Re: js - any guess as to when we will hear from the crew?
JW......now that we have a launch....any guess as to when we will hear from the crew? Would be nice to see a current mission statement and a report on progress to date. Could this be a "docking" mission, perhaps?
Lost In Space........js
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. As first reported on Oct 3rd on SI, the Titan IV with it's FNTN Fully Reporting Satellite Payload had a successful launch in the pre-dawn hours on Oct 12th.
The launch, of the Titan IV originally scheduled for 9:15 a.m.EST was rescheduled for the 6:15 a.m.EST.
Due to Orbital Mechanics it was found that the Payload could not be deployed until 3 hrs into the flight. So the decision was made to launch 3 hrs. early, this decesion was made so the it's FNTN Fully Reporting Satellite would be placed into it's geosynchronous Orbit and be fully operational at the pre-designated time of 9:25a.m. EST.
The Titan Program known for launching Secret Military Satellites, keep its reputation it tact with this mission, as Ground Tracking Stations noted that a pair of satellites were deployed from the upper stage of the Titan IV at an altitude of 2740 kilometers (1702 miles) above the Earth. The second satellite although it's true purpose is unconfirmed, is believed to be a Classified IP Targeting and Acquisition System Satellite, stated two anonymous sources. It's mission is still an unknown at this time.
Picture of the Titan IV FNTN Launch
members.tripod.com
J.S.
I see you are not familiar with the Space Program, or as others did, just scanned the earlier reports not giving them any credence. I mention that fact since yours is the first comment made on the thread about the earlier launch reports which were accurate. Though I understand the lack of response, since the Titan IV has been sitting on the Pad for about 3 months now. Though sitting on the Pad for 3 months with the words FINANCIAL INTRANET painted on the boosters have made many pad workers curious and have called asking for more information about FNTN.
Only the Space Shuttle carries a Crew, Rockets carry Satellite Payloads. So unfortunately there is no crew to give an update. Therefore this will not be a docking mission either. No Rockets have been used for docking since the Gemini days, where the Crew of 3 Gemini missions attempted to dock with the Atlas Agena. Which looked like this: images.jsc.nasa.gov
Although on one mission where the Nose Flaring did not separate completely the Crew of Gemini 9 named the Agena the Angry Alligator as it looked like this: images.jsc.nasa.gov
Regards,
JW@KSC |
