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NROL-36 Launch Updates
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Atlas V launches on classified Flight to orbit NROL-36 Payload |
September 14, 2012
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Photo: United Launch Alliance
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An Atlas V 401 Launch Vehicle operated by United Launch Alliance has lifted off from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 21:39 UTC on a Mission to deliver the classified NROL-36 Payload to orbit for the United States National Reconnaissance Office. Additionally, the mission is planned to deliver eleven PicoSatellites to orbit via the Centaur Upper Stage following the completion of the primary mission.
The initial portion of the ascent was by the book until Atlas V flew into the customary News Blackout that comes with every classified NRO Launch. Mission success was confirmed several hours after liftoff. Countdown procedures started about 7 hours before liftoff. The Atlas V Vehicle was powered up and extensive vehicle tests began to make sure the rocket was in proper condition for flight. At Vandenberg, Atlas V uses a pad concept that is different from the Clean-Pad approach taken for launches from Cape Canaveral on the East Coast. SLC-3E features a fixed umbilical Tower atop the Launch Table and a Mobile Service Structure. This MSS was retracted about four hours prior to T-0 after technicians completed final Launch Vehicle and Launch Tower Close Outs. Subsequently, the Pad was closed out and personnel began Launch Area Evacuation in preparation for Propellant Loading. Fueling got underway just after countdown clocks started ticking again coming out of a 30-minute built-in hold at the T-2-Hour mark that follows Terminal Countdown Initialization. The complex propellant loading process started with Transfer Lines Chilldown and Atlas/Centaur Tank Chilldown before propellants started actually flowing inside the Vehicle’s tanks. Liquid Oxygen Loading of the Centaur Upper Stage began at L-1:53 and was followed by Common Core Booster LOX Tanking at L-1 Hour and 40 Minutes. To fill the tanks with Oxidizer, the vehicle went through slow fill mode before transitioning to fast-fill and eventually reaching the topping phase when tanks passed the 95% mark. Atlas Booster Topping began while the Upper Stage had reached its LOX Flight Level well before that. |
Centaur Hydrogen Loading started at L-90 Minutes and also went through the nominal steps. During tanking, no problems were reported and the 90-minute process was finished as expected. The first stage of the Vehicle was filled with Rocket Propellant 1 which is highly refined Kerosene. Before and during fueling, the Atlas V underwent extensive checkouts.
The electrical system was thoroughly checked and communication checks were performed by the launch team that also activated and tested the Rocket’s Flight Termination System. The hydraulic system of the vehicle was pressurized and checked, and the RD-180 first stage engine as well as the RL-10 second stage engine were put through a steering profile. At L-40 minutes, the Fueling Process concluded and a final round of vehicle testing started. These tests included Flight Termination System checks to make sure the system was ready to destroy the launcher in the unlikely event of a major malfunction.
At T-4 Minutes, countdown clocks stopped once again for the final built-in hold to give the Launch Team additional time to deal with any issues. During the hold, the Launch Team received another weather briefing. Forecast models were very promising as high pressure caused a stable and favorable weather situation in the afternoon hours local time. Weather was no constraint throughout countdown and launch operations, but it was another foggy day at Vandenberg. Fog is no constraint for launch, however. During the hold, all teams were polled for a GO/No GO for launch and all stations were able to confirm a GO status for resuming the Countdown at T-4 Minutes at 21:35 UTC. Well before that time, the NROL-36 Spacecraft was switched to internal power to place it in its launch configuration.
As part of the final countdown minutes, the launcher was put through the final reconfigurations to place it in its launch configuration. These included the Pressurization of Atlas and Centaur Tanks to Flight Level and the transfer to internal power. The single, 2-chamber RD-180 Main Engine of the Atlas Rocket soared to life and was allowed to reach full thrust while being closely monitored by flight computers.
The electrical system was thoroughly checked and communication checks were performed by the launch team that also activated and tested the Rocket’s Flight Termination System. The hydraulic system of the vehicle was pressurized and checked, and the RD-180 first stage engine as well as the RL-10 second stage engine were put through a steering profile. At L-40 minutes, the Fueling Process concluded and a final round of vehicle testing started. These tests included Flight Termination System checks to make sure the system was ready to destroy the launcher in the unlikely event of a major malfunction.
