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NROL-25 - Launch Updates
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Delta IV delivers NROL-25 to classified Orbit
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Updated: April 4, 2012
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A United
Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket in its Medium+ (5,2) Configuration lifted off
on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at 23:12 GMT from Space Launch Complex 6 at
Vandenberg Air Force Station, California, after several launch delays. After completing a classified flight trajectory, the Launch Vehicle successfully delivered the NROL-25 Spacecraft to its targeted Orbit.
Originally planned to be launched on Thursday, the National Reconnaissance Office Payload had to wait an additional five days as a problem on the Delta Rocket was assessed. During a normal pre-countdown engineering walkdown, it was discovered that the Nozzle Extension of the Delta Cryogenic Upper Stage’s RL-10 Engine had moved. This off-nominal condition had to be evaluated and teams pushed back the Launch Date to allow engineering reviews to take place. It was determined that no equipment was harmed when the Extension moved and the Rocket was cleared for launch on Tuesday. Countdown Operations started early on April 3 with the retraction of the mobile service structure. The Structure was used to assemble and protect the launcher during its 4-month stay at Space Launch Complex 6. It was placed in its launch position, at a safe distance to the launch pad, and technicians started closing out the structure as well as the launch pad area. Later, the Blast Danger Area was cleared to start the Terminal Countdown. 5 Hours and 30 Minutes prior to launch, clocks started ticking. 15 minutes after countdown initiation, the complex tanking process started. The Common Core Booster was loaded with 200,000 Kilograms of Liquid Oxygen and Hydrogen while the Upper Stage was fueled with 27,200 Kilograms of Propellants going through a procedure involving slow- and fast-fill as well as propellant topping. As the countdown progressed, the Launch Vehicle was put through a series of tests including electrical checks, communication tests and engine slews. All tests were completed as planned and no issues with the Delta Rocket were discovered. The Launch Team only discussed one minor item that was not a concern for Launch. |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
Photo Gallery: Delta IV/NROL-25 Launch
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Image: United Launch Alliance
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At
the T-4-Minute Mark, the Countdown stopped for a planned 15-minute built-in
hold to give Personnel some time to take care of any last items and conduct the
final Launch Team Polls. A GO for Launch was given after all Stations,
including Weather, reported readiness for Liftoff. During the hold, the NROL-25
Spacecraft was switched to internal power supply, putting it into its flight
configuration. As soon as clocks started ticking down from 5 Minutes, the Delta
Launcher was transitioned to internal power as the final steps of the countdown
were completed. Final Propellant Top-Up and Tank Pressurization as well as Fuel
securing were performed. One final check of the hydraulic system took place and
the Range was reported to be GO for launch. On time at 23:12:57 GMT, 4:12:57pm
local time, the Rocket soared to life and blasted off from its Launch Pad. Ascending
vertically for a few seconds, the Delta Launch Vehicle started its Pitch and Yaw
Maneuver to follow its pre-programmed trajectory. As the large launcher passed
Mach 1 and Maximum Dynamic Pressure, all of its Systems were performing
nominally. 94 seconds into the flight, the twin Solid Rocket Motors burned out
and were jettisoned 6 seconds later. The Common Core Booster continued powered
flight. At the point of Payload Fairing Separation, three-and-a-half minutes
into the Mission, the Launch Coverage was stopped after Payload Fairing
Jettison was confirmed – a usual procedure with NRO or other classified
launches. This is done to give no insight in the Launcher’s Trajectory and the
Satellite’s eventual orbital trajectory.
However, trajectory information were deduced from the official Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs, that were released prior to the flight marking the areas where launch vehicle components fell back to Earth. These components include the Solid Rocket Motors and the First Stage during the early flight phase. The positions of these indicated that the Spacecraft was delivered in a retrograde orbit. |
These Zones line up with
the NOTAMs issued for the September 2010 Launch of the FIA Radar 1 Spacecraft,
confirming that NROL-25 is the second
FIA-Radar Satellite going into a retrograde orbit inclined 123 Degrees to the
Equator. The Orbital Planes of the two satellites will be 114 Degrees apart,
according to well known Satellite Tracker Ted Molczan. Further, Molczan
predicts that the initial orbit of the spacecraft is 1,067 by 1,080
Kilometers after separation from the second stage. The Re-Entry Zone of the
second Stage suggests that the DCSS (Delta Cryogenic Second Stage) made two
burns, one to place the vehicle in a preliminary orbit and one to raise its
altitude.
