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ЦитироватьCape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Sept. 17, 2013 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] workers lift the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-5 satellite onto a transporter following its Aug. 1 arrival at the Navstar Processing Facility on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Boeing shipped the fifth GPS IIF satellite from its satellite factory in El Segundo, Calif., on a U.S. Air Force C-17 airlifter. Workers will fuel the satellite and integrate it with a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket prior to launch in October. The GPS IIFs continue to meet mission requirements as they are added to the on-orbit constellation, achieving the greatest accuracy ever and ensuring highly accurate position, timing and navigation services to a global user community.

ЦитироватьOct. 23     Delta 4  •  GPS 2F-5
Launch window: 2153-2212 GMT (5:53-6:12 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

ЦитироватьThe Air Force is in the process of setting a new launch date for its next Global Positioning System satellite on a Delta IV rocket.

Launch of the GPS IIF-5 spacecraft from Cape Canaveral had been targeted for next Wednesday at 5:53 p.m., but will slip.

A spokesperson for the 45th Space Wing could not immediately confirm the reason for the slip or a new target launch date.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/89244.jpg) James Dean ‏@flatoday_jdean  (https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean) The next planned Cape launch, of Delta IV/GPS IIF-5, may slip a couple weeks. Had been targeted for Oct. 23.
 
 6:29 PM - 15 Oct 13

ЦитироватьDelta 4 launch of new GPS satellite postponed
BY STEPHEN CLARK
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: October 16, 2013

  The launch of a new satellite to replenish the U.S. Air Force's GPS navigation network, previously scheduled to lift off Oct. 23 on a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket, has been postponed, according to Air Force officials.
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/89562.jpg)
Photo of the GPS 2F-5 spacecraft after its arrival at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Credit: Boeing
 
 The GPS 2F-5 spacecraft, the fifth in a series of 12 current-generation satellites built by Boeing Co., was supposed to be mated with its Delta 4 rocket last week.
But the satellite's trip to the Delta 4 launch pad was pushed back, along with the mission's Oct. 23 launch date, officials said.
United Launch Alliance spokesperson Jessica Rye deferred inquiries on the matter to the Air Force on Tuesday. An Air Force spokesperson did not respond to questions on the cause and expected length of the postponement by the end of Wednesday.
The two-stage Delta 4 rocket and its twin solid rocket boosters were stacked on the launch mount at Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., following the expendable launcher's previous flight in early August.
Boeing shipped the GPS 2F-5 satellite from its factory in El Segundo, Calif., to the Florida launch site Aug. 1, kicking off more than two months of testing and fueling before engineers were supposed to move the 3,400-pound spacecraft to meet its Delta 4 booster.
The upcoming launch will mark the 25th flight of a Delta 4 rocket since launches began in November 2002. The launch of GPS 2F-5 will be the fourth and final Delta 4 mission of 2013.

ЦитироватьGPS IIF-5
Delta 365

Delta IV to Launch GPS IIF-5

Update (Oct. 18, 2013,4:15 p.m. EDT): The launch of the GPS IIF-5 mission on a ULA Delta IV launch vehicle, currently scheduled for Oct. 23, 2013, is being delayed. The team has continued with Phase II of an investigation related to a successful Delta IV launch that occurred in October 2012 in which the second stage RL10B-2 engine thrust was lower than expected. It was determined that a fuel leak occurred within the engine system and that this fuel leak caused the low thrust. The ongoing Phase II investigation has included extremely detailed characterization and reconstructions of the instrumentation signatures obtained from the October 2012 launch and these have recently resulted in some updated conclusions related to dynamic responses that occurred on the engine system during the first engine start event. The GPS IIF-5 Delta IV launch is being delayed to allow the technical team time to further assess these updated conclusions and assess the improvements already implemented and determine whether additional changes are required prior to the next Delta IV launch. The Delta IV booster for the GPS IIF-5 mission has completed the standard processing and checkout on the launch pad and will be maintained in a ready state for spacecraft mate and launch pending completion of this assessment. A new launch date will be established when the assessment of the updated dynamic response information is completed in the coming weeks. The processing of Atlas V vehicles for upcoming missions including the Nov. 18 launch of the MAVEN mission for NASA are proceeding as planned.