At T-4 Minutes, countdown clocks stopped once again for the final built-in hold to give the Launch Team additional time to deal with any issues. During the hold, the Launch Team received another weather briefing. Forecast models were very promising as high pressure caused a stable and favorable weather situation in the afternoon hours local time. Weather was no constraint throughout countdown and launch operations, but it was another foggy day at Vandenberg. Fog is no constraint for launch, however. During the hold, all teams were polled for a GO/No GO for launch and all stations were able to confirm a GO status for resuming the Countdown at T-4 Minutes at 21:35 UTC. Well before that time, the NROL-36 Spacecraft was switched to internal power to place it in its launch configuration.
As part of the final countdown minutes, the launcher was put through the final reconfigurations to place it in its launch configuration. These included the Pressurization of Atlas and Centaur Tanks to Flight Level and the transfer to internal power. The single, 2-chamber RD-180 Main Engine of the Atlas Rocket soared to life and was allowed to reach full thrust while being closely monitored by flight computers.
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The engine was performing well and the Rocket was committed to liftoff. Atlas V started its ascent at T+1.1 Seconds when actual liftoff occurred. Blastoff occurred at precisely 21:39:00 UTC. Atlas V 401 features no Solid Rocket Boosters, a single Engine on its Centaur Upper Stage and a 4-meter Payload Fairing. Without Boosters, the launcher lifted off from its launch pad relatively gently with a Thrust-To-Weight-Ratio of just 1.166. Just after launch, the Atlas Rocket completed its Roll and Pitch Maneuver to align itself with its flight azimuth making a swing to the South-West. After about 80 seconds, the vehicle passed Mach 1 and encountered Maximum Dynamic Pressure a short time later. The launcher continued powered ascent with its RD-180 Engine that kept burning until T+4 Minutes, 3 Seconds providing 3,827 Kilonewtons of thrust.
Stage Separation and Centaur Ignition were normal. The Centaur Upper Stage and its single RL-10A-4-2 providing 99.2 Kilonewtons of thrust started the first of at least three Burns. Just a few seconds after Centaur Ignition, the protective Payload Fairing was separated when the launcher had left the dense portion of the atmosphere taking thermal and aerodynamic loads within limits. At the point of Payload Fairing Jettison, the launch broadcast stopped and Atlas V flew into the normal News Blackout that is part of every NRO Mission. No real-time mission updates were available from that point onwards and confirmation of mission success came some time after the actual event. United Launch Alliance confirmed mission success early on September 14 (UTC). "Today's successful launch of the NROL-36 mission occurred on the same day as the national memorial service honoring American hero Neil Armstrong. The scientists and engineers developing and operating these remarkable current-day launch and spacecraft systems reflect Neil's incredible legacy to mankind," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. "Today's launch marks the fourth and final EELV mission for the NRO's Road to Launch 2012 accomplished in the last five months. This launch tempo is a tribute to all of the mission partners' dedication and continued focus on mission success – one launch at a time." |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
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As with every NRO Launch, no details on the nature of the payload have been disclosed to the public. According to NRO Officials, the Launch is part of a National Reconnaissance Office effort to replace its aging fleet of spy satellites that are currently orbiting Earth. In 2011 and 2012, NRO has orbited a total of ten spacecraft. NROL-36 was the final NRO Launch of the year. All launches were operated by ULA.
Prior to this launch, space analysts have been looking at the possible flight profile and launch vehicle configuration to reveal the payload's nature and identify the Satellite and its desired orbital position. For this flight, Atlas V was outfitted with an Extended Mission Kit to allow Centaur to operate longer once in Orbit.
The EMK features an thermal paint insulation that is applied to the Centaur Stage that limits the natural Boiloff of the Cryogenic Propellants inside Centaur's Tanks. This EMK Centaur is equipped with will be the first to fly a modified Helium Tank Design. Centaurs without EMK have flown with three spherical Helium Tanks located in the Aft Bulkhead.
On this flight, two cylindrical tanks have been installed causing some free space in the Bulkhead Area for additional Payloads. Helium is needed to keep the Propellant Tanks pressurized during the flight. Inside the space that is usually occupied by the third Helium sphere, an Aft Bulkhead Carrier is installed for this particular flight.
Prior to this launch, space analysts have been looking at the possible flight profile and launch vehicle configuration to reveal the payload's nature and identify the Satellite and its desired orbital position. For this flight, Atlas V was outfitted with an Extended Mission Kit to allow Centaur to operate longer once in Orbit.
The EMK features an thermal paint insulation that is applied to the Centaur Stage that limits the natural Boiloff of the Cryogenic Propellants inside Centaur's Tanks. This EMK Centaur is equipped with will be the first to fly a modified Helium Tank Design. Centaurs without EMK have flown with three spherical Helium Tanks located in the Aft Bulkhead.
