NROL-47: Topaz 5 (TBD) - Delta IV-M+(5,2) [D-379] - Vandenberg SLC-6 - 12.01.2018 22:11 UTC

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Upcoming Missions

[/li]
• Rocket: Delta IV Med+ (5,2)
• Mission: NROL-47
• Launch Date: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017
• Launch Time: TBD
• Live Broadcast: Check back for viewing information
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
  

Launch Notes: The NROL-47 mission will mark ULA's ninth launch of 2017 and 27th for the National Reconnaissance Office. NROL-47 will be the 36th flight of the Delta IV rocket since its inaugural launch 2002.

Launch Updates:To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, dial the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321 or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch, twitter.com/ulalaunch and instagram.com/ulalaunch; hashtags #DeltaIV #NROL47.


Go Delta! Go NROL-47!

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ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch 10 мин.10 минут назад
The next United Launch Alliance mission is #NROL47 for the National Reconnaissance Office using the Delta IV rocket. Liftoff is scheduled for Dec. 13 from Vandenberg Air Force Base. http://www.ulalaunch.com/delta-iv-to-launch-nrol47.aspx?title=Delta+IV+to+launch+NROL-47 ...

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https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/140489.jpg

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Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight 3 мин. назад

ULA Delta IV launch with NROL-47 delayed to Jan 10, 2018 - in order to perform additional validation of the software and systems associated with Common Avionics. https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42699.msg1756474#msg1756474 ...

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https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/06/delta-4-launch-from-california-slips-to-january/

Delta 4 launch from California slips to January
December 6, 2017 Stephen Clark


File photo of a Delta 4 rocket standing on Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Credit: ULA

The launch of a top secret National Reconnaissance Office spy satellite from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California has been pushed back from Dec. 13 until no earlier than Jan. 10 to complete software validation on the Delta 4 rocket's new avionics system, United Launch Alliance announced Wednesday.

Спойлер

The launch company said officials delayed the mission "to perform additional validation of the software and systems associated with Common Avionics."

In a statement released Wednesday, ULA said the common avionics are a new suite of avionics, flight software and ground systems designed to fly on both of ULA's current-generation rockets — the Atlas 5 and Delta 4. The modified avionics system replaces earlier-generation software and equipment that flew on Atlas 5 and Delta 4 rockets, which were developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing before the aerospace contractors merged their launch divisions to form ULA in 2006.

"This upgraded command and control system was designed to reduce cost and improve reliability," ULA said.

The Delta 4 rocket is set to loft a classified payload for the NRO, the U.S. government's spy satellite agency. The mission is known by the codename NROL-47.

The launch will be the first time the common avionics systems have flown on a Delta 4 rocket.

Ground crews at Vandenberg have stacked the two-stage Delta 4 rocket at Space Launch Complex-6 overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The NROL-47 launch will use the "5,2" version of the Delta 4 with a five-meter-diameter payload fairing and two solid rocket boosters attached on each side of the hydrogen-fueled first stage.

The mission is expected to loft a radar surveillance satellite to gather all-weather, day-and-night imagery for analysis by U.S. intelligence agencies.

It will be the last launch of a medium-lift, single-core version of the Delta 4 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. ULA is retiring the "single-stick" Delta 4 family in favor of the less expensive Atlas 5, before eventually replacing both rockets with the next-generation Vulcan launcher.

Two more single-core Delta 4s are slated to launch from Cape Canaveral.

The heavy-lift version of the Delta 4, comprising three of the rocket's first stages bolted together, will remain in service through at least the early 2020s to deploy the NRO's most massive satellites. Those payloads weigh too much for the Atlas 5 or SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, the two other launch vehicles currently certified to haul costly U.S. military and intelligence-gathering satellites into orbit.

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http://www.ulalaunch.com/delta-iv-to-launch-nrol47.aspx

Delta IV to launch NROL-47

[/li]
• Rocket: Delta IV Medium+ (5.2)
• Mission: NROL-47
• Launch Date: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018
• Launch Time: TBD
• Live Broadcast: Check back for viewing information
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
  

Launch Notes: The NROL-47 mission will mark ULA's first launch of 2018 and 27th for the National Reconnaissance Office. NROL-47 will be the 36th flight of the Delta IV rocket since its inaugural launch 2002/QUOTE]

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ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch 23 ч. назад

.@NatReconOfc #NROL47 payload, encapsulated inside a 5-meter payload fairing, is mated to a ULA #DeltaIV rocket at Vandenberg's Space Launch Complex-6 in preparation for a Jan 10 launch. More pix and video: http://bit.ly/2BUe4pY 

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Delta IV NROL-47 Payload Mate

United Launch Alliance

Опубликовано: 21 дек. 2017 г.

The National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-47 payload, encapsulated inside a 5-meter payload fairing, is mated to a Delta IV rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base's Space Launch Complex-6.

(1:22)

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https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/12/29/classified-payload-hoisted-atop-delta-4-rocket-at-vandenberg/

Classified payload hoisted atop Delta 4 rocket at Vandenberg
December 29, 2017 Stephen Clark

A clandestine satellite owned by the National Reconnaissance Office has been raised atop its United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, for liftoff Jan. 10.

