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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67521.jpg) Stephen Clark‏ @StephenClark1 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1) 17 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/890285644353863681)

Updates to US launch schedule include new target dates for Falcon 9/CRS 12 (Aug. 14) and Atlas 5/TDRS M (Aug. 20). https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/ ... (https://t.co/NrskL6V5dZ)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/165220.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186048.jpg) Spacenews360‏ @SpaceNews360 (https://twitter.com/SpaceNews360) 13 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceNews360/status/909615325401845760)

United Launch Alliance NROL-52 Mission. #ULA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/ULA?src=hash) #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spacenews360.com/united-launch-alliance-nrol-52-mission/ ... (https://t.co/ihGQ9gzzEy)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/166984.jpg)

ЦитироватьUnited Launch Alliance NROL-52 Mission

By Jason (https://spacenews360.com/author/jason/) - September 17, 2017

United Launch Alliance was set to launch the NROL-52 mission on September 28th, however due to Hurricane Irma hitting the Florida panhandle the launch has been postponed. Hurricane Irma hit the Florida Spaceport on the evening of September 10 and continued to the next day. Luckily both the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Air Force Station sustained minimal damage. Both will continue operations after a damage assessment.

(https://i1.wp.com/spacenews360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nrol52-missionart_1.jpg?resize=256%2C300&ssl=1) (https://i1.wp.com/spacenews360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/nrol52-missionart_1.jpg?ssl=1)
United Launch Alliance NROL-52 mission art. Credit: ULA

(https://i2.wp.com/spacenews360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NROinsignia.png?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1) (https://i2.wp.com/spacenews360.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/NROinsignia.png?ssl=1)
National Reconnaissance Office Insignia. Credit: U.S. NRO

A United Launch Alliance, Atlas V rocketed, designated AV-075, will launch the satellite payload for the United States National Reconnaissance Office (http://www.nro.gov/). The Atlas V rocket will lift off from launch complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch window is from 4:00 am – 5:30 am EST.

ЦитироватьUpdated: 09/24/2017 10:57 Next up...

The next Atlas 5 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, a 421-configured vehicle with two solid-fuel boosters, is planned for Oct. 5 to deploy a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office

Спойлер

The next Atlas 5 from Vandenberg is planned to occur on May 5 for NASA to send the InSight geophysical lander to Mars. It will be the first interplanetary launch from the U.S. West Coast.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/235319.jpg)

[/li]
• Rocket: Atlas V 421
• Mission: NROL-52
• Launch Date: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017
• Launch Period: 3-7 a.m. EDT
• Live Broadcast: Stay tuned for how you can watch live
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
  

Launch Notes: The NROL-52 mission will mark ULA's seventh launch of 2017 and 26th for the National Reconnaissance Office. NROL-52 will be the 74th flight of the Atlas V rocket and the seventh in the 421 configuration.

Launch Updates:To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, dial the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321 or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch (http://www.facebook.com/ulalaunch), twitter.com/ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) and instagram.com/ulalaunch (https://instagram.com/ulalaunch); hashtags #AtlasV #NROL52.

Go Atlas! Go Centaur! Go NROL-52!

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 8 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/912715164415381504)

The #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) payload critical to the nation was mounted atop its Atlas 5 rocket this morning for next week's launch https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/09/26/nro-payload-paired-with-atlas-5-rocket-for-another-national-security-launch/ ... (https://t.co/CxgeoYOxwh)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168052.jpg)

ЦитироватьNRO payload paired with Atlas 5 rocket for another national security launch
September 26, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/09/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

CAPE CANAVERAL — A payload critical to the nation was mounted atop its Atlas 5 rocket this morning in preparation for next week's launch into orbit.

The covert NROL-52 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office is scheduled for liftoff Oct. 5 some time during an unclassified launch period of 3:30 to 5 a.m. EDT (0730-0900 GMT) from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126883.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/26161905/AtlasV_NROL52_Art.jpg)
The NROL-52 mission poster. Credit: United Launch Alliance

The actual launch window is hidden within that 90-minute period. A target launch time will be advertised closer to the liftoff date.

United Launch Alliance will boost the craft for the NRO, the secretive U.S. agency that operates the nation's fleet of spy satellites.

The launch follows another successful Atlas 5 mission over the weekend that deployed the NROL-42 payload from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Спойлер

"Congratulations to the government and industry team who made this launch a success. It's always a good day when our nation launches an NRO payload that provides vital information to help keep our nation strong and protect us from enemies who wish to do us harm," said Air Force Col. Matthew Skeen, director of the NRO Office of Space Launch.

