSN 2 satellite will provide X-band communications services for Japanese military units. [Nov. 27] NET Jan. 26 Falcon 9 • EchoStar 23 Launch time: Approx. 0500-0730 GMT (12:00-2:30 a.m. EST) Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch EchoStar 23 communications satellite for EchoStar Corp. EchoStar 23, based on a spare platform from the canceled CMBStar 1 satellite program, will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over Brazil. Delayed from 3rd quarter, 4th quarter and Jan. 8. [Jan. 10] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ ----------------------------- Live coverage: Atlas 5 countdown and launch journal Quote 01/17/2017 11:34 LRR: Launch Readiness Review passed for Thursday's mission United Launch Alliance and Air Force mission authorities today gave approval for rollout of the Atlas 5 rocket to its pad on Wednesday morning, leading to liftoff Thursday evening of a vital early-warning sentinel to detect incoming missile threats. The Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite No. 3 is scheduled for liftoff at 7:46 p.m. EST (0046 GMT) at the opening of a 40-minute launch window. Managers convened the final pre-flight review this morning and came to the formal consensus to proceed with the remaining launch preparations, based on the progress of work schedules and the lack of any technical issues. On Wednesday, the Atlas 5 rocket aboard its mobile launch platform will be rolled from the vertical assembly building to the pad at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41. The move, which covers 1,800 feet of rail track, should take about 45 minutes to complete. Thursday's countdown will last seven hours. The launch will be the 69th for the Atlas 5. coverage at this link... http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/17/av066_journal/ Advanced missile detection satellite for early-warning alerts awaits liftoff Quote CAPE CANAVERAL — Culminating years of construction and testing, a $1.2 billion satellite designed to spot and track enemy missiles threatening the United States homeland, its deployed military forces abroad or allied nations will ascend to a surveillance post in space Thursday. A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket will boost the third Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite, or SBIRS GEO Flight 3, to orbit from Cape Canaveral during a 40-minute window opening at 7:46 p.m. EST (0046 GMT). Kicking off another year, ULA plans at least 11 national security and science-enabling launches from the Cape and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California during 2017. And it all begins by launching a satellite to support one the U.S. military’s most critical missions — providing early warning of impending missile attacks. “This is a prime, important national security space launch and will continue the ability to do 24/7 missile warning for the nation and our allies,” said Col. Dennis Bythewood, director of the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate at the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center. SBIRS evolves the orbital monitoring system from the Cold War focus on intercontinental ballistic missiles to today’s short-range missile threats by incorporating new technologies to make quicker detections of fainter objects. An artist’ concept of the DSP and SBIRS constellation. Credit: Lockheed Martin Illustration of the SBIRS GEO spacecraft. Credit: Lockheed Martin More at the link... http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/16/advanced-missile-detection-satellite-for-early-warning-alerts-awaits-liftoff/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted January 19, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted January 19, 2017 Live coverage: Atlas 5 countdown and launch journal Quote Moving to the launch pad today, an Atlas 5 rocket will take flight Thursday evening to put a new infrared eye in the sky to spot missile threats against the U.S., its military and allies. The United Launch Alliance booster remains targeted for liftoff at 7:46 p.m. EST (0046 GMT) from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch window extends 40 minutes. The final phase of the launch campaign for the Space Base Infrared System Geosynchronous satellite No. 3 began at 9:37 a.m. this morning as the 189-foot-tall rocket was rolled from its vertical assembly building to the pad aboard a mobile platform via rail tracks. The trip covered a distance of 1,800 feet and took about 45 minutes to complete. The Atlas 5, designated AV-066, will be making its 69th flight since 2002 and flying for the 34th time in the particular 401 configuration with no side-mounted solid rocket boosters. The seven-hour countdown begins as the Atlas and Centaur stages are powered up, the launch pad is configured for liftoff and final preps for fueling are completed. Tanking begins about two hours before launch time. Weather forecasters predict favorable conditions for the launch opportunity. livestream... http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/17/av066_journal/ Photos: Atlas 5 rolled out with SBIRS GEO Flight 3 Photos: Atlas 5 rocket receives its payload for Jan. 19 launch Timeline: Atlas 5/SBIRS GEO Flight 3 ascent events description Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted January 21, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted January 21, 2017 Atlas 5 rocket successfully delivers vital national asset into space Official launch photo. Credit: