Atlas V successfully delivers MUOS-1 to Orbit
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February 25, 2012
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After two weather related delays, an Atlas V 551 Rocket carrying the MUOS-1 Spacecraft lifted off on Friday from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Liftoff was on time at 22:15 GMT (5:15pm EST).
Launch Preparations resumed after yesterday’s Rollout of the Vehicle that was parked inside the Vehicle Integration Facility after last week’s scrub. Countdown operations started on Friday at 10:15 local time – 7 hours before liftoff. The Altas V Vehicle was powered up and extensive vehicle tests began to make sure the Rocket was in proper condition for flight. Fueling got underway just after 20:00 GMT and was completed without any problems. The two-hour process was finished as expected. While loading propellant into the Atlas Booster and the Centaur Upper Stage, the Launch Team’s 'Anomaly Net' became busy as personnel had to clear two technical items. The Launch Team performed nominal procedures to evaluate and close the two problems that were not of concern. With all technical problems sorted out, the Countdown entered its final built in hold at T-4 Minutes. During the 10-minute hold, final polls were conducted by the Launch Director and all stations reported GO for Launch. |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
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Weather was not an issue for today’s attempt and the Upper Level
Winds that caused the previous delays remained inside safe limits. The
Countdown resumed at 22:11 GMT and final vehicle reconfigurations were
made in the 4 minutes leading up to Blastoff. At 22:15, the Atlas V 551
Rocket lifted off from its Launch Pad – right on time at the opening of
the 44-minute launch window. Following RD-180 Main Engine Ignition and
2.7 Seconds of Engine Monitoring, the five Solid Rocket Boosters were
ignited and the Launcher blasted off – hauling the heaviest payload ever
flown on an Atlas Rocket. After only 34 seconds, the vehicle passed
Mach 1 and encountered Maximum Dynamic Pressure at T+45 seconds. First
Stage flight continued as the Solid Rocket Boosters burned out after 94
seconds of flight. They were jettisoned in two groups of two and three
boosters respectively at T+1:44 and T+1:46. Separation was nominal and
the vehicle continued powered ascent with its RD-180 Engine that kept
burning until T+4 Minutes, 24 Seconds. Stage Separation and Centaur
Ignition were normal. The Upper Stage concluded its first burn 12
Minutes and 20 seconds into the mission to begin the first coast phase
in a parking orbit of 167 by 624 Kilometers. The AV-030 Mission was
Centaur’s 200th flight after being developed more than half a century
ago in 1958. The second of three Upper Stage Burns started at T+20:48
and was 6 minutes and 1 second in duration to make the Orbit of the
vehicle highly elliptical.
Photo: United Launch Alliance
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After MECO-2 – Main Engine Cutoff 2 – Centaur
initiated a thermal roll to maintain thermal limits and keep heat
exposure even over the entire surface of the stack. This set the stage
for a long, two-and-a-half-hour coast phase. To place the massive MUOS-1
Spacecraft into Geostationary Transfer Orbit, Centaur is pushed to the
limit of its mission duration making three burns over a three-hour
period. The final engine burn started at T+2 hours and 57 minutes and
was only 54 seconds in duration. It raised the perigee of the orbit and
placed the vehicle in an exact Transfer Orbit of 3,463 by 35,786
Kilometers with an inclination of 19 degrees. After Shutdown, Centaur
re-oriented itself to the proper attitude for Spacecraft Separation,
started a Spin-Up Maneuver and eventually deployed MUOS-1 at the 3-hour,
1-minute and 23-second mark into the Mission. This ended the primary
mission of Atlas V and Centaur to make this flight a success.
The Flight of Centaur is not over at the point of Spacecraft Separation. Afterwards, it completes a complex series of maneuvers including a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver to ensure the Upper Stage will not re-contact the Satellite on subsequent orbits. Also, the Upper Stage vents all of the remaining fuel before turning itself off which completes its mission. On tap for MUOS-1 following this successful orbital insertion is the crucial maneuver to place it in Geostationary Orbit using its own propulsion assets. Also, antennas, reflectors and solar arrays will be deployed. The Satellite will complete several weeks of on-orbit testing and commissioning before starting operations. Today’s Atlas V Mission marked the 29th Launch of an Atlas V Mission, the third Flight of the 551 Configuration and the 611th launch for the Atlas Program that began back in 1957. |
Photo Gallery: MUOS-1 Launch
Satellite Information
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MUOS-1 is the first satellite in the next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system and it will ensure the continuation of capabilities provided by the Ultra-High Frequency Satellite Communications System. It will significantly improve communications capabilities for US forces on the move. The MUOS Constellation will consist of Four Satellites in Geosynchronous Orbit with one on-orbit spare. MUOS is based on the A2100 satellite platform, is 6.7 x 3.66 x 1.83 meters in dimensions and weighs 6,800 Kilograms. Two deployable solar arrays will provide the power that is needed to power the large spacecraft. Two gold mesh antenna reflectors will also be unfurled after launch and generate a communications capability that is divided in two portions. A 5.4-meter-reflector will be used for communications with legacy UHF Terminals to provide a system that is compatible with many devices currently in use by the military. The advanced multi-beam communications feature of MUOS will use the second reflector which is 14 meters in diameter. A total of 16 communication beams can be provided by each satellite. Data rates of up to 384kbps are available for mobile users. Voice, data and combined voice/data communications are available.