Rocket/Payload: A Delta IV M+ (4,2) will launch the GPS IIF-5 mission for the U.S. Air Force.
Date/Site/Launch Time: This mission will launch from Space Launch Complex (SLC>37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

Mission Description: GPS satellites serve and protect our warfighters by providing navigational assistance for U.S. military operations on land, at sea, and in the air. Civilian users around the world also use and depend on GPS for highly accurate time, location, and velocity information. GPS IIF-5 is one of the next-generation GPS satellites, incorporating various improvements to provide greater accuracy, increased signals, and enhanced performance for users.

Launch Notes: GPS IIF-5 will be the 25th flight of the Delta IV launch vehicle since its inaugural flight in November 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 and //twitter.com/ulalaunch ; look for the #GPSIIF5 hashtag.

Go Delta! Go GPSIIF-5!

ЦитироватьUnited Launch Alliance has delayed the upcoming Delta IV launch fr om Cape Canaveral to continue the investigation into the RL-10 engine anomaly that occurred on a Delta IV Flight a year ago. Originally, the launch of the Delta IV with GPS IIF-5 was planned on October 23, but will now be delayed by several weeks.

On October 4, 2012 a Delta IV Rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on a mission to deliver the GPS IIF-3 satellite to Medium Earth Orbit. After nominal performance of the two Solid Rocket Boosters and the Common Booster Core of the Delta Rocket, the second stage assumed control of the flight.

During the first burn of the stage, it became apparent that the propulsion system was not performing as expected. Later analysis has shown that the RL-10B-2 engine of the Delta Cryogenic Upper Stage had suffered a fuel leak that caused the engine to operate at a lower pressure - reducing its thrust and performance.

The flight control system of the rocket automatically extended all three of its burns to reach its planned orbit which was only possible since the launcher had a large performance margin on this particular flight. Following the mission, Atlas V and Delta IV vehicles were grounded as the anomaly was investigated.

The Delta Cryogenic Upper Stage uses an RL-10B-2 that features a nozzle extension and electro-mechanical gimbaling systems. It provides 110 Kilonewtons of nominal thrust and has a specific impulse of 462s. The Centaur Upper Stage of the Atlas V is equipped with a (more conventional) RL-10A-4-2 engine that provides 99.1kN of thrust and has an Isp of 451s.

The next flight of the Atlas V was pushed into December when the RL-10A was cleared for launch after no crossover issues between the two versions of the RL-10 were found. Delta IV flights resumed in May 2013 and the launcher performed a total of three successful missions in 2013.

Following the completion of Phase I of the investigation, no immediate design changes on the RL-10B were recommended, but even with Delta IV flying again, officials continued to investigate the anomaly. "The ongoing Phase 2 investigation has included extremely detailed characterization and reconstructions of the instrumentation signatures obtained from the October 2012 launch and these have recently resulted in some updated conclusions related to dynamic responses that occurred on the engine system during the first engine start event," United Launch Alliance said in a statement.

"The GPS IIF-5 Delta IV launch is being delayed to allow the technical team time to further assess these updated conclusions and assess the improvements already implemented and determine whether additional changes are required prior to the next Delta IV launch."

The Delta IV rocket for the GPS IIF-5 flight has been assembled at Space Launch Complex 37 and completed all required pre-launch tests. It will be maintained in a ready state, waiting for launch clearance that is expected in a few weeks.

The satellite itself was delivered to the launch site on August 1 and has started its pre-launch processing at the Navstar Processing Facility wh ere it is now waiting for a new launch date.

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October 19, 2013

ЦитироватьThe next GPS satellite to be launched is IIF-5 with launch NET 12 December 2013.

ЦитироватьChris Bergin пишет:
Per L2, the next launch from SLC-37 will be the Delta IV with AFSPC-04.

"Launch scheduled > 02/27/14; launch window:  0300E-0700E (Range approved)"

ЦитироватьUnited Launch Alliance said the launch of the rocket carrying a GPS satellite for the U.S. Air Force is being delayed until early next year due to an engine problem, the same problem they have been trying to fix from a previous launch.

ULA said an engine leak during an October 2013 launch caused a lower than expected thrust. The Delta IV rocket was able to carry its satellite payload to the proper orbit and since then ULA has carried out successful Delta IV missions from the Space Coast.

ULA investigators are still determining what kind of modifications need to be done to make sure the same problem doesn't occur again.

A ULA spokeswoman said impacts to the rest of the Delta IV manifest are under review. If the problem persists, it could impact the September 2014 Orion test flight. The Orion capsule is schedule to launch on board a Delta IV for its first flight ever. Orion is NASA's next generation spacecraft, replacing the space shuttle.