United Launch Alliance Quote CAPE CANAVERAL — A new infrared reconnaissance satellite for one of the United States’ highest priority space programs — making early detection of enemy missile launches — was successfully delivered into orbit Friday by an Atlas 5 rocket. The United Launch Alliance booster, flying its its basic two-stage varient, gracefully climbed from Complex 41 at 7:42 p.m. EST (0042 GMT) with the third Space Base Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit satellite, or SBIRS GEO Flight 3. It capped the fastest-ever launch campaign for the Atlas 5 at just 13 days from the start of stacking until rollout. And, after a one-day delay by a sensor problem and aircraft wandering into restricted airspace, Friday’s seven-hour countdown progressed flawlessly throughout final testing and cryogenic fueling. Flying eastward across the Atlantic toward a geosynchronous transfer orbit, the 720,000-pound rocket had shed half of its liftoff mass through propellant consumption within two-and-a-half minutes and weighed just eight percent following staging. After the first stage dropped away at the threshold of space, the Centaur upper stage propelled the 10,000-pound payload to orbital velocity and into a preliminary parking orbit. A second firing minutes later achieved the planned elliptical dropoff orbit stretching over 22,000 miles high. SBIRS GEO Flight 3 was released from the rocket 43 minutes after liftoff, marking the 140th successful launch in a row for the Atlas program spanning 23 years, the 69th for the Atlas 5 over the span of 14 years and extended United Launch Alliance’s mission record to 116 in 121 months. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/21/atlas-5-rocket-successfully-delivers-vital-national-asset-into-space/ Atlas V SBIRS GEO Flight 3 Launch Highlights video is 2:40 min. ------------------------- Launch Schedule Quote Jan. 24 H-2A • DSN 2 Launch time: 0744-0858 GMT (2:44-3:58 a.m. EST) Launch site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan A Japanese H-2A rocket will launch the DSN 2 military communications satellite for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. Owned by DSN Corp., a joint venture between SKY Perfect JSAT, NEC Corp., and NTT Communications, the DSN 2 satellite will provide X-band communications services for Japanese military units. [Nov. 27] Jan. 27/28 Soyuz • Hispasat 36W-1 Launch time: 0103:34 GMT on 28th (8:03:34 p.m. EST on 27th) Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana An Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS16, will launch on a mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz will carry the Hispasat 36W-1 communications satellite. Also known as Hispasat AG1, the satellite is based on the Small GEO platform developed by OHB and the European Space Agency and is owned by Madrid-based Hispasat to provide communications services over Spain, Portugal and the Americas. The Soyuz 2-1b (Soyuz ST-B) rocket will use a Fregat-MT upper stage. [Nov. 3] NET Jan. 30 Falcon 9 • EchoStar 23 Launch time: 0504-0734 GMT (12:04-2:34 a.m. EST) Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch EchoStar 23 communications satellite for EchoStar Corp. EchoStar 23, based on a spare platform from the canceled CMBStar 1 satellite program, will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over Brazil. Delayed from 3rd quarter, 4th quarter, Jan. 8 and Jan. 26. [Jan. 19] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ Jim K and Unobscured Vision 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted January 23, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted January 23, 2017 JAXA preps first launch of 2017 with DSN-2 communications satellite Quote The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is preparing their H-IIA rocket to launch the DSN-2 – also known as Kirameki 2 – communications satellite from the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC). Currently scheduled to liftoff on January 24, 2017, the launch will mark the agency’s first of 2017 and will be the 20th overall for the 202 variant of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA launch vehicle. THE PAYLOAD Though capable of lofting multiple payloads, this launch of the H-IIA202 will be for a single passenger – the DSN-2 communications satellite. The X band-only satellite is designed to support Japanese military communications and is built on the Mitsubishi Electric Company (MELCO) DS2000 spacecraft bus. The DS2000 spacecraft is an indigenous Japanese design, and the first standardized satellite bus to be manufactured in the country. Sporting a power generating capability of up to 15 kilowatts, the satellite has an on-orbit design life of at least 15 years. THE ROCKET It will be the job of the reliable H-IIA rocket to deliver DSN-2 to its intended geostationary orbit. Outfitted in the common 202 configuration – two SRB-A3 solid-fueled boosters, with the pair delivering up to 1.13 million lbf (5,040 kN) of thrust, along with a single LE-7A liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen-fueled engine providing an additional 200,000 lbf (870 kN) of thrust at liftoff, increasing to 247,000 lbf (1,098 kN) in vacuum – the H-IIA will launch from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at TNSC. The rocket’s second stage is powered by a lone LE-5B engine. Like its first stage sibling, the LE-5B is also fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (often shortened as “hydrolox”) and provides 