Спойлер

Video

Already encapsulated inside the Delta 4's payload fairing, the spacecraft was recently transferred from a nearby processing facility and hoisted by a crane inside the mobile gantry at Space Launch Complex 6 nestled between hills and the Pacific Ocean near the southern edge of the military base on California's Central Coast.

Ground crews deftly guided the payload atop the Delta 4's second stage and completed its attachment to cap assembly of the 217-foot-tall (66-meter) rocket.

The mission for the NRO, the U.S. government's spy satellite agency, is known by the codename NROL-47.

The Delta 4 is expected to loft a radar surveillance satellite to gather all-weather, day-and-night imagery for analysis by U.S. intelligence agencies.

The rocket slated for launch Jan. 10 will use the Delta 4's "5,2" configuration five-meter-diameter payload fairing and two solid rocket boosters attached on each side of the hydrogen-fueled first stage. That version of the Delta 4 has flown only twice before, and analysts who track space activities believe both launches — in 2012 and 2016 — hauled so-called Topaz radar reconnaissance satellites into orbit.

The flight was pushed back from Dec. 10 to complete software validation on a new common avionics system designed to fly on ULA's Delta 4 and Atlas 5 rockets. The upcoming mission will be the first time the common avionics suite has flown on a Delta 4.

It will be the last launch of a medium-lift, single-core version of the Delta 4 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. ULA is retiring the "single-stick" Delta 4 family in favor of the less expensive Atlas 5, before eventually replacing both rockets with the next-generation Vulcan launcher.

Two more single-core Delta 4s are slated to launch from Cape Canaveral.

The heavy-lift version of the Delta 4, comprising three of the rocket's first stages bolted together, will remain in service through at least the early 2020s to deploy the NRO's most massive satellites. Those payloads weigh too much for the Atlas 5 or SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, the two other launch vehicles currently certified to haul costly U.S. military and intelligence-gathering satellites into orbit.

Photos of the NROL-47 payload's arrival at Space Launch Complex 6 and attachment to the Delta 4 rocket are posted below.


Credit: ULA


Credit: ULA


Credit: ULA


Credit: ULA


Credit: ULA


Credit: ULA

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NRO‏Подлинная учетная запись @NatReconOfc 10 ч. назад

#NROL47 will be a daytime (PST) launch. We, along with our partners, will be sharing more details over the next few days, to include when and where you can access live coverage of the launch on Jan. 10.

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National Reconnaissance Office
19 ч ·

Check out our mission patch for #NROL47! The patch design depicts a classic battle between good and evil and represents our dedication to mission, military expertise and camaraderie. The launch location (VAFB, SLC-6) and launch number (L-47) appear along the outer band of the design, along with the Latin phrase "Mali Nunquam Praevalebunt," which means "Evil will never prevail" and represents NRO's commitment to national security.

Launch date for #NROL47 is scheduled for next Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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http://www.ulalaunch.com/delta-iv-to-launch-nrol47.aspx

Delta IV to launch NROL-47

[/li]
• Rocket: Delta IV Medium+ (5.2)
• Mission: NROL-47
• Launch Date: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018
• Launch Time: 1 p.m. PST
• Live Broadcast: Tune in beginning at 12:40 p.m. PST
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
  

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http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1409612/delta-iv-nrol-47-to-launch-from-vandenberg/

DELTA IV NROL-47 TO LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
By 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs / [COLOR=#ACAC7AC]Published January 07, 2018[/COLOR]

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-6 here Wednesday, Jan. 10, with a launch window opening at 1:00 p.m. PST.

Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, is the space launch commander.

Спойлер

"We are ready and eager to take on this Delta launch," said Wood. "We are proud to provide this national defense capability and every Team V member involved has tirelessly worked to ensure the launch is safe and successful."

Vandenberg's 4th Space Launch Squadron is in final preparations for launch with Vandenberg's mission partners from ULA, and the NRO.

"The 4th Space Launch Squadron's mission assurance technicians, engineers, and program managers are laser-focused on ensuring that all flight hardware, infrastructure, and facilities are ready to go for launch," said Maj. Allen Varghese, 4th Space Launch Squadron director of operations. "Our squadron has worked side-by-side with ULA personnel over the past several months to ensure this mission's success."

The local community can view this launch from the Hawk's Nest on Hwy 1 just a half mile south of Vandenberg Air Force Base's main gate. The Hawk's Nest gates will open at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

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30-е космокрыло извещает

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Прогноз погоды L-2 на 2018-01-10 (м.в.)

08-JAN-18 - Delta IV NROL-47 Forecast

40% GO - ветер у поверхности Земли

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Прогноз погоды L-1 на 2018-01-10 (м.в.)

09-JAN-18 - Delta IV NROL-47 Forecast
 
30% GO  :|

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http://satobs.org/seesat/Jan-2018/0080.html

NROL-47 search elset and identity

From: Marco Langbroek via Seesat-l <seesat-l_at_satobs.org>
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2018 17:57:36 +0100

Спойлер

Код Выделить Развернуть

Hi all,

We might have another classified payload going into an unusual orbit tomorrow.