"With the anniversary of 9/11 over a week ago, we remember the horror of the terrorist attacks in 2001. NRO systems such as this one launched today help prevent that from happening again, and I am proud of the team that put this critical asset on orbit."

Hobbyist satellite observers immediately found and begin precise tracking of the new object in the sky. They confirmed it was placed into a highly elliptical, highly inclined Molniya-style orbit, lending credence that it is an eavesdropping signals intelligence platform to cover the northern latitudes.

It was the 25th mission that United Launch Alliance has successfully performed for the NRO. The flight required a powerful Atlas 5-541 version to heave the payload into space.

[свернуть]

Next up, NROL-52 will use an Atlas 5-421 with two side-mounted solid rocket boosters.

The rocket was stacked at the Vertical Integration Facility adjacent to the Complex 41 pad at Cape Canaveral just before Hurricane Irma. The storm's landfall in Florida kept the base closed for nearly a week, but there was no damage to the launch vehicle.

This morning, the encapsulated payload was delivered to the VIF and hoisted atop the launcher.

A tip-to-tall electrical checkout of the combined rocket and payload will occur later this week, followed by final readiness reviews and then rollout to the past one week from today.

The countdown begins next Wednesday evening.

At liftoff, the 194-foot-tall rocket will weigh nearly one million pounds.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

...

[/li]
• Launch Date: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017
• Launch Period: 3:30-5 a.m. EDT
  

...

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185592.png) NRO‏Подлинная учетная запись @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) 6 ч назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/913471561755004928)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) will launch Oct. 5 from CCAFS, Fla. on a @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash). This will be NRO's 49th launch since 1996 and its 26th w/ ULA.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185971.jpg) 45th Space Wing‏ @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) 4 ч назад (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing/status/913769445537013760)

Next launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station -- Oct. 5, 2017!
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/167690.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185592.png) NRO‏Подлинная учетная запись @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) 7 ч назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/913841700719796225)

1/2 The eagle on #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)'s mission patch represents breaking through barriers in pursuit of innovative technologies and capabilities.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/167694.png)


7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/913842004693536768)

2/2 The Latin phrase Defensor Libertatis means defender of freedom and symbolizes NRO's continued commitment to national security.

Цитировать(https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-1/p50x50/10402737_1506609586237097_6419519003107502444_n.png?oh=8f3ff3e4f2e4d8ac5694d41fdc954625&oe=5A3CF0B0) (https://www.facebook.com/NationalReconnaissanceOffice/?ref=nf&hc_ref=ARSGWvwFSM4_4lWTe-NHyZfHTPko0aCBmbUMkXS2jczGq60VxNQl_nwRfZmaoYTp2rM) National Reconnaissance Office (https://www.facebook.com/NationalReconnaissanceOffice/?hc_ref=ARR2MkAOWux5m--wTWt2h-8lrlX35JQVGTWKhfIIHvHYrMMgHwBf0m4Ovu0KQ_E-5GA&fref=nf)
Вчера в 11:27 (https://www.facebook.com/NationalReconnaissanceOffice/photos/a.1544403572457698.1073741828.1442712095960180/2041747162723334/?type=3) ·

The #NROL52 (https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nrol52?source=feed_text&story_id=2041750789389638) mission patch depicts an eagle bursting through a red, white and blue shield as a representation of the agency's resolve to breaking through barriers in pursuit of innovative technologies and capabilities. Also appearing on the patch is the Latin phrase Defensor Libertatis, which means defender of freedom and symbolizes NRO's continued commitment to the national security mission.
(https://scontent-frt3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/22050255_2041747162723334_3888294604194741282_n.png?oh=73b9ac65cf629edf8643727b63ce512a&oe=5A446196) (https://www.facebook.com/NationalReconnaissanceOffice/photos/a.1544403572457698.1073741828.1442712095960180/2041747162723334/?type=3)

Цитировать 
a red, white and blue shield

Цитировать 
barriers in pursuit of innovative technologies and capabilities.

ЦитироватьFact sheet: Atlas 5 rocket to launch the NROL-52 mission from Cape Canaveral
October 1, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

Спойлер

Код Выделить Развернуть

*** AV-075/NROL-52 launch fact sheet ***

Payload: CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY PAYLOAD
NRO geosynchronous communications satellite
Relays imagery and intelligence from LEO craft

Launch Date: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017

Launch Period: 90 minutes
3:30-5:00 a.m. EDT
0730-0900 GMT

Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Space Launch Complex 3-East

Customer: National Reconnaissance Office
Launch Enterprise Directorate, Air Force's
Space and Missile Systems Center

Launch Services
Provider: United Launch Alliance, Centennial, Colorado

Launch Vehicle: Atlas 5 designated AV-075
421 configuration
Weight at liftoff: 950,000 pounds
Thrust at liftoff: 1.6 million pounds
Height: 194 feet (59 m)