On this flight, two cylindrical tanks have been installed causing some free space in the Bulkhead Area for additional Payloads. Helium is needed to keep the Propellant Tanks pressurized during the flight. Inside the space that is usually occupied by the third Helium sphere, an Aft Bulkhead Carrier is installed for this particular flight.
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A total of eight Poly Pico Orbital Deployers (P-PODs) are installed on Centaur holding a total of 11 Picosatellites that will be deployed after the primary mission of the Centaur Upper Stage is completed. These satellites include NRO Payloads as well as NASA ELaNa Satellites that were built at various Universities.
Prior to launch, officials noted that the secondary payloads would be deployed after Centaur completes the primary mission indicating that the Upper Stage would perform at least one burn after main payload separation. It was expected that the Atlas V would fly a nominal flight profile consisting of its Common Core Booster Ascent Phase followed by a Centaur Upper Stage Burn to deliver the stack to a Parking Orbit. After a Coast Phase, Centaur would make a second burn to circularize the orbit. Afterwards, the NROL-36 Payload(s) would be released and Centaur was expected to make a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver. Additional Maneuvers and the third&fourth RL-10 Engine Burn would follow to adjust the orbit for the deployment of the Picosatellites in a 470 by 770-Kilometer Orbit with an inclination of 66 degrees more than three hours after launch. There is a consensus among most analysts that NROL-36 is a pair of NOSS Satellites. NOSS or the Naval Ocean Surveillance System is a satellite fleet that is carrying equipment to track ships and aircraft via their radio transmissions. NOSS is part of the Signal Intelligence gathering constellation of the NRO. NOSS Spacecraft operate in pairs to detect radio emissions and precisely calculate their origin by utilizing the Time Difference Of Arrival technique. The NOSS Program was initiated in the 1970s and has since then reached its third or fourth generation of Satellites. NOSS Satellites operate from ~1,100-Kilometer orbits inclined 63 degrees. One indication of this being a NOSS Launch is the targeted 66-degree inclination of the Picosatellites, which is in good agreement with the 63-degree operational inclination of NOSS. During the 3rd and 4th burns of the Centaur, a phase change from 63 to 66 degrees could be conducted without a problem. Another clue of this being a NOSS Launch is the vehicle configuration and the launch site. Most NOSS launches on Atlas V 401 have taken place from Vandenberg. |
Photo: ULA/NRO
Aft Bulkhead Carrier with P-PODs
Photo: ULA/NRO
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Also, for two NOSS satellites stacked on top of one another, a long Payload Fairing is necessary. This mission flies the Extended Payload Fairing which is 0.9 meters longer than the standard Atlas V 4XX Fairing. After separation, the twin NOSS Spacecraft would initially remain attached to each other before separating during on-orbit commissioning and entering the correct positions relative to the other satellite. Final confirmation of the identity of the NROL-36 Payload will come from Satellite Trackers that will be watching Low Earth Orbit Spacecraft to spot the new vehicles based on estimated search elements.
This launch marked the 615th Launch of an Atlas since the beginning of the program in 1957, the 33rd Atlas V Launch, its 5th from Vandenberg and the 5th Atlas launch of 2012. Atlas V 401 has now 14 launches under its belt.
This launch marked the 615th Launch of an Atlas since the beginning of the program in 1957, the 33rd Atlas V Launch, its 5th from Vandenberg and the 5th Atlas launch of 2012. Atlas V 401 has now 14 launches under its belt.
List of secondary Payloads (CubeSats)
- CINEMA - The 'Cubesat for Ion, Neutral, Electron, Magnetic' fields is the first in a trio of identical Picosatellites that examine the Space Weather Effects in Low Earth Orbit. The 3-Unit Cubesat was designed at the University of California.
- CSSWE is the Colorado Student Space Weather Experiment that will look at the relationship of solar flares and the abundance of energetic particles in Earth's Radiation Belts. This is also a 3-Unit Cubesat. It was built at the University of Colorado.
- CP5 is a 1-Unit Cubesat that hosts a technical demonstration payload for the use of a solar sail in de-orbiting satellites. It was manufactured at California Polytechnic.
- The Cosmic X-ray Background Nanosat or CXBN will make measurements of high energy cosmic background radiation in Earth orbit. The payload is a 2-Unit Cubesat built at Morehead State university.