NROL-47 is slated to launch from Vandenberg SLC-6 tomorrow January 10. The
Maritime Broadcast Warning window opens at 20:30 UT and ends January 9 at 1:26 UT.

The launch hazard areas and Upper Stage deorbit hazard area from the Broadcast
Warnings point to an unusual orbital inclination: 108.6 degrees.

Some websites (e.g. Spaceflight 101) have speculated NROL-47 is the fifth TOPAZ
(FIA Radar) based on the fact that it is launched westwards into retrograde orbit.

If so, it is going into a different kind of orbit than the previous four ones,
both regarding inclination (the four FIA satelites have an orbital inclination
of 123.0 deg) and orbital altitude.

The launch azimuth from the launch hazard areas published differs by 20 degrees
from previous FIA launches. And there is no need for a dogleg manoeuvre, as
previous FIA launches launched directly into a 123.0 degrees inclination orbit.

From what appears to be the Upper Stage de-orbit hazard area near Antarctica and
the time it opens (23:23 UT) as well as its shape, an orbital altitude near 1500
km is indicated. Previous FIA are in 1100 km orbits.

So the identity of NROL-47 remains a questionmark and I am not convinced it must
be a FIA/TOPAZ. It could be some other new radar (the retrograde orbit suggests
it is a radar satellite).

Here is an orbit estimate for launch on 10 January 20:30 UT:

NROL-47  launch 2018-01-10 20:30 UT                    1495 x 1505 km
1 70000U 18999A   18010.85416667  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    09
2 70000 108.6398 105.5134 0006347 166.4011 308.2684 12.41559515    01

Here is an alternative orbit for an 1100 km orbital altitude (FIA, but in a
different orbital plane):

NROL-47  launch 2018-01-10 20:30 UT                    1100 x 1110 km
1 70001U 18999A   18010.85416667  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    00
2 70001 108.5831 105.5134 0006682 166.4011 304.1188 13.41149813    06

Allow for several minutes difference in pass time and several degrees cross-track.

South Africa might have visibility on the first pass near 21:38 UT and the
second pass near 23:30 UT.

- Marco

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NOTMAR

NAVAREA XII 4/2018 (18,83)

EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 102030Z TO 110126Z JAN,
   ALTERNATE 2030Z TO 0126Z COMMENCING DAILY
   11 AND 12 JAN IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 26-25N 123-12W, 26-46N 124-20W,
   27-43N 123-59W, 27-22N 122-50W.
   B. 11-38N 128-57W, 11-50N 129-33W,
   13-57N 128-51W, 13-46N 128-15W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 130226Z JAN 18.

( 050854Z JAN 2018 )

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Прогноз погоды L-1 (из Мордокниги)

30th Space Wing (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.)
3 ч ·

L-1 Launch Weather Forecast
 Western Range Operation Forecast
 W5075
 -----------------------------------------------
 Issued: 9 Jan 18 / 0700L (1400Z)
 Valid: 10 Jan 18 / 1300L (2100Z)
 Vehicle/Payload: Delta IV, NROL-47
 Location: VAFB SLC-6
 -----------------------------------------------
T-0 Forecast: A major winter system will continue to transition through the central coast today, with a few lingering showers until the early evening hours. On Tuesday, the range will see winds out of the south-southeast at 25-30 kts, shifting over night as the low pressure center passes to out of the north-northwest at 23-28 kts. Throughout the count Wednesday to include during propellant load, the winds will remain elevated and out of the north, slowly decreasing to between 15 – 20 gusting to 25 knots and temperatures between 54F and 59F at T-0. Through the four hour window, however, the winds will increase slightly with support from the sea breeze to 18 – 22 gusting to 28 knots out of the north-northwest. Max upper level winds will be out of the northwest at 85 knots from 34,000 to 36,000 feet. The current space weather index is at standard background levels. Overall POV is 70% with Ground Winds being the only constraint of concern.

 24 Hour Scrub Forecast: The high pressure will continue to build in over the range through the end of the week. Morning fog and low stratus will be present early in the count, but will break out by T-0. Low level moisture will be present as a shallow cloud deck hugs the coast. Upper level cirrus will spill over the high as it builds into the region. Temperatures will maintain at 55F to 60F at T-0. Wind at T-0 will be out of the north between 7 – 12 knots gusting to 15 knots. Winds in the upper levels will decrease to 65 knots out of the northwest from 36,000 to 38,000 feet. Overall POV will be 10% with Ground Winds being the constraint of concern.
 ----------------------------------------------
 Clouds Coverage Bases Tops
 Stratus 5/8 ths 700 1,300
 ----------------------------------------------
 Visibility: 7 miles
 Weather: None
 Wind: 340 - 010 at 15 - 20 G 25 knots
 Temperature: 54 - 59° F

 Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 70%
 Areas of concern: Ground Winds

 Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 Hour Delay: 10%
 Areas of concern: Ground Winds

Согласно NMr NAVAREA XII 4/2018 (18,83) резервными являются 11 и 12 января с.г.
На резервный день 2018-01-11 - 90% GO!  

