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ЦитироватьЗавершены испытания топливных баков
 Как сообщает SpaceFlightNow, в минувшую пятницу на мысе Канаверал специалисты компании United Launch Alliance завершили испытания топливных баков РН Delta-4 Heavy, предназначенной для запуска в июне нынешнего года. Заключительные стендовые испытания включали в себя заправку баков компонентами топлива, но без зажигания. В ходе своей миссии носитель должен вывести на орбиту груз Национального разведывательного управления.
А.Ж.

ЦитироватьDelta IV Heavy rolls out to the pad for NROL-44
Nov 15, 2019, 09:28 AM

United Launch Alliance's next triple-core Delta IV Heavy, America's workhorse heavy-lift rocket for national security space missions, is standing tall on its Cape Canaveral launch pad.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220061.jpg)

The 170-foot-long rocket was rolled from the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) to Space Launch Complex-37 on Thursday, Nov. 14, riding a 36-wheel, diesel-powered transporter down the road and up the ramp to the launch pad.

The Fixed Pad Erector raised the vehicle upright this morning to complete the Launch Vehicle on Stand (LVOS) milestone for Delta IV Heavy to conduct the NROL-44 mission next year for the National Reconnaissance Office. 

The three common booster cores and the upper stage recently were assembled at the HIF. The port and starboard boosters were connected to the center core, then the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage was attached to the interstage on the forward end of the center booster.

Also completed in the HIF was attachment of the Launch Mate Unit (LMU), which serves as the structural base that the rocket stands atop on the pad's launch table. The LMU contains the 12 holddown bolts that fire to release the 1.6-million-pound rocket at liftoff.

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System testing is planned over the next month. The team will resume preps for launch later in 2020, including vertically integrating the payload onto the rocket at the pad to produce a 235-foot-tall Delta IV Heavy for flight. 

This will be the 12th Delta IV Heavy rocket launch and the 8th for the NRO. 

More photos can be seen in our Flickr album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157711794226467)!

ЦитироватьULA kicks off next Delta 4-Heavy launch campaign
November 17, 2019 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/11/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145790.jpg)
A hydraulic erector raised United Launch Alliance's next Delta 4-Heavy rocket vertical at Cape Canaveral's Complex 37 launch pad Friday. Credit: United Launch Alliance

The next Delta 4-Heavy rocket was raised vertical Friday at Cape Canaveral, signaling the start of a comprehensive series of pre-flight tests before liftoff next year with a top secret U.S. government spy satellite.

The triple-core rocket rolled out to Cape Canaveral's Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, riding a 36-wheel, diesel-powered transporter to the pad fr om United Launch Alliance's nearby Horizontal Integration Facility, ULA said in an upd ate posted on its website.

ULA's ground team assembled the Delta 4-Heavy rocket inside the Horizontal Integration Facility. The Delta 4-Heavy is the most powerful rocket currently in ULA's fleet, with three first stage boosters bolted together, each powered by a hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A main engine.

According to ULA, teams inside the HIF connected the Delta 4-Heavy's three common booster cores, then installed the rocket's upper stage to the forward end of the core stage. Workers also added the Launch Mate Unit, a structure at the base of the rocket that includes 12 hold-down bolts. Pyrotechnic charges fire to release the bolts at liftoff, allowing the Delta 4-Heavy to climb away from the launch pad.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145799.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

The Delta 4-Heavy is se t to launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency which develops and owns the U.S. government's intelligence-gathering spy satellites. The identify of the payload is top secret, and the mission is officially codenamed NROL-44.

The payload aboard the NROL-44 mission is likely heading for a high-altitude perch in geosynchronous orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) above Earth, wh ere the NRO operates surveillance satellites capable of eavesdropping on foreign communication signals.

If the NROL-44 payload is similar to previous NRO spy satellites launched into similar geosynchronous orbits, the Delta 4-Heavy rocket will deliver its spacecraft passenger directly to a circular orbit some 22,300 miles in altitude, a lofty orbit that typically requires three firings by the Delta 4's upper stage RL10 engine.

ULA is building five more Delta 4-Heavy rockets for launches through 2023, all carrying payloads for the NRO that military officials say are unable to launch into their targeted orbits on any other rocket that is currently operational. Many of the NRO's satellites are heavy and large — comparable to the size of a school bus — and are designed to be integrated with their rockets in a vertical configuration, rather than horizontally.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145794.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

The launcher for the NROL-44 mission was raised vertical on its launch mount Friday. Teams positioned the rocket inside pad 37's mobile gantry tower to prepare for a series of systems tests before the end of the year.

The Delta 4 team also plans to perform a wet dress rehearsal, during which ULA's launch team will practice countdown procedures and fill the rocket's cryogenic propellant tanks, then halt the launch sequence before engine ignition. The Delta 4's tanks will then be drained, and the rocket will be readied to receive its top secret spy payload next year.

The NROL-44 mission is scheduled for launch in June, marking the 12th flight of a Delta 4-Heavy rocket since 2004, and the 41st Delta 4 mission overall.

The arrival of Delta 4-Heavy at pad 37 comes less than three months after ULA launched the final medium-lift Delta 4 variant Aug. 22. That mission signaled the retirement of the "single stick" Delta 4 rocket as the company focuses on flying the less expensive Atlas 5 launcher and developing the new Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle.

ULA plans another Delta 4-Heavy launch next September from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, also hauling a classified NRO payload into orbit. Once teams complete testing on the Delta 4-Heavy at Cape Canaveral, ULA will ready the Delta 4-Heavy at Vandenberg for its mission at Space Launch Complex 6.

Additional photos of the Delta 4-Heavy's rollout to pad 37 are posted below.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145793.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145792.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145801.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145795.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145791.jpg)
ULA crews transferred the Delta 4-Heavy rocket from the Horizontal Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the nearby Complex 37 launch pad Thursday, Nov. 14. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145797.jpg)
A hydraulic erector raised United Launch Alliance's next Delta 4-Heavy rocket vertical at Cape Canaveral's Complex 37 launch pad Friday, Nov. 15. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145798.jpg)
A hydraulic erector raised United Launch Alliance's next Delta 4-Heavy rocket vertical at Cape Canaveral's Complex 37 launch pad Friday, Nov. 15. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145796.jpg)
A hydraulic erector raised United Launch Alliance's next Delta 4-Heavy rocket vertical at Cape Canaveral's Complex 37 launch pad Friday, Nov. 15. Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145800.jpg)
A hydraulic erector raised United Launch Alliance's next Delta 4-Heavy rocket vertical at Cape Canaveral's Complex 37 launch pad Friday, Nov. 15. Credit: United Launch Alliance

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьDelta IV Heavy completes countdown rehearsal
Jan 11, 2020, 07:40 AM

The Delta IV Heavy rocket that will perform the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was successfully put through its countdown paces in a critical pre-flight test Friday, Jan. 10.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220062.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220062.jpg)

Known as a Wet Dress Rehearsal, the day fully demonstrated the intricate day-of-launch countdown activities for the national security mission coming up later this year.

Operations began by rolling back the Mobile Service Tower at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex-37, then configuring the site and preparing for fueling.

ULA Launch Conductor Scott Barney and his team of console operators orchestrated the countdown from the Delta Operations Center located about one-and-a-half miles from the pad.

All eight cryogenic tanks aboard the rocket -- four liquid hydrogen and four liquid oxygen tanks in the three Common Booster Cores and the upper stage -- were filled to check systems both on the launch vehicle and in ground support equipment.

ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri authorized the launch team to enter terminal count at T-minus 4 minutes. That final phase of the countdown progressed smoothly to the pre-planned cutoff at T-minus 10 seconds.

The rocket was safed and cryogenic tanks drained to conclude the test. WDRs are milestones meant to mitigate any issues before the actual launch day arrives.

The rocket was rolled out to the pad on Nov. 14 and vertical on Nov. 15. Vehicle testing was accomplished prior to the Atlas V Starliner launch in December.

Teams will complete the post-WDR securing in a few days. Preps on the Delta IV Heavy will then be paused until closer to the scheduled launch date.

ЦитироватьULA completes fueling test on next Delta 4-Heavy rocket
January 11, 2020 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/01/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145908.jpg)
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket stands at pad 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for a wet dress rehearsal. Credit: Dane Drefke / United Launch Alliance

United Launch Alliance engineers filled a Delta 4-Heavy rocket with super-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants Friday at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station during a practice countdown before the heavy-lifter's scheduled liftoff in June with a top secret U.S. government spy satellite.

The countdown rehearsal Friday is known as a wet dress rehearsal. The mock countdown provided an opportunity for ULA's launch team to practice launch day procedures and verify the Delta 4-Heavy's readiness for flight, reducing chances of a problem cropping up during the real countdown.

About 465,000 gallons (nearly 1.8 million liters) of cryogenic propellants were loaded into the launcher during Friday's mock countdown, starting with 330,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen for the Delta 4-Heavy's three Common Booster Cores.

Another 120,000 gallons of liquid oxygen also flowed into the Common Booster Cores. An Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A main engine at the base of each booster will consume the hydrogen/oxygen propellant mixture in flight.

The Delta 4's second stage, powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine, was also loaded with a smaller amount of cryogenic propellant Friday.

The liquid hydrogen is stored at minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit, while the liquid oxygen is chilled to minus 298 degrees Fahrenheit.

Working fr om the Delta Operations Center near the Delta 4 launch pad, ULA's launch team ran through pre-launch procedures before cutting off the countdown before the time the boosters' RS-68A engines would ignite on launch day. The Delta 4-Heavy was then drained of propellant.

The wet dress rehearsal Friday came around two months after ULA ground teams erected the Delta 4-Heavy rocket — the most powerful vehicle in ULA's inventory — on the launch mount at pad 37 in November.

The Delta 4-Heavy is set to launch a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency which develops and owns the U.S. government's intelligence-gathering spy satellites. The identify of the payload is top secret, and the mission is officially codenamed NROL-44.

The payload aboard the NROL-44 mission is likely heading for a high-altitude perch in geosynchronous orbit more than 22,000 miles (nearly 36,000 kilometers) above Earth, wh ere the NRO operates surveillance satellites capable of eavesdropping on foreign communication signals.

If the NROL-44 payload is similar to previous NRO spy satellites launched into similar geosynchronous orbits, the Delta 4-Heavy rocket will deliver its spacecraft passenger directly to a circular orbit some 22,300 miles in altitude, a lofty orbit that typically requires three firings by the Delta 4's upper stage RL10 engine.

Liftoff of the NROL-44 mission from pad 37 is scheduled for June. It will mark the 12th flight a Delta 4-Heavy rocket since 2004.

ULA has five more Delta 4-Heavy missions its manifest through 2023, all carrying payloads for the NRO that military officials say are unable to launch into their targeted orbits on any other rocket that is currently operational. Many of the NRO's satellites are heavy and large — comparable to the size of a school bus — and are designed to be integrated with their rockets in a vertical configuration, rather than horizontally.

The final launch of a Delta 4 rocket in its "medium" configuration with a single first stage booster occurred in August 2019.

With the completion of the wet dress rehearsal Friday, ULA says the launch team will complete post-test securing on the Delta 4-Heavy rocket then "pause" activities at pad 37 until closer to the launch date later this year.

One of the final major tasks before liftoff will be the raising of the NROL-44 payload and its payload fairing atop the Delta 4-Heavy a few weeks before liftoff.

Ground crews from ULA will be busy with other missions during the coming months, including a series of up to four Atlas 5 launches planned through mid-2020 from Cape Canaveral.

Preparations to stack another Delta 4-Heavy rocket on its launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base are also expected to commence in the first half of this year, ahead of its planned liftoff with another NRO spy satellite payload in late 2020.

ЦитироватьОтложен запуск РН Delta-4 Heavy
Запуск секретного спутника ракетой-носителем Delta 4 Heavy отложен на два месяца, сообщает SpaceFlightNow. Ракета должна была стартовать с мыса Канаверал в июне с миссией NROL-44 для Национального разведывательного управления, но Космические Силы заявили на прошлой неделе, что запуск был перенесен на 26 августа. Космические Силы не дали никаких объяснений этой задержке.
А.Ж.

ЦитироватьDELTA IV HEAVY TO LAUNCH NROL-44

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220066.jpg)

• Rocket: Delta IV Heavy
• Mission: NROL-44
• Launch Date: Aug. 2020
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex-37, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

Mission Information: A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) Liftoff will occur from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Launch Notes: This will be 141st mission for United Launch Alliance and our 29th for the NRO. It is the 385th Delta launch since 1960, the 12th Delta IV Heavy and the 8th Heavy for the NRO.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68535.jpg) John Kraus @johnkrausphotos 23 июл. (https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1286323874364370947)

This morning: Up close and personal with United Launch Alliance's majestic Delta IV Heavy rocket, which is scheduled to launch the NROL-44 mission in August.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51050.jpg)


23 июл. (https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1286323882253844482)

We heard from Tony Taliancich, ULA's Director and General Manager of Launch Operations, who spoke about the power of the Delta IV Heavy, the importance of national reconnaissance payloads like NROL-44, and launching rockets amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51051.jpg)

ЦитироватьNROL-44: Payload integrated to Delta IV Heavy rocket
Aug 6, 2020, 12:18 PM

ULA is preparing for our next mission, the launch of a Delta IV Heavy rocket for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Cape Canaveral on Aug. 26.
The encapsulated NROL-44 payload was delivered to Space Launch Complex-37 (SLC-37) on the morning of July 27 and mounted atop the rocket. Technicians used the gantry crane to lift the payload through the hoistway on the Mobile Service Tower (MST) and position it for connection to the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220054.jpg)
The NROL-44 payload is fitted atop the Delta IV Heavy rocket. Photo by United Launch Alliance

See our Flickr album (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157711794226467) for high-resolution photos of the Delta IV Heavy rocket being readied for NROL-44.

The fully assembled Delta IV Heavy rocket stands 235 feet (72 meters) tall and will weigh 1.6 million pounds (725,750 kg) once fueled during the countdown to liftoff.

"The Heavy serves the nation's high-priority U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office space programs with distinction as America's proven heavy-lifter," said Tony Taliancich, ULA's launch operations director and general manager.

"The vehicle also launched NASA's Orion capsule on its first orbital test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe on its journey to become the fastest robot in history."

Making best use of resources and managing the workforce's scheduling, ULA got an early jump on preparing for NROL-44 by placing the rocket on the pad at the end of last year and completing checkout activities up through the countdown rehearsal test.

Launch pad work to ready this rocket began Nov. 14 when it was rolled out (https://www.ulalaunch.com/explore/blog-detail/blog/2019/11/15/delta-iv-heavy-rolls-out-to-the-pad-for-nrol-44) from the Horizontal Integration Facility, where the three common booster cores and DCSS were attached together. The rocket was hydraulically lifted upright on the launch pad Nov. 15.

Standard testing of the rocket's systems was conducted and a Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) (https://www.ulalaunch.com/explore/blog-detail/blog/2020/01/11/delta-iv-heavy-completes-countdown-rehearsal) to practice day-of-launch operations that included fueling all three boosters and upper stage was performed on Jan. 10.

After the WDR was completed, the Delta IV Heavy was drained of the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants, safed and powered off for several months. The rocket remained secure within the protective MST gantry.

Launch is scheduled for Aug. 26 during an unclassified launch period of 1:50 to 6:25 a.m. EDT (0550-1025 UTC). A live webcast and countdown status blog will be available on launch day at: http://bit.ly/div_nrol44 (http://bit.ly/div_nrol44).

This will be the 141st ULA mission since the company was formed and our eighth Delta IV Heavy rocket launch for the NRO.

"We're very excited to support National Security by launching the NROL-44 mission for the NRO," Taliancich said.

Цитировать• Mission: NROL-44

• Launch Date: Aug. 26, with a launch time of 2:16 a.m. EDT

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67583.jpg) Nathan Barker @NASA_Nerd 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NASA_Nerd/status/1296078059326578689)

A busy launch schedule ahead as two Eastern Range Op notices are issued for upcoming space launch operations from the Cape.

Aug 26th ULA Delta IV Heavy with NROL-44 and Aug 27th SpaceX Falcon 9 with the highly anticipated  SAOCOM-1B.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177273.png)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68671.jpg) Flight Club @flightclubio 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/flightclubio/status/1296090289556164608)

Thank you to @NASA_Nerd (https://twitter.com/NASA_Nerd) and @SethKurk (https://twitter.com/SethKurk) for bringing the hazard zones for #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) to my attention; now we know the launch azimuth!

If you're using my Launch Photography Toolkit, you should thank these two guys right now (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125141.svg)


Before (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125084.svg)
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After (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125084.svg)
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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 25 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1296110223627825152)

LAUNCH ALERT! The #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) rocket will launch the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission for @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) and national defense next Wed., Aug. 26 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Liftoff time at 2:16amEDT (0616 UTC).

Live blog and webcast: http://bit.ly/div_nrol44 (https://t.co/GKgbdk3wMm?amp=1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51409.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68646.jpg) Emre Kelly @EmreKelly 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1296778120591278081)

Well, next week won't lack excitement.

– Wednesday @ 0216 ET: ULA Delta IV Heavy liftoff from LC-37 with NROL-44.

– ...

But...

Depression 13 is out there. Happy Friday.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177004.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177006.png)

Цитата: undefined(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67594.png) Chris G - NSF @ChrisG_NSF 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1296824764460408832)

Well this is at least good news for Central Florida and the wonderfully awesome launch cadence planned end of the week. But everyone in that cone of uncertainty should definitely take note and watch. Restock supplies if needed, but no reason to panic.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51449.jpg)

Цитировать

Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy

Date: August 26, 2020

Eastern Range Opens: 2:16 a.m.

Launch Hazard Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/LHA%20NROL-44.docx)

Airspace Closure Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/ACA%20NROL-44.docx)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30336.png) NRO @NatReconOfc 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/1296906426271633408)

Check out our "Anatomy of a Launch Patch" to learn more about the mission patch for #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click), which is scheduled to launch next Wednesday, August 26 at 2:16 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station #WolfPacksAreAlwaysCool (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WolfPacksAreAlwaysCool?src=hashtag_click) #rocketlaunch (https://twitter.com/hashtag/rocketlaunch?src=hashtag_click)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51458.jpg)

Цитата: tnt22 от 19.08.2020 22:53:08Опубликован буклет миссии

ЦитироватьПусковой день  (26.08) - 70 % GO
Резервный день (27.08) - 80 % GO

ЦитироватьAug 22, 2020 16:46

Weather 70% GO for Wednesday's launch

The initial forecast from Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich for Wednesday's 2:16 a.m. EDT (0616 UTC) launch of the Delta IV Heavy and on the NROL-44 mission indicates a 70 percent chance of favorable conditions.

(https://24liveblog.tradingfront.cn/event/2579993127777954873/20200822134612_851581.jpeg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200822134612_851581.jpeg)

Tropical Storm Laura is forecast to move into the Gulf of Mexico by mid-week, pulling some moisture away from east-central Florida for the Delta IV Heavy launch countdown on Tuesday night.

"As a result, decreasing precipitation chances are expected on Tuesday, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms focusing over the central and western portions of the peninsula during MST Roll. With continued onshore flow and adequate moisture, isolated showers over the Atlantic are expected to push toward the coast both Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Therefore, the primary concern for both the launch and 24-hour delay windows is the Cumulus Cloud Rule," the launch weather team says.

The operations forecast includes scattered low- and high-level clouds, a chance of isolated showers, good visibility, easterly winds 10 to 16 knots and a temperature near 81 degrees F.