The remaining five P-PODs are used to deploy seven National Reconnaissance Office Payloads:
- Two SMDC-One Cubesats that will perform technical demonstrations for the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
- Re is the second satellite in a pair of spacecraft equipped with a sensor suite to detect orbiting payloads and orbital debris for measurement and classification. (3 Units)
- Aeneas is a satellite operated by the US Department of Homeland Security for a technical demonstration of a system to track cargo containers worldwide. (3 Units)
- Three Aerocube Satellites which are 1-Unit Cubesats that will perform technical demonstrations.
Atlas V & NROL-36 ready for next Launch Attempt after long Delay |
September 12, 2012 |
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More than a month after its initial Launch Target, the Atlas V 401 Rocket with the NROL-36 Payload and 11 Picosatellites is finally getting ready for Liftoff from the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Liftoff is planned for September 13 at 21:39 UTC from Space Launch Complex 3E following a launch delay on August 2 caused by non-functional Air Force Range Equipment which in turn forced United Launch Alliance to swap launch slots, delaying the NROL-36 Launch by several weeks to give the Western Range Time to fix the issue and to get NASA's RBSP Mission launched from the Eastern Range in late August.
While awaiting its new launch day, the Atlas V with the classified US National Reconnaissance Office Payload under its Payload Fairing, has been sitting at the Launch Pad at Vandenberg being protected by the Mobile Service Structure that is in place around the vehicle. United Launch Alliance and the Air Force had been working together in August to establish a new launch date. "The NROL-36 mission leadership has established a new launch date of Sept. 13 and a request for this new launch date on the Range has been submitted to the 30th Space Wing. The previously planned launch date of Sept. 6 was not available on the Range and mission managers have elected to revise the launch date to Sept. 13 as preferred for overall operational considerations," United Launch Alliance said in a statement. The Air Force worked hard in August to understand and resolve the issue that caused the earlier launch scrub. The cause of the problem was a software issue that hit the Mission Flight Control Center at Vandenberg when the Range System was being re-initialized as part of nominal pre-launch procedures to transition to the Launch Configuration. This re-initialization and the start-up of a backup system took place simultaneously while clocks in the Pacific Daylight Time Zone crossed midnight during the August 2 Countdown. This combination of events caused the software to encounter a failure; had either of these operations occurred separately, the system would have been fine and the re-initialization would have been successful. |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
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Controllers inside the MFCC noticed their screens not coming back on after the initialization and had to abort the countdown because the Range equipment is a requirement for launch. After the scrub, teams at the Western Range have went through extensive analysis and checkout activities of the simulator and the actual Range Systems during all hours of the day to make sure the issue is fully resolved. Early in September the Range announced readiness for the flight and all parties were ready to press into launch preparations for the September 13 target.
Liftoff of the Atlas V is planned for 21:39 UTC - 2:39pm local time, but the exact duration of the Launch Window is classified. As part of the usual procedures associated with these NRO Launches, the Rocket will fly into a News Blackout at the point of Payload Fairing Separation that occurs just after Atlas/Centaur Stage Separation. following this event, news about the mission will not be announced in real time and mission success will be confirmed several hours after the actual event. Details about the NROL-36 payload are kept secret as well.
The launch weather, however, is not a secret. Meteorologists are predicting perfect conditions for Thursday's Launch Window with a 100% chance of weather permitting launch. By launch time, there will only be a few lingering clouds in the area after the marine layer will have burned off in the morning hours. With weather conditions being stable in the Vandenberg area, forecasters are also predicting a 100% chance of favorable weather for the backup launch date on Friday.
Liftoff of the Atlas V is planned for 21:39 UTC - 2:39pm local time, but the exact duration of the Launch Window is classified. As part of the usual procedures associated with these NRO Launches, the Rocket will fly into a News Blackout at the point of Payload Fairing Separation that occurs just after Atlas/Centaur Stage Separation. following this event, news about the mission will not be announced in real time and mission success will be confirmed several hours after the actual event. Details about the NROL-36 payload are kept secret as well.
The launch weather, however, is not a secret. Meteorologists are predicting perfect conditions for Thursday's Launch Window with a 100% chance of weather permitting launch. By launch time, there will only be a few lingering clouds in the area after the marine layer will have burned off in the morning hours. With weather conditions being stable in the Vandenberg area, forecasters are also predicting a 100% chance of favorable weather for the backup launch date on Friday.
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Countdown operations will begin 7 hours before the planned launch time with Launch Vehicle Activation. The Mobile Service Structure of Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg air Force Base will be retracted about four hours prior to launch. It will be placed at a safe distance to the Launch Pad.