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NOTAMs (на основной и два резервных дня, с 10 по 12 января с.г., зоны и окно пуска идентичны)

KZAK
 
01/024 (A0096/18) - AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1801 PART B STNR ALT
RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 2625N12312W TO 2646N12420W TO
2743N12359W TO 2722N12250W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED
AS 1138N12857W TO 1150N12933W TO 1357N12851W TO 1346N12815W TO POINT
OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL. 10 JAN 21:00 2018 UNTIL 11 JAN 01:26 2018. CREATED: 09 JAN
22:05 2018
 
01/026 (A0097/18) - AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1801 STNR ALT
RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 2625N12312W TO 2646N12420W TO
2743N12359W TO 2722N12250W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED
AS 1138N12857W TO 1150N12933W TO 1357N12851W TO 1346N12815W TO POINT
OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL. 11 JAN 21:00 2018 UNTIL 12 JAN 01:26 2018. CREATED: 09 JAN
22:11 2018
 
01/028 (A0098/18) - AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1801 STNR ALT
RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 2625N12312W TO 2646N12420W TO
2743N12359W TO 2722N12250W TO POINT OF ORIGIN AND WI AN AREA DEFINED
AS 1138N12857W TO 1150N12933W TO 1357N12851W TO 1346N12815W TO POINT
OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL. 12 JAN 21:00 2018 UNTIL 13 JAN 01:26 2018. CREATED: 09 JAN
22:21 2018

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Зоны А и B (NMr, NAm)
 

[LRV_75]

Вот сейчас ULA покажет КАК нужно запускать сверх секретные и сверх дорогие космические аппараты национального управления военно-космической разведки США )))

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NOTMAR на 2-ю ст РН

HYDROPAC 47/2018 (29,61)

SOUTHWESTERN INDIAN OCEAN.
DNC 02, DNC 29.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 102323Z TO 110339Z JAN,
   ALTERNATE 2323Z TO 0339Z COMMENCING DAILY
   11 AND 12 JAN IN AREA BETWEEN
   51-30S 62-00S AND 034-30E 046-12E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 130439Z JAN 18.

( 050914Z JAN 2018 )

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Зона затопления 2-й ст РН

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https://sattrackcam.blogspot.ru/2018/01/what-is-nrol-47-and-in-what-orbit-will.html

Wednesday, 10 January 2018

What is NROL-47 and in what orbit will it be launched?

Hot after the excitement and drama of the Zuma launch (see my previous post), a new classified launch is upcoming on Wednesday January 10, when ULA will launch NROL-47, a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), on a Delta IV fr om Vandenberg SLC-6 in California.

Спойлер

From Maritime Broadcast Warnings, the launch window opens at 20:30 UT and closes at 01:26 UT.

The launch is in Westward direction, into retrograde orbit. This has led some space news websites to assume that the NROL-47 payload is the 5th TOPAZ (FIA Radar) satellite.

But is it? I have some doubts.

If it is TOPAZ 5, then it is clearly a deviation from the previous four launches. The launch hazard zones from published Maritime Broadcast Warnings show that the launch azimuth is different - previous TOPAZ missions all launched into azimuth 220 degrees, but NROL-47 launches into azimuth 200 degrees, a 20 degree difference.
 

NROL-47 Launch hazard areas (red) compared to the areas of four TOPAZ (FIA Radar) launches
click map to enlarge

This can be clearly seen on the map above, wh ere the NROL-47 hazard zones are in red, and the hazard zones from the four TOPAZ in purple, green, light blue and dark blue. The azimuth and locations of the zones from the four TOPAZ launches are all quite similar, but those of NROL-47 stand out as different.

All the four TOPAZ satellites are in a 123.0 degree inclined retrograde orbit. The NROL-47 launch azimuth results in a retrograde orbit too, but with an orbital inclination of 108.6 degrees, not 123.0 degrees: a 14.4 degree difference.

The orbital altitude aimed for appears to be different too. The four TOPAZ satellites are in 1100 x 1110 km orbits. But the location of the Delta IV Upper Stage de-orbit zone (between South Africa and Antarctica), its shape and the opening time of the window (23:23 UT) points to the NROL-47 payload going into a 1500 km altitude orbit instead.
 

estimated trajectory of NROL-47
click map to enlarge

So if this is the 5th TOPAZ launching as NROL-47 on Wednesday, then it is going into a quite different orbit compared to the previous four TOPAZ: different in orbital inclination as well as in orbital altitude.

In theory, the Delta IV rocket could do a "dogleg" and (when launching at 20:30 UT) deliver the NROL-47 payload into the 123.0 degree inclined orbital plane of TOPAZ 1 (FIA Radar 1). But why do that, if previous TOPAZ launches simply launched directly into the 123.0 degree inclination orbit?