30,800 lbf (137 kN) of thrust in vacuum. The H-IIA202 stands at nearly 174 feet (53 meters) in height and can deliver approximately 8,800 pounds (4 metric tons) of hardware to geostationary orbit. The H-IIA, in all its configurations, has been a reliable vehicle for Japan, with a launch success rate of nearly 97 percent. When DSN-2 lifts off, it will be the 32nd overall flight of the H-IIA and the first of three planned missions for 2017. http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/jaxa/jaxa-first-launch-2017-dsn-2-communications-satellite/ Unobscured Vision and Jim K 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim K Global Moderator Posted January 24, 2017 Global Moderator Share Posted January 24, 2017 On 11/20/2016 at 9:13 PM, Draggendrop said: First image from GOES-16 ... what a beaut More info/images at NOAA Small snipping .... Quote In May, NOAA will announce the planned location for GOES-16. By November 2017, GOES-16 will be operational as either GOES-East or GOES-West. Once operational, NOAA will use the satellite’s six new instruments to generate new or improved meteorological, solar, and space weather products. Second satellite in GOES series already in development Following on the heels of GOES-R will be, GOES-S, the second of four spacecraft in the series. GOES-S is undergoing environmental testing at Lockheed Martin’s Corporation facility in Littleton, Colorado, where it was built. A full set of environmental, mechanical and electromagnetic testing will take about one year to complete. The GOES-S satellite will be moved into the other operational position as GOES-17 immediately after launch and initial checkout of the satellite, approximately nine months after GOES-16. Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted January 25, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted January 25, 2017 Japan puts its first military communications satellite into orbit The H-2A rocket’s four solid rocket boosters and LE-7A main engine are seen firing seconds after liftoff Tuesday. The rocket flew in the rarely-used most powerful “204” configuration designed to loft heavier cargo. Credit: NVS on YouTube Quote A Japanese H-2A rocket took off Tuesday with a communications satellite to relay messages and commands among the country’s defense forces, part of a $1.1 billion program to reduce Japan’s reliance on commercial and international providers to connect its military units. The 174-foot-tall (53-meter) launcher blasted off at 0744 GMT (2:44 a.m. EST; 4:44 p.m. Japan Standard Time) Tuesday, flying on its 32nd mission since 2001, and its 11th launch with a defense-related payload for the Japanese government. The H-2A rocket turned east from the Tanegashima Space Center, situated on an island in southern Japan, to head over the Pacific Ocean, disappearing in an overcast sky less than a minute after liftoff. Japanese officials did not provide a video webcast of the launch, but spectators positioned at a nearby public viewing site produced a live video stream of the final countdown and the liftoff. more at the link... https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/01/24/japan-puts-its-first-military-communications-satellite-into-orbit/ Launch Results of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 32 with X-band defense communication satellite-2 on Board Quote January 24, 2017 (JST) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. National Research and Development Agency Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) At 4:44 p.m., (Japan Standard Time, JST) January 24, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and JAXA launched the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 32 with X-band defense communication satellite-2* on board. The launch and the separation of the satellite proceeded according to schedule. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and JAXA express appreciation for the support in behalf of the successful launch. At the time of the launch the weather was fine, at 9 degrees Celsius, and the wind speed was 7.1 meters/second from the NW. * Built and operated by DSN Corporation, subsidiary of SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, as part of development and operation of X-band satellite communications for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. http://global.jaxa.jp/press/2017/01/20170124_h2af32.html H-IIA F32 launches Kirameki-2 satellite (DSN-2) video is 1:13 min. ------------------------- Launch Schedule Quote Jan. 27/28 Soyuz • Hispasat 36W-1 Launch time: 0103:34 GMT on 28th (8:03:34 p.m. EST on 27th) Launch site: ELS, Sinnamary, French Guiana An Arianespace Soyuz rocket, designated VS16, will launch on a mission from the Guiana Space Center in South America. The Soyuz will carry the Hispasat 36W-1 communications satellite. Also known as Hispasat AG1, the satellite is based on the Small GEO platform developed by OHB and the European Space Agency and is owned by Madrid-based Hispasat to provide communications services over Spain, Portugal and the Americas. The Soyuz 2-1b (Soyuz ST-B) rocket will use a Fregat-MT upper stage. [Nov. 3] NET Feb. 3 Falcon 9 • EchoStar 23 Launch time: 0504-0734 GMT (12:04-2:34 a.m. EST) Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch EchoStar 23 communications satellite for EchoStar Corp. EchoStar 23, based on a spare platform from the canceled CMBStar 1 satellite program, will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over Brazil. Delayed from 