If the launch is postponed to Thursday for some reason, there is an 80 percent chance of good conditions.

ЦитироватьПусковой день   (26.08) - = 70 % GO
Резервный день (27.08) - = 80 % GO

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30336.png) NRO @NatReconOfc 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/1297884884833361921)

It's Launch Week! We're looking forward to working w/ our partners @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch), @AF_SMC (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC) & the @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) to launch #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) August 26. Wednesday's live broadcast will begin at 1:56 a.m. EDT. Details at http://ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/delta-iv-heavy-nrol-44 (https://t.co/Z1bs94Tmdt?amp=1)

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (26.08) - = 70 % GO
Резервный день       (27.08) - = 80 % GO
2-й Резервный день (28.08) -    80 % GO

ЦитироватьAug 24, 2020 17:16

Launch Readiness Review Completed

The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) has given the "go" to continue preparations for Wednesday's early morning liftoff of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket on the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and U.S. Space Force.

Liftoff is scheduled for [color=]2:16 a.m. EDT[/color] (0616 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

(https://24liveblog.tradingfront.cn/event/2579993127777954873/20200824141607_522181.jpeg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200824141607_522181.jpeg)

The LRR, led by ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri, was completed this morning in the Delta Operations Center (DOC) at the Cape and virtually via teleconferencing.

Leadership from ULA, the NRO and the Space Force assessed the readiness of the rocket and mission assets, discussed the status of pre-flight processing work, heard technical overviews of the countdown and flight, and previewed the weather forecast that continues to be favorable with a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, senior leaders were polled and gave a unanimous ready status for launch, then signed the Launch Readiness Certificate.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is an Intelligence Community element and Department of Defense organization responsible for developing, acquiring, launching and operating America's reconnaissance satellites, as well as operating associated data processing facilities in support of national security. Using NRO data, the National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and other NRO mission partners produce intelligence products for the President, Congress, national policymakers, warfighters, and civil users.

United Launch Alliance will offer live comprehensive countdown coverage from the Delta Operations Center (DOC) in our automatically-refreshing blog beginning Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m. EDT (2130 UTC), with continuing commentary all the way to liftoff.

ЦитироватьUnited Launch Alliance to Launch NROL-44 Mission to Support National Security

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Aug. 24, 2020) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket is in final preparations to launch the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to support national security. The launch is on track for Aug. 26 at Space Launch Complex-37 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch is planned for 2:16 a.m. EDT. The live launch broadcast begins at 1:55 a.m. EDT on Aug. 26 at www.ulalaunch.com (http://www.ulalaunch.com/).

"ULA is proud of the long-standing history of supporting critical national security missions and the continued partnership with our mission partners," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "Only the Delta IV Heavy possesses the capability to deliver this unique mission to orbit due to a combination of heavy lift and the largest flight-proven payload fairing."

The Delta IV Heavy is the nation's proven heavy lifter, delivering high-priority missions for the U.S. Space Force, NRO and NASA. The vehicle also launched NASA's Orion capsule on its first orbital test flight and sent the Parker Solar Probe on its journey to become the fastest robot in history while surfing through the sun's atmosphere.

This Delta IV Heavy is comprised of three common core boosters each powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine producing a combined total of more than 2.1 million pounds of thrust. The second stage is powered by an AR RL10B-2 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine.

This will be the 41st launch of the Delta IV rocket, and the 12th in the Heavy configuration. To date ULA has launched 140 times with 100 percent mission success.

With more than a century of combined heritage, ULA is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered 140 missions to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, deliver cutting-edge commercial services and enable GPS navigation.
...

ЦитироватьAug 24, 2020 20:12

Mission Profile

Watch a preview video of what you can expect during the Delta IV Heavy rocket's flight on Wednesday. At the request of our customer, live coverage of the NROL-44 mission will conclude after payload fairing jettison approximately seven minutes into flight.

ЦитироватьDelta IV Heavy NROL 44 Mission Profile

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220328.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

24 авг. 2020 г.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1298045906672115717)

The ULA #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) rocket carrying the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission for the @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) is delayed due to customer request. Launch is now scheduled for 2:12 a.m. EDT, on Aug. 27, 2020.

ЦитироватьLAUNCH WEBCAST

The launch webcast begins Thursday at 1:52 a.m. (0552 UTC)

youtu.be/Fx5GjjCtcgo

Начало трансляции - 27 августа 2020 г. в 05:52 UTC / 08:52 ДМВ

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (27.08) - = 80 % GO
Резервный день       (28.08) - = 80 % GO
2-й Резервный день (29.08) -    80 % GO

Цитировать

Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy

Date: August 27, 2020

Eastern Range Opens: 2:12 a.m.

ЦитироватьAug 25, 2020 16:00

Weather 80% GO for Thursday's Launch

The updated forecast from Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich for Thursday's 2:12 a.m. EDT (0612 UTC) launch opportunity of the Delta IV Heavy and on the NROL-44 mission indicates an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions.

"Pockets of drier air embedded within deep easterly flow will bring below normal rain chances for late August, with only a small chance for onshore-moving showers through Thursday morning. Conditions look favorable for MST Roll Wednesday evening, and the primary concern during the launch window Thursday morning remains the Cumulus Cloud Rule," the launch weather team says.

The operations forecast includes scattered low clouds and some high cirrus clouds, a chance of an isolated shower, good visibility, easterly winds 9 to 14 knots and a temperature near 81 degrees F.

If the launch is postponed to Friday for some reason, there is an 80 percent chance of good conditions.

ЦитироватьAug 25, 2020 17:25

Launch Visibility

Our visibility graphic shows when the Delta IV Heavy rocket will rise into view for spectators on Thursday morning. Launch time is 2:12 a.m. EDT.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32337.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200825142515_239428.jpeg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68646.jpg) Emre Kelly @EmreKelly 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1298308330205646851)

About 300 45th Space Wing personnel on-hand for Delta IV Heavy on Thursday; manual flight termination requires more folks. Falcon 9's automated termination system for Friday and Saturday launches means under 200 will be needed.

ЦитироватьDelta IV Heavy: 3D Projection Mapping Experience

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220328.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

25 авг. 2020 г.

A Delta IV Heavy is seen as the backdrop to a unique 3D projection story about the industry, national security space and the future of space exploration. This unique experience was projected on the rocket and mobile service tower at Space Launch Complex-37 (SLC-37) ahead of the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 launch for the National Reconnaissance Office.

ЦитироватьПусковой день          (27.08) - = 80 % GO
Резервный день        (28.08) - = 80 % GO
2-й Резервный день (29.08) -  = 80 % GO

ЦитироватьATLANTIC OCEAN - FLORIDA - CAPE CANAVERAL (Update: August 24, 2020)

Eastern Range OP# D1500 NROL-44 will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited within portions of Warning Areas W497A,
W497B, and the following Hazard Areas:

A: From 2834 51.31N 8034 26.18W
TO 2836N 8031W
TO 2831N 7942W
TO 2827N 7944W
TO 2827N 8019W
TO 2827 42.30N 8031 36.92W
TO 2829 17.58N 8032 27.82W
TO 2834 44.22N 8034 23.68W to beginning

B: From 2734N 7317W
TO 2830N 7312W
TO 2813N 6919W
TO 2710N 6916W to beginning

C: From 2115N 4522W
TO 2351N 4436W
TO 1932N 3209W
TO 1706N 3309W to beginning

Hazard periods for primary launch day and backup launch days;
Primary launch day: 27 Aug 20/0550Z thru 27 Aug 20/1107Z (1:50am thru 7:07am local). Preferred T-0 is 0550Z (1:50am local).
Backup launch day (1): 28 Aug 20/0550Z thru 28 Aug 20/1107Z (1:50am thru 7:07am local). Preferred T-0 is 0550Z (1:50 am local).
Backup launch day (2): 29 Aug 20/0550Z thru 29 Aug 20/1107Z (1:50am thru 7:07am local). Preferred T-0 is 0550Z (1:50am local)

LNM: 33/20

ЦитироватьAug 26, 2020 15:37

Weather Forecast Remains 80% GO

The launch weather forecast for this evening's Delta IV Heavy countdown and overnight liftoff of NROL-44 remains favorable with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich says there is only a slight concern for violation of the Cumulus Cloud Rule at the 2:12 a.m. EDT (0612 UTC) launch opportunity.

"There have been no significant changes to the forecast reasoning. Pockets of drier air embedded within deep easterly flow will bring below normal rain chances through early Thursday, with only a small chance for onshore-moving showers. Conditions look favorable for MST Roll this evening, and the primary concern during the launch window Thursday morning remains the Cumulus Cloud Rule," the launch weather team says.

The operations forecast includes scattered low clouds and some high cirrus clouds, a chance of an isolated shower, good visibility, easterly winds 10 to 15 knots and a temperature near 81 degrees F.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1298605795010109440)

LAUNCH ALERT: The launch weather forecast for this evening's #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) countdown and overnight liftoff of #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) at 2:12amEDT (0612 UTC) remains favorable with an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions. Read more details on the forecast: http://bit.ly/div_nrol44 (https://t.co/GKgbdk3wMm?amp=1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51516.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1298640010581876736)

Later this afternoon, join us for live reports throughout the countdown to the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) launch. We'll be playing countdown trivia for ULA swag packs. Coverage begins at 5:30pmEDT (2130 UTC). Liftoff is targeted for 2:12amEDT (0612 UTC).

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30336.png) NRO @NatReconOfc 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/1298679614282358784)

We develop, launch & operate sophisticated overhead intelligence collection systems to provide near real-time imagery & signals intelligence to our DoD and IC partners. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) will be the agency's 4th launch of 2020 in support of that crucial national security mission.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 42 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1298697107763798017)

Another great idea from you guys... implemented.  Tonight's launch is the 385th in the Delta Rocket family, beginning with Thor-Delta in 1960.  Each of the 5 remaining DeltaIV-Hvy's will carry this badge.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51520.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51521.jpg)

ЦитироватьРакета Delta IV стартует на орбиту с гигантским разведспутником США
27.08.2020 0:00:03

Вашингтон. 27 августа. ИНТЕРФАКС - Тяжелая ракета-носитель Delta IV в четверг должна вывести на орбиту секретный спутник NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Запуск трехступенчатой ракеты, принадлежащей ULA - совместному предприятию корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, планируется осуществить в 2:12 по времени Восточного побережья США (9:12 мск) со стартового комплекса SLC-37 на авиабазе ВВС США на мысе Канаверал в штате Флорида.

О целях, орбите, размере и других характеристиках секретного американского спутника NROL-44 официально не сообщается. Миссия и возможности спутников данного типа строго засекречены.

Между тем, по словам бывшего сотрудника NASA Дэвида Бейкера, знакомого с программой NRO, речь идет о запуске американского космического аппарата Orion, также известного как Mentor или Advanced Orion - серии американских спутников, предназначенных для радиоэлектронной разведки.

"Он весит более 5 тонн, оснащен огромной параболической антенной диаметром более 100 метров, которая раскрывается на орбите", - сказал эксперт. По его словам, гигантский спутник размером с автобус будет выведен на экваториальную орбиту высотой 36 тыс. км.

Основная задача нового американского спутника - перехват телеметрической информации и прослушивание каналов связи геостационарных спутников.

Спойлер

На геостационарную орбиту с 1995 года уже было выведено семь подобных спутников, разработанных NRO при участии ЦРУ.

В настоящее время на орбите Земли находятся 49 космических аппаратов Национального управления военно-космической разведки США. Всего США располагают орбитальной группировкой в составе, по меньшей мере, 154 военных спутников.

По данным эксперта, по сравнению с США сегодня Россия располагает на орбите 71 военными спутниками, Китай - 63.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68350.jpg) United States Space Force @SpaceForceDoD 21 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD/status/1298724159854387200)

Look at our Delta front and center for the launch. Good luck @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) and @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51522.jpg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 00:30

Welcome to Live Coverage!

From the Delta Operations Center (DOC) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, this is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 8 hours and holding.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32376.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826213008_259099.jpeg)

The countdown is about to start for liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket on the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Launch is scheduled for 2:12 a.m. EDT (0612 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37. This will be launch number 385 for the Delta rocket program.

The countdown will begin at 5:42 p.m. EDT from the T-minus 8 hour mark. Two pre-planned, 15-minute built-in holds scheduled in the count. One pause is reserved prior to fueling at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes, the other occurs prior to the terminal count at T-minus 4 minutes.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 00:42

Countdown Begins!

Countdown clocks have started ticking at Cape Canaveral for tonight's Delta IV Heavy launch. We are just eight-and-a-half hours away from liftoff of the triple-core rocket on the NROL-44 mission for U.S. national security.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32377.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826214207_427945.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

The application of power to the avionics aboard the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning at the start of the countdown. The equipment will be powered up for launch day testing and final preparations for fueling operations.

At Space Launch Complex-37, the Mobile Service Tower retraction to the launch position is scheduled to begin shortly. A check of the weather conditions will be made by mission managers five minutes from now.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 00:52

Weather Acceptable for Tower Roll

Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich from the 45th Weather Squadron here at Cape Canaveral has provided a forecast of conditions expected during retraction of the Mobile Service Tower away from the Delta IV Heavy rocket and the outlook for tonight.

Current conditions are favorable to proceed with tower roll, with winds within limits and no adverse weather in the area. Also, the weather for the rest of the evening hours when the vehicle will be exposed during fueling operations also poses no concern for lightning or high winds.

For launch at 2:12 a.m. EDT, meteorologists are predicting scattered clouds, good visibility, easterly winds of 10 to 15 knots and a temperature near 81 degrees F.

Overall, there is an 80 percent chance of favorable launch weather.

The primary concern will be any showers forming over the ocean and drifting towards the coast to violate the Cumulus Cloud Rule.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 00:54

GO for Tower Roll

We have concurrence to retract the Mobile Service Tower following a engineering readiness poll by ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri. That "go" has been passed to the launch conductor for implementation.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32378.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826215429_580357.jpeg)

Цитировать08/27/2020 01:03 Stephen Clark

The countdown officially began at Cape Canaveral at 5:42 p.m. EDT (2142 GMT) for launch of a classified surveillance satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket set for 2:12 a.m. PDT (0612 GMT) from pad 37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

The eight-and-a-half hour countdown includes two pre-planned holds, each lasting 15 minutes.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 01:30


T-minus 7 hours, 12 minutes (L-7 hours, 42 minutes) and counting. The Delta IV rocket has been powered up for the NROL-44 launch.

The flight control operator in the Launch Control Center performed the power up. Soon, he will begin avionics testing while the rocket's Inertial Guidance and Control Assembly (INCA) flight computer is allowed to warm up. Later, the operator will conduce guidance system testing and steering checks of the engine nozzles prior to cryogenic fueling. 

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 01:32

MST jacking is underway. Using 40 hydraulic cylinders at pressures nearing 3,500 psi, the tower will be raised a few inches in preparation for the roll.

A short time ago, the tie-down clamps at the base of the Mobile Service Tower were opened so technicians could proceed to hydraulically raise the gantry for the rollback. These large claw-like devices secure the MST to anchor points on the pad surface.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 01:49

MST Roll is Underway

This is Delta Launch Control. Retraction of the Mobile Service Tower is in progress at Space Launch Complex-37.
 
First motion occurred at 6:47 p.m. EDT (2247 UTC).

An undercarriage transport system with drive trucks in all four corners of the MST is moving the 33-story building at a top speed of 0.25 miles per hour.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32379.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826224917_889082.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 01:58

Guidance system testing is getting started at this point in the countdown as we continue to press ahead toward a liftoff at 2:12 a.m. EDT (0612 UTC).

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:00

The MST has moved 25 feet clear of the rocket thus far.

The gantry stands 330 feet tall, weighs nearly 10 million pounds and is the integral element that enables vertical integration of payloads atop the Delta IV Heavy. The tower is being wheeled on rail tracks about the length of a football field away from the rocket for tonight's scheduled launch.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:04

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32380.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826230453_205483.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:07

An open-loop test of the S-band system used to relay telemetry from the launch vehicle during flight is underway.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:14

Rollback of the tower is nearing completion.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32381.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826231441_734636.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:20

Preps are going smoothly for NROL-44.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32384.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826232025_853153.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:41

MST Rolled Back

The Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 has been retracted and secured in the launch position, revealing the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for the NROL-44 launch.
The MST reached the "harddown" milestone at 7:40 p.m.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32385.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826234110_406799.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:43

The flight control operational test has been completed successfully. This was an engine nozzle steering check performed prior to cryogenic fueling. A similar test wull be conducted after the rocket is loaded with super-cold propellant.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:48

The MST is a critical part of the launch complex, providing the primary access and weather protection to the rocket during its stay on the launch pad, and its overhead crane system serves a vital role in vertical integration of payloads onto the Delta IV rockets.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32386.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826234844_051063.jpeg)

Rollback of the MST signals a major milestone at the start of launch day operations. Configuring launch pad systems and securing equipment will be completed over the next couple of hours before all personnel clear the site for fueling.

Activities continue towards a liftoff at 2:12 a.m. EDT (0612 UTC).

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 02:54

The sun is setting on the Florida Space Coast on a beautiful summer evening.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32387.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200826235422_269272.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 03:02

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32388.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200827000213_058290.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 03:12

Delta 385

We are inside the final six hours until liftoff of Delta 385.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket is the evolution of our Delta family, developed to provide our customers reliable access to space. In more than five decades of use, Delta launch systems have succeeded through evolutionary design upgrades to meet the growing needs of the user community while maintaining high reliability.

The Delta launch vehicle program was initiated in the late 1950s by NASA. The Delta vehicle was developed as an interim space launch vehicle using a modified Thor missile as the first stage and Vanguard components as the second and third stages capable of delivering a payload of 120 pounds to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and 400 pounds to low-Earth orbit (LEO).

The Delta legacy grew with launches of the Tiros and GOES satellites. These satellites revolutionized weather forecasting. Delta launches of the first Telstar and Intelsat communications satellites enabled the now-famous TV phrase, "live, via satellite!" The Explorer research satellites provided data about energy fields and particles that could affect communications satellites, while NASA's Pioneer probes undertook a long series of space exploration missions. 

Through the years, Delta became larger, more advanced and capable of carrying heavier satellites into orbit. Design changes included larger first stage tanks, addition of strap-on solid rocket boosters, increased propellant capacity, an improved main engine, adoption of advanced electronics and guidance systems, and development of upper stage and satellite payload systems.

The Delta program's commitment to vehicle improvement to meet customer needs culminated in the Delta IV family of launch vehicles, with a wide range of increasing capability.

The Delta IV family of medium-to-heavy launch vehicles became operational in 2002. The first Delta IV launch, of Eutelsat's W5 commercial satellite, took place on Nov. 20, 2002. The first payload delivered for the U.S. Air Force was the DSCS A3 satellite on March 10, 2003. United Launch Alliance successfully launched the first operational Delta IV Heavy on Nov. 10, 2007.

Today marks the 385th Delta launch, the 41st for Delta IV and the 12th in the Heavy configuration.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 03:15

The S-band system has been tested. This will be used for telemetry downlink during the flight.