FIA Radar Satellites are Radar Surveillance Spacecraft. The FIA Constellation will be consisting of 4 Satellites. FIA Radar 1 was launched aboard an Atlas V 501 Rocket from Vandenberg in 2010. This Launch used a larger Delta IV Launcher while the upcoming two FIA Radar Launches will be using the Atlas Booster once again. Satellites #3 and #4 are planned to be launched in 2013, also from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. FIA stands for Future Image Architecture. These new generation satellites are the replacement for an older system launched until 2005. Technical improvements allowed the satellites to get smaller in size and weight so that they can now be launched aboard smaller launcher vehicles such as the Atlas V in its 501 configuration and the Delta IV Medium Booster. Details on the Satellite’s Design have not been released.
"Today, the United States is preeminent in satellite reconnaissance. The NRO enlists the expertise of highly skilled engineers from across government and industry to maintain this edge in space - the ultimate high ground from which to watch, listen and learn.Always vigilant, NRO's eyes and ears give America's policy markers, intelligence analysts, warfighters and homeland security specialists the critical information they need to keep America safe, secure and free,” the National Reconnaissance Office said in a statement.
Today’s successful Launch marked the 359th Launch in the Delta Program in its history dating back to 1960. It was the 19th Delta IV Mission, the 4th from Vandenberg and the first of the M+ (5,2) Launcher Version. This is the 6th classified Delta IV Mission for the US National Reconnaissance Office.
Several Hours after launch, United Launch Alliance declared the Mission a Success - indicating that the Launcher successfully delivered the NROL-25 Payload to its desired Orbit and separated the Satellite. "Congratulations to the NRO and to all the mission partners involved in this critical national security launch,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “ULA is proud to have supported this mission and delivered critical capabilities to the men and women defending our freedom throughout the world."
FIA Radar Satellites are Radar Surveillance Spacecraft. The FIA Constellation will be consisting of 4 Satellites. FIA Radar 1 was launched aboard an Atlas V 501 Rocket from Vandenberg in 2010. This Launch used a larger Delta IV Launcher while the upcoming two FIA Radar Launches will be using the Atlas Booster once again. Satellites #3 and #4 are planned to be launched in 2013, also from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. FIA stands for Future Image Architecture. These new generation satellites are the replacement for an older system launched until 2005. Technical improvements allowed the satellites to get smaller in size and weight so that they can now be launched aboard smaller launcher vehicles such as the Atlas V in its 501 configuration and the Delta IV Medium Booster. Details on the Satellite’s Design have not been released.
"Today, the United States is preeminent in satellite reconnaissance. The NRO enlists the expertise of highly skilled engineers from across government and industry to maintain this edge in space - the ultimate high ground from which to watch, listen and learn.Always vigilant, NRO's eyes and ears give America's policy markers, intelligence analysts, warfighters and homeland security specialists the critical information they need to keep America safe, secure and free,” the National Reconnaissance Office said in a statement.
Today’s successful Launch marked the 359th Launch in the Delta Program in its history dating back to 1960. It was the 19th Delta IV Mission, the 4th from Vandenberg and the first of the M+ (5,2) Launcher Version. This is the 6th classified Delta IV Mission for the US National Reconnaissance Office.
Several Hours after launch, United Launch Alliance declared the Mission a Success - indicating that the Launcher successfully delivered the NROL-25 Payload to its desired Orbit and separated the Satellite. "Congratulations to the NRO and to all the mission partners involved in this critical national security launch,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. “ULA is proud to have supported this mission and delivered critical capabilities to the men and women defending our freedom throughout the world."
Launch Video
NROL-25/Delta IV -- Estimated Flight Profile
Image: Orbitron
Countdown Operations Underway for Today's Launch
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April 3, 2012
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Photo: United Launch Alliance
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Countdown Operations for today’s Delta IV Rocket Launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base
started as planned at noon GMT setting the stage for liftoff at 23:12 GMT.