For Launches from Vandenberg, Atlas V uses a conventional Launch Pad Concept with a Mobile Service Structure - as opposed to the Clean-Pad Concept used at Cape Canaveral where the Launcher is rolled atop is Launch Platform from the Vehicle Integration Facility to the Launch Pad. Subsequently, initial checks of the Atlas Launcher will be made and the Launch Area will be evacuated. At T-2 Hours, the cryogenic tanking process will start as the first stage is filled with Liquid Oxygen and the second stage is loaded with Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen – going through a complex tanking procedure involving slow and fast propellant fill followed by topping and replenish. While the countdown continues, final systems checks will be performed by the Launch Team including extensive checkouts of the vehicle's communication system and associated range systems. Final Flight Software will be loaded into the flight computers aboard the Atlas and countdown clocks will stop at the T-4-Minute Mark to give teams a chance to address any open issues and conduct the final GO/No GO Polls setting the stage for Launch. |
Image: National Reconnaissance Office
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As clocks start ticking down from T-4 Minutes, final vehicle configurations such as propellant tank pressurization and transfer to internal power will be made as part of the Automated Sequence to place the vehicle in its launch configuration.
United Launch Alliance will provide a live Launch Webcast starting 20 minutes before the planned launch time and ending at the point of Payload Fairing Separation. Spaceflight101 will be providing Countdown and Mission Updates via the new S101_Live Twitter Feed.
United Launch Alliance will provide a live Launch Webcast starting 20 minutes before the planned launch time and ending at the point of Payload Fairing Separation. Spaceflight101 will be providing Countdown and Mission Updates via the new S101_Live Twitter Feed.
NROL-36 gets an additional Launch Delay |
August 8, 2012 |
The Launch of NROL-36 for the United States National Reconnaissance Office atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 Rocket has been delayed again. This additional delay is necessary to allow the US Air Force to continue its investigation and repair operations of the Western Range Instrumentation Issue that occurred during the first Launch Attempt. A new launch date has not been announced, but the NROL-36 Launch will occur after the Launch of RBSP currently set for August 23 and also managed by ULA.
NROL-36 Launch delayed until at least August 14
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August 3, 2012 |
The Launch of an Atlas V 401 Rocket with NROL-36 has been delayed to at least August 14, according to United Launch Alliance. The delay has been caused by an instrumentation issue related to the Air Force Western Range that was found during Thursday's Launch Countdown. Technicians will need this additional time to fully solve the problem and reconfigure the range for the mission. The Atlas V launcher will wait inside the Service Structure at Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base until the next launch attempt can be made.
Atlas V grounded by Range Problem during first Launch Attempt
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August 2, 2012
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Photo: United Launch Alliance
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The Launch of an Atlas V 401 Rocket operated by United Launch Alliance has been scrubbed on Thursday due to problems that emerged during the Countdown Sequence. Atlas V was set to deliver the NROL-36 Payload to Orbit for the United States National Reconnaissance Office. In addition, the launcher is carrying 11 small Cubesats that are also set to take a ride to Orbit aboard the vehicle. The next Launch attempt is planned for Saturday.
Countdown procedures started about 7 hours before liftoff. The Atlas V Vehicle was powered up and extensive vehicle tests began to make sure the rocket was in proper condition for flight. At Vandenberg, Atlas V uses a pad concept that is different from the Clean-Pad approach taken for launches from Cape Canaveral on the East Coast. SLC-3E features a fixed umbilical Tower atop the Launch Table and a Mobile Service Structure. This MSS was retracted about four hours prior to T-0 after technicians complete final Launch Vehicle and Launch Tower Close Outs. Subsequently, the Pad was closed out and personnel began Launch Area Evacuation in preparation for Propellant Loading. Fueling got underway just after countdown clocks started ticking again coming out of a 30-minute built-in hold at the T-2-Hour mark that follows Terminal Countdown Initialization. The complex propellant loading process started with Transfer Lines Chilldown and Atlas/Centaur Tank Chilldown before propellants started actually flowing inside the Vehicle’s tanks. Liquid Oxygen Loading of the Centaur Upper Stage began at L-1:53 and was followed by Common Core Booster LOX Tanking at L-1 Hour and 40 Minutes. To fill the tanks with Oxidizer, the vehicle went through slow fill mode before transitioning to fast-fill and eventually reaching the topping phase when tanks passed the 95% mark. Atlas Booster Topping began while the Upper Stage had reached its LOX Flight Level well before that. Centaur Hydrogen Loading started at L-90 Minutes and also went through the nominal steps. During tanking, no problems were reported and the 90-minute process was finished as expected. |
The first stage of the Vehicle was filled with Rocket Propellant 1 which is highly refined Kerosene. Before and during fueling, the Atlas V underwent extensive checkouts. The electrical system was thoroughly checked and communication checks were performed by the launch team that also activated and tested the Rocket’s Flight Termination System. The hydraulic system of the vehicle was pressurized and checked and the RD-180 first stage engine as well as the RL-10 second stage engine were put through a steering profile. At L-40 minutes, the Fueling Process concluded and a final round of vehicle testing started. These tests included Flight Termination System checks to make sure the system was ready to destroy the launcher in the unlikely event of a major malfunction.