The internal battery checks are being performed now.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 03:30

Elements from across the U.S. come together to form the Delta IV Heavy rocket launching tonight. Here is a map illustrating where the launch vehicle stages and other elements were produced for NROL-44.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32389.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200827003053_619528.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 03:45

This illustration depicts the flow of hardware and the facilities involved to integrate the Delta IV Heavy rocket for launch.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32390.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200827004515_421072.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:06

Hold-fire checks are being conducted at this time. This verifies the circuitry used to stop the countdown if a safety concern arises.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:07

Guidance system testing is complete.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:10

The initiation of gaseous nitrogen flow to the rocket is starting. This changes the environmental control system to supply conditioned nitrogen gas rather than air to Delta IV Heavy in preparation for the cryogenic fueling and in-flight environments.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:21

Weather is GO for Fueling

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 21 minutes (L-4 hours, 51 minutes) and counting. In the pre-fueling weather briefing, conditions at Cape Canaveral are acceptable for proceeding into cryogenic tanking operations at Space Launch Complex-37.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32391.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200827012102_209731.jpeg)

Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron also reports that the weather outlook remains favorable for the flight of Delta IV Heavy this evening. The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of allowable liftoff conditions, with the only concern being the Cumulus Cloud Rule.

All rules are green and "go" at the present time.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:23

Hold-fire checks were complete satisfactorily.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:27

Countdown Holding

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the first of two planned holds in today's timeline.

This pause was scheduled to last 15 minutes. However, the hold will be extended about an hour to allow all required activities to be accomplished prior to fueling.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:41

Pre-fueling tests are underway to verify the proper functions of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen valves on both stages of the launch vehicle.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 04:53

An issue with a heater has been reported by the launch team. The issue is being referred to Anomaly Chief Dave McFarland for discussion, any troubleshooting steps, then resolution. The AC position in the control room that directs engineering teams work to resolve technical issues that arise during the count.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 05:04

Here's a spectacular view of the Delta IV Heavy rocket taken during Mobile Service Tower rollback earlier this evening. See more photos in our NROL-44 Flickr album!
 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/ulalaunch/albums/72157711794226467)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32392.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200827020439_390940.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29925.jpg) Michael Baylor @nextspaceflight 34 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1298801050346876928)

The ULA team is currently troubleshooting an issue with a heater on the launch vehicle. A team is being sent to the pad to attempt a fix. With the build-in hold having to be extended, a new T-0 will be announced once teams are ready to proceed. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 05:35

Technicians deployed to Space Launch Complex-37 continue to troubleshoot the cause of a heater issue. Our launch countdown remains holding at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 06:09

The launch team continues to stand by while pad technicians work through the heater issue at the pad. Once the issue is resolved, mission managers will establish a new target launch time and resume the countdown to begin fueling operations tonight.

Weather conditions remain favorable.

ЦитироватьТяжелая "тройная" ракета выводит секретный спутник США для слежки за Россией – трансляция

Миссия NROL-44 засекречена. По данным инсайдеров, это, вероятно, восьмой с середины 1990-х аппарат проекта американской разведки "Орион"
На сегодня, 27 августа в 09:12 утра по киевскому времени, запланирован запуск тяжелой ракеты Delta IV Heavy компании United Launch Alliance, которая выведет на орбиту секретный спутник для американской разведки. Вот эмблема миссии (https://www.liga.net/images/general/2020/08/26/20200826143957-1626.jpg).  Старт состоится с площадки SLC-37 космодрома ВВС США на мысе Канаверал в штате Флорида. Стартовое окно – 4,5 часа.

Непосредственно перед стартом в систему маршевых двигателей для их охлаждения впрыскивается жидкий водород, который аккурат перед зажиганием вспыхивает. Лишь затем подается кислород и происходит наращивание тяги. В момент, когда горит "неподкисленный" чистым O2 водород, а ракета еще не летит, со стороны кажется, будто бы произошла авария и носитель сейчас взорвется. Это уникальная особенность Delta IV Heavy.

Так как это секретная миссия, стрим закончится вскоре после кадров с "отстреленными" половинками композитного носового обтекателя. Никакого таймлайна (https://www.liga.net/images/general/2020/08/26/20200826144000-1950.jpg) после этого нет: все засекречено.

СПУТНИК. Данные об аппарате и его задачах секретны. Предположительно, это Orion 10 (Mentor 8), который закрепят в экваториальной плоскости на геосинхронной орбите. Orion (https://satelliteobservation.net/2017/09/24/a-radiotelescope-in-the-sky-the-usa-202-orion-satellite/) (Mentor / Advanced Orion) – американские спутники-шпионы радиоэлектронной разведки серии Project 8300, которые пришли на смену Magnum (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnum_(satellite)). Многозадачные в РЭР: там и перехват телеметрии ракет РФ и КНР, и снятие разведданных с чужих измерительных приборов (FISINT), и — что сейчас может быть в приоритете — перехват каналов связи между людьми (COMINT).
Эти спутники (предположительно) оснащаются основной антенной габаритами более 100 м (https://twitter.com/ShuttleAlmanac/status/1298562678026248192/photo/1) в развернутом состоянии и весят более пяти тонн. Разрабатываются при участии ЦРУ. Запущено семь аппаратов. Заказчик – Национальное разведуправление США, существование которого официально отрицалось властями вплоть до 1990-х. Стоимость аппарата, по разным оценкам, от $1 млрд и выше.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/207126.jpg)
РАКЕТА. Delta IV Heavy — двухступенчатая одноразовая ракета компании Boeing, самая тяжелая в семействе "Дельта". Один ее запуск обходится налогоплательщикам в сумму до $400 млн. Обладает второй наибольшей выводимой полезной нагрузкой среди всех эксплуатируемых ракет в мире после Falcon Heavy от SpaceX (https://news.liga.net/world/video/spacex_uspeshno_zapustila_raketu_falcon_heavy_s_mashinoy_na_bortu). Высота этой вариации ракеты-носителя составляет около 71 м, а ее стартовая масса в полной загрузке — до 733 т. Она несет почти 1,8 млн л жидкого водорода (топливо) и жидкого кислорода (окислитель). На первой ступени — двигатели RS-68А, на второй — RL-10B-2.
Оцените габариты (фото — ULA):
[img width=620 height=null title=Фото: ULA]https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/207127.jpg[/img] (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/207127.jpg)

Два ракетных ускорителя закреплены по бокам центральной 41-метровой маршевой ступени, диаметр которой 5,1 м. У Delta IV Heavy — почти 14-метровая вторая ступень и удлиненный головной обтекатель длиной свыше 19 м. Это 12-й запуск такой ракеты. На днях ее использовали как фон для уникальной 3D-проекции об истории промышленности, разведки и освоения космоса.
Это также первый запуск в 2020 году с использованием самой тяжелой ракеты серии: прошлый состоялся 19 января 2019-го, когда на орбиту по миссии NROL-71 запустили зонд-разведчик. В 2018-м Delta IV Heavy вывела к Солнечный зонд Паркер (https://news.liga.net/world/photo/epichnyy-zapusk-sverhtyajeloy-rakety-s-zondom-k-solntsu-foto). В следующий раз такое зрелище нам покажут не ранее октября, а затем – лишь в 2022-м.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 06:51

Anomaly Chief Dave McFarland in the Delta Operations Center reports successful resolution of the heater issue that technicians had been troubleshooting. The problem is resolved for launch of Delta IV Heavy tonight.

Цитировать08/27/2020 06:52 Stephen Clark

Technicians have replaced two blown fuses associated with a faulty nose cone heater at the Delta 4 launch pad, and the heater issue is now resolved. The team is expected to proceed with the countdown.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 06:54

Clear the Complex

The launch pad crew has completed its hands-on work to ready Space Launch Complex-37 for tonight's mission, and the launch conductor has given the instruction for personnel to depart the site in advance of fueling operations.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 07:25

The pneumatics data review is continuing. We will be holding off on resumption of the countdown until that work is completed. Clocks are holding at T-minus 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Цитировать08/27/2020 07:20 Stephen Clark

The Delta 4 launch team is still working an issue with a pneumatics system. This remains a constraint that must be resolved before the countdown can resume and fueling can begin.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29925.jpg) Michael Baylor @nextspaceflight 41 с (https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1298849998323322881)

The hold must release by 1:55 am Eastern time for the launch to occur today.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 08:21

Anomaly Chief Dave McFarland says in his out brief to the mission management team that additional time will be required to study the pneumatics issue.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 08:21

Launch Scrubbed

Launch Director Lou Mangieri has announced that we will not continue with the Delta IV Heavy rocket countdown operations today for NROL-44.

Another launch attempt will be possible in 24 hours.

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 08:59

Launch Status Update

(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Aug. 27, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission was scrubbed today due to an issue with a critical ground pneumatics control system. The team needs additional time to evaluate and resolve the issue.

The launch is planned for Friday, Aug. 28 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 2:08 a.m. EDT.

Цитировать27 АВГ, 08:48Обновлено 09:04
Запуск американского разведывательного аппарата с мыса Канаверал отложен
Старт планировался 27 августа в 09:12 мск

НЬЮ-ЙОРК, 27 августа. /ТАСС/. Американская компания United Launch Alliance (ULA) отменила запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным аппаратом NROL-44 для Национального управления военно-космической разведки (НУВКР) США. Старт планировался на 02:12 четверга по времени восточного побережья США (09:12 мск) с космодрома на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида).

"Руководитель запуска Лу Манджиери объявил, что не станет продолжать сегодня отсчет времени до пуска Delta IV с NROL-44. Следующая попытка запуска возможна через 24 часа", - говорится в блоге на сайте компании.

Несколько часов назад ULA, не конкретизируя, информировала о возникновении проблем с форсажной камерой сгорания одного из реактивных двигателей. Эта проблема была устранена, после чего возникли сложности с получением данных неких пневматических систем.

Деятельность НУВКР, контролирующего разведывательные спутники США, строго засекречена. Официальной информации о предназначении аппарата и о его стоимости нет. Запуск должен был стать 141-й миссией ULA и 29-й в интересах НУВКР. Ракеты серии Delta запускались 384 раза с 1960 года. Тяжелый вариант носителя отправлялся в космос 11 раз.

Спойлер

Министерство обороны США 7 августа объявило о предоставлении SpaceX контракта на $316 млн на запуск космических аппаратов для американских военных на 2022 - 2027 финансовые года. Другой контракт на сумму $337 млн получил консорциум United Launch Alliance. Запуски также будут производиться с 2022 по 2027 год. Число пусков и их параметры для обеих компаний будут обговариваться на ежегодной основе.

ULA была основана в 2006 году. Ее штаб-квартира расположена в городе Сентенниал (штат Колорадо). Компания является совместным предприятием американских корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin.

[свернуть]

В новость были внесены изменения (09:04 мск) - добавлены подробности.

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (28.08) - = 80 % GO
Резервный день       (29.08) - = 80 % GO
2-й Резервный день (30.08) -     80 % GO

Цитата: ZOOR от 27.08.2020 19:37:30Да блин когда же они улетят?
Очень хочется посмотреть, как у Маска "собачья нога" получится.
Он же еще не летал с такими пируэтами, верно?

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68675.jpg) Greg Scott @GregScott_photo 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/GregScott_photo/status/1298992480805777412)

The early morning launch of the ULA Delta Heavy was postponed as they worked a pneumatic control systems issue. Back @ the pad this morning found the rocket back inside the integration building. Launch is scheduled for 2:08 am EDT Fri morning, Worth the wait! #NASA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hashtag_click) @AerojetRdyne (https://twitter.com/AerojetRdyne)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51528.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51529.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51530.jpg)

ЦитироватьAug 27, 2020 21:23

Launch Rescheduled to Saturday

(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Aug. 27, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission is now set for Sat., Aug. 29. Additional time is needed for the team to validate the appropriate path forward with the ground pneumatics control system.

The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The forecast shows an 80 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 2:04 a.m. EDT.

Цитата: undefinedLAUNCH WEBCAST

The launch webcast begins Sat. at 1:44 a.m.

youtu.be/Fx5GjjCtcgo

Начало трансляции - 29 августа 2020 г. в 05:44 UTC / 08:44 ДМВ

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 24 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1299050866574589956)

There is a pneumatics (gas) ground system at the pad that is involved in preparing the rocket for launch.  We had anomalous data from this system last night that had to be thoroughly understood before proceeding to ignition.  The time to do this took us past the launch window.

ЦитироватьЗапуск ракеты Delta IV с гигантским разведспутником США перенесен на субботу
       Вашингтон. 27 августа. ИНТЕРФАКС - Запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), который планировалось осуществить в четверг, в связи техническими проблемами перенесен на субботу, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).
      "Запуск миссии Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 теперь намечен на 29 августа. Дополнительное время необходимо для команды в целях выявления проблем в наземной системе управления пневматикой", - говорится в сообщении.
       В случае устранения технических проблем запуск трехступенчатой ракеты, принадлежащей ULA - совместному предприятию корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, планируется осуществить в субботу в 02:04 по времени Восточного побережья США (09:04 мск) со стартового комплекса SLC-37 на авиабазе ВВС США на мысе Канаверал в штате Флорида.

Спойлер

       О целях, орбите, размере и других характеристиках секретного американского спутника NROL-44 официально не сообщается. Миссия и возможности спутников данного типа строго засекречены.
       Между тем, по словам бывшего сотрудника NASA Дэвида Бейкера, знакомого с программой NRO, речь идет о запуске американского космического аппарата Orion, также известного как Mentor или Advanced Orion - серии американских спутников, предназначенных для радиоэлектронной разведки.
      "Он весит более 5 тонн, оснащен огромной параболической антенной диаметром более 100 метров, которая раскрывается на орбите", - сказал эксперт. По его словам, гигантский спутник размером с автобус будет выведен на экваториальную орбиту высотой 36 тыс. км.
       Основная задача нового американского спутника - перехват телеметрической информации и прослушивание каналов связи геостационарных спутников.
       На геостационарную орбиту с 1995 года уже было выведено семь подобных спутников, разработанных NRO при участии ЦРУ.
       В настоящее время на орбите Земли находятся 49 космических аппаратов Национального управления военно-космической разведки США. Всего США располагают орбитальной группировкой в составе, по меньшей мере, 154 военных спутников.
       По данным эксперта, по сравнению с США сегодня Россия располагает на орбите 71 военными спутниками, Китай - 63.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (29.08) - = 80 % GO
Резервный день       (30.08) - ↓ 70 % GO
2-й Резервный день (31.08) -     80 % GO

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67929.jpg) Cosmic Perspective @considercosmos· 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/considercosmos/status/1299128297884975110)

Have you ever seen a rocket shadow cast into the sky? (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125184.svg) Watch the @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) Delta IV emerge from the mobile service tower as day fades to night... then back into day again #timelapse (https://twitter.com/hashtag/timelapse?src=hashtag_click) #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)
https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1299125665460092932/pu/vid/1280x720/Zd5T9QMe-6qvNuuD.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1299125665460092932/pu/vid/1280x720/Zd5T9QMe-6qvNuuD.mp4) (1:03)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68734.jpg) Dr Marco Langbroek @Marco_Langbroek 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/1299279459938439168)

Cape Canaveral is spewing out rockets in all directions these few days (Navigational Warnings: for Starlink-11 towards NE; NROL-44 towards E; SAOCOM 1B towards S):

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/177362.jpg)

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (29.08) - = 80 % GO
Резервный день       (30.08) - = 70 % GO
2-й Резервный день (31.08) - = 80 % GO

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67785.jpg) Space and Missile Systems Center @AF_SMC 21 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC/status/1299016299926958081)

NROL-44 is 41st flight of the Delta IV launch vehicle, 12th flight of the Delta IV Heavy config, & 33rd from Cape Canaveral AF Station, Fla. Since 2004, Delta IV Heavy has placed 9/9 NatSec Space Vehicles into designated orbits. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) #WeAretheNRO (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAretheNRO?src=hashtag_click) #SpaceStartsHere (https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpaceStartsHere?src=hashtag_click)

ЦитироватьAug 28, 2020 16:45

Weather Forecast Remains 80% GO

Meteorologists from the U.S. Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral forecast an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions for tonight's Delta IV Heavy liftoff on the NROL-44 mission. There is only a slight concern for the Thick Cloud Rule delaying the 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 UTC) launch time.

"A pattern change will turn winds southwesterly through the weekend. This will bring an increased chance of afternoon and evening thunderstorms to the Spaceport each day as sea breeze interactions become more likely. For MST Roll this evening, scattered showers and thunderstorms capable of producing gusty winds are expected. This activity is expected to dissipate before midnight, but lingering cloud cover will bring a small chance for a Thick Cloud Layer Rule violation during the launch window," the launch weather team says.

The operations forecast for launch includes scattered mid-level clouds and a broken layer of high-level clouds, good visibility, southwesterly winds 8 to 13 knots and a temperature near 80 degrees F.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1299391856187330560)

SpaceX could launch two missions just nine hours apart Sunday from different pads on Florida's Space Coast.

But weather Sunday could be iffy, and the schedule hinges on the launch of a Delta 4-Heavy rocket from a nearby pad early Saturday.


2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1299405042701795329)

Weather permitting, here's the launch rundown at Cape Canaveral:

• Delta 4-Heavy / NROL-44 from pad 37B at 2:04am EDT Saturday

• Falcon 9 / Starlink from pad 39A at 10:08am EDT Sunday

• Falcon 9 / SAOCOM 1B from pad 40 at 7:18pm EDT Sunday

https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/08/28/up-to-three-launches-planned-this-weekend-from-cape-canaveral/... (https://t.co/Ki0yyG89DP?amp=1)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68675.jpg) Greg Scott @GregScott_photo 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/GregScott_photo/status/1299375406290796544)

ULA's launch of the Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 satellite is scheduled for tonight from LC37 @ 2:04 am EDT. This launch, despite the time, should be a dont miss launch as the Delta Heavy launches are always beautiful & my personal favorite. #ULA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ULA?src=hashtag_click) #NASA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NASA?src=hashtag_click) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125109.svg) Space Intellegence

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51558.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1299420260798529537)

LAUNCH ALERT: Meteorologists from @SpaceForceDoD (https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD) forecast an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions for tonight's #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) liftoff on the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission at 2:04amEDT (0604 UTC). Read more details on the forecast: http://bit.ly/div_nrol44 (https://t.co/GKgbdk3wMm?amp=1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51559.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch· 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1299422834708619264)

В ответ @apollozac (https://twitter.com/apollozac) и @SpaceForceDoD (https://twitter.com/SpaceForceDoD)

The team has concluded their assessment and the pneumatic system is performing nominally and configured to support launch.

ЦитироватьРакета Delta IV в субботу должна вывести на орбиту гигантский разведспутник США
29.08.2020 0:00:01

Вашингтон. 29 августа. ИНТЕРФАКС - Тяжелая ракета-носитель Delta IV в субботу стартует на орбиту с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), сообщает компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Запуск трехступенчатой ракеты, принадлежащей ULA - совместному предприятию корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, планируется осуществить в 02:04 по времени Восточного побережья США (09:04 мск) со стартового комплекса SLC-37 на авиабазе ВВС США на мысе Канаверал в штате Флорида. Погода на 80% благоприятствует его проведению.

Запуск предполагалось осуществить еще в четверг. Однако из-за выявленной перед стартом проблемы в ключевой наземной системе управления пневматикой он был перенесен.

О целях, орбите, размере и других характеристиках секретного американского спутника NROL-44 официально не сообщается. Миссия и возможности спутников данного типа строго засекречены.

Между тем, по словам бывшего сотрудника NASA Дэвида Бейкера, знакомого с программой NRO, речь идет о запуске американского космического аппарата Orion, также известного как Mentor или Advanced Orion - серии американских спутников, предназначенных для радиоэлектронной разведки.

"Он весит более 5 тонн, оснащен огромной параболической антенной диаметром более 100 метров, которая раскрывается на орбите", - сказал эксперт. По его словам, гигантский спутник размером с автобус будет выведен на экваториальную орбиту высотой 36 тыс. км.