After several launch delays, teams have completed required reviews to clear an issue with the upper stage of the Delta Launch Vehicle. Engineering Reviews took place to assess the RL-10 Nozzle Extension that was found in a off-nominal condition during a pre-countdown walkdown. After all data was discussed, managers cleared the vehicle for launch as no flight hardware was found to be harmed by the event that caused the Nozzle Extension to move. Earlier today, the Mobile Service Tower was retracted and placed in its Launch Position at a safe Distance to the Launch Pad. The Structure was used to assemble and protect the launcher during its 4-month stay at Space Launch Complex 6. Before Countdown Clocks start ticking 5 Hours and 15 Minutes before Blastoff, technicians begin closing out the Service Structure and Launch Pad. After securing is complete, the area will be cleared and cryogenic tanking will get underway. The countdown sequence will feature a planned hold at the T-5-Minute Mark to give the Launch Team a chance to address any problems or wait for favorable weather conditions. The Launch Window opens at 23:12 GMT, but its duration has not been disclosed to the public, however trajectory analysis suggests a launch window duration of about 30 minutes. Meteorologists have issued a 60% chance of favorable weather conditions during the launch window. Primary concerns are ground and upper level winds. The Launch is part of a National Reconnaissance Office effort to replace its aging fleet of spy satellites that are currently orbiting Earth. NRO orbited six satellites in 2011 and plans to deliver four more to orbit this year. All 2012 launches will be operated by United Launch Alliance. The Delta IV Rocket in its Medium+ (5,2) Configuration will make its maiden flight on this launch since this particular version of the reliable Delta IV Launcher has never been required before. It features the normal Delta IV Core Stage fueled with Liquid Hydrogen and Oxygen, a cryogenic Upper Stage with a 4-meter diameter Liquid Oxygen Tank and a 5-meter Liquid Hydrogen Tank as well as a 5-meter Payload Fairing. Additionally, two Solid Rocket Boosters are installed on the first stage to give the Vehicle extra boost on its way to Orbit. Follow Spaceflight101 on Twitter for live updates. |
Trajectory Data reveals NROL-25's Secret
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March 29, 2012
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UPDATE - April 1, 2012 - 22:38 GMT
United Launch Alliance has announced that the Launch of the Delta IV Rocket with NROL-25 will be delayed until Tuesday, April 3, 2012 to give teams time to complete reviews needed to assess a problem with a second stage engine (see previous Launch Update). The Problem is related to the Nozzle Extionsion of the RL-10 Second Stage Engine. On Tuesday, the Launch Window Open Time is 23:12 GMT.
United Launch Alliance has announced that the Launch of the Delta IV Rocket with NROL-25 will be delayed until Tuesday, April 3, 2012 to give teams time to complete reviews needed to assess a problem with a second stage engine (see previous Launch Update). The Problem is related to the Nozzle Extionsion of the RL-10 Second Stage Engine. On Tuesday, the Launch Window Open Time is 23:12 GMT.
Photo: United Launch Alliance
Photo Gallery: NROL-25 Payload Installation
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The classified National Security Office NROL-25 Spacecraft is not so secret anymore after Launch Danger Areas for downrange events were issued giving Space Analysts the opportunity to deduce the targeted trajectory of the Spacecraft.
The official Notices to Airmen, NOTAMs, have been released this week showing the danger zones for Booster- and First Stage impact in the Pacific Ocean, south-west from the Vehicle’s Launch Site at Vandenberg Air Force Base, are indicating that the Spacecraft is being delivered in a retrograde orbit. These Zones line up with the NOTAMs issued for the September 2010 Launch of the FIA Radar 1 Spacecraft, confirming that NROL-25 will be the second FIA-Radar Satellite going into a retrograde orbit inclined 123 Degrees to the Equator. The Orbital Planes of the two satellites will be 114 Degrees apart, according to well known Satellite Tracker Ted Molczan. Further, Molczan predicts that the initial orbit of the spacecraft will be 1,067 by 1,080 Kilometers after separation from the second stage that is expected to perform two burns and re-enter the atmosphere in its second orbit over the Indian Ocean, south-west of Australia. |
FIA Radar Satellites are Radar Surveillance Spacecraft. The FIA Constellation will be consisting of 4 Satellites. FIA Radar 1 was launched aboard an Atlas V 501 Rocket from Vandenberg in 2010. This Launch will use a Delta IV Launcher while the upcoming two FIA Radar Launches will be using the Atlas Booster once again. Satellites #3 and #4 are planned to be launched in 2013, also from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. FIA stands for Future Image Architecture. These new generation satellites are the replacement for an older system launched until 2005. Technical improvements allowed the satellites to get smaller in size and weight so that they can now be launched aboard smaller launcher vehicles such as the Atlas V in its 501 configuration and the Delta IV Medium Booster. Details on the Satellite’s Design have not been released.