So in my view, the jury is still out regarding the identity of NROL-47. It could be a 5th TOPAZ but in a quite different orbit compared to the previous four (in itself possible: the Lacrosses also occupied two different orbital inclinations). It could also be something new. If something new, it likely will be a radar satellite (like TOPAZ), given the retrograde character of the orbit.

orbital constellation of TOPAZ 1, 2, 3 and 4 in 123.0 degree inclined orbits
The orbits are spaced 90 degrees in RAAN
click image to enlarge

The deliberate re-entry of the Upper Stage happens 1.5 revolutions (2h 55m) after launch.

Estimated search orbits, based on a 108.6 degree orbital inclination, are here. South Africa will have two visible passes after launch
 

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Posted by SatTrackCam Leiden at 1/10/2018 12:06:00 am

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Компания ULA будет транслировать запуск

на сайте компании

ulalaunch.com/webcast.aspx

или

на ТыТрубе

youtube.com/watch?v=3rCjIaCBldY

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Delta IV NROL-47 Mission Profile

United Launch Alliance

Опубликовано: 9 янв. 2018 г.

(1:18 )

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http://spaceflight101.com/delta-iv-nrol-47/nrol-47-delta-iv-launch-preview/

ULA Delta IV Set for West Coast Launch with Classified National Reconnaissance Office Satellite
January 9, 2018


The encapsulated NROL-47 payload before installation atop its Delta IV booster – Photo: United Launch Alliance

United Launch Alliance is gearing up for the final West Coast launch of the single-stick Delta IV rocket, planned fr om Vandenberg's SLC-6 at 21:00 UTC on Wednesday with the classified NROL-47 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office to replenish the U.S. spy satellite fleet.

Спойлер

Keeping with the theme of classified spaceflight business, this will be the second launch in just four days involving a classified primary payload after a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted the top-secret Zuma satellite Sunday night. ULA and the NRO will be hoping for a better outcome as reports emerged that Zuma was likely met with an untimely demise shortly after arriving in orbit.

As with every National Reconnaissance Office mission, the launch comes without much public information. To that end, the duration of Wednesday's launch window and any information on what is hidden under Delta's payload fairing are closely guarded secrets, as is the mission's target orbit. Live coverage of the launch will end less than four minutes after launch when Delta IV will separate its protective payload fairing and push toward orbit out of public sight.


NROL-47 Mission Patch – Credit: NRO

Unlike Zuma whose secrecy apparently outlived its mission, NROL-47's identity can be revealed with fair certainty before it even launches due to the unique "backwards" orbit it is targeting as shown by the launch hazard area published for Wednesday's mission. This type of retrograde orbit, inclined >100°, is only used by the radar satellite program of the National Reconnaissance Office which has seen four launches to date.

Radar reconnaissance has become an important element of modern-day space-based intelligence-gathering as it allows for imaging at day and night and through clouds, even penetrating foliage to reveal what optical-image reconnaissance satellites can not see. The U.S. began the development of large radar reconnaissance satellites in the 1970s and launched five satellites, code-named Lacrosse, between 1988 and 2005 aboard the Space Shuttle and Titan IV rockets.

Topaz, the current radar satellite series, finds its roots in the Future Imagery Architecture (FIA) – a program initiated in 1999 to consolidate the NRO's optical and radar imaging programs. As procurement information shows, the first launch under FIA was expected within five years, but the program ran so hopelessly behind schedule and over budget that it was canceled in late 2005. Under the re-structured program, the optical side of FIA was abandoned in favor of the existing Keyhole satellites built by Lockheed Martin while the radar component of the program continued development by Boeing.


Vandenberg in the orbital plane of USA 215 at launch time – Image: Spaceflight101 / JSatTrak

The first FIA Radar Satellite launched in 2010 as NROL-41 on an Atlas V 501, the next two followed in 2012 and 2013 as NROL-25 and 39 on Delta IV M+(5,2) and Atlas V 501 rockets and the fourth, NROL-45, took flight in 2016 on a Delta IV M+(5,2). To date, the Delta IV M+(5,2) has exclusively been flown in support of the Topaz program, adding further confidence that Wednesday's launch will be lifting the next member of the constellation.

Orbital data collected by amateur satellite trackers shows the four Topaz satellites in orbits of 1,100 by 1,105 Kilometers at an inclination of 123 degrees with a separation of roughly 90 degrees in right ascension between the four constellation planes. Vandenberg Air Force Base will be in the orbital plane of Topaz 1 (NROL-41, USA 215) at 21:08 UTC on Wednesday, coinciding with the opening of the launch window and indicating NROL-47 may be the replacement for the oldest member of the system.


Broadcast Warnings for NROL-47 (red) & NROL-45 (yellow) show the difference in azimuth – Image: Spaceflight101/Google Earth

However, one departure from the previous pattern is found in Wednesday's launch azimuth which can be gleaned from the official Notices to Airmen identifying the hazard areas associated with the mission – pointing to a 109-degree inclination as opposed to previous missions whose azimuth pointed directly to a 123-degree orbit. To reconcile the launch azimuth with the given second stage re-entry area for Wednesday's launch, an orbital altitude around 400 Kilometers above the existing Topaz constellation is indicated.