Common Core Booster with RD-180 engine
73,800 gallons RP-1 kerosene and liquid oxygen
Thrust: 860,300 pounds

Two side-mounted solid-fuel rocket boosters
World's largest monolithic SRB
Thrust: 380,000 pounds each

Centaur upper stage with RL10C-1 engine
16,450 gallons liquid hydrogen and oxygen
Thrust: 23,300 pounds

Extra Extended Payload Fairing
14-foot-dia., 45-foot-tall aluminum shroud

Construction: Atlas stage and Centaur upper stage built by
United Launch Alliance in Decatur, Alabama
Fairing manufactured by ULA in Harlingen, Texas
RD-180 from NPO Energomash, Khimki, Russia
SRBs by Aerojet Rocketdyne, Sacramento, Calif.
RL10C-1 from Aerojet Rocketdyne, West Palm
Beach, Florida

Payload Speculation: NROL-52 is believed to be the second spacecraft
in the Fourth Generation of the Satellite
Data System. The NRO has used earlier
versions of the SDS in geosynchronous orbit
to relay data from low-Earth orbiting
surveillance platforms.

Two classified missions -- NROL-61 last July and
NROL-52 -- are payloads on fixed-price
contracts that include provisions for
Atlas 5 launch vehicles provided as
government-furnished equipment.


About the NRO: Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, the
National Reconnaissance Office develops
and operates overhead reconnaissance
systems and conducts intelligence-related
activities for U.S. national Security.

NRO Uses: The NRO is the nation's eyes and ears in
space, supporting policy makers, the Armed
Services, the Intelligence Community,
Departments of State, Justice and
Treasury, and civil agencies. All of them
depend on the unique capabilities NRO
systems provide.

NRO Capabilities: - Monitoring the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction

- Tracking international terrorists, drug
traffickers, and criminal organizations

- Developing highly accurate military
targeting data and bomb damage assessments

- Supporting international peacekeeping and
humanitarian relief operations

- Assessing the impact of natural disasters,
such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and
fires.

NRO Constellations: Exquisite-class electro-optical and
radar-imaging observatories,
geosynchronous and Molniya-orbit
eavesdropping platforms, ocean
surveillance network and data-relay
support spacecraft

* Launch statistics *

- The 656th launch for Atlas program since 1957
- The 359th Atlas launch from Cape Canaveral
- The 245th mission of a Centaur upper stage
- The 222nd use of Centaur by an Atlas rocket
- The 483rd production RL10 engine to be launched
- The 22nd RL10C-1 engine launched
- The 80th flight of an RD-180 main engine
- The 94-95th AJ-60 solid rocket booster flown
- The 74th launch of an Atlas 5 since 2002
- The 16th National Reconnaissance Office use of Atlas 5
- The 60th launch of an Atlas 5 from Cape Canaveral
- The 6th Atlas 5 launch of 2017
- The 109th Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle flight
- The 26th EELV flight for National Reconnaissance Office
- The 122nd United Launch Alliance flight overall
- The 66th Atlas 5 under United Launch Alliance
- The 88th United Launch Alliance flight from Cape Canaveral
- The 26th NRO launch by United Launch Alliance
- The 51st 400-series flight of the Atlas 5
- The 7th Atlas 5 to fly in the 421 configuration
- The 87th launch from Complex 41
- The 60th Atlas 5 to use Complex 41
- The 49th NRO launch since acknowledging flights in 1996
- The 24th acknowledged NRO launch from Cape Canaveral
- The 4th NRO launch this yearTwitter Feeds:
Spaceflight Now (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow)
ULA CEO Tory Bruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno)
National Reconnaissance Office (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc)
United Launch Alliance (https://twitter.com/ULAlaunch)
Aerojet Rocketdyne (https://twitter.com/AerojetRdyne)

[свернуть]

Цитировать

Код Выделить Развернуть

Launch Site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Space Launch Complex 3-East

ЦитироватьПрол пишет:
Наш триколор, однако (если центр белый). Мы, что ли, создаем им

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/914667424091459586)

Thursday's launch time for Atlas 5 rocket on #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) announced as 4:07amEDT (0807 GMT) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/01/fact-sheet-atlas-5-rocket-to-launch-the-nrol-52-mission-from-cape-canaveral/ ... (https://t.co/4UlSKX2cER)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168588.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/914877182165610496)

Launch Readiness Review completed for Thursday's Atlas 5 liftoff at 4:07amEDT to deploy #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)

Цитировать10/02/2017 18:31 LRR passed for NROL-52

The Launch Readiness Review has been completed for Thursday's Atlas 5 liftoff at 4:07 a.m. EDT to deploy of the NROL-52 payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Rollout of the 194-foot-tall eocket to the Complex 41 pad is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Спойлер

Air Force weather forecasters expect some cloudiness and gusty winds during the countdown, putting the odds of acceptable liftoff conditions to 60 percent.