Основная задача нового американского спутника - перехват телеметрической информации и прослушивание каналов связи геостационарных спутников.

Спойлер

На геостационарную орбиту с 1995 года уже было выведено семь подобных спутников, разработанных NRO при участии ЦРУ.

В настоящее время на орбите Земли находятся 49 космических аппаратов Национального управления военно-космической разведки США. Всего США располагают орбитальной группировкой в составе, по меньшей мере, 154 военных спутников.

По данным эксперта, по сравнению с США сегодня Россия располагает на орбите 71 военными спутниками, Китай - 63.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 00:34

Countdown Begins!

We are underway with the second countdown for the Delta IV Heavy launch from Cape Canaveral. We are just eight-and-a-half hours away from liftoff of the triple-core rocket on the NROL-44 mission for U.S. national security.

The engineering team has concluded their assessment of the ground pneumatics control system. That assessment had postponed the launch from Thursday. The pneumatic system is performing nominally and configured to support launch tonight.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 00:39

The application of power to the avionics aboard the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning at the start of the countdown. The equipment will be powered up for launch day testing and final preparations for fueling operations.

Following the scrub, the rocket and pad systems were deactivated. Our countdown today will repeat the activities performed Wednesday night and then proceed into fueling to ready the rocket for flight.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 00:58

Following the launch postponement Thursday morning, the Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 was returned to its enclosure position around the rocket.

Retraction to the launch position is scheduled to begin shortly. Mission managers just received a weather briefing, and all conditions are acceptable to move the gantry.


Aug 29, 2020 00:59

"Proceed with MST jacking and roll to the park position," Launch Conductor Scott Barney just radioed to the pad lead engineer at Space Launch Complex-37.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:06

The tie-down clamps at the base of the Mobile Service Tower have been opened so technicians can proceed to hydraulically raise the gantry for the rollback. These large claw-like devices secure the MST to anchor points on the pad surface.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:11

MST jacking is underway. Using 40 hydraulic cylinders at pressures nearing 3,500 psi, the tower will be raised a few inches in preparation for the roll.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:20

T-minus 7 hours, 14 minutes (L-7 hours, 44 minutes) and counting. The Delta IV rocket has been powered up for the NROL-44 launch.

The flight control operator in the Launch Control Center performed the power up. Soon, he will begin avionics testing while the rocket's Inertial Guidance and Control Assembly (INCA) flight computer is allowed to warm up. Later, the operator will conduce guidance system testing and steering checks of the engine nozzles prior to cryogenic fueling. 

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:24

MST Roll is Underway

This is Delta Launch Control. Retraction of the Mobile Service Tower is in progress at Space Launch Complex-37.

First motion occurred at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 UTC).

The tower was hydraulically raised a few inches, allowing an undercarriage transport system with drive trucks in all four corners of the MST to move the 33-story building at a top speed of 0.25 miles per hour.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32473.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200828222443_956837.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:29

All systems are "go" here at the Delta Operations Center (DOC) and at the Space Launch Complex-37 pad as we count down to tonight's launch at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 UTC).

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:38

Guidance system testing is getting started at this point in the countdown as we continue to press ahead toward a liftoff.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:45

Gantry retraction continues. The tower stands 330 feet tall, weighs nearly 10 million pounds and is the integral element that enables vertical integration of payloads atop #DeltaIVHeavy.

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ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 01:56

An open-loop test of the S-band system used to relay telemetry from the launch vehicle during flight is underway.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 02:01

The flight control operational test is beginning for the Delta IV Heavy rocket. This test is known as flight slews, which will perform gimbal checks of the rocket's RS-68A engine nozzles on the vehicle, in a state prior to cryogenic fueling.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 02:15

MST Rolled Back

The Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 has been retracted and secured in the launch position, revealing the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for the NROL-44 launch.

The MST reached the "harddown" milestone at 7:14 p.m.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32475.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200828231500_963047.jpeg)

The MST is a critical part of the launch complex, providing the primary access and weather protection to the rocket during its stay on the launch pad, and its overhead crane system serves a vital role in vertical integration of payloads onto the Delta IV rockets.

Rollback of the MST signals a major milestone at the start of launch day operations. Configuring launch pad systems and securing equipment will be completed over the next couple of hours before all personnel clear the site for fueling.

Activities remain on schedule for a liftoff at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 UTC).

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 02:19

The flight control operational test has been completed successfully. This was an engine nozzle steering check performed prior to cryogenic fueling. A similar test wull be conducted after the rocket is loaded with super-cold propellant.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 02:30

The S-band system has been tested. This will be used for telemetry downlink during the flight.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 02:49

The initiation of gaseous nitrogen flow to the rocket is starting. This changes the environmental control system to supply conditioned nitrogen gas rather than air to Delta IV Heavy in preparation for the cryogenic fueling and in-flight environments.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 02:53

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32476.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200828235330_782093.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 03:04

Delta 385

We are inside the final six hours until liftoff of Delta 385.

Today marks the 385th Delta launch, the 41st for Delta IV and the 12th in the Heavy configuration.
Activities remain on schedule for a liftoff at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 UTC).

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Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 03:42

The start of clearing all personnel from the danger area around the launch site is underway.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 03:46

Clear the Complex

The launch pad crew has completed its hands-on work to ready Space Launch Complex-37 for tonight's mission, and the launch conductor has given the instruction for personnel to depart the site in advance of fueling operations.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 03:52

Hold-fire checks are being conducted at this time. This verifies the circuitry used to stop the countdown if a safety concern arises.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:07

Pre-fueling tests has been performed to verify the proper functions of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen valves on both stages of the launch vehicle.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:10

Weather is GO for Fueling

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 24 minutes (L-4 hours, 54 minutes) and counting. In the pre-fueling weather briefing, conditions at Cape Canaveral are acceptable for proceeding into cryogenic tanking operations at Space Launch Complex-37.

Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron also reports that the weather outlook remains favorable for the flight of Delta IV Heavy this evening. The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of allowable liftoff conditions, with the only possible concerns being cloud thickness and cumulus clouds.

All rules are green and "go" at the present time.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:19

Countdown Holding

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the first of two planned, built-in holds that are scheduled in today's timeline. Each is a 15-minute block of time that gives the countdown some margin to resolve issues or catch up on work could be running behind.

This particular hold serves as a margin before fueling operations begin. At the present time, however, all activities are progressing well and no significant problems are being addressed by the launch team.
The final hold occurs at T-minus 4 minutes.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:23

Launch Conductor Scott Barney says that the launch team is not working any issues and is tracking to the scheduled timeline.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:31

GO for Fueling

A readiness poll of the launch team by Launch Conductor Scott Barney, with concurrence of ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri, has authorized cryogenic tanking operations to begin as the countdown continues today. The Delta IV Heavy rocket will be loaded with approximately 470,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen over the next couple of hours.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:34

Countdown Resumes

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes and counting. The next phase of today's launch countdown has been initiated for liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Preparatory steps for fueling are being kicked off, including liquid hydrogen storage tank pressurization and charging the high-pressure helium bottles on the common booster cores and second stage.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32478.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829013404_307756.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:48

The flight control operator is performing the ECU BIT test on the Delta IV Heavy rocket. This is the built-in test (BIT) of the engine control units (ECUs) that cycle hydraulically-actuated engine valves prior to the start of fueling operations.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:54

Valves on the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage are being opened and closed as part of the pre-loading purge cycle test.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 04:59

Chilldown Begins

A "go" has been given to start the cold gas chilldown conditioning of the liquid hydrogen system on the three common booster cores. This is the precursor step before filling the cores with propellant.

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Photo by United Launch Alliance

The three common booster cores will be loaded with 330,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen that is chilled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquid hydrogen, along with the liquid oxygen to be loaded shortly as well, will be consumed by the three RS-68A main engines during the first minutes of the launch to exit Earth's atmosphere.

The port and starboard boosters will fire at full throttle for nearly four minutes and then separate. The center booster burns at partial thrust for most of that time in a fuel-conservation mode until the outer cores jettison, then its RS-68A engine revs up to full throttle for another minute-and-a-half of propulsion before staging.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:05

The first weather balloon of the countdown has been launched. A series of balloons will be set aloft over the next few hours to measure the speed and direction of upper level winds that the Delta IV Heavy will experience during flight.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68430.jpg) Ben Cooper @LaunchPhoto 13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/LaunchPhoto/status/1299528550798839815)

Delta 4-Heavy ready for another go at launching NROL-44 at 2:04am EDT Saturday (ULA pic)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51571.jpg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:22

Antenna checks will be performed shortly to verify functionality of the GPS Metric Tracking system. GPS MT is the system that uses the overhead Global Positioning System navigation satellite constellation to track the rocket's flight downrange with position, velocity and timing information.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:24

CBC LH2 Loading Begins

This is Delta Launch Control. The cold gas chilldown conditioning of the common booster cores' liquid hydrogen systems has been accomplished, clearing the way to begin propellant loading in "slow-fill" mode. That will transition to "fast-fill" after a small portion of each tank is loaded.

The FUEL1 console operator here in launch control is overseeing the CBC LH₂ loading today.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32480.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829022434_971078.jpeg)


Aug 29, 2020 05:25

We have confirmation that liquid hydrogen is flowing into the Delta IV Heavy rocket at the Space Launch Complex-37 pad.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:27

CBC LOX Chilldown

The thermal condition process, known as chilldown, has started for the liquid oxygen systems on Delta IV Heavy rocket's common booster cores. This preps the tanks and plumbing to guard against shock when the super-cold oxidizer begins flowing into the rocket.

Цитировать08/29/2020 05:28 Stephen Clark

The three Common Booster Cores that make up the lower part of the Delta 4-Heavy rocket are now being filled with liquid hydrogen.

Nearly 470,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants will be loaded into the launcher during the countdown, starting with 330,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen for the Delta 4-Heavy's three Common Booster Cores.

Another 120,000 gallons of liquid oxygen will also flow into the Common Booster Cores. An Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A main engine at the base of each booster will consume the hydrogen/oxygen propellant mixture in flight.

The rest of the cryogenic propellant will be loaded into the Delta 4-Heavy's second stage later in the countdown.

The liquid hydrogen is stored at minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit, while the liquid oxygen is chilled to minus 298 degrees Fahrenheit. Both fluids will be replenished in the rocket's tanks throughout the countdown to replace the cryogenics as they boil off in the relatively warm ambient temperature on Florida's Space Coast.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:32

The common booster cores' liquid hydrogen loading operation is switching from "slow-fill" to "fast-fill" mode as planned.

The cryogenics are fed to the CBCs via umbilicals from the tail service masts on the launch table.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:39

CBC LOX Loading Begins

This is Delta Launch Control. The liquid oxygen chilldown is complete for the booster cores, allowing 120,000 gallons of super-cold LOX to begin transferring into the rocket for tonight's launch under the control of LOX1 console operator.

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ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:45

DCSS LH2 Chilldown

The "go" has been given to start the chilldown conditioning of the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage liquid hydrogen system in preparation for filling that tank.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 05:59

DCSS LOX Chilldown

This is Delta Launch Control. Approval has been given to the LOX2 operator at the fueling console here in the Delta Operations Center to begin the second stage liquid oxygen chilldown procedures.

Цитировать08/29/2020 06:02 Stephen Clark

Checks of the GPS metric tracking antennas on the Delta 4-Heavy rocket are reported complete at this time.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 06:09

DCSS LOX Loading Begins

Chilldown of the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage liquid oxygen system is complete, and the vehicle is ready to begin receiving 6,000 gallons of LOX for launch. This is the last of the rocket's cryogenic tanks to be filled in tonight's countdown. 

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32482.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829030929_904939.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 06:14

DCSS LH2 Loading Begins

The next step in fuel operations is getting underway by loading 10,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen into the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage following completion of that system's chilldown.

The stage receives its fuel from the launch pad's middle swing arm that extends from the Fixed Umbilical Tower to the Delta IV rocket. 

FUEL2 console operator Giavanna Piccirilli oversees second stage liquid hydrogen.
This is the last of the rocket's cryogenic tanks to be filled in tonight's countdown.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32483.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829031422_404600.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 06:25

We have finished the "fast-fill" loading mode for the common booster cores' liquid hydrogen tanks, and the post-fueling checks and valve tests are underway before topping commences.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 06:40

Loading of the upper stage liquid hydrogen tank was just reported complete. Oxygen filling on the DCSS will finish fueling operations shortly. LOX and LH₂ will be consumed by the stage's RL10B-2 engine.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 06:57

A check of the current local weather conditions at Cape Canaveral shows that all launch rules are GO.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 07:04

SLC-37

We are entering the final two hours in our countdown to liftoff of NROL-44 at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 UTC). All activities remain on schedule.

Space Launch Complex-37 is the East Coast home of the Delta IV rocket at Cape Canaveral in Florida. "Slick-37" was constructed by NASA in the 1960s for uncrewed test flights in the Apollo-Saturn program.

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There were six Saturn I and two Saturn IB rocket launches from this site between 1964 and 1968, testing rocket stages, spacecraft systems and the first lunar module.
 
The pad was rejuvenated in an extensive overhaul to support the Delta IV starting in late 1990s. The Fixed Umbilical Tower and swing arms were built, along with a Mobile Service Tower, a launch table and hydraulic erector system. And a nearby horizontal processing facility was constructed to house and integrate the main stages before rollout to the pad.

NROL-44 will be the 39th launch from this complex and the 33rd by a Delta IV.

Цитировать08/29/2020 07:13 Stephen Clark

Here are some statistics on today's mission:

• 385th Delta rocket launch since 1960
• 41st Delta 4 rocket mission since 2002
• 12th Delta 4-Heavy configuration to fly
• 63rd, 64th and 65th main engine from RS-68 family launched
• 21st, 22nd and 23rd RS-68A main engine flown
• 33rd Delta 4 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
• 9th Delta 4-Heavy launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
• 13th Delta 4 launch for the National Reconnaissance Office
• 8th Delta 4-Heavy launch for the National Reconnaissance Office
• 141st United Launch Alliance mission since the company's formation in 2006
• 5th ULA launch this year
• 1st launch of the Delta family in 2020
• 18th orbital launch from Cape Canaveral in 2020

Цитировать08/29/2020 07:19 Stephen Clark

An anomaly team has convened to study a non-responsive topping valve on the second stage's liquid hydrogen system.


08/29/2020 07:20 Stephen Clark

The Delta 4 launch team reports the topping valve is now responding.

Цитата: tnt22 от 29.08.2020 07:19:30

• 9th Delta 4-Heavy launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
• ....
• 8th Delta 4-Heavy launch for the National Reconnaissance Office

Цитировать08/29/2020 07:26 Stephen Clark

The anomaly team reports the second stage fuel topping valve issue is understood and is not an issue, and the countdown will proceed.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 07:27

The Delta Cryogenic Second Stage has been loaded with its liquid oxygen supply. With fueling reported complete, we have a 1.6-million-pound Delta IV Heavy rocket that is loaded for launch at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 UTC) today. At T-minus 1 hour, 22 minutes and counting, this is Delta Launch Control.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 07:32

The standard post-fueling inspections of the rocket's outer thermal insulation is underway using launch pad cameras.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32486.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829043207_646909.jpeg)

Цитировать08/29/2020 07:36 Stephen Clark

Final inspections of the Delta 4-Heavy's thermal insulation is underway at this time. The launch team is using cameras to survey the orange foam covering the rocket's tanks containing super-cold propellants.

Also, the launch team will soon verify the functionality of the Delta 4-Heavy's destruct system at this time.

Цитировать08/29/2020 07:37 Stephen Clark

The anomaly team is being convened again to discuss an out-of-limits reading detected during a post-fueling test on the Delta 4's second stage.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 07:53

Weather conditions remain GO. The team is working no constraints at this time.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 07:54

The launch team is setting up for flight slews, the next major milestone in the countdown. This is the steering test patterns for the Delta IV Heavy's engine nozzles to ensure proper gimbaling during the ascent.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:02 Stephen Clark

A functional test of the swing arm system at Complex 37B has been completed. The arms are programmed to swing away from the rocket at liftoff.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:03 Stephen Clark

The anomaly team recommends disabling some alarms associated with the issue noted earlier during a post-fueling test on the rocket's first stage. The countdown will proceed.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:09 Stephen Clark

ULA's launch conductor reports the team is tracking no issues at this time that would prevent liftoff at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 GMT).

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:09

Weather 90% GO

The launch weather forecast has improved to a 90 percent chance of acceptable conditions for liftoff tonight.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:19

The rocket

The Delta IV Heavy rocket is the nation's proven heavy-lifter. It is the only rocket capable of launching NROL-44.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32487.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829051931_357549.jpeg)

The Delta IV Heavy rocket is flying today for the 12th time.

This configuration of the Delta IV is created by taking three common booster cores, each with an Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A main engine, and strapping them together. They are ignited on the launch pad to provide 2.1 million pounds of thrust that propels the 235-foot-tall rocket into the sky.

The throttleable RS-68A engine burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to produce 702,000 pounds of thrust. The stage measures 155 feet in length with interstage permanently attached, 16.7 feet in diameter and is covered in orange insulating foam.

The Delta Cryogenic Second Stage is powered by an Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10B-2 engine. The stage also burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to produce 24,750 pounds of thrust. The powerplant features a deployable carbon-carbon nozzle that is 7 feet in diameter.

The payload is encapsulated for atmospheric ascent by a tri-sector, five-meter-diameter payload fairing.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:23 Stephen Clark

The launch team is loading the trajectory profile into the Delta 4's INCA flight computer at this time. The profile takes into account the upper level winds measured over Cape Canaveral by a series of weather balloons deployed over the past few hours.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:27

The Automatic Determination and Dissemination of Just Updated Steering Terms, better known as the ADDJUST file, has been loaded into the Delta IV Heavy rocket's Inertial Navigation and Control Assembly (INCA) flight computer by the flight control operator here at the Launch Control Center. This is the planned steering parameters for the INCA to use based on tonight's upper level wind conditions.

A series of weather balloons has been launched throughout the countdown from the Range weather station at Cape Canaveral to collect measurements of wind speeds and directions to determine if conditions aloft violate the controllability or structural loads on the rocket during ascent. The balloon data was transmitted to ULA engineers in Denver to select a steering profile that minimizes launch vehicle responses.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:31

Pre-launch conditioning of the all eight cryogenic tanks aboard the Delta IV Heavy has been achieved.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:34

L-30 minutes!

We are 30 minutes away for liftoff time for the Delta IV Heavy rocket and NROL-44 for the National Reconnaissance Office. Standing by for the final weather briefing.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:36

Weather is GO

Space Force Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich reports the current and forecast conditions are acceptable for liftoff. Weather is GO.

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Цитировать08/29/2020 08:36 Stephen Clark

Pressurization of the Delta 4-Heavy's RS-68A main engine spin start system is reported complete at this time.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:36 Stephen Clark

The Delta launch team reports slew, or steering, checks of the rocket's three RS-68A main engines and the RL10B-2 upper stage engine have been completed.

Цитата: undefinedAug 29, 2020 08:41

The launch team is evaluating temperature readings on the vehicle compartment. This could delay our target liftoff time.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:42 Stephen Clark

The Delta 4-Heavy team is looking at an issue that might prevent the launch from happening at the opening of this morning's window at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 GMT).