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At T-4 Minutes, countdown clocks stopped once again for the final built-in hold to give the Launch Team additional time to deal with any issues. Originally, Launch had been planned for 7:40 GMT, but was adjusted to 7:44:30 GMT to avoid a conjunction with another Spacecraft. Later in the hold, Range Controllers reported NO GO due to an issue that violated launch rules and had to be solved. A mandatory component of Range Control Equipment had gone down and range controllers had to work around that problem in order to be GO for Launch.
Solving the issue was not possible during the limited Launch Window and teams decided to Scrub the Launch Attempt and head into a 24-hour Recycle. Operations to drain the vehicle's cryogenic propellants started immediately after the Scrub. The Common Core Booster Rocket Propellant-1 will remain inside its tank for the next launch attempt. After taking some time to look into the problem following the scrub, technicians decided to call for a 48-hour turnaround to give personnel enough time to solve the Range Issue. Pending resolution of the problem, Launch has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 4 at 7:13 GMT. |
Photo: Unnited Launch Alliance
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Atlas V & NROL-36 approved for Launch after clean Readiness Review |
July 31, 2012 |
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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 Launch Vehicle has passed its Launch Readiness Review in preparation for liftoff on Thursday, August 2, 2012 on a Mission to deliver the classified NROL-36 Payload to orbit for the US National Reconnaissance Office.
During Tuesday's Launch Readiness Review, Mission Managers discussed all Systems related to the launcher, its payload and the ground support equipment including the communications network needed for the flight. The meeting concluded with a decision to press into Countdown Operations. Countdown operations will begin 7 hours before the planned launch time with Launch Vehicle Activation. The Mobile Service Structure of Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg air Force Base will be retracted about four hours prior to launch. It will be placed at a safe distance to the Launch Pad. Subsequently, initial checks of the Atlas Launcher will be made and the Launch Area will be cleared off all personnel. At T-2 Hours, the tanking process will start as the first stage is filled with Liquid Oxygen and the second stage is loaded with Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen – going through a complex tanking procedure involving slow and fast propellant fill followed by topping and replenish. While the countdown continues, final systems checks will be performed by the Launch Team. |
Image: National Reconnaissance Office
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Final Flight Software will be loaded into the flight computers aboard the Atlas and countdown clocks will stop at the T-4-Minute Mark to give teams a chance to address any open issues and conduct the final GO/No GO Polls setting the stage for Launch. As clocks start ticking down from T-4 Minutes, final vehicle configurations will be made as part of the Automated Sequence to place the vehicle in its launch configuration. Liftoff is currently scheduled for 7:40 GMT on August 2. The exact length of the Launch Window has not been announced due to the secret nature of the mission, but officials have indicated that launch would not take place later than 8:30 GMT. Meteorologists are currently predicting a 90% chance of favorable weather for launch with cumulus could rule violations being the only minor concern.
After blasting off, Atlas V will fly a nominal flight profile consisting of its Common Core Booster Ascent Phase followed by a Centaur Upper Stage Burn to deliver the stack to a Parking Orbit. After a Coast Phase, Centaur makes a second burn to circularize the orbit. and raise its altitude. Afterwards, the NROL-36 Payload is released and Centaur makes a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver. Additional Maneuvers and the third RL-10 Engine Burn will follow to adjust the orbit for the deployment of the Picosatellites. This mission design allows a secondary payload deployment without interfering with the primary NROL-36 Mission. After the Picosatellites have been deployed, Centaur will likely conduct a fourth burn to deorbit itself. The mission is targeting an orbit inclined 63 degrees to either side of the equator.
As per usual procedures for national Reconnaissance Office Launches, the Atlas V Vehicle and its Payload will fly into a News Blackout at the Point of Payload Fairing Separation. United Launch Alliance will provide a webcast showing the final 20 minutes of the countdown, the liftoff and the initial phase of the ascent broadcasting first stage flight and the first portion of the initial Upper Stage Burn before ending their webcast. Confirmation of mission success is expected several hours after the event. Live Countdown and Mission Updates will be available via @Spaceflight101 on Twitter.