3rd quarter, 4th quarter, Jan. 8 and Jan. 26. [Jan. 19] February Proton • EchoStar 21 Launch time: TBD Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the EchoStar 21 communications satellite, formerly known as TerreStar 2. EchoStar 21 will provide mobile broadband services over Europe with an S-band payload for EchoStar Mobile Ltd. Delayed from June 25, Aug. 29, Oct. 10, Nov. 23, Dec. 22, Dec. 28 and Jan. 31. [Jan. 22] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ ----------------------- Soyuz rolls out for Arianespace’s medium-lift launch with Hispasat 36W-1 Quote The Soyuz launcher for Arianespace’s year-opening mission rolled out to the launch pad in French Guiana today, readying the vehicle to receive its Hispasat 36W-1 payload for a nighttime liftoff from the Spaceport on January 27. Soyuz was moved from the Spaceport’s MIK launcher assembly facility to the ELS launch zone, using a transport/erector rail car in a horizontal transfer process. When positioned over the launch pad, the vehicle was erected into a vertical orientation, where it is suspended in place by four large support arms. With this step’s completion, the mobile gantry was moved into position around the basic three-stage launcher – providing protection for the upcoming installation of Soyuz’ “upper composite,” which consists of the Hispasat 36W-1 spacecraft, plus the Fregat upper stage and payload fairing. Flight VS16: a mission with several “firsts” Friday’s mission, designated Flight VS16 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system, will be the first for Soyuz to geostationary transfer orbit in the medium-lift vehicle’s operations from the Spaceport. Soyuz was introduced at French Guiana in 2011, and has performed 15 missions to date from the South America facility. Another first for Flight VS16 is the Hispasat 36W-1 passenger – the initial telecommunications satellite to use the SmallGEO series platform, developed under the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES) program. Its design and manufacture was performed by Germany’s OHB System AG. Once in orbit at a position of 36 deg. West, the three-metric-ton-category telecommunications platform will provide relay coverage and multimedia services across Europe, the Canary Islands and South America at the service of Hispasat – a world leader in Spanish and Portuguese broadcasting. more at the link... http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/soyuz-rollout-vs16/ VS-16 Launch Kit, 10 page pdf. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted January 28, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted January 28, 2017 Launch Schedule Quote NET Feb. 3 Falcon 9 • EchoStar 23 Launch time: 0507-0737 GMT (12:07-2:37 a.m. EST) Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch EchoStar 23 communications satellite for EchoStar Corp. EchoStar 23, based on a spare platform from the canceled CMBStar 1 satellite program, will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over Brazil. Delayed from 3rd quarter, 4th quarter, Jan. 8, Jan. 26 and Jan. 30. [Jan. 25] February Proton • EchoStar 21 Launch time: TBD Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan An International Launch Services Proton rocket with a Breeze M upper stage will deploy the EchoStar 21 communications satellite, formerly known as TerreStar 2. EchoStar 21 will provide mobile broadband services over Europe with an S-band payload for EchoStar Mobile Ltd. Delayed from June 25, Aug. 29, Oct. 10, Nov. 23, Dec. 22, Dec. 28 and Jan. 31. [Jan. 22] Feb. 14 Ariane 5 • Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 & Telkom 3S Launch window: 2139-2305 GMT (4:39-6:05 p.m. EST) Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA235, to launch the Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 and Telkom 3S communications satellites. The Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 satellite will provide direct-to-home television programming for DirecTV Latin America customers in Brazil. Telkom 3S will support high-definition television broadcasts, Internet traffic and mobile networks over Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia for PT Telkom. [Jan. 10] Feb. 14/15 PSLV • Cartosat 2D Launch time: 0309 GMT on 15th (10:09 p.m. EST on 14th) Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, flying on the PSLV-C37 mission, will launch India’s Cartosat 2D high-resolution Earth observation satellite and a collection of smaller secondary payloads from international customers. Delayed from Jan. 27. [Jan. 22] Feb. 15 Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 10 Launch time: Approx. 1605 GMT (11:05 a.m. EST) Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 12th Dragon spacecraft on the 10th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from Feb. 13, June 10 and Aug. 1. Moved up from Nov. 21. Delayed from Nov. 11, Jan. 22 and Feb. 8. [Jan. 22] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ --------------------------- Soyuz aces first Geostationary Mission from French Guiana with new all-European SmallGEO Satellite Quote A Russian Soyuz rocket lit up the night over the edge of the Amazon on Friday, embarking on its first-ever Geostationary Transfer Orbit mission out of French Guiana, requiring the maximum possible performance of the Soyuz ST-B rocket and Fregat-MT upper stage. Carrying the European-built Hispasat 36W-1 communications satellite, Soyuz departed the Guiana Space Center at 01:03:34 UTC on Saturday – taking a path straight