The launch window today extends around four hours

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:44

Upper level winds have been verified acceptable for liftoff.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:44

The temperature issue is being referred to Anomaly Chief Dave McFarland for discussion, any troubleshooting steps, then resolution. The AC position in the control room that directs engineering teams work to resolve technical issues that arise during the count.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:45

Countdown Holding

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the planned built-in hold designed to give a bit of margin to deal with any problems. Also during this time, the final readiness polls of the launch team and members of the Mission Management Team will be performed.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:50

We will be extending this hold at T-minus 4 minutes while the team analyzes the temperature inside a rocket compartment. A new liftoff time has not yet been established.

Цитировать08/29/2020 08:51 Stephen Clark

The Delta 4-Heavy team will extend the current hold in the countdown while engineers study a temperature issue in a vehicle compartment. This means liftoff will not occur at 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 GMT), but this morning's window stretches roughly four hours.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:56

Memorial Dedication

This morning's flight is dedicated to our friends and colleagues Chuck Mitchell and Winnie Pang. Chuck and Winnie have dedicated countless hours of technical expertise, ensuring the incredible success of a multitude of launches. Their warm smiles, team spirit, and phenomenal leadership have rippled across the aerospace and launch communities. To our fellow patriots - rest in peace.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32493.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829055657_439031.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 08:58

To recap, the countdown is holding at T-minus 4 minutes. Engineers are assessing the temperature in one of the rocket's compartments before we proceed to launch.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 09:01

The Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch off the pad on the power of three RS-68A main engines generating 2.1 million pounds of thrust.

The vehicle will hit Mach 1 and surpass the region of maximum air pressure by T+plus 90 seconds.
The port and starboard common booster cores burn for four minutes, while the center core fires for an addition 90 seconds before staging.

The second stage then comes to life, followed shortly thereafter by jettisoning the five-meter-diameter aluminum payload fairing.

At the request of our customer, live coverage will conclude approximately seven minutes after liftoff.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32494.jpg) Falcon9_AFTS @F9_UHF_antenna 8 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/F9_UHF_antenna/status/1299589418009980928)

@torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno)
 We are still going tonight, right? #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1299590312088797185)

В ответ @F9_UHF_antenna (https://twitter.com/F9_UHF_antenna)

Seeing an electronic package running a little cold. Running  thermal analysis now.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 09:21

We remain in the T-minus 4 minute hold while engineers complete a thermal analysis of a rocket compartment that is a bit cold tonight from the cryogenic propellants on Delta IV Heavy. We continue to await a new target liftoff time.

Цитировать08/29/2020 09:44 Stephen Clark

The launch team is updating trajectory data in the Delta 4-Heavy's guidance computer at this time. Engineers previously loaded a trajectory file into the computer for the 2:04 a.m. EDT (0604 GMT) launch time, but the fresh guidance parameters account for the delayed launch time.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 09:45

The flight control console operator has loaded updated trajectory parameters into the rocket's guidance computer.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:00

Anomaly Chief Dave McFarland has briefed mission managers following completion of thermal analysis. That work determined conditions inside the Delta IV Heavy rocket's interstage are acceptable to proceed to launch today.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32496.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829070037_671411.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:03

New Launch Time

ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri has instructed the launch team to coordinate a new liftoff time of 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 UTC) for the Delta IV Heavy rocket on the NROL-44 mission from Cape Canaveral today.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32497.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829070304_009489.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:22

GO for Launch!

The ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri has confirmed that the Delta IV Heavy rocket is ready to fly and NRO Mission Director Col. Chad Davis has given final permission to launch. That concurrence was made following a readiness poll of the launch team by Launch Conductor Scott Barney that verified all systems are "go." Liftoff time is 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 UTC).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32498.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200829072201_358464.jpeg)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:23


The launch pad swing arm lock pins have retracted. All steps are complete prior to terminal count.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:24

Countdown Resumes

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. The final phase of today's countdown is underway at Cape Canaveral to launch the Delta IV Heavy rocket on NROL-44. The countdown clocks have resumed, leading us straight to liftoff.

Over the next minute, the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage liquid oxygen tank will be secured at flight level, replenishment of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the three common core boosters will be secured in preparation to pressurize the tanks for launch and the ground pyrotechnics will be enabled.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:26

T-minus 1 minutes, 55 seconds. The launch sequencer has been started. It will perform independent verifications of systems for the rest of the countdown, control the firing of hydrogen burnoff igniters under the engines, detachment of umbilicals from the vehicle and release the rocket from the pad at liftoff.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket has switched from ground-fed power to internal batteries. Shortly, ordnance devices aboard the vehicle will be armed. The flight software on the vehicle will go active at T-minus 80 seconds.

Цитировать

Flight SEQUENCE
Hr:Mn:Sc	Event	EDT	UTC	ДМВ
00:00:05	RS-68A Engine Ignition	03:27:55	07:27:55	10:27:55
00:00:00	Liftoff (Thrust to Weight > 1)	03:28:00	07:28:00	10:28:00
00:00:09	Begin Pitch/Yaw Maneuver	03:28:09	07:28:09	10:28:09
00:01:18	Mach 1	03:29:18	07:29:18	10:29:18
00:01:20	Maximum Dynamic Pressure	03:29:20	07:29:20	10:29:20
00:03:56	Port and Starboard Booster Engine Cutoff	03:31:56	07:31:56	10:31:56
00:03:58	Port and Starboard Booster Jettison	03:31:58	07:31:58	10:31:58
00:05:36	Booster Engine Cutoff (BECO)	03:33:36	07:33:36	10:33:36
00:05:43	First Stage Separation	03:33:43	07:33:43	10:33:43
00:05:56	Main Engine Start (MES-1)	03:33:56	07:33:56	10:33:56
00:06:38	Payload Fairing Jettison	03:34:38	07:34:38	10:34:38

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:27

T-minus 55 seconds and counting. Computers have verified that the three RS-68A main engines are ready for ignition and the Space Force's Eastern Range at the Cape has confirmed its "green" condition for launch.

Coming up at T-minus 30 seconds, a final status check will be announced on Delta and NROL-44 readiness, followed by the vehicle going inertial, the residual hydrogen burnoff sparklers firing beneath the main engines, the Terminal Countdown Sequencer Rack going active and the staggered ignitions of the main engines starting at T-minus 7 seconds with the starboard booster and T-minus 5 seconds for the center and port boosters. The 12 holddown bolts will fire to release the vehicle for liftoff at T-0 and the swing arms on the launch pad will pull back.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:28

Countdown has stopped.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29897.png) Chris B - NSF @NASASpaceflight 24 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1299610098411737088)

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1299610020594712576/pu/vid/1280x720/F8vOZpZ9yLIEGACV.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1299610020594712576/pu/vid/1280x720/F8vOZpZ9yLIEGACV.mp4) (0:28)

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:30

A Terminal Countdown Sequencer Rack, which controls the countdown, called an abort at T-minus 3 seconds.

The launch team is safing the launch vehicle and pad facilities.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:35

Activities to safe the launch vehicle and ground support equipment are putting the Delta IV Heavy and Space Launch Complex-37 back into the same configuration as they were at the T-minus 4 minute hold point.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:37

To recap, there was a hot fire abort at T-minus 3 seconds. The launch team has completed safing procedures and will begin draining the cryogenic fuels from the Delta IV Heavy.

ЦитироватьAug 29, 2020 10:44

ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri has announced that we will not continue with countdown operations today.

ЦитироватьЗапуск ракеты Delta IV с разведспутником США отменен за секунды до старта
29.08.2020 10:32:29

Вашингтон. 29 августа. ИНТЕРФАКС - Запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), планировавшийся в субботу был отмечен за три секунды до старта из-за выявленных технических проблем, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

О целях, орбите, размере и других характеристиках секретного американского спутника NROL-44 официально не сообщается. Миссия и возможности спутников данного типа строго засекречены.

ЦитироватьThe rocket was rolled out to the pad on Nov. 14 and vertical on Nov. 15.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67572.png) Kyle Montgomery @Kyle_M_Photo 28 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Kyle_M_Photo/status/1299611174858903552)

So that's not supposed to happen, the delta IV started firing engines and then aborted.  #ULA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ULA?src=hashtag_click)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51572.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 20 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1299614021075824642)

Automated hot abort


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32503.png) GeorgeWilliamHerbert @GeorgeWHerbert 16 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/GeorgeWHerbert/status/1299614919407538177)

Argh.  But you'll fly later.


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1299615060130750466)

В ответ @GeorgeWHerbert (https://twitter.com/GeorgeWHerbert)

Yes. But not tonight

Цитата: lev_g от 29.08.2020 12:53:01ULA: Время на подготовку к следующей попытке - не менее семи дней. (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1299620707685617664)

Цитата: ZOOR от 29.08.2020 13:08:14

Цитата: lev_g от 29.08.2020 12:53:01ULA: Время на подготовку к следующей попытке - не менее семи дней. (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1299620707685617664)

Значит Маск улететь должен.

Цитата: lev_g от 29.08.2020 13:32:32Говорят, что Старлинк полетит, а SOACOM - нет. Его траектория проходит слишком близко к стартовой площадке Дельты и NRO не разрешает полет из-за риска для ее ПН. Critical National Security Payload - не хухры.

ЦитироватьСША отменили запуск ракеты с разведспутником из-за технических проблем
11:22 29.08.2020 (обновлено: 11:33 29.08.2020)

МОСКВА, 29 авг - РИА Новости. Запуск ракеты-носителя Delta IV Heavy с разведспутником для ВС США во Флориде отменили в субботу за 3 секунды до старта, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Allaince (ULA), которая вела прямую трансляцию.

Старт ракеты с космодрома на мысе Канаверал был отменен из-за технических проблем. При этом изначально запуск спутника должен был состояться в четверг, 27 августа, однако он был перенесен - сначала на пятницу, а затем на субботу.

"Руководитель запуска Лу Манджиери объявил, что сегодня мы не будем продолжать отсчет времени до пуска", - говорится в сообщении ULA.

Как отметили в компании, следующая попытка запуска может состояться не ранее чем через семь дней.

Спойлер

Ракета выводит на орбиту спутник для Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO). Миссия NROL-44 носит секретный характер, поэтому традиционно для таких запусков трансляция прекращается вскоре после старта ракеты-носителя. Как сообщают специализированные издания, в ходе миссий на орбиту выводят аппарат величиной с автобус, который на сегодня является самым сложным и дорогим аппаратом, запускаемым для правительства США.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1299777936707420161)

В ответ @aliice_ow (https://twitter.com/aliice_ow) @DazzlerHarvey (https://twitter.com/DazzlerHarvey) и @bearcat_120 (https://twitter.com/bearcat_120)

... This was a fault in a ground system that helps to prepare the engines for ignition. There are many, many automated monitors, any one of which, would have triggered the abort. When you routinely launch one of a kind, billion $ payloads, you don't take chances...

ЦитироватьAug. 29 Live Broadcast: Delta IV Heavy NROL-44

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220328.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

Трансляция началась 15 часов назад

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68791.jpg) Ryan Walean @ryandtw 17 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ryandtw/status/1302017645907042304)

@ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) Can you please give us any updates on the Delta IV NROL-44 mission following last Saturday's last-second launch abort? Based on the minimum recycle times, this Saturday would be the earliest launch date, but we haven't heard anything about a new launch date yet.


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1302253746685173760)

В ответ @ryandtw (https://twitter.com/ryandtw)

The team continues the engineering investigation to determine root cause and the path forward. A new launch date will be released when available.

Цитата: Чебурашка от 08.09.2020 11:04:46Ну так когда рукожопы из Боинга своего дорогущего монстра будут запускать?

Цитата: Чебурашка от 08.09.2020 11:04:46Ну так когда рукожопы из Боинга своего дорогущего монстра будут запускать?

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1303333737103581184)

В ответ @MarkPar49544437 (https://twitter.com/MarkPar49544437)

The team continues the engineering investigation to determine root cause and the path forward. A new launch date will be released when available.

Цитата: Чебурашка от 08.09.2020 17:12:27Отмоют и назовут многоразовой ракетой.  ;D

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67583.jpg) Nathan Barker @NASA_Nerd 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NASA_Nerd/status/1303687142376452097)

It appears that ULA is targetting September 18th to launch Delta IV Heavy with NROL-44, with a launch window from 12:30 am EDT to 3:12 am EDT according to today's US Coast Gaurd Notice to Mariners report. However, SpaceX does have the 17th and 18th reserved for Falcon 9 attempts.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51818.png)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 27 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1303807740465250312)

Found root cause of the pad side stuck regulator. Torn diaphragm, which can occur over time. Verifying the condition of the other 2 reg's. We will replace or rebuild as needed, re-test, and then resume towards launch. Mission success is the first priority. Currently, NET 18 Sept.

ЦитироватьКомпания ULA предпримет новую попутку запуска разведспутника США NROL-44 на следующей неделе
10.09.2020 22:04:27

Вашингтон. 10 сентября. ИНТЕРФАКС - Новая попытка запуска тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO) может быть предпринята на следующей неделе, следует из сообщения компании-оператора United Launch Alliance (ULA).

"На данный момент запуск планируется осуществить не ранее 18 сентября", - сообщил президент ULA Тори Бруно.

29 августа попытка запуска из-за технических проблем была остановлена автоматикой всего за три секунды до отрыва ракеты от стартового стола, когда уже произошло зажигание.

По данным ULA, причиной отмены пуска стали неполадки в системах 37-го стартового комплекса на авиабазе США на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида).

О целях, орбите, размере и других характеристиках секретного американского спутника NROL-44, стоимость которого, по оценкам, превышает миллиард долларов, официально не сообщается. Миссия и возможности спутников данного типа строго засекречены.
...

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32846.png) Space & Missile Museum Foundation @afspacemuseum 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/afspacemuseum/status/1305147044701655041)

New additions to our gift shop include NROL-44 ...
http://capemuseumgiftshop.org/NROL-44-Mission-Patch... (https://t.co/V6fKLhhiVr?amp=1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51919.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32825.png) Dellane Shippee @ShippeeDellane 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ShippeeDellane/status/1305910597649870850)

How about a time and Date for Delta Heavy???


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 33 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1305973025054109696)

В ответ @ShippeeDellane (https://twitter.com/ShippeeDellane)

Decided to replace all 3 regulators to be safe.  Launch NET the 26th.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68305.jpg) Tyler Gray @TylerG1998 12 мин (https://twitter.com/TylerG1998/status/1305980525182582789)

The launch of the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission on a ULA #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) rocket from SLC-37B is now set to occur NET Saturday, Sept. 26.

Per Tory, this is due to the team deciding to replace all of the ground side pad regulators, one of which caused the hotfire abort on August 29th.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67583.jpg) Nathan Barker @NASA_Nerd 8 ч (https://twitter.com/NASA_Nerd/status/1306312930930110465)

Should the launch date of September 26th hold for ULA's Delta IV Heavy with NROL 44, will be looking at a launch window that opens at 12:01 am EDT, and extends for 2 hrs 12 minutes.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/51980.png)

Цитата: undefined(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 15 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1306602832225800193)

The #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) launch for @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) is planned for Sept. 26. The launch period is 12:01-1:35amEDT. The team has reviewed all data and ground support equipment and determined that a ground system regulator internal component failure was the cause of the on-pad abort.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1306604103565545473)

Out of an abundance of caution the regulators associated with each of the three common booster cores are being replaced and retested.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1308133739818627077)

Regulators have been removed, refurbished, tested at @NASAStennis (https://twitter.com/NASAStennis) in and around Storm Sally (thank you @nasa (https://twitter.com/NASA)), reinstalled at the Cape, and tested.  Looking good.

Цитировать• Launch Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020

• Launch Period: 12:14 a.m. EDT (0414 UTC)

ЦитироватьПусковой день   (26.09) - 70 % GO
Резервный день (27.09) - 70 % GO

ЦитироватьNAVAREA IV 898/20

WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
260401Z TO 260613Z SEP, ALTERNATE
0401Z TO 0613Z DAILY 27 AND 28 SEP
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
    A. 28-34-51N 080-34-26W, 28-36-00N 080-31-00W,
        28-31-00N 079-42-00W, 28-27-00N 079-44-00W,
        28-27-00N 080-19-00W, 28-27-42N 080-31-36W,
        28-29-17N 080-32-27W, 28-34-44N 080-34-23W.
    B. 27-34-00N 073-17-00W, 28-30-00N 073-12-00W,
        28-13-00N 069-19-00W, 27-10-00N 069-16-00W.
    C. 21-15-00N 045-22-00W, 23-51-00N 044-36-00W,
        19-32-00N 032-09-00W, 17-06-00N 033-09-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 280713Z SEP 20.//

Authority: EASTERN RANGE 141549Z SEP 20.

Date: 220927Z SEP 20
Cancel: 28071300 Sep 20

ЦитироватьSep 22, 2020 16:30

Weather 70% GO for Launch

Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich anticipates a 70 percent chance of favorable conditions for the Friday night launch opportunity of the Delta IV Heavy and on the NROL-44 mission from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The official launch time comes just after midnight at 12:14 a.m. EDT (0414 UTC).

"Beginning Friday, a surge of deep moisture will be drawn over the area as the remnants of Tropical Storm Beta move into the Southeast U.S. For MST Roll Friday afternoon, scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms are forecast with surface winds out of the southeast between 10 to 15 knots," the launch weather team says.

"While most of the precipitation is expected to diminish in the evening, isolated showers over the nearshore Atlantic waters and lingering cloud cover aloft will bring the chance of a Thick Cloud Layer and/or Cumulus Cloud Rule violation during the launch window early Saturday morning."

The operations forecast includes scattered low- and mid-level clouds, a chance of an isolated shower, good visibility, southerly winds 8 to 13 knots and a temperature near 79 degrees F.

Цитировать

Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy

Date: September 26, 2020

Eastern Range Opens:  12:01 a.m.

Launch Hazard Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/2_(D1500%2C%20DELTA%20IV%20Heavy%2C%20NROL-44)%20CG-PA%20LHA%20%26%20Boater's%20E-Mail%2C%20v%236%2026%20Sep%2020.pdf)

Airspace Closure Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/3_%20(D1500%2C%20DELTA%20IV%20Heavy%2C%20NROL-44)%20Eastern%20Range%20Airspace%20v%236%20RS%2026%20Sep%2020.pdf)

ЦитироватьLAUNCH WEBCAST

The launch webcast begins Sept. 25 at 11:54 p.m. EDT

youtu.be/Fx5GjjCtcgo

Начало трансляции - 26 сентября 2020 г. в 03:54 UTC / 06:54 ДМВ

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 13 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1308409617467273225)

LAUNCH ALERT: The @45thspacewing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) Weather Squadron at Cape Canaveral predicts a 70 percent chance of favorable weather for the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) launch of #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) for the @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) just after midnight on Friday evening. Full details: http://bit.ly/div_nrol44 (https://t.co/GKgbdk3wMm?amp=1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52068.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67521.jpg) Stephen Clark @StephenClark1 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/1308512983711182848)

F9/GPS III SV03 launch from pad 40 now set for next Tuesday. 32 minutes before Antares launch from Wallops.

ЦитироватьПусковой день   (26.09) - ↓ 60 % GO
Резервный день (27.09) - = 70 % GO

ЦитироватьRocket Talk: Delta IV Heavy NROL-44

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220328.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

22 сент. 2020 г.

ULA's Cory Buckingham, trajectory engineer for the Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission gives an overview of launch.

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (26.09) - = 60 % GO
1-й резервный день (27.09) - ↑ 80 % GO
2-й резервный день (28.09) -     80 % GO

ЦитироватьSep 24, 2020 17:29

Launch Readiness Review completed

Leadership from ULA, the National Reconnaissance Office and the Space Force today reconvened the Launch Readiness Review (LRR) for the NROL-44 mission by a Delta IV Heavy rocket and gave a unanimous "go" to continue preparations for Saturday's early morning liftoff.