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Photo: Lockheed Martin
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Built
around the popular 3G cellphone communications system, the MUOS
Constellation enables more users to take advantage of the system that
offers 10 times greater communications capacity to the mobile warfighter
over the current UHF satellite constellatoin (UFO).
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the MUOS Program. All MUOS satellites that are currently budgeted will use the Atlas V 551 Launch Vehicle.
Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the MUOS Program. All MUOS satellites that are currently budgeted will use the Atlas V 551 Launch Vehicle.
Launch Video
Atlas V at the Pad again for Friday's Launch Attempt
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February 23, 2012
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The Atlas V
551 Rocket with MUOS-1 has been rolled to the Launch Pad at Space Launch
Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station again to set the stage for the
third Launch Attempt after last week’s weather related scrubs.
Rollout began as planned at 10am local time (15:00 GMT) and it took the stack about 40 Minutes to reach the Pad and complete initial securing. Nominal Launch Preparations have picked up after the complex arrived at the Pad. Connections needed for vehicle communications, power supply and propellant loading will be made over the next several hours. Also, the two Trackmobiles that were needed to move the stack to the Launch Complex will be removed. The night will be quiet for mission personnel that will be back in the morning to start the Countdown to Launch which includes extensive vehicle tests, fueling and final re-configurations of the Rocket and Payload. The Launch window opens at 22:15 GMT (5:15pm EST) and is 44 Minutes in duration. The opening of the window is targeted to preserve as much time as possible for weather and systems related delays. Chances of favorable weather have improved to 60% with primary concerns being Thick Clouds, Cumulus Clouds and high Ground Winds. For attempts on Saturday and Sunday, odds for good weather are 80% and 60% respectively. |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
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Atlas V Launch re-set for Friday
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February 21, 2012
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After the back to back launch scrubs last week, a new launch date has been set for the Atlas V 551 Rocket that will deliver MUOS-1 to Orbit. United Launch Alliance has booked the Eastern Range for a Friday Launch Attempt. The 44-minute Launch Window will open at 22:15 GMT (5:15pm EST) and extend through 22:59 GMT (5:59pm EST). Meteorologists have issued a 40% chance of favorable weather conditions during the launch window. Primary Concerns include violations of several cloud rules (Cumulus; Anvil & Thick Clouds) as well as high ground winds. For launch attempts on Saturday and Sunday odds improve to 70% and 80% respectively with winds and clouds remaining to be the main points of concern. Launch Preparations will once again pick up on Thursday with the Rollout of the Mobile Launch Platform to the Launch Pad of Space Launch Complex 41. Rollout is set for the morning hours of February 23. Countdown clocks will start ticking on Friday at 15:15 GMT to target the opening of the Launch Window to preserve the entire window should weather or systems related delays be necessary.
Atlas V to roll back and wait for a new Chance to launch
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February 18, 2012
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Photo: United Launch Alliance
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The Launch of MUOS-1 aboard its Atlas V 551 Launch Vehicle was scrubbed on Friday due to unfavorable weather conditions during the 44-minute launch window. Technical problems were not reported throughout the countdown. After the scrub, cryogenic fuels were drained from the vehicle as part of nominal safing operations. Today, the Launcher will be rolled back to the Vehicle Integration Facility to wait for its next opportunity to lift off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is currently planned to occur no earlier than Wednesday, February 22 due to Range unavailability. The Air Force Eastern Range provides Tracking, Communication and safety assets needed to launch the vehicle. MUOS-1 remains inside the Payload Fairing and is supplied with conditioned air to keep it in a safe configuration. Rollback will be performed around 23 GMT today (6pm EST). Inside the VIF, the Atlas Rocket will be protected from Weather Conditions and other environmental factors. It will be rolled back to the Launch Pad one day before the next attempt is made.