to the East usually flown by the heavy-lift Ariane 5 on its Geostationary mission assignments. Thundering away from the coast, Soyuz fired its lower stages over the course of nine and a half minutes before the Fregat upper stage took over and conducted an exceptionally long engine burn of almost 18 minutes for a direct injection into a highly elliptical orbit. more at the link... http://spaceflight101.com/soyuz-vs16-launch-success/ Soyuz delivers! Arianespace’s first 2017 mission opens a fast-paced year of launch activity http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-vs16/ Soyuz lifts off from French Guiana with Hispasat 36W-1 video is 5:21 min. and... HII-A and Soyuz Launch! | DSN-2 & Hispasat 36W-1 | KNews W.04/2017 video is 3:44 min. I thought that this was a neat image... Image link Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 A 12 day turnaround, if it holds Quote NET Feb. 3 Falcon 9 • EchoStar 23 Launch time: 0507-0737 GMT (12:07-2:37 a.m. EST) > Feb. 15 Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 10 Launch time: Approx. 1605 GMT (11:05 a.m. EST) Draggendrop and Unobscured Vision 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobscured Vision Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Am I the only one who thought that the fairing on the Soyuz was quite large? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Not for a GTO bird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 1, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 1, 2017 Launch Schedule Quote NET Feb. 14 Falcon 9 • SpaceX CRS 10 Launch time: 1634 GMT (11:34 a.m. EST) Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the 12th Dragon spacecraft on the 10th operational cargo delivery mission to the International Space Station. The flight is being conducted under the Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. Delayed from Feb. 13, June 10 and Aug. 1. Moved up from Nov. 21. Delayed from Nov. 11, Jan. 22 and Feb. 8. Moved up from Feb. 15. [Jan. 30] Feb. 14 Ariane 5 • Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 & Telkom 3S Launch window: 2139-2305 GMT (4:39-6:05 p.m. EST) Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA235, to launch the Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 and Telkom 3S communications satellites. The Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 satellite will provide direct-to-home television programming for DirecTV Latin America customers in Brazil. Telkom 3S will support high-definition television broadcasts, Internet traffic and mobile networks over Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia for PT Telkom. [Jan. 10] Feb. 14/15 PSLV • Cartosat 2D Launch time: 0309 GMT on 15th (10:09 p.m. EST on 14th) Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, flying on the PSLV-C37 mission, will launch India’s Cartosat 2D high-resolution Earth observation satellite and a collection of smaller secondary payloads from international customers. Delayed from Jan. 27. [Jan. 22] NET Late February Falcon 9 • EchoStar 23 Launch window: TBD Launch site: LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch EchoStar 23 communications satellite for EchoStar Corp. EchoStar 23, based on a spare platform from the canceled CMBStar 1 satellite program, will provide direct-to-home television broadcast services over Brazil. Delayed from 3rd quarter, 4th quarter, Jan. 8, Jan. 26, Jan. 30 and Feb. 3. [Jan. 29] March 1 Soyuz • Progress 66P Launch time: 0558 GMT (12:58 a.m. EST) Launch site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan A Russian government Soyuz rocket will launch the 66th Progress cargo delivery ship to the International Space Station. Delayed from Feb. 1, Feb. 2 and Feb. 21. [Jan. 29] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ ------------------------- This is a fun one... Interactive map of every satellite in orbit Quote David Yanofsky and Tim Fernholz created an interactive chart showing the weight, national origin and position of more than 1,300 active satellites orbiting the planet Earth. The data was sourced from the Union of Concerned Scientists. It goes out in bands: there's a cloud in low-earth orbit bulked up with the International Sapce Station and surveillance satellites. Satellite phone networks such as Iridium and Globalstar form conspicuous rings about 800 and 1500 km up. 20km up are the navigation networks GPS and Glonass. 37km up is a mess, with so many geostationary satellites clustered together that they become a rainbow blur in the graphic. http://boingboing.net/2017/01/30/interactive-map-of-every-satel.html This is the interactive link... https://qz.com/296941/interactive-graphic-every-active-satellite-orbiting-earth/ Scroll down...hit "put satellites in orbit" Scroll down and hover over a satellite...info displayed Scroll up and hit "stop orbits" when done. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 7, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 7, 2017 Quote Feb. 14 Ariane 5 • Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 & Telkom 3S Launch window: 2139-2305 GMT (4:39-6:05 p.m. EST) Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA235, to launch the Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 and Telkom 3S communications satellites. The Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 satellite will provide direct-to-home television programming for DirecTV Latin America customers in Brazil. Telkom 3S will support high-definition television broadcasts, Internet traffic and mobile networks over Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia for PT Telkom. [Jan. 10] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ Satellites are fueled and ready to go for Arianespace’s first Ariane 5 mission of 2017 Quote The two telecommunications satellites for Arianespace’s next heavy-lift Ariane 5 launch – SKY Brasil-1 and Telkom 3S – have been fueled in preparation for liftoff next week from the Spaceport in French Guiana. Sky Brasil-1 (left) and Telkom 3S (at right) are fueled in the Spaceport’s S5 payload processing facility, clearing the way for their integration on Ariane 5. Quote This flight will be the initial Ariane 5 mission in 2017 and the second of up to 12 Arianespace launches during the year operated with the company’s launcher family, which also includes the medium-lift Soyuz and lightweight Vega. Ariane 5’s overall payload lift performance for the upcoming flight – set for February 14 from the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone – is more than 10.4 metric tons. Its two passengers will be deployed into geostationary transfer orbit during a profile lasting just under 40 minutes. The mission is designated Flight VA235 in Arianespace’s numbering system, signifying the 235th launch of an Ariane family vehicle from the Spaceport since the series of European-built launchers entered service in December 1979. Decals for the Telkom 3S and SKY Brasil-1 relay satellites are installed on the payload fairing during activity in the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building for Ariane 5. Launch Kit, 10 page pdf, VA235 Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unobscured Vision Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 I wish them success on the upcoming launch, and to a very busy schedule this year. Getting fairly ambitious, and I like it. We've got loads of great launches this year from every part of the world -- China, ESA, Russia, Japan, India, the U.S. and (if memory serves) New Zealand with RocketLab is supposed to start testing Electron sometime this year too. We've got a nice, busy year folks. DD, where's the cigar chompy fella to give his blessing to all of these missions ahead of time, for an extra measure of luck? We don't need any more stuff going pear-shaped. Draggendrop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 13, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 13, 2017 X-37B Space Plane maneuvers into Lower Orbit, likely Precursor to Landing Quote The ominous X-37B space plane operated in semi-secrecy by the U.S. Air Force may be approaching the end of its fourth mission, indicated by a move to a lower orbit earlier this month that has been a sure sign of an imminent landing on the craft’s first three missions. OTV-4, as this mission is known, blasted off atop an Atlas V rocket on May 20, 2015 to mark the fourth overall flight of the winged spacecraft and the second of this particular X-37B vehicle. As is typical for X-37B missions, only very limited information was released on the flight’s objectives and the mission’s duration was given as a minimum of 200 days. Quote This week, satellite observers noticed that OTV-4 went missing again as the result of a maneuver that placed it into a different orbit. Observations from Spain led to the recovery of the vehicle in an orbit of approximately 307 by 320 Kilometers. All previous OTVs conducted orbit reduction maneuvers in the days leading up to their landing – first into an orbit around 320 Kilometers followed by a second maneuver taking the vehicle below 300km for the last few days of the mission. It is very likely that the recent orbital maneuver by OTV-4 was completed as a preparatory step for the vehicle’s homecoming. Additionally, there have been reports of activity at the Shuttle Landing Facility at the Kennedy Space Center, one of several available landing sites for the X-37B, the others being Vandenberg Air Force Base and Edwards Air Force Base, both in California. more at the link... http://spaceflight101.com/x-37b-space-plane-maneuvers-into-lower-orbit-likely-precursor-to-landing/ ----------------------------- Launch Schedule Quote Feb. 14 Ariane 5 • Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 & Telkom 3S Launch window: 2139-2305 GMT (4:39-6:05 p.m. EST) Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA235, to launch the Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 and Telkom 3S communications satellites. The Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 satellite will provide direct-to-home television programming for DirecTV Latin America customers in Brazil. Telkom 3S will support high-definition television broadcasts, Internet traffic and mobile networks over Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia for PT Telkom. [Jan. 10] Feb. 14/15 PSLV • Cartosat 2D Launch time: Approx. 