A ULA spokesperson said its other rocket, the Atlas V, is on track for upcoming launches, including a NASA communications satellite in January.

ЦитироватьIIF-5 Scheduled for 20 February 2014...

ЦитироватьThe Delta 4 rocket is aiming for a Feb. 20 launch of the GPS 2F-5 navigation satellite. The evening launch window at Cape Canaveral extends from 8:40 to 8:59 p.m. EST.

Цитироватьjacqmans пишет:
Some shots of the Delta IV taken from Pad 34 on January 27 by Julian Leek (from his facebook site)

ЦитироватьThe Delta IV rocket has been cleared for the launch of the GPS IIF-5 satellite next week after a painstaking investigation into a problem with the rocket's upper stage engine that occurred back in 2012.

Спойлер

On October 4, 2012, a Delta IV blasted off from Cape Canaveral carrying the GPS IIF-3 satellite. Headed for the standard GPS orbit at an altitude of 20,459 Kilometers, the Delta IV burned out its twin Solid Rocket Motors and the Common Booster Core first stage before handing powered ascent off to the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage and its RL-10B-2 – a derivative of the RL-10 engine built by Pratt&Whitney Rocketdyne (now Aerojet-Rocketdyne).

In the first burn of the flight, the RL-10 engine developed a low-thrust condition for reasons unknown at the time. With lower performance than planned, the launch vehicle's control system had to adjust the duration of the burn and the flight profile to reach the planned insertion orbit. Two more burns followed and again showed the low performance and had to be extended to reach the target orbit.

These burn extensions were possible because this launch had a larger margin than previous missions since GPS IIF-3 was a light payload - leaving Delta IV M+ (4,2) with excess performance. Had this been the launch of a heavier payload, the satellite would not have reached its intended orbit.

After the flight, all telemetry data returned from the RL-10 engine was gathered and a detailed investigation was started to determine the root cause of the problem and identify any corrective measures to prevent this issue from occurring on any subsequent launch. Involved in the investigation were United Launch Alliance, the US Air Force and the RL-10's manufacturer.

It was quickly determined that the low thrust condition was caused by a fuel leak above the engine throat that formed during the first engine start. The investigation included extensive analysis of telemetry data, modeling of the environment encountered by the engine and inspections of hardware on the ground.

While the investigation was in progress, all Delta IV flights were grounded and teams also pushed back the next planned Atlas V launches as the Centaur upper stage of Atlas V uses the RL-10A-4-2 engine that shares some components with the RL-10B-2. By December 2012, Atlas V launches resumed as the RL-10A version was cleared.

Phase I of the investigation was closed in April 2013 and material defects or design issues in existing RL-10 engines were ruled out – allowing three high-profile launches of the WGS-5, WGS-6 and NROL-65 satellites to go ahead in 2013. All these launches were completed without any problems.

In the Phase II investigation, a detailed characterization and reconstruction of the instrument signatures was performed including ground testing of the instrumentation that led to new insights that could have potentially changed the previous flight clearance of the RL-10. It was determined that previously undetected low-frequency responses during the first engine start may have contributed to the formation of the leak. In depth testing of the structural elements of the engine and the installed sensors was made to accurately understand the instrument signatures of the October 4 flight.

Through these extensive tests and analysis, investigators concluded that the previously implemented improvements were appropriate, effectively removing all flight constraints for the RL-10B engine.  These improvements include a more rigorous pre-flight inspection routine to identify signs of defects or foreign objects. Additionally, the RL-10B performs modified Helium purges during ascent for thermal conditioning ahead of its first ignition after first stage separation to ensure a good thermal environment for the critical ignition sequence.

With Delta IV cleared for flight, preparations for the launch of the GPS IIF-5 satellite resumed at Cape Canaveral. Assembly of the Delta IV rocket was completed last fall at Space Launch Complex 37B when teams were still working towards an October launch date. When the delay was announced, the processing flow of the satellite was put on hold and the Delta IV was kept in a safe storage configuration.

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Resuming preparations for launch, the GPS IIF-5 satellite continued processing at the Navstar Processing Facility, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Processing operations included fueling of the spacecraft and a set of final inspections before the satellite was encapsulated in the protective payload fairing. The payload was rolled to SLC-37 on February 5 for attachment atop the Delta IV rocket.

With the payload installed, teams began integrated testing of the launch vehicle that includes countdown and flight simulations to confirm that all systems are in proper condition to support the mission. The satellite will also complete flight simulation tests as well as battery charging for the mission as the launch approaches.