This would either place doubts on the satellite's identity as Topaz-5 or imply that it is headed into a different orbit than its predecessors. According to leaked documentation, there were to be five Topaz Block I satellites and NROL-47 is the only candidate that fits (it is the final launch of the Delta IV M+(5,2) and the Atlas V 501 only has one manifested mission with the X-37B OTV-6). The change in orbit may be motivated by a desire to exploit peculiar harmonics arising from Earth's geopotential that can influence the progression of orbital eccentricity and inclination over time.


Photo: United Launch Alliance

Preparations for the launch of NROL-47 started back on April 6, 2017 when the Delta Mariner delivering the components of the Delta IV rocket was unloaded at Vandenberg Air Force Base dock. The launch was initially set for December 13, but ULA decided to delay the mission "in order to perform additional validation of the software and systems associated with Common Avionics" – a newly designed avionics flight system, software and ground support architecture for both Atlas V and Delta IV intended to increase commonality between the two launch vehicle families and reduce cost.

Wednesday's mission will be the last Delta IV Medium, or single-stick Delta IV, to fly from Vandenberg as ULA shifts toward its new Vulcan rocket that will eventually take over for Delta IV and Atlas V with the more-expensive Delta family being the first to retire. ULA will fly out its Delta IV Medium inventory this year and only keep the Delta IV Heavy rocket in operation through 2023 for six NRO missions and the deployment of NASA's Parker Solar Probe.

Weather for Wednesday's NROL-47 launch opportunity is less than ideal with only 30% odds of favorable conditions during the classified launch window due to gusty winds up to 28kts. The backup launch slot on Thursday is showing much better conditions with only a 10% probability of violation.
 

Countdown & Launch Sequence

Photo: United Launch Alliance

Delta IV countdown operations will be initiated Wednesday morning, local time, when the Mobile Service Tower will be retracted to reveal the 66-meter tall rocket atop its SLC-6 launch pad. RIFCA, the Redundant Inertial Flight Control Assembly, will be activated and put through detailed checks while teams at the pad finish buttoning up all facilities for liftoff and Air Force Range Controllers begin watching over the launch corridor.

Propellant loading operations pick up around L-4.5 hours to fill the two-stage rocket with supercold Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant with the first stage receiving 202 metric tons of the cryogenic propellant combination and the five-meter second stage is loaded with 27,220kg. When entering the final hour of the countdown, Delta IV will complete engine steering checks and receive an optimized version of its flight software as teams proceed into a final hold of the countdown at T-4 minutes for a status check prior to committing to terminal countdown operations.

Pressing into its automated countdown sequence, Delta IV will make its way to internal power, pressurize its propellant tanks and set up its hydraulics system. A final thrust vector check on the boosters occurs at T-25 seconds and is followed by the ignition of the sparklers beneath the main engine and the handoff of control to the Delta IV rocket at T-8.5 seconds.

>> Countdown Timeline

The typical red flame of Hydrogen will erupt from the base of the rocket at T-5.5 seconds when the powerful RS-68A engine opens its fuel valve to begin its ignition process followed by the opening of the LOX valve at T-2 seconds to enable the engine to soar to a whopping thrust of 320 metric ton force.


Delta IV lifts off with Topaz-2 – Photo: United Launch Alliance

At T-0.04 seconds, Delta IV is committed to launch with Booster Ignition occurring simultaneously with Hold-Down Release and liftoff of the launch vehicle thundering uphill with a total thrust of 469,400 Kilogram-force.

Following liftoff, Delta IV will complete a short vertical ascent before beginning its Pitch & Roll maneuver at T+8 seconds to align itself with its planned launch trajectory, departing California's Central Coast to the south-west for a flight across the Pacific Ocean.

Delta IV will break the sound barrier after just 38 seconds and pass Maximum Dynamic Pressure at the T+45-Second mark as the launcher is powered by the RS-68A main engine and four GEM-60 solid rocket motors. The SRMs burn out one minute and 32 seconds into the flight and are jettisoned eight seconds later to ensure a safe off-shore impact.

>> Delta IV Launch Vehicle

Continuing powered ascent on the RS-68A engine of the first stage, Delta IV will keep on racing downrange on its way uphill, headed to an elliptical parking orbit. Fairing separation occurs a little over three minutes after launch, splitting open the fairing halves and rotating them outward before separation to ensure both halves cleanly depart the vehicle that will be flying through the rarefied layers of the atmosphere by that point wh ere thrust on the RS-68A increases to 363 metric ton-force. The Common Booster Core will burn until close to T+4 minutes followed by stage separation six seconds thereafter.

The RL-10B engine of the second stage will then deploy its nozzle extension and ignite on the first of two burns to boost the stack into orbit with a thrust of 11,200 Kilogram-force.


Typical Topaz Launch Trajectory & Retrograde Orbit (USA 215, 234, 247, 267) – Image: Spaceflight101/Orbitron

This first long firing of the DCSS will place the stack into an elliptical transfer orbit with an apogee at the desired orbital altitude. Next will be a coast phase to allow the second stage to climb all the way to apogee for the circularization burn to set up for spacecraft separation around 90 minutes after launch.