The countdown begins Friday afternoon, leading to launch at 12:14 a.m. EDT (0414 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

(https://24liveblog.tradingfront.cn/event/2579993127777954873/20200924142905_285401.jpeg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200924142905_285401.jpeg)

The LRR, led by ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri, took place in the Delta Operations Center at the Cape and virtually via teleconferencing to assess the readiness of the rocket and mission assets, the status of pre-flight processing work and previewed the weather forecast that calls for a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, leaders were polled and then signed the Launch Readiness Certificate.

The National Reconnaissance Office is an Intelligence Community element and Department of Defense organization responsible for developing, acquiring, launching and operating America's reconnaissance satellites, as well as operating associated data processing facilities in support of national security. Using NRO data, the National Security Agency, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and other NRO mission partners produce intelligence products for the President, Congress, national policymakers, warfighters and civil users.

United Launch Alliance will offer live comprehensive countdown coverage from the Delta Operations Center in our automatically-refreshing blog beginning Friday at 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 UTC), with continuing commentary all the way to liftoff.

ЦитироватьSep 25, 2020 15:09

Launch Status Update

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Sept. 25, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office is delayed due to an issue with the swing arm retraction system. Launch is now scheduled for 12:10 a.m. EDT, on Sept. 27, 2020.

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (27.09) - = 80 % GO
1-й резервный день (28.09) - = 80 % GO
2-й резервный день (29.09) -    70 % GO

ЦитироватьКомпания ULA перенесла на сутки запуск на орбиту гигантского спутника-шпиона США NROL-44
25.09.2020 22:02:13

Вашингтон. 25 сентября. ИНТЕРФАКС - Запуск на орбиту тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), который планировалось осуществить в субботу, перенесен на сутки, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

"Запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV со спутником NROL-44 в интересах NRO отложен из-за проблемы с системой отвода обслуживающей мачты. Теперь пуск планируется осуществить 27 сентября в 00:10 по времени Восточного побережья США (08:10 мск)", - говорится в сообщении компании ULA, которая является совместным предприятием корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, осуществляющим запуски в интересах Пентагона и американского разведывательного сообщества.

Старт предполагалось совершить еще 29 августа. Из-за технических проблем он был остановлен автоматикой всего за три секунды до отрыва ракеты от стартового стола, когда уже произошло зажигание. По данным ULA, причиной отмены пуска стали также неполадки в наземных системах на 37-м стартовом комплексе на авиабазе США на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида).
...

Цитировать

Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy

Date: September 27, 2020

Eastern Range Opens:  12:10 a.m.

Launch Hazard Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/27%20Sep%2020%20LHA.pdf)

Airspace Closure Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/27%20Sep%2020%20ARA.pdf)

Цитата: undefinedПусковой день         (28.09) - ↓ 70 % GO
1-й резервный день (29.09) - ↓ 70 % GO
2-й резервный день (30.09) -     70 % GO

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 48 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1309857070443671553)

United Launch Alliance's next launch attempt for its Delta 4-Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral with a top secret U.S. government spy satellite will be delayed to no earlier than early Monday. https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/09/24/delta-4-heavy-cleared-for-liftoff-after-launch-readiness-review/ (https://t.co/C4U7fpRQQX?amp=1)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67594.png) Chris G - NSF @ChrisG_NSF 41 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1309859730517569539)

And the newly released L-2 day launch weather forecast, further confirming the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) launch delay.  While ULA has not said anything at this time, this can be taken as confirmation from the 45th Space Wing that there is no launch attempt tonight. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52168.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1309885129658114054)

The launch of the ULA #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission is now set for no earlier than Sept. 28. Additional time is needed for the team to test and evaluate the swing arm retraction system.


13 мин (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1309885171332714496)

As we believe in safety first and are dedicated to mission success, we are taking our time to thoroughly review the data to determine the appropriate path forward.

ЦитироватьВ США назвали сроки запуска ракеты Delta IV с военным спутником
20:17 26.09.2020

ВАШИНГТОН, 26 сен – РИА Новости. Запуск ракеты-носителя Delta IV Heavy с разведспутником для ВС США во Флориде состоится не ранее 28 сентября, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Allaince (ULA).

Цитировать"Запуск Delta IV Heavy (для миссии – ред.) NROL-44 теперь назначен не ранее чем на 28 сентября. Команде нужно дополнительное время, чтобы проверить и оценить систему выдвижения руки-манипулятора", - говорится в Twitter (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1309885129658114054) компании.

Спойлер

Изначально запуск спутника должен был состояться 27 августа, однако его уже несколько раз переносили. Ранее старт ракеты с космодрома на мысе Канаверал был отменен из-за технических проблем, связанных с функционированием манипулятора.

Ракета выводит на орбиту спутник для Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO). Миссия NROL-44 носит секретный характер, поэтому традиционно для таких запусков трансляция прекращается вскоре после старта ракеты-носителя. Как сообщают специализированные издания, в ходе миссий на орбиту выводят аппарат величиной с автобус, который на сегодня является самым сложным и дорогим аппаратом, запускаемым для правительства США.

[свернуть]

Цитировать22:56, 26 сентября 2020
Запуск на орбиту гигантского спутника-шпиона США вновь перенесли

Москва. 26 сентября. INTERFAX.RU - Запуск на орбиту тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), который планировалось осуществить в воскресенье, вновь перенесен на сутки, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

"Запуск тяжелой миссии Delta IV со спутником NROL-44 теперь планируется осуществить 28 сентября. Дополнительное время необходимо для того, чтобы команда протестировала и проанализировала работу системы отвода обслуживающей мачты", - говорится в сообщении компании ULA, которая является совместным предприятием корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, осуществляющим запуски в интересах Пентагона и американского разведывательного сообщества.

Выявленная проблема с отводом мачты на стартовом комплексе на космодроме на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида) помешала провести пуск, который планировался на субботу.

Старт предполагалось совершить еще 29 августа. Из-за технических проблем он был остановлен автоматикой всего за три секунды до отрыва ракеты от стартового стола, когда уже произошло зажигание. По данным ULA, причиной отмены пуска стали также неполадки в наземных системах на 37-м стартовом комплексе на космодроме на мысе Канаверал.
...

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 36 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1310198421869989888)

#DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) is ready to launch #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) but we are taking extra precautions to ensure all issues are resolved with the swing arm retraction system. We are working towards NET Sept. 29.

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (29.09) - ↓ 60 % GO
1-й резервный день (30.09) - ↓ 50 % GO
2-й резервный день (01.10) -     80 % GO

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 23 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1310225163162734593)

Working an issue with the hydraulic system that retracts the swing arm. Bird and payload remain healthy.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1310216559294521344)

ULA's Delta 4-Heavy rocket is now scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral at 12:02am EDT (0402 GMT) Tuesday with a top secret NRO spy satellite, allowing teams to ensure the launch pad's swing arm retraction system is ready to go. https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/09/24/delta-4-heavy-cleared-for-liftoff-after-launch-readiness-review/ (https://t.co/C4U7fpRQQX?amp=1)

Цитировать27 СЕН, 18:51
В ULA заявили, что запустят разведывательный спутник США не ранее 29 сентября
United Launch Alliance в очередной раз отложила запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным аппаратом NROL-44 для нужд Национального управления военно-космической разведки США

НЬЮ-ЙОРК, 27 сентября. /ТАСС/. Американская компания United Launch Alliance (ULA) в очередной раз отложила запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным аппаратом NROL-44 для нужд Национального управления военно-космической разведки (НУВКР) США. Данную операцию планируется осуществить "не ранее 29 сентября", сообщила ULA в воскресенье в Twitter (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch).

Представители компании отметили, что принимают "дополнительные меры предосторожности" с целью проверки систем на стартовом комплексе. Президент ULA Тори Бруно уточнил, что никаких технических проблем с носителем или спутником не возникло.

Ранее ожидалось, что запуск состоится 27 сентября. В субботу его отложили на сутки. Изначально старт ракеты-носителя Delta IV с космодрома на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида) планировался на июнь и откладывался уже несколько раз по разным причинам.
...

ЦитироватьЗапуск спутника-шпиона США NROL-44 перенесен еще на сутки
       Вашингтон. 27 сентября. ИНТЕРФАКС - Запуск на орбиту тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), который планировалось осуществить в понедельник, вновь перенесен на сутки, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).
      "Запуск планируем осуществить 29 сентября", - говорится в сообщении компании ULA, которая является совместным предприятием корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, осуществляющим запуски в интересах Пентагона и американского разведывательного сообщества.
       Выявленная проблема с отводом мачты на стартовом комплексе на космодроме на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида) помешала провести пуск, который планировался на субботу.
       При этом старт предполагалось совершить еще 29 августа. Из-за технических проблем он был остановлен автоматикой всего за три секунды до отрыва ракеты от стартового стола, когда уже произошло зажигание. По данным ULA, причиной отмены пуска стали также неполадки в наземных системах на 37-м стартовом комплексе на космодроме на мысе Канаверал.

Цитата: undefinedПусковой день         (29.09) - = 60 % GO
1-й резервный день (30.09) - ↓ 40 % GO
2-й резервный день (01.10) - ↑ 90 % GO

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 45 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1310570842691076096)

Everything is progressing toward the ULA #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) launch carrying the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission for the @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc). The mission is set to lift off on Tues., Sept. 29 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch time is 12:02 a.m. EDT.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 47 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1310570897158418432)

Today's forecast shows a 60 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 17:30

Live Launch Coverage Begins Today!

Starting later this afternoon, join us for live reports throughout the countdown to the Delta IV Heavy launch of NROL-44. Our updates from the Delta Operations Center will begin on this page at 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 UTC), just prior to starting the countdown. 

Liftoff of the Delta IV Heavy rocket from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is scheduled for two minutes past midnight tonight at 12:02 a.m. EDT (0402 UTC).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33457.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200928143008_208106.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьLAUNCH WEBCAST

The launch webcast begins at 11:42 p.m. EDT (0342 UTC)

youtu.be/ssnh8KznSeM

Начало трансляции - 29 сентября 2020 г. в 03:42 UTC / 06:42 ДМВ

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 31 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1310636371426660352)

Starting later this afternoon, join us for live reports throughout the countdown to the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) launch of #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click). Coverage begins at 3:30pmEDT (1930 UTC). Liftoff is targeted for two minutes past midnight at 12:02amEDT (0402 UTC). Live blog: http://bit.ly/div_nrol44 (https://t.co/GKgbdk3wMm?amp=1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52199.jpg)

ЦитироватьКомпания ULA планирует во вторник осуществить запуск разведспутника США NROL-44
       Вашингтон. 28 сентября. ИНТЕРФАКС - Запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO) будет предпринят во вторник, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).
      "Миссия стартует во вторник, 29 сентября с космического комплекса 37 на космодроме на мысе Канаваерал во Флориде. Время пуска - 00:02 по времени Восточного побережья США (7:02 мск)", - говорится в сообщении.
       Запуск спутника ранее уже неоднократно откладывался. 29 августа из-за технических проблем он был остановлена автоматикой всего за три секунды до отрыва ракеты от стартового стола, когда уже произошло зажигание.
       По данным ULA, причиной отмены пуска стали неполадки в системах 37-го стартового комплекса на авиабазе США на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида).
       О целях, орбите, размере и других характеристиках секретного американского спутника NROL-44, стоимость которого, по оценкам, превышает миллиард долларов, официально не сообщается. Миссия и возможности спутников данного типа строго засекречены.

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 22:30

Welcome to the Delta IV Heavy Countdown!

From the Delta Operations Center, this is Delta Launch Control as we enter the final eight-and-a-half hours until liftoff of the Delta IV Heavy rocket on the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office tonight from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Launch is scheduled for 12:02 a.m. EDT (0402 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37.

The countdown will begin at 3:32 p.m. EDT from the T-minus 8 hour mark. Two pre-planned, 15-minute built-in holds are scheduled in the count. One pause is reserved prior to fueling at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes, the other occurs prior to the terminal count at T-minus 4 minutes.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33524.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200928193004_543281.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 22:32

Countdown Begins!

On my mark, the time will be T-minus 8 hours and counting. 3, 2, 1, mark.

The official countdown sequence has started ticking here in the Delta Operations Center towards a liftoff time of 12:02 a.m. EDT (0402 UTC).

ULA's Delta IV Heavy, one of the world's most powerful rockets, is the only rocket system that possesses all of the attributes to meet the stringent requirements to launch the NROL-44 mission.

This will be ULA's 141st mission and our 29th for the NRO. The Delta IV Heavy is making is 12th flight overall and its 8th launch performed the NRO.

The triple-core rocket stands 235 feet tall and 54 feet wide, features 8 fuel and oxidizer tanks, burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in all three cores and its second stage and protects the payload in a 65-foot-long tri-sector payload fairing. 

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 22:37

The application of power to the avionics aboard the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning at the start of the countdown. The equipment will be powered up for launch day testing and final preparations for fueling operations.

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 22:52

Weather Acceptable for Tower Roll

Space Force meteorologist Jessica Williams from the 45th Weather Squadron here at Cape Canaveral has provided a forecast of conditions expected during retraction of the Mobile Service Tower away from the Delta IV Heavy rocket and the outlook for tonight.

Current conditions are acceptable. But rain and intracloud lightning is expected along the Space Coast tonight, with conditions improving by late tonight. Lingering cloud cover gives us a 60 percent chance of allowable launch weather.

For launch at 12:02 a.m. EDT, meteorologists are predicting scattered low clouds, broken mid- and high-level decks, good visibility, southerly winds of 10 to 15 knots and a temperature near 80 degrees F.

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 23:26

The Delta IV rocket has been powered up for the NROL-44 launch.

The flight control operator in the Launch Control Center performed the power up. Soon, he will begin avionics testing while the rocket's Inertial Guidance and Control Assembly (INCA) flight computer is allowed to warm up. Later, the operator will conduce guidance system testing and steering checks of the engine nozzles prior to cryogenic fueling.

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 23:31

GO for Tower Roll

ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri has given approval for retraction of the Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 in preparation for tonight's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch of NROL044. That "go" has been passed to the launch conductor for implementation.

"Proceed with MST jacking and roll to the park position," Launch Conductor Scott Barney just radioed to the pad lead engineer at Space Launch Complex-37.


Sep 28, 2020 23:34

MST jacking is underway. Using 40 hydraulic cylinders at pressures nearing 3,500 psi, the tower will be raised a few inches in preparation for the roll.

ЦитироватьSep 28, 2020 23:38

A Phase 1 lightning watch has been issued for Space Launch Complex-37. The advisory means lightning is expected within the specified area up to 30 minutes before the forecast onset of lightning. Although lightning has yet to strike, conditions are developing for lightning soon. 

The pad crew will stand by before starting the roll.


Sep 28, 2020 23:42

A Phase 2 lightning warning has been issued for Space Launch Complex-37. The launch pad will be cleared of personnel because lightning is imminent.

The MST is being lowered back onto its pedestals.

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 00:14

To recap, technicians were proceeding to retract the Mobile Service Tower away from the Delta IV Heavy rocket in this early portion of the launch countdown. However, storms pushing toward Space Launch Complex-37 caused meteorologists to declare a Phase 2 lightning warning that resulted in the crew clearing the pad as a safety precaution.

The tower has not yet rolled, but the countdown is continuing as mission managers look at options to preserve a launch opportunity tonight.

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 00:50

If you are just tuning in, the Delta IV Heavy launch pad at Cape Canaveral remains under a Phase 2 lightning warning. That caused the pad crew to leave the site for shelter.

We are awaiting improvement in the weather in order for the team to resume its work at the pad for a launch attempt tonight.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33525.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200928215052_219664.jpeg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1310705577954365443)

Lightning strike near the pad.  Looking at the launch window. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 01:32

Launch Scrubbed

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Sept. 28, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission has been scrubbed due to weather. Launch is now scheduled for 11:58 p.m. EDT on Tues., Sept. 29, 2020.

Our live launch blog will begin at 3:15 p.m. EDT (1915 UTC).

ЦитироватьLAUNCH WEBCAST

The launch webcast begins at 11:38 p.m. EDT (0338 UTC)

youtu.be/ssnh8KznSeM

Начало трансляции - 30 сентября 2020 г. в 03:35 UTC / 06:35 ДМВ

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68646.jpg) Emre Kelly @EmreKelly 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1310739535005794304)

Latest range schedule:

– Sept. 29 @ 2358 ET: Delta IV Heavy NRO

– Sept. 30 between 2145 and 2200 ET: Falcon 9 GPS

– Oct. 1 around 0915 ET: Falcon 9 13th Starlink

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68646.jpg) Emre Kelly @EmreKelly 11 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1310769914907627520)

If you weren't confused before...

Latest 45th hazard area now indicates Delta IV Heavy is scheduled for Sept. 30. Unsure if this means missions were swapped with SpaceX, all are delayed, or there's a mistake (not likely).

As usual, wait for confirmations from ULA and SpaceX.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52202.jpg)

ЦитироватьКомпания ULA из-за непогоды на сутки перенесла запуск на орбиту разведывательного спутника NROL-44
29.09.2020 6:44:31

Вашингтон. 29 сентября. ИНТЕРФАКС - Запуск тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), планировавшийся во вторник утром, в связи с неблагоприятными погодными условиями перенесен на сутки, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

"Запуск отменен из-за непогоды. Теперь его планируется осуществить 29 сентября в 23:58 по времени Восточного побережья США (30 сентября в 06:58 мск)", - говорится в сообщении компании ULA, которая является совместным предприятием корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, осуществляющим запуски в интересах Пентагона и американского разведывательного сообщества.

Запуск спутника ранее уже неоднократно откладывался из-за технических проблем в системах 37-го стартового комплекса на авиабазе США на мысе Канаверал (штат Флорида).
...

ЦитироватьNAVAREA IV 930/20

WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
    300345Z TO 300557Z SEP, ALTERNATE
    0345Z TO 0557Z DAILY 01 AND 02 OCT
    IN AREAS BOUND BY:
        A. 28-34-51N 080-34-26W, 28-36-00N 080-31-00W,
            28-31-00N 079-42-00W, 28-27-00N 079-44-00W,
            28-27-00N 080-19-00W, 28-27-42N 080-31-36W,
            28-29-17N 080-32-27W, 28-34-44N 080-34-23W.
        B. 27-34-00N 073-17-00W, 28-30-00N 073-12-00W,
            28-13-00N 069-19-00W, 27-10-00N 069-16-00W.
        C. 21-15-00N 045-22-00W, 23-51-00N 044-36-00W,
            19-32-00N 032-09-00W, 17-06-00N 033-09-00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 922/20.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 020657Z OCT 20.//

Authority: EASTERN RANGE 290041Z SEP 20.

Date: 290045Z SEP 20
Cancel: 02065700 Oct 20

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 30 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1310946054297341955)

Everything is progressing toward the ULA #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) launch carrying the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission for the @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc). The mission is set to lift off on Tues. Sept. 29 from SLC-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.


30 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1310946095070154752)

Today's forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 11:58 p.m. EDT.

Цитировать

Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy

Date: September 29, 2020

Eastern Range Opens: 11:58 p.m.

Launch Hazard Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/LHA%20RS%2030%20Sep%2020.pdf)

Airspace Closure Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/aca%20RS%2030%20Sep%2020.pdf)

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 22:15

Welcome to the Countdown!