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40% Chance of favorable Weather for Friday's Attempt
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February 17, 2012
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Meteorologists are not optimistic about today’s Launch Attempt of the Atlas V 551 Rocket carrying MUOS-1. Forecast models show a 40% chance of good weather during today’s Launch Window that opens at 22:42 GMT (4:42pm EST) and extends for 44 Minutes. Thick Clouds, Violations of the Cumulus Cloud Rules and Disturbed Weather are of concern to teams as a cold front moves in from the north with showers and associated cloudiness. A chance of isolated thunderstorms also presents a threat to the Launch Vehicle. Conditions are not expected to clear after sunset. Today’s forecast shows four layers of clouds over the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. At Launch Time, Winds will be coming from the north/north-east at speeds of up to 15kts.
The Launch Team will start their day with a thorough review of weather conditions and should chances of launching be determined to be very small, teams could decide not to fuel the vehicle today and come back to try and launch on Saturday. Should fueling be started, it is expected that teams will go all the way to the T-4-Minute Mark and see if there is a chance to launch at some point in the window. Chances for Weather prohibiting launch on Saturday are 40% with disturbed weather and Cumulus Clouds being the primary concerns.
The Launch Team will start their day with a thorough review of weather conditions and should chances of launching be determined to be very small, teams could decide not to fuel the vehicle today and come back to try and launch on Saturday. Should fueling be started, it is expected that teams will go all the way to the T-4-Minute Mark and see if there is a chance to launch at some point in the window. Chances for Weather prohibiting launch on Saturday are 40% with disturbed weather and Cumulus Clouds being the primary concerns.
Last-Minute Launch Scrub for Atlas V and MUOS-1
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February 16, 2012
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Photo: United Launch Alliance
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Today’s Launch Attempt of an Atlas V 551 Rocket carrying the MUOS-1 Satellite has been scrubbed at the last minute taking teams into a 24-hour recycle for a Launch on Friday.
Countdown Operations started early in the day with final launch pad closeouts, inspections of the Rocket and Power-Up of the Launch Vehicle. A Series of pre-launch checks got underway to make sure the vehicle and spacecraft were in good condition before starting the tanking process. Fueling began on time and was completed nominally without any technical issues. As the Launch Window approached, Weather Balloon Data showed Upper Level Winds exceeding Flight Rules. The T-0 time was adjusted multiple times to allow teams to adjust the Flight Software to accommodate these high winds. Launch was pushed back to the end of the effective launch window extending from 22:46 to 23:29 GMT (5:46 to 6:29pm EST). Just before picking up the countdown at the T-4-Minute mark, Upper Level Winds calmed down just enough to be inside limits. GREEN Conditions for Launch were announced and all Systems reported a GO-Status so that countdown clocks picked up at 23:25. Normal Operations occurring inside 4 Minutes to launch were completed until the T-1:15 Minute-Mark when a Hold was called due to high level winds outside of safe limits. Another set of data that prompted Mission Personnel not to take the risk of launching in such dynamic conditions. Teams have immediately started Vehicle Safing Operations to recycle the Atlas Rocket and the Spacecraft to a T-4 Minute Configuration. Afterwards, nominal Scrub Procedures were started to empty all tanks and power down equipment inside the Launcher. A 24-hour recycle has been called and teams will make another launch attempt during Friday’s Launch Window extending from 22:42 to 23:26 GMT (4:42-5:26pm EST). Weather Rule Violations become more likely on Friday as a front moves into Central Florida from the north on Friday. Chances of good weather on Friday are only 40% with Cumulus Clouds, Disturbed Weather and Thick Clouds being of concern to meteorologists. |
Atlas V and MUOS-1 rolled to Launch Pad
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February 15, 2012
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MUOS-1 and its Atlas V 551 Launch Vehicle are now 1 Day from Liftoff and waiting for the mission at the Launch Pad after the Stack was rolled out at Space Launch Complex 41 of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Base, earlier today.
Yesterday, Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft Managers met to conduct the Flight Readiness Review – looking at all systems and any open items that have to be completed prior to launch. The meeting concluded with the decision to press into countdown operations and roll the vehicle to the Launch Pad. First Motion was set for today at 10am local time (15:00 GMT) and the Mobile Launch Platform started moving right on time. 45 Minutes later, the Vehicle was at the Launch Pad after its 600-meter trip. Subsequent operations to secure the Vehicle and Platform and to make configurations for the Countdown started right away. These procedures include connecting umbilicals for fueling, hooking up the two mobile trailers that provide conditioned air and communications to the Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft to the Pad’s systems and removing the trackmobiles that are needed to move the Platform. |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
Atlas V arriving at the Launch Pad
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All
pre-countdown operations are planned to be completed today so that teams
can have a quiet evening before starting a busy day of countdown and
launch operations tomorrow. Also on tap for today are final Pad
Closeouts and Inspections. A detailed Atlas V Countdown Timeline can be
found here.