The Delta Cryogenic Second Stage will conduct a retrograde deorbit maneuver to set up a destructive re-entry over the Southern Indian Ocean for impact in an area south of Madagascar / South Africa some three hours after launch.

Pending the successful launch of NROL-47, satellite trackers around the world will spring into action to observe the satellite in orbit and get a fix on its orbital parameters to ascertain whether the satellite, expected to be cataloged as USA 261, will indeed enter a different orbit than its predecessors and what the precise motivation behind this change could be.

[свернуть]

[Чебурашка]

Если вероятность переноса по погоде 70%, нет смысла даже начинать заправлять

[che wi]

Перенесли на сутки.

[Pirat5]

01/11/2018 19:41   Stephen Clark
There is an 80 percent chance that weather conditions will be acceptable for liftoff of the Delta 4 rocket today.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/01/10/delta-4-nrol-47-mission-status-center/

01/11/2018 21:13  Stephen Clark
The countdown has resumed, and is now at T-minus 3 hours, 30 minutes and counting.

[Pirat5]

движенье

01/11/2018 21:48 Stephen Clark
Chilldown of Delta's first stage liquid oxygen system is getting underway. The chilldown procedure runs small quantities of liquid oxygen through the propellant system to prepare the plumbing for the super-cold fluid.

01/11/2018 21:37 Stephen Clark  
The cold gas chilldown conditioning of the liquid hydrogen system has been completed, clearing the way for the launch team to begin flowing super-cold liquid hydrogen into the first stage.
Stored at minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit, the cryogenic fuel will first be pumped into the first stage in a "slow fill" mode, then transitioned to a "fast fill" mode a few minutes later.
An Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A main engine will consume the liquid hydrogen with liquid oxygen during the first four minutes of the flight.

[che wi]

Tory Bruno‏ @torybruno · 2m

New T0 of 1355 pst #NROL47

[Pirat5]

Спойлер

01/11/2018 22:22 Stephen ClarkThe "go" has been given for the upper stage liquid oxygen chilldown in advance of filling that tank.
01/11/2018 22:44 Stephen ClarkT-minus 2 hours and counting. Including a planned hold at T-minus 4 minutes, the countdown clock is ticking toward an expected launch time of 1:58 p.m. PST (4:58 p.m. EST; 2158 GMT).

[свернуть]

[dimoncoder]

[Liss]

Пуск ожидается в 22:05 UTC = 01:05 ДМВ.

[Liss]

Тормознули на T-1 мин 25 сек.

[Liss]

Фигня с поворотными платформами. По факту отвелись, по контролю нет.

[andr59]

Так они продолжают мучаться или уже все, комментаторов не слышно..

[Liss]

andr59 пишет:
Так они продолжают мучаться или уже все, комментаторов не слышно..

Судя по http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42699.160 , продолжают мучиться.

[Прол]

Снова уход на -4 минуты...

[Прол]

LRV_75 пишет:
Вот сейчас ULA покажет КАК нужно запускать сверх секретные и сверх дорогие космические аппараты национального управления военно-космической разведки США )))

Да уж, упорные ребята. Интересно, на какой попытке сегодня сдадутся и перенесут?

[Прол]

В 3:59 следующая попытка .

[dimoncoder]

Отмена.

[LRV_75]

Прол пишет:

LRV_75 пишет:
Вот сейчас ULA покажет КАК нужно запускать сверх секретные и сверх дорогие космические аппараты национального управления военно-космической разведки США )))

Да уж, упорные ребята. Интересно, на какой попытке сегодня сдадутся и перенесут?

Лучше выявить проблемы ДО старта, чем во время полета

[Прол]

LRV_75 пишет:
Лучше выявить проблемы ДО старта, чем во время полета

Это да, но как же они старались пустить без переноса . Иначе тормознули бы после второго останова.

[Алихан Исмаилов]

Я ждал до последнего.

[Зловредный]

Трансляцию обещают тут:

[Pirat5]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/01/10/delta-4-nrol-47-mission-status-center/

01/12/2018 23:40 Spaceflight Now
The United Launch Alliance webcast is now starting.

[Чебурашка]

Алихан Исмаилов пишет:
Я ждал до последнего.

Редкая Дельта улетает с первого раза.

[Pirat5]

[us2-star]

[Чебурашка]

В 01:15 пуск... спать или не спать?

[Salo]

01:11 ДМВ

[Salo]

https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/01/10/delta-4-nrol-47-mission-status-center/

01/12/2018 23:57  Spaceflight Now

T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered a planned hold expected to last 10 minutes.
During this hold, the Delta 4 launch team will be polled for approval to begin the terminal countdown and for liftoff.