Good afternoon from United Launch Alliance's Delta Operations Center where we are preparing to launch the Delta IV Heavy rocket tonight on the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.

The launch countdown sequence will begin at 3:28 p.m. EDT, leading us to the 11:58 p.m. EDT (0358 UTC) liftoff time.

Our first weather briefing of the day occurs at 3:33 p.m. for an assessment on conditions for rolling the Mobile Service Tower and the launch forecast.

At the present time, we are under a Phase 1 lightning watch.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33567.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200929191550_988856.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 22:28

Countdown Begins!

And we are counting! The countdown is underway for our scheduled launch of NROL-44 at 11:58 p.m. EDT (0358 UTC) tonight from Space Launch Complex-37.

The countdown is started from the T-minus 8 hour point. Two pre-planned, 15-minute built-in holds are scheduled in the count. One pause is reserved prior to fueling at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes, the other occurs prior to the terminal count at T-minus 4 minutes.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33568.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200929192803_829577.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 22:33

The application of power to the avionics aboard the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning at the start of the countdown. The equipment will be powered up for launch day testing and final preparations for fueling operations.

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 22:50

Weather Briefing for Tower Roll

A weather assessment from Space Force meteorologist Jessica Williams of the 45th Weather Squadron here at Cape Canaveral indicates today's weather is being driven by a cold front over North Florida with prefrontal storms over Central Florida.

Current conditions at the Cape are acceptable for continued launch preparations. However, approaching storms with strong winds later this afternoon could prompt a lightning warning.

We will be standing by for a "go" or "no go" call on tower roll.

For launch time tonight, there is a 40 percent chance of favorable conditions due to cloud cover and showers.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33569.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200929195058_997954.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 22:58

All of the preparations to roll the Mobile Service Tower into the launch position have been completed, pending the final "go" from the Launch Control Center. Weather conditions and the ongoing lightning watch for the pad are holding up the actual start of retraction.

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 23:04

A look from the GOES-16 weather satellite at the storms in Central Florida that are pushing northeastward ahead of the cold front in the Florida Panhandle.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33570.png) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200929200419_312197.png)

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 23:31

Guidance system testing is getting started at this point in the countdown.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33572.png) NWS Melbourne @NWSMelbourne 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NWSMelbourne/status/1311042996511502336)

4:40pm | Strong tstorms along a line from Astor to Port Canaveral, moving NE at 30mph. Wind gusts up to 50mph, heavy rain & frequent lightning is occurring.

ЦитироватьSep 29, 2020 23:54

A Phase 2 lightning warning has been issued for Space Launch Complex-37 due to thunderstorms at Cape Canaveral. The launch pad crew will clear the complex as a precaution until the weather alert is lifted.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33573.png) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200929205427_224717.png)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 00:20

The flight control operational test for the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning. This test is known as flight slews, which performs gimbal checks of the rocket's engine nozzles in a state prior to cryogenic fueling. A similar test wull be conducted after the rocket is loaded with super-cold propellant.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 00:39

The flight control operational test is nearing completion as the countdown continues.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33574.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200929213945_068604.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 00:43

The lightning warning for the Delta IV Heavy launch pad has been rescinded, allowing the ground crew to return to their work sites.

The band of storms has passed by and there appears to be a window of acceptable weather for Mobile Service Tower roll to occur in preparation for launch tonight.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 01:12

MST jacking is underway. Using 40 hydraulic cylinders at pressures nearing 3,500 psi, the tower will be raised a few inches in preparation for the roll.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 01:24

MST Roll is Underway

This is Delta Launch Control. Retraction of the Mobile Service Tower is in progress at Space Launch Complex-37.

First motion occurred at 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 UTC).

An undercarriage transport system with drive trucks in all four corners of the MST is moving the 33-story building at a top speed of 0.25 miles per hour.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 02:25

Launch Scrubbed

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Sept. 29, 2020) – The launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy NROL-44 mission has been scrubbed. The local weather resulted in a significant delay to pre-launch preparations including the roll of the Mobile Service Tower (MST). When the MST roll began we discovered a hydraulic leak in the ground system required to move the tower which needs further evaluation. Subsequent weather will prevent the team from moving forward with tonight's attempt.

Launch is now scheduled for 11:54 p.m. EDT on Wed., Sept. 30, 2020.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 04:04

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311100944130674690)

Hydraulic hose failure on the MST. Happens now and again. Part on hand, repair underway.  However, the earlier lighting hold ate up so much of the launch window that we will not be able to continue towards a launch tonight.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1311084997256900608)

The launch of the ULA #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission has been scrubbed. The local weather resulted in a significant delay to pre-launch preparations including the roll of the Mobile Service Tower (MST).


2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1311085128085536769)

When the MST roll began we discovered a hydraulic leak in the ground system required to move the tower which needs further evaluation. Subsequent weather will prevent the team from moving forward with tonight's attempt. Launch is now scheduled for 11:54 pm EDT on Wed., Sept. 30.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68656.jpg) Julia @julia_bergeron 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/1311061241222369283)

About that lightning bolt @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) ...
I do believe my remote camera caught that moment. Mighty #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) looks good on the pad though.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52225.jpg)

Цитата: undefinedLAUNCH WEBCAST

The launch webcast begins at 11:34 p.m. EDT (0334 UTC)

youtu.be/ssnh8KznSeM

Начало трансляции - 1 октября 2020 г. в 03:30 UTC / 06:30 ДМВ

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67929.jpg) Cosmic Perspective @considercosmos 4 ч (https://twitter.com/considercosmos/status/1311074806926913536)

Tower strike! (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125232.svg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125109.svg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125196.svg) Our remote camera captured SLC-37's lightning suppression system in action, diverting damage away from #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc). This may have been the strike @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) mentioned.... Others nearby also #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) #Lightning (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lightning?src=hashtag_click)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52226.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52227.jpg)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 17:14

We are progressing to tonight's opportunity for launch the Delta IV Heavy rocket at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC).

The weather forecast shows a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions for launch.

The live countdown blog begins at 3:15 p.m. EDT and the launch webcast starts at 11:34 p.m. EDT.

ЦитироватьПусковой день         (01.10) - ↓ 70 % GO
1-й резервный день (02.10) -     70 % GO
2-й резервный день (03.10) -     80 % GO

Цитировать

Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy

Date: September 30, 2020

Eastern Range Opens: 11:54 p.m.

Launch Hazard Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/LHA%20RS%2030%20Sep%2020.pdf)

Airspace Closure Area (https://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/3_%20Eastern%20Range%20Airspace%2030SEP20.docx)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 21:54

Welcome to the Delta IV Heavy Countdown!

From Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, this is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 8 hours and holding.

We are about to begin rollback of the Mobile Service Tower and initiate the countdown to launch the Delta IV Heavy rocket on the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office tonight.

Launch is scheduled for 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37.

The countdown will begin inside the Delta Operations Center at 3:24 p.m. EDT. Two pre-planned, 15-minute built-in holds are scheduled in the count. One pause is reserved prior to fueling at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes, the other occurs prior to the terminal count at T-minus 4 minutes.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 21:58

MST Roll is Underway

At Space Launch Complex-37, retraction of the Mobile Service Tower is underway in preparation for tonight's Delta IV Heavy rocket launch of NROL-44.

ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri gave approval for the gantry rollback following a weather briefing a short time ago. After verifying all steps in the pre-roll procedure were complete and acceptable weather, Launch Conductor Scott Barney radioed the pad crew to proceed with hydraulically raising the tower and moving it to the launch position.

The tower was raised a few inches using 40 hydraulic cylinders at pressures nearing 3,500 psi. The undercarriage transport system began moving the 33-story building with first motion at 2:57 p.m. EDT (1857 UTC).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33606.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930185836_874041.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 22:08

The MST has moved 25 feet clear of the rocket thus far.

The gantry stands 330 feet tall, weighs nearly 10 million pounds and is the integral element that enables vertical integration of payloads atop the Delta IV Heavy. The tower is being wheeled on rail tracks about the length of a football field away from the rocket for tonight's scheduled launch.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33607.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930190811_677024.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 22:24

Countdown Begins!

Countdown clocks have started ticking here in the Delta Operations Center towards a liftoff time of 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC).

Tonight's mission is a partnership between United Launch Alliance (ULA) and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). Our Delta IV Heavy will launch NROL-44, a national security payload designed, built and operated by the agency.

NROL-44 supports NRO's overall national security mission to provide intelligence data to the United States' senior policy makers, the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.

The Delta IV Heavy, one of the world's most powerful rockets, is the only rocket system that possesses all of the attributes to meet the stringent requirements to launch the NROL-44 mission.

This will be ULA's 141st mission and our 29th for the NRO. The Delta IV Heavy is making is 12th flight overall and its 8th launch performed the NRO.

The triple-core rocket stands 235 feet tall and 54 feet wide, features 8 fuel and oxidizer tanks, burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen in all three cores and its second stage, and protects the payload in a 65-foot-long tri-sector payload fairing.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 22:29

The application of power to the avionics aboard the Delta IV Heavy rocket is beginning at the start of the countdown. The equipment will be powered up for launch day testing and final preparations for fueling operations.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33608.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930192904_220620.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 22:39

Launch Weather is 80% GO

The updated launch forecast for tonight from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron here at Cape Canaveral indicates an 80 percent chance of acceptable conditions. The primary concern will be the thickness of clouds draped over the launch site from a cold front.

For launch at 11:54 p.m. EDT, meteorologists are predicting a broken deck of low clouds, good visibility, northerly winds of 12 to 18 knots and a temperature near 74 degrees F.

There is no concern for lightning or rainfall at the Cape this evening, after two days of inclement weather.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 23:14

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 7 hours, 10 minutes (L-7 hours, 40 minutes) and counting. The Delta IV rocket has been powered up for the NROL-44 launch.

The flight control operator in the Launch Control Center performed the power up. Soon, he will begin avionics testing while the rocket's Inertial Guidance and Control Assembly (INCA) flight computer is allowed to warm up. Later, the operator will conduce guidance system testing and steering checks of the engine nozzles prior to cryogenic fueling

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 23:24

MST Rolled Back

The Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 has been retracted and secured in the launch position, revealing the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for the NROL-44 launch.

The MST reached the "harddown" milestone at 4:24 p.m.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33610.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930202453_981929.jpeg)

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 23:29

The Delta IV Heavy rocket powered up for launch day testing when the countdown began.Guidance system testing is getting started at this point in the countdown as we continue to press ahead toward a liftoff at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC). Activities are running on schedule and the weather is GO.

ЦитироватьSep 30, 2020 23:44

An open-loop test of the S-band system used to relay telemetry from the launch vehicle during flight is underway.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 00:05

The flight control operational test for the Delta IV Heavy has been completed successfully. This test is known as flight slews, which performs gimbal checks of the rocket's engine nozzles in a state prior to cryogenic fueling. A similar test wull be conducted after the rocket is loaded with super-cold propellant.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33611.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930210503_165963.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 00:29

The initiation of gaseous nitrogen flow to the rocket is starting. This changes the environmental control system to supply conditioned nitrogen gas rather than air to Delta IV Heavy in preparation for the cryogenic fueling and in-flight environments.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 00:34

All continues to go well in the NROL-44 countdown and there are no constraints to our 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC) launch time tonight at Cape Canaveral for Delta IV Heavy.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33612.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930213412_895841.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 00:46

Checks of the rocket's internal batteries are underway.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:04

The S-band system has been tested. This will be used for telemetry downlink during the flight.
Also, the internal battery checks are wrapping up.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:29

Delta IV Heavy Poster

Delve inside the inner workings of the Delta IV Heavy with this cutaway poster (https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/rockets/delta-iv-heavy-cutaway.pdf) that reveals what the rocket looks like beneath its exterior.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:33

The start of clearing all personnel from the danger area around the launch site is underway.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:40

Hold-fire checks are being conducted at this time. This verifies the circuitry used to stop the countdown if a safety concern arises.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:46

Hold-fire checks were complete satisfactorily. Also, guidance system testing is complete.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:49

Pre-fueling tests are underway to verify the proper functions of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen valves on both stages of the launch vehicle.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 01:55

The launch pad crew has completed its hands-on work to ready Space Launch Complex-37 for tonight's mission, and the danger area is verified cleared in advance of fueling operations.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 02:00

Weather is GO for Fueling

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 24 minutes (L-4 hours, 54 minutes) and counting. In the pre-fueling weather briefing, conditions at Cape Canaveral are acceptable for proceeding into cryogenic tanking operations at Space Launch Complex-37.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33614.png) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930230015_746202.png)

Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich from the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron also reports that the weather outlook remains favorable for the flight of Delta IV Heavy this evening. The forecast calls for an 80 percent chance of allowable liftoff conditions, with the only concern being cloud thickness.

All rules are green and "go" at the present time.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 02:09

Countdown Holding

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the first of two planned, built-in holds that are scheduled in today's timeline. Each is a 15-minute block of time that gives the countdown some margin to resolve issues or catch up on work could be running behind.

This particular hold serves as a margin before fueling operations begin. At the present time, however, all activities are progressing well and no significant problems are being addressed by the launch team.

The final hold occurs at T-minus 4 minutes.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33615.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930230911_542257.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 02:22

GO for Fueling

A readiness poll of the launch team by Launch Conductor Scott Barney, with concurrence of ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri, has authorized cryogenic tanking operations to begin as the countdown continues tonight. The Delta IV Heavy rocket will be loaded with approximately 470,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen over the next couple of hours.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33616.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930232203_638473.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 02:24

Countdown Resumes


This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 hours, 15 minutes and counting. The next phase of tonight's launch countdown has been initiated for liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Preparatory steps for fueling are being kicked off, including liquid hydrogen storage tank pressurization and charging the high-pressure helium bottles on the common booster cores and second stage.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33617.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930232404_963308.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 02:39

The flight control operator is performing the ECU BIT test on the Delta IV Heavy rocket. This is the built-in test (BIT) of the engine control units (ECUs) that cycle hydraulically-actuated engine valves prior to the start of fueling operations.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 02:48

Chilldown Begins

A "go" has been given to start the cold gas chilldown conditioning of the liquid hydrogen system on the three common booster cores. This is the precursor step before filling the cores with propellant.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33618.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20200930234822_976573.jpeg)

The three common booster cores will be loaded with 330,000 gallons of super-cold liquid hydrogen that is chilled to minus-423 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquid hydrogen, along with the liquid oxygen to be loaded shortly as well, will be consumed by the three RS-68A main engines during the first minutes of the launch to exit Earth's atmosphere.

The port and starboard boosters will fire at full throttle for nearly four minutes and then separate. The center booster burns at partial thrust for most of that time in a fuel-conservation mode until the outer cores jettison, then its RS-68A engine revs up to full throttle for another minute-and-a-half of propulsion before staging.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:08

Antenna checks will be performed shortly to verify functionality of the GPS Metric Tracking system. GPS MT is the system that uses the overhead Global Positioning System navigation satellite constellation to track the rocket's flight downrange with position, velocity and timing information.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:10

CBC LH2 Loading Begins

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 3 hours, 28 minutes (L-3 hours, 43 minutes) and counting. The cold gas chilldown conditioning of the common booster cores' liquid hydrogen systems has been accomplished, clearing the way to begin propellant loading in "slow-fill" mode. That will transition to "fast-fill" after a small portion of each tank is loaded.

The FUEL1 console operator here in launch control is overseeing the CBC LH2 loading today.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33619.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20201001001031_554437.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:14

CBC LOX Chilldown

The thermal condition process, known as chilldown, has started for the liquid oxygen systems on Delta IV Heavy rocket's common booster cores. This preps the tanks and plumbing to guard against shock when the super-cold oxidizer begins flowing into the rocket.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:29

CBC LOX Loading Begins

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 3 hours, 10 minutes (L-3 hours, 25 minutes) and counting. The liquid oxygen chilldown is complete for the booster cores, allowing 120,000 gallons of super-cold LOX to begin transferring into the rocket for tonight's launch under the control of LOX1 console operator.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33620.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20201001002916_280887.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:31

DCSS LH2 Chilldown

The "go" has been given to start the chilldown conditioning of the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage liquid hydrogen system in preparation for filling that tank.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:43

Weather Now 90% GO

Weather conditions at Cape Canaveral continue to look favorable for the Delta IV Heavy launch at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC). Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich now predicts a 90 percent chance of meeting the launch weather criteria tonight.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33621.png) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20201001004318_137288.png)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:48

DCSS LOX Chilldown

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 2 hours, 51 minutes (L-3 hours, 6 minutes) and counting. Approval has been given to the LOX2 operator at the fueling console here in the Delta Operations Center to begin the second stage liquid oxygen chilldown procedures.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 03:59

DCSS LOX Loading Begins

The next step in fuel operations is getting underway by loading 6,000 gallons of liquid oxygen into the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage following completion of that system's chilldown.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33622.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20201001005938_446227.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 04:03

DCSS LH2 Loading Begins
The launch team has begun loading 10,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen into the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage following completion of that system's chilldown. This is the last of the rocket's cryogenic tanks to be filled in tonight's countdown.

The stage receives its fuel from the launch pad's middle swing arm that extends from the Fixed Umbilical Tower to the Delta IV rocket.

The FUEL2 console operator oversees second stage liquid hydrogen.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33623.jpg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20201001010309_601070.jpeg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 04:21

Filling of the CBC liquid oxygen tanks is complete, topping mode has started.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 04:36

Loading of the upper stage liquid hydrogen tank was just reported complete. Oxygen filling on the DCSS will finish fueling operations shortly. LOX and LH2 will be consumed by the stage's RL10B-2 engine.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1311476937940926465)

Wonder when will you see the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) near you? Our visibility graphic shows when the rocket will rise into view.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52245.jpg)

Цитировать10/01/2020 04:39 Stephen Clark

T-minus 2 hours and counting. The countdown is heading to a built-in hold at T-minus 4 minutes. Here are some statistics on today's mission:

• 385th Delta rocket launch since 1960
• 41st Delta 4 rocket mission since 2002
• 12th Delta 4-Heavy configuration to fly
• 63rd, 64th and 65th main engine from RS-68 family launched
• 21st, 22nd and 23rd RS-68A main engine flown
• 33rd Delta 4 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
• 9th Delta 4-Heavy launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
• 13th Delta 4 launch for the National Reconnaissance Office
• 8th Delta 4-Heavy launch for the National Reconnaissance Office
• 141st United Launch Alliance mission since the company's formation in 2006
• 5th ULA launch this year
• 1st launch of the Delta family in 2020
• 20th orbital launch from Cape Canaveral in 2020

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311482559424081921)

Tanking continues. Board is green. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68646.jpg) Emre Kelly @EmreKelly 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1311487566441578496)

Good evening from the Eastern Range, where ULA is counting down to tonight's 2354 ET Delta IV Heavy liftoff from Launch Complex 37.

The weather is actually quite nice.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52248.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68430.jpg) Ben Cooper @LaunchPhoto 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/LaunchPhoto/status/1311432339164221443)

The Mobile Service Tower has been rolled & Delta 4-Heavy is ready to try again to launch NROL-44 at 11:54pm EDT Wednesday (ULA photo)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52249.jpg)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 05:06

A current check of the local weather conditions at Cape Canaveral shows that all launch weather rules are GO.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 05:25

The Delta Cryogenic Second Stage has been loaded with its liquid oxygen supply. With fueling reported complete, we have a 1.6-million-pound Delta IV Heavy rocket that is loaded for launch at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC) tonight. At T-minus 1 hour, 14 minutes and counting, this is Delta Launch Control.