After blasting off, Atlas V will fly a nominal flight profile consisting of its Common Core Booster Ascent Phase followed by a Centaur Upper Stage Burn to deliver the stack to a Parking Orbit. After a Coast Phase, Centaur makes a second burn to circularize the orbit. and raise its altitude. Afterwards, the NROL-36 Payload is released and Centaur makes a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver. Additional Maneuvers and the third RL-10 Engine Burn will follow to adjust the orbit for the deployment of the Picosatellites. This mission design allows a secondary payload deployment without interfering with the primary NROL-36 Mission. After the Picosatellites have been deployed, Centaur will likely conduct a fourth burn to deorbit itself. The mission is targeting an orbit inclined 63 degrees to either side of the equator.
As per usual procedures for national Reconnaissance Office Launches, the Atlas V Vehicle and its Payload will fly into a News Blackout at the Point of Payload Fairing Separation. United Launch Alliance will provide a webcast showing the final 20 minutes of the countdown, the liftoff and the initial phase of the ascent broadcasting first stage flight and the first portion of the initial Upper Stage Burn before ending their webcast. Confirmation of mission success is expected several hours after the event. Live Countdown and Mission Updates will be available via @Spaceflight101 on Twitter.
Atlas V with secret NRO Payload ready for Launch this Week |
July 30, 2012 |
Photo: United Launch Alliance
Photo Gallery: NROL-36 Payload Rollout/Hoisting
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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 Launch Vehicle has completed its integration process and is standing ready for liftoff on Thursday, August 2, 2012 on a classified mission to deliver the NROL-36 Payload to Orbit for the US National Reconnaissance Office. Launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California - marking the 5th Atlas V Launch from the US West Coast. In addition to its secret main payload, the launcher is planned to deliver 11 cubesats to orbit.
Atlas V integration was completed on July 16 when the NROL-36 payload encapsulated in its 4-meter Payload Fairing, was transported to the Launch Complex from its processing facility at the air base. Atlas V underwent integration in May 2012. At Vandenberg, Atlas V uses a different Launch Pad concept featuring a Mobile Service Structure and a fixed Umbilical Tower on the Launch Platform. Atlas V vehicles launching from Cape Canaveral are assembled atop a Mobile Launcher Platform inside a fixed Assembly Building and are rolled to the Launch Pad as part of the clean pad concept. After the NROL-36 Payload was installed atop the launcher, integrated testing was performed. Also, countdown and ascent simulations were completed by the Launch Team going through nominal procedures to make sure all stations are ready to execute launch day operations. The Launch Readiness Review will be performed on Tuesday. Mission Managers will review all systems of the Atlas V and its payload, the ground support equipment and the communications network needed to support the flight. Countdown operations will begin on Wednesday with final launch pad and vehicle close-outs and the removal of the mobile service structure before Launch Vehicle Fueling starts. Liftoff is planned for 7:40 GMT on August 2. The exact duration of the launch window has not been disclosed, but launch will not take place later than 8:30 GMT. For more information on the Payload of this flight and the 11 secondary payloads, refer to the July 14 Mission Update. |
United Launch Alliance prepares for next classified NRO Mission |
July 14, 2012 |
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United Launch Alliance is preparing for the Launch of an Atlas V 401 Rocket from Space Launch Complex 3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base on a classified Mission to deliver a National Reconnaissance Office Payload to Orbit. This will be the fourth launch that ULA is conducting for the US National Reconnaissance Office in 2012. As per usual procedures, no details on the Payload and Mission Profile have been released to the public. The Launch of the Atlas V Rocket and the NROL-36 Payload is currently planned for August 2, 2012.
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 and three of those have already been orbited successfully. All 2012 launches are being operated by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas V 401 Launcher features a Common Core Booster powered by a RD-180 main Engine without any Solid Rocket Boosters, a single-engine Centaur Upper Stage and a 4-meter Payload Fairing. This mission will fly with an Extended Mission Kit to allow Centaur to operate longer once in Orbit. The EMK features an thermal paint insulation that is applied to the Centaur Stage that limits the natural Boiloff of the Cryogenic Propellants inside Centaur's Tanks. This EMK Centaur is equipped with will be the first to fly a modified Helium Tank Design. |
Atlas V *File Image* - Photo: United Launch Alliance
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Centaurs without EMK have flown with three spherical Helium Tanks located in the Aft Bulkhead. On this flight, two cylindrical tanks have been installed causing some free space in the Bulkhead Area for additional Payloads. Helium is needed to keep the Propellant Tanks pressurized during the flight. Inside the space that is usually occupied by the third Helium sphere, an Aft Bulkhead Carrier is installed for this particular flight. A total of eight Poly Pico Orbital Deployer (P-PODs) holding a total of 11 Picosatellites that will be deployed after the primary mission of the Centaur Upper Stage is completed. These satellites include NRO Payload as well as NASA ELaNa Satellites that were built at various Universities.