The Launch Window Duration for the NROL-25 Launch has not been disclosed, but can be estimated using the NOTAMs published earlier this week. This data suggests a launch window of about 30 Minutes. After a successful launch, satellite trackers will be quick to look for the newly arrived spacecraft confirming its initial orbital position and monitoring upcoming orbit adjust maneuvers – giving a final confirmation on the trajectory of the spacecraft that is not expected to be released to the public by NRO.
The Launch Window Duration for the NROL-25 Launch has not been disclosed, but can be estimated using the NOTAMs published earlier this week. This data suggests a launch window of about 30 Minutes. After a successful launch, satellite trackers will be quick to look for the newly arrived spacecraft confirming its initial orbital position and monitoring upcoming orbit adjust maneuvers – giving a final confirmation on the trajectory of the spacecraft that is not expected to be released to the public by NRO.
Expected Flight Trajectory and initial Orbit
Image: Orbitron
Launch Postponed at least 24 Hours
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March 28, 2012
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The Launch of the National Reconnaissance Office NROL-25 Spacecraft from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, has been postponed by at least 24 hours. During normal pre-countdown close-out operations on the Delta IV Launch Vehicle, a Second Stage Engine was found in a off-nominal condition which will require additional engineering reviews. Currently, Launch is planned for Friday at 22:38 GMT from Space Launch Complex 6. Weather Conditions for this launch attempt are likely to violate Launch Weather Criteria with high winds being the primary concern. Meteorologists are predicting a 70% chance of weather prohibiting launch.
Classified Spacecraft set for Launch this Week
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March 26, 2012
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The next U.S. National Reconnaissance Office Spacecraft is set to launch from Space Launch Complex 6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California later this week. The classified NROL-25 will be delivered to its desired and also classified orbit on a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium+ Rocket blasting off on Thursday, March 29 at 22:30 GMT.
The Launch is part of a National Reconnaissance Office effort to replace its aging fleet of spy satellites that are currently orbiting Earth. NRO orbited six satellites in 2011 and plans to deliver four more to orbit this year. All 2012 launches will be operated by United Launch Alliance. The Delta IV Rocket in its Medium+ (5,2) Configuration will make its maiden flight on this launch since this particular version of the reliable Delta IV Launcher has never been required before. It features the normal Delta IV Core Stage fueled with Liquid Hydrogen and Oxygen, a cryogenic Upper Stage with a 4-meter diameter Liquid Oxygen Tank and a 5-meter Liquid Hydrogen Tank as well as a 5-meter Payload Fairing. Additionally, two Solid Rocket Boosters are installed on the first stage to give the Vehicle extra boost on its way to Orbit. Preparations for this launch have been underway since late-2011 and started with the assembly of the Delta IV Launch Vehicle. After vehicle was stacked, extensive pre-launch checkouts started including a Wet Dress Rehearsal in February– a full countdown simulation that includes launch vehicle fueling. |
Photo: National Reconnaissance Office
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All pre-flight tests have been completed successfully and the final pre-launch step is the Launch Readiness Review that is set for Wednesday. At this meeting, mission managers will review all systems and any open items that have to be addressed before liftoff. Should a GO for Countdown Operations be given, the Mobile Service Structure that is protecting the combined Vehicle would be removed on Thursday to mark the beginning of launch operations.
Meteorologists are not optimistic about launch attempts on Thursday and Friday. Forecasters have only issued a 30% Chance of favorable Weather on Thursday and a 10% Chance for good weather on Friday. The main concern are high ground winds gusting to 22 knots and coming from the north-west. Other weather aspects should be staying within launch criteria with high cirrus clouds and high altitude winds staying within 50 knots.
The Mission’s Payload is a classified satellite and no details on its purpose and equipment have been released. NRO is known to design and build the most capable spacecraft currently in use.
Meteorologists are not optimistic about launch attempts on Thursday and Friday. Forecasters have only issued a 30% Chance of favorable Weather on Thursday and a 10% Chance for good weather on Friday. The main concern are high ground winds gusting to 22 knots and coming from the north-west. Other weather aspects should be staying within launch criteria with high cirrus clouds and high altitude winds staying within 50 knots.
The Mission’s Payload is a classified satellite and no details on its purpose and equipment have been released. NRO is known to design and build the most capable spacecraft currently in use.