Цитировать10/01/2020 05:30 Stephen Clark

Final inspections of the Delta 4-Heavy's thermal insulation will soon get underway. The launch team will use cameras to survey the orange foam covering the rocket's tanks containing super-cold propellants.

Also, the launch team is verifying the functionality of the Delta 4-Heavy's destruct system.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 05:39

The countdown is on schedule for the Delta IV Heavy launch in 75 minutes. The rocket is fueled as we are proceed toward an on-time liftoff tonight at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC).

Engineers are discussing some readings collected during testing. Anomaly Chief David McFarland has convened his team to review the data per standard procedure.

Цитировать10/01/2020 05:41 Stephen Clark

Testing of the Delta 4 rocket's flight termination system is complete. The flight termination system would be activated to destroy the rocket if it flew off course and threatened populated areas.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 05:45

The launch team is setting up for flight slews, the next major milestone in the countdown. This is the steering test patterns for the Delta IV Heavy's engine nozzles to ensure proper gimbaling during the ascent.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68646.jpg) Emre Kelly @EmreKelly 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1311496572077776907)

Hmm. Teams are seeing some odd behavior with the swing arm system at Launch Complex 37, which previously caused delays. The system showed a launch pressure fault, but it sounds like they've been able to make it work.

Цитировать10/01/2020 05:49 Stephen Clark

A functional test of the swing arm system at Complex 37B has been completed. The arms are programmed to swing away from the rocket at liftoff.

Цитировать10/01/2020 05:49 Stephen Clark

The flight hazard area, which encompasses the vicinity of the Delta 4's launch pad and downrange flight path, is confirmed clear at this time.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 05:53

The anomaly resolution team has determined that a computer-checked redline limit will instead be monitored manually, thereby working around the concern for the test readings issue to trip up the terminal countdown.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 58 с (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311500011759235076)

The Majestic DeltaIV Heavy is tanked, carbo loaded, and champing at the bit.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 8 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1311500116327530499)

We less than an hour away from liftoff. Watch a preview video of what you can expect during the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) flight tonight. At the request of our customer, live coverage of the #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) mission will conclude approximately seven minutes into flight.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 15 с (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1311502466920349697)

L-49 minutes and counting. The anomaly resolution team discussed a sensor that was slow to respond in the pad swing arm system. That faulty sensor will be masked out to prevent causing a problem later in the countdown. Other sensors are working normally to protect the system.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1311502555999088640)

The Delta 4 team says a slow-responding pressure transducer on the launch pad's swing arm system is not a concern for tonight's countdown.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:09

All systems are GO at this time. We will be taking the countdown clock to T-minus 4 minutes before holding there for a pre-planned, 15-minute built-in hold. That is when the status polls by management will be performed to verify all is in readiness for liftoff.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:11

The standard post-fueling inspections of the rocket's outer thermal insulation using launch pad cameras is complete.

The Delta IV Heavy cryogenic tanks are covered by spray-on and bond-on foam insulation to keep the propellants from warming up too quickly.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:21

The Automatic Determination and Dissemination of Just Updated Steering Terms, better known as the ADDJUST file, is being loaded into the Delta IV Heavy rocket's Inertial Navigation and Control Assembly (INCA) flight computer by the flight control operator here at the Launch Control Center. This is the planned steering parameters for the INCA to use based on tonight's upper level wind conditions.

A series of weather balloons has been launched throughout the countdown from the Range weather station at Cape Canaveral to collect measurements of wind speeds and directions to determine if conditions aloft violate the controllability or structural loads on the rocket during ascent. The balloon data was transmitted to ULA engineers in Denver to select a steering profile that minimizes launch vehicle responses.

Цитировать10/01/2020 06:23 Stephen Clark

The Delta launch team reports slew, or steering, checks of the rocket's three RS-68A main engines and the RL10B-2 upper stage engine have been completed.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:27

Weather is GO

Space Force Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich reports the current and forecast conditions are acceptable for liftoff. There is a slight chance of ground winds gusting above the limit during tonight's launch window.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:32

Upper level winds have been verified acceptable for liftoff.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:35

Countdown Holding

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the standard 15-minute built-in hold designed to give a bit of margin to deal with any problems. Also during this time, the final readiness polls of the launch team and members of the Mission Management Team will be performed.

We continue to target a liftoff at 11:54 p.m. EDT (0354 UTC) from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:38

The Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch off the pad on the power of three RS-68A main engines generating 2.1 million pounds of thrust.

The vehicle will hit Mach 1 and surpass the region of maximum air pressure by T+plus 90 seconds.

The port and starboard common booster cores burn for four minutes, while the center core fires for an addition 90 seconds before staging.

The second stage then comes to life, followed shortly thereafter by jettisoning the five-meter-diameter aluminum payload fairing.

At the request of our customer, live coverage will conclude approximately seven minutes after liftoff.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311510522018185222)

Polling for terminal count is all GO. #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)

Цитировать10/01/2020 06:41 Stephen Clark

ULA's launch webcast is underway.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33624.png) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2597366795011854822/20201001034104_729902.png)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311511406739677184)

L-13. The board is green #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:48

GO for Launch!

The ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri has confirmed that the Delta IV Heavy rocket is ready to fly and NRO Mission Director Col. Chad Davis has given final permission to launch. That concurrence was made following a readiness poll of the launch team by Launch Conductor Scott Barney that verified all systems are "go."

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33625.png) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2579993127777954873/20201001034812_493371.png)

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:48

This is Delta Launch Control at T-minus 4 minutes and holding with less than a minute remaining in this built-in hold.

The launch pad swing arm lock pins have retracted. All steps are complete prior to terminal count.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:50


Countdown Resumes

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. The final phase of tonight's countdown is underway at Cape Canaveral to launch the Delta IV Heavy rocket on NROL-44. The countdown clocks have resumed, leading us straight to liftoff.

Over the next minute, the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage liquid oxygen tank will be secured at flight level, replenishment of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to the three common core boosters will be secured in preparation to pressurize the tanks for launch and the ground pyrotechnics will be enabled.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:51

T-minus 2 minutes, 30 seconds. We remain GO for liftoff of the Delta IV Heavy and the flight of Delta 385.

The liquid oxygen tanks in the three common booster cores are been confirmed at the proper level and pressure for flight. The liquid hydrogen tanks will achieve this status less than a minute from now.

The liquid hydrogen system on the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage will be secured starting at T-minus 80 seconds.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:52

T-minus 1 minutes, 55 seconds. The launch sequencer has been started. It will perform independent verifications of systems for the rest of the countdown, control the firing of hydrogen burnoff igniters under the engines, detachment of umbilicals from the vehicle and release the rocket from the pad at liftoff.

The Delta IV Heavy rocket has switched from ground-fed power to internal batteries. Shortly, ordnance devices aboard the vehicle will be armed. The flight software on the vehicle will go active at T-minus 80 seconds.

Цитировать

Flight SEQUENCE
Hr:Mn:Sc	Event	EDT	UTC	ДМВ
00:00:05	RS-68A Engine Ignition	23:53:55	03:53:55	06:53:55
00:00:00	Liftoff (Thrust to Weight > 1)	23:54:00	03:54:00	06:54:00
00:00:09	Begin Pitch/Yaw Maneuver	23:54:09	03:54:09	06:54:09
00:01:18	Mach 1	23:55:18	03:55:18	06:55:18
00:01:20	Maximum Dynamic Pressure	23:55:20	03:55:20	06:55:20
00:03:56	Port and Starboard Booster Engine Cutoff	23:57:56	03:57:56	06:57:56
00:03:58	Port and Starboard Booster Jettison	23:57:58	03:57:58	06:57:58
00:05:36	Booster Engine Cutoff (BECO)	23:59:36	03:59:36	06:59:36
00:05:43	First Stage Separation	23:59:43	03:59:43	06:59:43
00:05:56	Main Engine Start (MES-1)	23:59:56	03:59:56	06:59:56
00:06:38	Payload Fairing Jettison	00:00:38	04:00:38	07:00:38
	All Times Are Approximate

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:53

T-minus 55 seconds and counting. Computers have verified that the three RS-68A main engines are ready for ignition and the Space Force's Eastern Range at the Cape has confirmed its "green" condition for launch.

Coming up at T-minus 30 seconds, a final status check will be announced on Delta and NROL-44 readiness, followed by the vehicle going inertial, the residual hydrogen burnoff sparklers firing beneath the main engines, the Terminal Countdown Sequencer Rack going active and the staggered ignitions of the main engines starting at T-minus 7 seconds with the starboard booster and T-minus 5 seconds for the center and port boosters. The 12 holddown bolts will fire to release the vehicle for liftoff at T-0 and the swing arms on the launch pad will pull back.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:54

HOLD. Abort at T-minus 7 seconds.

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 06:56

The Terminal Countdown Sequencer Rack (TCSR) called a hold at T-minus 7 seconds. TCSR controls the final 10 seconds of the countdown. The safety system worked as intended to stop the countdown if a problem is detected.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29831.jpg) William Harwood @cbs_spacenews 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/1311515098935164928)

D4H/NROL-44: The hydrogen burn-off system activated for engine start, but there were no signs of engine ignition; vehicle appears safe; countdown being recycled to T-minus 4 minutes

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 07:01

Mission Director Col. Chad Davis has called a scrub. ULA Launch Director Lou Mangieri has relayed the decision to the launch team that we will not continue with launch operations tonight.

Цитата: tnt22 от 01.10.2020 06:59:18Эти руко(___).(___) собираются улетать или куда?

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29897.png) Chris B - NSF @NASASpaceflight 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1311515039262806016)

Not again!

ABORT!

https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1311514957163442176/pu/vid/1208x676/7XQNBZEbr7GxqYEm.mp4 (https://video.twimg.com/ext_tw_video/1311514957163442176/pu/vid/1208x676/7XQNBZEbr7GxqYEm.mp4) (0:25)

Цитата: Чебурашка от 01.10.2020 06:56:02Второй раз подкоптили ракету.  ;D

ЦитироватьSept. 30 Live Broadcast: Delta IV Heavy NROL-44

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220328.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

Трансляция началась 28 минут назад

ЦитироватьDelta IV Heavy aborted launch with NROL-44, 1 October 2020

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220391.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/SciNewsRo) SciNews (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjU6ZwoTQtKWfz1urL7XcbA)

30 сент. 2020 г.

ЦитироватьКомпании ULA вновь не удалось запустить разведывательный спутник США NROL-44
01.10.2020 7:23:24

Вашингтон. 1 октября. ИНТЕРФАКС - Очередная попытка запуска тяжелой ракеты-носителя Delta IV с секретным спутником NROL-44 Национального управления военно-космической разведки США (NRO), планировавшаяся в четверг, была отменена за семь секунд до старта в связи с техническими проблемами, сообщила компания-оператор United Launch Alliance (ULA).

Старт планировалось осуществить 30 сентября в 23:54 по времени Восточного побережья США (1 октября в 06:54 МСК) со стартового комплекса SLC-37 на космодроме на мысе Канаверал в штате Флорида.

Спойлер

Компании ULA является совместным предприятием корпораций Boeing и Lockheed Martin, осуществляющим запуски в интересах Пентагона и американского разведывательного сообщества.

Запуск спутника, стоимость которого оценивается в более чем миллиард долларов, ранее уже неоднократно откладывался из-за технических проблем, в том числе в системах 37-го стартового комплекса на космодроме на мысе Канаверал, а также неблагоприятных погодных условий.

29 августа из-за технических проблем запуск был остановлена автоматикой всего за три секунды до отрыва ракеты от стартового стола, когда уже произошло зажигание.

[свернуть]

Цитата: tnt22 от 01.10.2020 06:59:18Эти руко(___).(___) собираются улетать или куда?

ЦитироватьOct 01, 2020 08:03

Launch Status Update

(Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., Oct. 1, 2020) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was scrubbed today when the terminal countdown sequencer rack (TCSR) identified an unexpected condition prior to the engine start sequence. The TCSR, which controls the final 10 seconds of the countdown, performed as intended and safely initiated a hold at T-minus seven seconds. The team is currently reviewing all data and will determine the path forward.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311533156965715968)

We experienced an automated abort because a sensor reported a fault. Automated Safety System operated as intended. Bird and payload are safe and unharmed. Engine ROFI ignitors were not fired. Turbo pumps were not spun up. Mission safety first...

Цитата: undefined010459Z OCT 20
NAVAREA IV 939/20(GEN).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
CANCEL NAVAREA IV 930/20 AND THIS MSG.

Цитата: undefined290045Z SEP 20
NAVAREA IV 930/20(GEN).
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   300345Z TO 300557Z SEP, ALTERNATE
   0345Z TO 0557Z DAILY 01 AND 02 OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-34-51N 080-34-26W, 28-36-00N 080-31-00W,
      28-31-00N 079-42-00W, 28-27-00N 079-44-00W,
      28-27-00N 080-19-00W, 28-27-42N 080-31-36W,
      28-29-17N 080-32-27W, 28-34-44N 080-34-23W.
   B. 27-34-00N 073-17-00W, 28-30-00N 073-12-00W,
      28-13-00N 069-19-00W, 27-10-00N 069-16-00W.
   C. 21-15-00N 045-22-00W, 23-51-00N 044-36-00W,
      19-32-00N 032-09-00W, 17-06-00N 033-09-00W.
2. CANCEL NAVAREA IV 922/20.
3. CANCEL THIS MSG 020657Z OCT 20.

Цитировать010459Z OCT 20
NAVAREA IV 939/20

WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
CANCEL NAVAREA IV 930/20 AND THIS MSG.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67594.png) Chris G - NSF @ChrisG_NSF 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1311542931078230017)

Are there two sets of ROFIs?


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 31 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1311550673968922625)

В ответ @ChrisG_NSF (https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF)

The launch table ROFIs ignited at T-14.5 seconds, the main combustion chamber (engine ROFIs) did not ignite.


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 25 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311552569530081280)

Slang. A Radially Outward Firing Igniter is a tube with radial holes, screwed into the injector plate of an engine. Sprays a cone of hot gas igniting the engine. The giant "sparklers" on the pad are actually Hydrogen Burn Off Units. We like to call these ROFIs too (just because)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/33630.jpg) darkmelmet @darkmelmet 35 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/darkmelmet/status/1311557024036147202)

В ответ @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno)

Isn't possible that this sensor incorrectly found fault even if everything actually worked correctly. ULA has so many sensors on their rockets and launch pads, which try to control every small detail during launch. Isn't this obsession with 100% reliability counterproductive ?


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 28 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1311558843680337920)

Yes, it is possible that it is a "false" fault.  Don't know for sure yet.  No, we are biased towards aborting when there is a potentially critical malfunction.  Recycle time is always a better trade than the risk of  killing a billion dollar payload that took many years to build.

Цитата: ZOOR от 01.10.2020 07:45:52

Цитата: tnt22 от 01.10.2020 06:59:18Эти руко(___).(___) собираются улетать или куда?

Они на старте хотят год простоять.
Совсем немного осталось.

Цитата: ZOOR от 01.10.2020 07:45:52

Цитата: tnt22 от 01.10.2020 06:59:18Эти руко(___).(___) собираются улетать или куда?

Они на старте хотят год простоять.
Совсем немного осталось.

Цитата: тавот от 01.10.2020 12:42:41

Цитата: ZOOR от 01.10.2020 07:45:52

Цитата: tnt22 от 01.10.2020 06:59:18Эти руко(___).(___) собираются улетать или куда?

Они на старте хотят год простоять.
Совсем немного осталось.

Цитата: ZOOR от 01.10.2020 07:45:52

Цитата: tnt22 от 01.10.2020 06:59:18Эти руко(___).(___) собираются улетать или куда?

Они на старте хотят год простоять.
Совсем немного осталось.

Лучше бы пустили на Falcon Heavy. И дешевле, и надежнее. А Царь ракета Delta Heavy давно просится на пенсию. ((

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67522.jpg) Thomas Burghardt @TGMetsFan98 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98/status/1311844595517526020)

The eastern US has just gone 0 for 3 in less than 24 hours.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52278.jpg)

ЦитироватьATLANTIC OCEAN - FLORIDA - CAPE CANAVERAL (Update: October 6, 2020)

Eastern Range OP# D1500 NROL-44 will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited within portions of Warning Areas W497A, W497B, and the following Hazard Areas:

A: From 2834 51.31N 8034 26.18W
TO 2836N 8031W
TO 2834N 7942W
TO 2827N 7944W
TO 2827N 8019W
TO 2827 42.30N 8031 36.92W
TO 2829 04.29N 8032 21.44W
TO 2834 22.10N 8034 15.82W to beginning

B: From 2734N 7317W
TO 2830N 7312W
TO 2813N 6919W
TO 2710N 6916W to beginning

C: From 2115N 4522W
TO 2351N 4436W
TO 1932N 3209W
TO 1706N 3309W to beginning

Hazard periods for primary launch day and backup launch days;

Primary launch day: 16 Oct 20/0200Z thru 16 Oct 20/ 0642Z. Preferred T-0 is 0200Z.
Backup launch day (1): 17 Oct 20/ 0200Z thru 17 Oct 20/0642Z. Preferred T-0 is 0200Z.
Backup launch day (2) 18 Oct 20/ 0200Z thru 18 Oct 20/0642Z. Preferred T-0 is 0200Z.

LNM: 40/20
06 October 2020

ЦитироватьNAVAREA IV 977/20

WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
    160200Z TO 160642Z OCT, ALTERNATE
    0200Z TO 0642Z DAILY 17 AND 18 OCT
    IN AREAS BOUND BY:
        A. 28-34-51N 080-34-26W, 28-36-00N 080-31-00W,
            28-31-00N 079-42-00W, 28-27-00N 079-44-00W,
            28-27-00N 080-19-00W, 28-27-42N 080-31-36W,
            28-29-17N 080-32-27W, 28-34-44N 080-34-23W.
        B. 27-34-00N 073-17-00W, 28-30-00N 073-12-00W,
            28-13-00N 069-19-00W, 27-10-00N 069-16-00W.
        C. 21-15-00N 045-22-00W, 23-51-00N 044-36-00W,
            19-32-00N 032-09-00W, 17-06-00N 033-09-00W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 180742Z OCT 20.//

Authority: EASTERN RANGE 061641Z OCT 20.

Date: 110901Z OCT 20
Cancel: 18074200 Oct 20

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now @SpaceflightNow 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/1315999785422381061)

SpaceX plans to launch another 60 Starlink satellites as soon as 8:27am EDT (1227 GMT) Sunday from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

Meanwhile, launch of ULA's Delta 4-Heavy rocket with a NRO spy satellite is now targeted for Oct. 23.

Launch schedule: https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ (https://t.co/ufc1f2AZX5?amp=1)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29898.jpg) ULA @ulalaunch 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/1316057741723607042)

We have adjusted the #DeltaIVHeavy (https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeltaIVHeavy?src=hashtag_click) #NROL44 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL44?src=hashtag_click) launch planning date from 10/15 to 10/23 to allow our team to perform additional analysis and data monitoring of ground systems to ensure they continue to perform nominally.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno @torybruno 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1316123812371595264)

The issue that caused the automated abort is understood and resolved. A sensor incorrectly reported that a valve in the RS68A was not in the flight position.  We have implemented a change that will better verify its position. Currently working thru an issue with pad hydraulics

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67583.jpg) Nathan Barker @NASA_Nerd 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NASA_Nerd/status/1316383557686882304)

Range dates and backup's days for .... 

Also, ULA targetting a reasonable Delta IV launch time for NROL 44, scheduled for 10pm EDT on the 23rd.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/52561.png)