Aft Bulkhead Carrier Position
Image Credit: National Reconnaissance Office
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Image Credit: National Reconnaissance Office
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As with all NRO Missions, space analysts and satellite trackers are having a close eye on the launch to identify the classified payload. There is a consensus among most analysts that NROL-36 is a pair of NOSS Satellites. NOSS or the Naval Ocean Surveillance System is a satellite fleet that is carrying equipment to track ships and aircraft via their radio transmissions. NOSS is part of the Signal Intelligence gathering constellation of the NRO. NOSS Spacecraft operate in pairs to detect radio emissions and precisely calculate their origin by utilizing the Time Difference Of Arrival technique. The NOSS Program was initiated in the 1970s and has since then reached its third or fourth generation of Satellites. NOSS Satellites operate from 1,100-Kilometer orbits inclined 63 degrees. One indication of this being a NOSS Launch is the targeted 63-degree inclination of the Picosatellites. Confirmation of the nature of the NROL-36 Payload will likely come with the release of the NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) that will show the Launch Azimuth and the impact zone of the Centaur Stage. Also, after launch, satellite trackers will be watching the estimated Orbit of the vehicle's to confirm their presence in the 63-degree orbital inclination.
It is expected that the Atlas V will fly a nominal flight profile consisting of its Common Core Booster Ascent Phase followed by a Centaur Upper Stage Burn to deliver the stack to a Parking Orbit. After a Coast Phase, Centaur makes a second burn to circularize the orbit. Afterwards, the NROL-36 Payload(s) is released and Centaur makes a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver. Additional Maneuvers and the third RL-10 Engine Burn will follow to adjust the orbit for the deployment of the Picosatellites. This mission design allows a secondary payload deployment without interfering with the primary NROL-36 Mission. After the Picosatellites have been deployed, Centaur will likely conduct a fourth burn to deorbit itself.
It is expected that the Atlas V will fly a nominal flight profile consisting of its Common Core Booster Ascent Phase followed by a Centaur Upper Stage Burn to deliver the stack to a Parking Orbit. After a Coast Phase, Centaur makes a second burn to circularize the orbit. Afterwards, the NROL-36 Payload(s) is released and Centaur makes a Collision and Contamination Avoidance Maneuver. Additional Maneuvers and the third RL-10 Engine Burn will follow to adjust the orbit for the deployment of the Picosatellites. This mission design allows a secondary payload deployment without interfering with the primary NROL-36 Mission. After the Picosatellites have been deployed, Centaur will likely conduct a fourth burn to deorbit itself.
Picosatellites
- CINEMA - The 'Cubesat for Ion, Neutral, Electron, Magnetic' fields is the first in a trio of identical Picosatellites that examine the Space Weather Effects in Low Earth Orbit. The 3-Unit Cubesat was designed at the University of California.
- CSSWE is the Colorado Student Space Weather Experiment that will look at the relationship of solar flares and the abundance of energetic particles in Earth's Radiation Belts. This is also a 3-Unit Cubesat. It was built at the University of Colorado.
- CP5 is a 1-Unit Cubesat that hosts a technical demonstration payload for the use of a solar sail in de-orbiting satellites. It was manufactured at California Polytechnic.
- The Cosmic X-ray Background Nanosat or CXBN will make measurements of high energy cosmic background radiation in Earth orbit. The payload is a 2-Unit Cubesat built at Morehead State university.
The remaining five P-PODs are used to deploy seven National Reconnaissance Office Payloads.
- Horus is the first satellite in a pair of spacecraft equipped with a sensor suite to detect orbiting payloads and orbital debris for measurement and classification. (3 Units)
- Re is the second satellite in a pair of spacecraft equipped with a sensor suite to detect orbiting payloads and orbital debris for measurement and classification. (3 Units)
- The ORS Enabler Satellite or ORSES
- Aeneas is a satellite operated by the US Department of Homeland Security for a technical demonstration of a system to track cargo containers worldwide. (3 Units)
- Three Aerocube Satellites which are 1-Unite Cubesats that will perform technical demonstrations.
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