0330 GMT on 15th (10:30 p.m. EST on 14th) Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota, India India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, flying on the PSLV-C37 mission, will launch India’s Cartosat 2D high-resolution Earth observation satellite and a collection of smaller secondary payloads from international customers. Delayed from Jan. 27. [Feb. 8] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ ----------------------------- Ariane 5: Assembled and cleared for Arianespace’s initial heavy-lift launch of 2017 During final integration at the Spaceport for Flight VA235, Telkom 3S is positioned atop the Ariane 5’s core cryogenic stage (photos at left and center), followed by placement of the payload fairing containing SKY Brasil-1 and the SYLDA dispenser system (photo at right). Quote Arianespace’s first Ariane 5 mission of 2017 – and the company’s second launch so far this year – was given clearance for liftoff from the Spaceport in French Guiana next week with digital TV broadcast satellite passengers for Brazil and Indonesia. The authorization was provided following today’s Launch Readiness Review, which verified the heavy-lift Ariane 5’s “go” status, along with its SKY Brasil-1 and Telkom 3S spacecraft, the Spaceport’s infrastructure, and the network of flight-following ground stations. Liftoff of the mission – designated Flight VA235 in Arianespace’s launcher family numbering system – is set for February 14 during a launch window that opens at 6:39 p.m. in French Guiana (21h39 UTC). Its two relay platforms are to be deployed into geostationary transfer orbit during a mission lasting just under 40 minutes. http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/va235-launch-readiness-review/ ------------------------ India to launch record 104 satellites next week Quote India will create history by launching a record 104 satellites, including 101 foreign ones, on February 15 from Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, an official said on Monday. "We have tentatively decided to launch the satellites at one go around 9 a.m. into the sun-synchronous orbit, about 500 km above the earth," the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official told IANS here. Of the total earth-observation satellites, three are Indian, 88 are from the US and the remaining are from Israel, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. "A 320-tonne rocket - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C37) - will launch all the satellites with a combined weight of 1,500 kg, including the 650 kg remote-sensing Cartosat-2 and two nano-satellites (IA and IB) weighing 15 kg each," the official said. Though the Indian space agency had launched 20 satellites in one shot on June 22, 2016, the launch of 104 satellites will surpass the 37 satellites launch record set in June 2014 and 29 satellites launched by NASA in 2013. http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/India_to_launch_record_104_satellites_next_week_999.html Jim K 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 This was up a few days ago...One can orbit, but you can't hide.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Ariane 5 is ready for Arianespace’s first heavy-lift mission of 2017 The Ariane 5 for Arianespace Flight VA235 moves into position at the Spaceport’s ELA-3 launch zone. Quote This Ariane 5 was transferred today from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building to the ELA-3 launch zone, readying it for departure during a launch window that opens at 6:39 p.m. in French Guiana (21h39 UTC). The two passengers are to be deployed into geostationary transfer orbit. SKY Brasil-1 is located in the launcher’s upper payload position, and will be released first during the flight. Developed for utilization by AT&T/DIRECTV via its DIRECTV Latin America subsidiary, the 6,000-kg.-class satellite is to expand direct-to-home high-definition programming for Brazil. It was produced by Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France, using the spacecraft manufacturer’s Eurostar E3000 platform. http://www.arianespace.com/mission-update/ariane-5-rollout-va235/ Livestream should be on... http://www.arianespace.com/ and a link should be up tomorrow at... http://spaceflightnow.com/ -------------------------------- Should be streamed at... http://www.isro.gov.in/ ---------------------------------- JAXA commits to Minirocket Re-Flight Mission after Design Flaw Discovery SS-520-4 lifts off from Uchinoura – Photo: JAXA Quote The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will make a second run at launching a modified Sounding Rocket turned orbital launch vehicle later this year following up on a similar mission that ended in failure back in January. Reports appearing in Japanese press indicate JAXA and its private partners committed to ironing out deficiencies found after January’s failure and building a replacement rocket for liftoff before the end of 2017. SS-520-4 – a three-stage rocket based on an existing sub-orbital sounding rocket design – blasted off from the Uchinoura Space Center on January 15, aspiring to become the world’s smallest orbital launch vehicle, placing a 3-Kilogram CubeSat into orbit. The 9.5-meter tall rocket quickly vanished from view after its Sunday morning blastoff, but unfortunately, all telemetry from the ascending vehicle also disappeared only seconds into what was planned to be a four-and-a-half-minute climb into orbit. wire bundle chaffing... Quote Although the wire bundle was protected by a fiberglass tape, a working theory was developed that mechanical friction caused the tape & wire insulation coating to be abraded leading to the bare metal wire touching the conductive aluminum structure, causing a short circuit between the wire & ground that generated a transient current in excess of 40A. To verify their theory, engineers rigged up a device with a tensioned wire over an aluminum wedge subjected to vibration similar to that experienced during launch. Engineers had their ‘Eureka’ moment when an electric arc sparked between the 28V wire and aluminum block. Tests at