 01/12/2018 23:51  Spaceflight Now

Twenty minutes to launch. Here are some statistics on today's mission:
379th Delta rocket launch since 1960
36th Delta 4 rocket mission since 2002
3rd Medium+ 5,2 configuration to fly
The 54th main engine from RS-68 family used
The 12th RS-68A main engine flown
The 60th and 61st GEM-60 solid rocket motors flown
The 484th production RL10 engine to be launched
The 39th RL10B-2 engine launched
The 7th Delta 4 rocket launch from Vandenberg
The 11th classified Delta 4 for the NRO
The 110th Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle flight
The 124th United Launch Alliance mission since 2006
The 29th Delta 4 under the ULA banner
The 1st ULA launch of 2018
The 1st launch of the Delta family in 2018

[Salo]

01/13/2018 00:01   Spaceflight Now  

Ten minutes until launch....

[Salo]

 Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight  6 мин.6 минут назад
T-4 mins and holding for the Delta IV - no issues being worked.
 

[Liss]

Пустили отсчет с T-4 мин.

[Salo]

Улетела!

[Liss]

Стартовала.

[Salo]

01/13/2018 00:12 Spaceflight Now

T+plus 1 minute, 45 seconds. Solid motor separation! The spent boosters have been shed from the first stage. Delta 4 continues powering its way on the thrust generated by the main engine.
01/13/2018 00:12 Spaceflight Now

T+plus 1 minute, 35 seconds. The pair of 60-inch-diameter solid rocket boosters made by Orbital ATK have burned out.
01/13/2018 00:11 Spaceflight Now

T+plus 50 seconds. The Delta 4 has accelerated faster than the speed of sound. Coming up on maximum aerodynamic pressure.
01/13/2018 00:11 Spaceflight Now

T+plus 30 seconds. The Delta 4 rocket is thundering away from Vandenberg on the third mission in the Medium+ (5,2) configuration with a pair of solid boosters and five-meter-diameter payload shroud.
01/13/2018 00:11 Spaceflight Now

Liftoff of the Delta 4 rocket, hauling to orbit a new set of eyes for the National

[Salo]

01/13/2018 00:13 Spaceflight Now

T+plus 2 minutes, 30 seconds. The Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A is consuming nearly a ton of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants per second as the main engine pushes the Delta 4 rocket toward space.

[Salo]

 Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight  2 мин.2 минуты назад
LAUNCH! ULA Delta IV launches with NROL-47 out of SLC-6 at Vandenberg! Follow Along Live: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42699.400 ...
 
 
 

 
   Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight  8 мин.8 минут назад  
Green board.
 

[Salo]

Updated: 01/13/2018 00:15 Spaceflight Now

The United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket has flown into a news blackout. The rest of the flight will occur in secrecy under the orders of the National Reconnaissance Office, the spy agency which owns the payload on today's mission.

The Delta 4 rocket's first stage is expected to shut down shortly, and then the second stage's RL10 engine will assume the job of placing the top secret payload in orbit.

ULA and the NRO are expected to confirm the outcome of today's flight once the launch sequence is completed.
01/13/2018 00:14 Spaceflight Now

T+plus 3 minutes, 20 seconds. Now above the discernible atmosphere, the protective nose cone enclosing the secret National Reconnaissance Office satellite payload atop the rocket has jettisoned.

[Salo]

 Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight  3 мин.3 минуты назад
MaxQ and SRB sep.
 
 
 
 

[Прол]

Улетела. Ждем результат.

[Salo]

Трансляция в записи:

[Salo]

 Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight  4 мин.4 минуты назад
So many people asking....yes, that is normal. RS-68s are toast makers. Delta IV-Heavy is even more fun. Three times the toast. #Toast4Everyone
 

[che wi]

В США запущена ракета-носитель Delta IV с военным спутником

НЬЮ-ЙОРК, 13 января. /ТАСС/. Ракета-носитель Delta IV со спутником NROL-47 национального управления военно-космической разведки (НУВКР) была запущена в пятницу со стартового комплекса базы ВВС США Ванденберг в штате Калифорния. Трансляция велась на сайте компании United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Запуск стал первым для ULA в этом году. Ранее его неоднократно откладывали. В частности, в среду операцию было решено перенести из-за сильного ветра. В четверг сотрудники ULA дважды прерывали финальный отсчет и в общей сложности в течение нескольких часов устраняли возникшие технические неполадки, в итоге они отменили запуск.

В пятницу старт был дан в 17:11 по времени Западного побережья США (01:11 субботы мск). Аппарат был помещен в специальную капсулу в верхней части носителя, которая отделится после того, как ракета достигнет заданной высоты.

Деятельность НУВКР, контролирующего разведывательные спутники США, засекречена. Управление также не раскрывает информацию относительно конкретного предназначения аппарата и его стоимости. Это уже 27-й по счету запуск, который ULA осуществляет для нужд НУВКР.

ULA была основана в 2006 году. Она является совместным предприятием авиационных гигантов Boeing и Lockheed Martin.

[che wi]

[che wi]

NROL-47 search elements from radio observations
http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Jan-2018/0116.html

[Прол]

Орбиту изменили по сравнению с предыдущими "Топазами". Больше внимания северным широтам?

[tnt22]

ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch 16 мин. назад

Earlier this month, ULA's #DeltaIV rocket launched the #NROL47 mission for the @NatReconOfc. Check out that accuracy! #MissionMonday