Liftoff is set for February 21, 2014 with a 19-minute launch window opening at 1:40 UTC targeting Slot 3 in Plane A of the GPS constellation.

 (https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/30973)
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Spaceflight101 | February 15, 2014

ЦитироватьThe ULA Launch Readiness Review is complete. We are GO for the #GPSIIF5 launch on a #DeltaIV! Tomorrow's launch window opens at 8:40 pm EST

ЦитироватьCAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Feb. 21, 2014 -- /PRNewswire/ -- A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket successfully launched the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-5 satellite for the U.S. Air Force on Feb. 20 at 8:59 p.m. EST today from Space Launch Complex-37. This is ULA's second launch in 2014 and the 79th launch since the company was formed in December 2006.

"Congratulations to the entire mission team on tonight's successful launch of the GPS IIF-5 satellite," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programs. "GPS provides vital capabilities for the men and women protecting our freedoms around the world and also provides ever-expanding benefits in our daily lives.  We are privileged to collaborate with our dedicated government and industry partners seamlessly working together to deliver these capabilities safely to orbit with a focus on mission success, one launch at a time."

This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium-plus configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) using a single ULA common booster core powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine, along with two ATK GEM-60 solid rocket motors. The upper stage was powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10B-2 engine with the satellite encapsulated in a four-meter diameter composite payload fairing.

Спойлер

GPS IIF-5 is the fifth in a series of next-generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system utilizing 24 satellites in six different planes, with a minimum of four satellites per plane positioned in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth's surface. The GPS IIF series provides improved accuracy and enhanced performance for GPS users.

"This launch marks the 25th successful launch of our Delta IV product line," said Sponnick. "Delta IV has successfully delivered numerous satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), as well as GPS satellites for the Air Force and weather satellites for NASA. 

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V NROL-67 mission for the NRO planned for March 25, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The EELV program was established by the United States Air Force to provide assured access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads. The commercially developed EELV Program supports the full range of government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and providing significant cost savings over the heritage launch systems.

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 75 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system. Reliable launch, real-world benefits.

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ЦитироватьВашингтон. 21 февраля. INTERFAX.RU - С американского космодрома на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида) произведен успешный запуск ракеты-носителя Delta-4, которая вывела на орбиту навигационный спутник нового поколения GPS 2F, сообщил в пятницу американский телеканал CBS.

Предполагается, что спутник пополнит орбитальную группировку американской системы глобального позиционирования GPS, заменив один из устаревших аппаратов, который был выведен на орбиту 16 лет назад.

Спутник сконструирован американской компанией Boeing. Конструкция ракеты-носителя и ее запуск были доверены компании United Launch Alliance - совместным предприятием Boeing и корпорацией Lockheed Martin.

Это пятый из 12 спутников нового поколения, которые, как ожидается, должны заменить на орбите уже устаревшие аппараты.

Как сообщили представители компании Boeing, спутник GPS 2F позволяет получать более точный навигационный сигнал как в гражданских, так и военных нуждах, а также обладает специальной системой, снижающий уровень помех при подавлении сигнала в ходе возможных действий.

Предполагается, что срок службы этой модификации спутника должен составить не менее 12 лет. Его ориентировочная стоимость более $120 млн.

ЦитироватьZOOR пишет:
А сколько у них ввод в систему? ЕМНИП меньше недели?

ЦитироватьCalif., April 8, 2014 -- The accuracy of the Global Positioning System (GPS) has been improved with the recent handover of a fifth Boeing [NYSE] GPS IIF satellite to the U.S. Air Force. The newest addition to the GPS constellation increases the precision of position, navigation and timing data sent to users around the world.

The satellite was launched Feb. 20. The Air Force, which operates the GPS system, and Boeing have now completed deployment and validation of the spacecraft's systems, stabilizing the vehicle and activating its navigation payload.

"As each GPS IIF joins the fleet, we are sustaining and modernizing the constellation for years to come," said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Space and Intelligence Systems. "With this latest successful handover, Boeing is maintaining a robust operating rhythm this year to support the GPS program."

Boeing is preparing the next GPS IIF satellite – the sixth of 12 – for a second quarter launch. The GPS IIF delivers improved accuracy, greater security and anti-jam capabilities while maintaining baseline legacy GPS performance.

Спойлер

Since the first launch in 1978, Boeing-built GPS satellites have accumulated the equivalent of more than 500 years of on-orbit operation.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $33 billion business with 57,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

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