Delta 2 Launches Clears Range for Titan IV FNTN Launch
Delta 2 Launches, Clears Range for Titan IV FNTN Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR STATION, Fla. - The U.S. Air Force launched a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite Oct. 7, marking the 30th GPS satellite put into orbit by a Boeing Delta II over the past decade.
The launch took place at 8:51 a.m. EDT from Pad A of Space Launch Complex 17.
With the successful launch of the Delta 2 the Eastern Range is cleared for the launch of an Air Force Titan IV rocket and its Fully Reporting Satellite 8-A payload for Financial Intranet on or before October 12th, the Air Force's 45th Space Wing said.
Launch is now scheduled for 09:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST (0915-1600. GMT) at Cape Canaveral Air Station's Launch Complex 40. A delay was caused by routine work and Form 8-A processing by the SEC that could not be completed in time for and earlier launch date due to a "classified" quiet period operational change.
The weather at the Cape has made for poor launch conditions with mostly rain for the past two weeks. With the Delta out of the way the range can launch the Titan any day between now and Oct. 12th, it all hinges on decisions made by the SEC Forecaster's from the 45th Space Wing's Weather Sq.
If the Titan IV does not launch by Oct. 12th the there will a unspecified delay as the Payload will have to be withdrawn, and returned to the Payload Processing Lab for re-calibration. This is a mandatory withdrawal and then the Payload must be reapplied to the Titan IV. The Payload was last calibrated on August 12th prior to being loaded atop the Titan IV and the Calibration is only valid for 60 days. The Air Force's 45th Space Wing as well as Lockheed Martin, and FNTN with it's Fully Reporting 8-A Payload are hoping for a successful on or before Oct. 12th.
(Greg) For Full rundown on the Titan IV Payload see an earlier report: Message 11431678
More Delta News
Boeing has an additional 17 launches manifested aboard the Delta II for the satellite-based navigation system.
Boeing [NYSE: BA] is working on design, development and production of the third-generation of GPS satellites, the Block II-F, for the U.S. Air Force. Beginning in 2002, a number of these satellites will be launched on the Boeing Delta IV under the U.S. Air Force's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. Last year, Boeing was awarded 19 of 28 EELV launches in a contract valued at $1.38 billion.
Boeing also is expanding its involvement to include other government space and communication programs. Earlier this month, the National Reconnaissance Office awarded a Future Imagery Architecture contract to a team led by Boeing.
"Today's launch was another great example of the partnership we have developed with the Air Force," said Will Hampton, Boeing director of U.S. Air Force Delta II programs. "We look forward to continuing our support of the nation's defense and communications systems."
The Delta II rocket is manufactured in Huntington Beach, Calif., with final assembly in Pueblo, Colo. The rocket is powered by the RS-27A engine built by Boeing in Canoga Park, Calif. Launch coordination and operations for this mission were provided by the Delta launch team at Cape Canaveral Air Station.
Alliant Techsystems, Magna, Utah, builds the graphite epoxy motors for boost assist. Aerojet, Sacramento, Calif., manufactures the second-stage engine, Cordant technologies, Elkton, Maryland, builds the third-stage motor, and AlliedSignal, Teterboro, N.J., builds the guidance and flight control system.
Recognized as the world's premier navigation satellite system, GPS operates via a constellation of 24 satellites (not including spares), a ground control system, and thousands of terminals, to help locate and guide military and civilian users in the air, at sea, and on the ground.
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I hope everyone gets the HINT this time around?
JW@KSC |