Launch Weather appears to be favorable tomorrow. Forecasters have issued a 80% Chance of good conditions during the Launch window. Forecasts show three layers of clouds with Cumulus Clouds between 900 and 3,000 meters being the primary concern to teams as Atlas Launch Weather constraints have rules against launching with a thick layer of Cumulus Clouds present. Should the Launch be delayed 24 Hours, Weather Rule Violations become more likely as a front moves into Central Florida from the north on Friday. Chances of good weather on Friday are only 40% with Cumulus Clouds, Disturbed Weather and Thick Clouds being of concern to meteorologists.
Tomorrow’s Launch Window opens at 22:46 GMT (5:46pm EST) and extends 44 Minutes until 23:30 GMT. The opening of the window is currently targeted as all launch preparations are on track with no reports of any technical issues.
Photo Gallery: Atlas V Rollout
Launch Weather appears to be favorable tomorrow. Forecasters have issued a 80% Chance of good conditions during the Launch window. Forecasts show three layers of clouds with Cumulus Clouds between 900 and 3,000 meters being the primary concern to teams as Atlas Launch Weather constraints have rules against launching with a thick layer of Cumulus Clouds present. Should the Launch be delayed 24 Hours, Weather Rule Violations become more likely as a front moves into Central Florida from the north on Friday. Chances of good weather on Friday are only 40% with Cumulus Clouds, Disturbed Weather and Thick Clouds being of concern to meteorologists.
Tomorrow’s Launch Window opens at 22:46 GMT (5:46pm EST) and extends 44 Minutes until 23:30 GMT. The opening of the window is currently targeted as all launch preparations are on track with no reports of any technical issues.
Photo Gallery: Atlas V Rollout
Final Launch Preparations underway for MUOS-1
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February 8, 2012
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Preparations for the Launch of MUOS-1, the first Satellite in the US Navy’s next generation UHF Satellite Constellation, are reaching a final stage at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida as teams prepare the Atlas V 551 Launch Vehicle and its Payload for liftoff.
Preparations for the flight got underway several months ago with the integration of the Atlas V vehicle at Space Launch Complex 41. In December 2011, the MUOS-1 Satellite was delivered to Florida on a Air Force Transport Aircraft. Inside the Astrotech Facility in Titusville, final checkouts and configurations of the payload were performed before it was moved to the hazardous processing facility for fueling. MOUS was encapsulated in its Payload Fairing that will protect it while sitting on the Launch Pad and during atmospheric ascent. The Spacecraft uses the medium version of the Atlas V Payload Fairing family to accommodate the large payload. The transport from Titusville to SLC-41 occurred in the early hours of February 6 (local time). When arriving at the Pad, the Upper Composite of the Rocket was hoisted up for integration atop the assembled Launch Vehicle. Structural and umbilical/electrical connections were made to finish the integration process for this flight. Extensive functional tests of the combined stack of the Atlas Rocket and the MUOS Satellite are being performed this week. The Atlas V Rocket underwent its Wet Dress Rehearsal on February 1, 2012. This is a major rehearsal of countdown activities for both, the Launch Team and the Vehicle which is fully fueled as part of the test. A practice countdown is performed to ensure vehicle performance and give Launch Personnel a chance to refine procedures and practice communications as well as contingency procedures that would be needed in case of a last-second abort of the countdown. The test was completed successfully and the Rocket was rolled back to its integration facility one day later to prepare for payload integration. |
Photo: United Launch Alliance / Lockheed Martin
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Launch
preparations are on track for an on-time liftoff on February 16, 2012.
The 44-minute launch window opens at 22:46 GMT (5:46pm EST) to set the
stage for a launch around the time of sunset at the Cape. The Atlas V
Rocket will fly in its 551 configuration with a 5-meter payload fairing,
5 Solid Rocket Boosters and 1 Engine on the Centaur Stage. A
comprehensive overview of this type of launcher can be found here. This
version has only flown twice before, once in 2006 to Launch the New
Horizons Mission to Pluto and in 2011 to deliver the Juno Spacecraft on a
Path through the Solar System and to Jupiter.