different vibration frequencies showed that it only took between 20 and 30 seconds to abrade the ETFE wire insulator to cause the short, matching the timeline seen on the ill-fated mission of the SS-520-4. Improvements to the cable routing on the SS-520-4 rocket are fairly straightforward to ensure the bundle has the appropriate protection to withstand the vibration environment experienced during flight. Quote So far, Japanese Nano Satellite Launch Vehicle projects have failed to lift off the drawing board and JAXA hoped SS-520-4 would provide the data needed in the development of an operational vehicle for commercial operation. A small satellite launch vehicle, capable of placing three CubeSat Units into orbit, is likely to have a market if a launch price of less than $500,000 can be realized. Although the current cost for launching a 3U CubeSat is around $250,000, operators are likely willing to pay more for a dedicated mission. In depth analysis at the link... http://spaceflight101.com/jaxa-commits-to-minirocket-re-flight-mission-after-design-flaw-discovery/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 first launch today... Quote Feb. 14 Ariane 5 • Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 & Telkom 3S Launch window: 2139-2305 GMT (4:39-6:05 p.m. EST) Launch site: ELA-3, Kourou, French Guiana Arianespace will use an Ariane 5 ECA rocket, designated VA235, to launch the Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 and Telkom 3S communications satellites. The Intelsat 32e/Sky Brasil 1 satellite will provide direct-to-home television programming for DirecTV Latin America customers in Brazil. Telkom 3S will support high-definition television broadcasts, Internet traffic and mobile networks over Indonesia, Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia for PT Telkom. [Jan. 10] http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ livestream... http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ and http://www.arianespace.com/mission/ariane-flight-va235/ -------------------------- Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Live coverage: European launcher counting down to blastoff Quote 02/14/2017 16:36 With the live broadcast back underway, pressurization has begun for the main cryogenic stage's liquid oxygen and hydrogen tanks. Also, final pyrotechnic arming is starting. 02/14/2017 16:35 Arianespace's webcast is again experiencing technical problems. We're awaiting the resumption of the live vidoe stream from Kourou. 02/14/2017 16:34 Minus-5 minutes. All status panel lights remain green, indicating no problems right now that could prevent blastoff at 2139 GMT. 02/14/2017 16:34 Arianespace's webcast has resumed after experiencing technical difficulties. 02/14/2017 16:33 Minus-6 minutes. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen supplies of the main cryogenic stage are being verified at flight level. Also, the pyrotechnic line safety barriers are being armed. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ video issues off and on....still on schedule. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Liftoff Quote 02/14/2017 16:42 The solid rocket boosters have been jettisoned from the Ariane 5 rocket's core stage after consuming approximately 480 metric tons of propellant. The liquid-fueled Vulcain 2 main engine continues to fire to propel the vehicle and its satellite payload to space. 02/14/2017 16:42 The vehicle is on the proper heading as it rides the power of the twin solid rocket boosters and main stage liquid-fueled engine. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ fairing separation also. Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Quote 02/14/2017 16:47 Plus+7 minutes, 30 seconds. Altitude is 176 km, downrange distance is 1,040 km and velocity is 5.04 km/s. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Quote 02/14/2017 16:49 Staging Plus+9 minutes, 15 seconds. The main cryogenic stage's Vulcain engine has cut off and the spent stage has separated. It will fall back into the atmosphere into the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. And the upper stage's HM7B engine is now firing to inject the Sky Brasil 1 and Telkom 3S satellites into orbit. Quote 02/14/2017 16:50 The Ariane 5 has passed over the horizon from Kourou and is now out of range of the Galliot tracking station near the launch pad. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Quote 02/14/2017 16:54 Plus+14 minutes. This upper stage engine is about 5 minutes into a planned 16-minute burn. Ariane 5 is at an altitude of 151 kilometers. A tracking station on Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean has picked up signals from the Ariane 5. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draggendrop Veteran Posted February 14, 2017 Author Veteran Share Posted February 14, 2017 Quote 02/14/2017 17:08 Sky Brasil 1 separation Separation of Sky Brasil 1 confirmed, beginning a 19-year mission for DirecTV Latin America. The Ariane 5's Sylda 5 dual payload adapter will be separated next, revealing the Telkom 3S spacecraft for its deployment in a few minutes. Quote 2/14/2017 17:09 Plus+29 minutes, 30 seconds. The Sylda dual-payload adapter has jettisoned, setting the stage for separation of Telkom 3S at Plus+39 minutes, 43 seconds. http://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/14/va-235-mission-status-center/ Unobscured Vision 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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