"A broad area of low pressure in the Caribbean Sea persists through the forecast period. This area has potential for additional tropical development late in the week. Locally, the broad surface trough that caused widespread rain over the coast yesterday is pushing south of the spaceport. The pressure gradient has tightened with breezy east winds today and persisting through launch with coastal showers coming in off the Atlantic," meteorologists say.

"On launch day, the surface trough begins lifting north with moisture trending up. East-northeast winds remain breezy gusting in the upper 20s to 30 knots (230 ft) along with coastal showers."

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

[/li]
• Rocket: Atlas V 421
• Mission: NROL-52
• Launch Date: Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017
• Launch Period: 4:07 a.m. EDT
• Live Broadcast: Begins at 3:47 a.m. EDT
• Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
  

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 48 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/914979449900343296)

PHOTO GALLERY of #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) payload being mounted atop Atlas 5 booster for Oct. 5 launch from the Cape https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/photos-nrol-52-payload-mounted-atop-atlas-5-booster-for-oct-5-launch-from-the-cape/ ... (https://t.co/5bMeqg5xl0)
(ULA pic)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168641.jpg)

ЦитироватьPhotos: NROL-52 payload mounted atop Atlas 5 booster for Oct. 5 launch from the Cape
October 2, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

This photo gallery shows the classified National Reconnaissance Office payload, already encapsulated in the 14-foot-diameter nose cone, being lifted atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas-Centaur rocket at Cape Canaveral's Vertical Integration Facility. This milestone was achieved on Sept. 26.

Launch of NROL-52 is planned for Thursday, Oct. 5, at 4:07 a.m. EDT.

Photo credit: United Launch Alliance

See earlier NROL-52 coverage (http://spaceflightnow.com/tag/av-075/).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126927.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02221932/1.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126928.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02221939/2.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126929.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02221946/3.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126930.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02221956/4.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126931.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02222003/5.jpg)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126932.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/02222010/6.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V NROL-52 Mission Profile

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220286.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

Опубликовано: 2 окт. 2017 г.

An Atlas V 421 rocket will launch the NROL-52 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 14 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/915017473438748674)

PREVIEW: Early bird rocket launch from Florida spaceport Thursday at 4:07amEDT will use Atlas 5 to loft #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/atlas-5-to-execute-another-space-lift-mission-for-u-s-spy-satellite-agency/ ... (https://t.co/7MAr6ZzlAl)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168648.jpg)

ЦитироватьAtlas 5 to execute another space-lift mission for U.S. spy satellite agency
October 2, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126933.jpg)
An Atlas 5-421, pictured here, will be used to launch NROL-52. Credit: United Launch Alliance

CAPE CANAVERAL — An early bird rocket launch from the Florida spaceport will take to the skies before dawn Thursday when an Atlas 5 lofts a classified U.S. government satellite.

Спойлер

United Launch Alliance will send up the clandestine NROL-52 payload for the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency responsible for the country's fleet of spy satellites.

The Launch readiness Review was passed Monday. Rollout of the rocket to the Complex 41 pad occurs Tuesday.

Thursday's liftoff is scheduled for 4:07 a.m. EDT (0807 GMT), and weather forecasters give a 60 percent chance of acceptable launch conditions.

Standing 194 feet tall and weighing nearly a million pounds once fully fueled, the Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-075, will produce nearly 1.6 million pounds of thrust at liftoff from its main engine and two side-mounted solid-fuel boosters.

The trajectory will take the rocket eastward, likely toward a geosynchronous transfer orbit.

A similar Atlas 5 variant launched the NROL-61 mission along the same flight path last summer.

Both missions were assigned to ULA as part of the 36-core Block Buy from the U.S. Air Force.

Then-Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James testified to the U.S. Senate, in questions about the Block Buy, that the pair of missions were "already on fixed-price contracts that include provisions for an Atlas 5 launch vehicle provided as government furnished equipment."

And the satellites' mass to orbit, she said, exceeded the capabilities of SpaceX's Falcon 9 lift capabilities at the time of award.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126934.jpg)
The NROL-52 mision logo. Credit: NRO

Those factors made the missions unsuitable for competition and left ULA as the only U.S. firm that could launch the payloads.

Created in 1961 and operated in total secrecy as a black organization until its existence was declassified in 1992, the NRO is the joint Department of Defense–Intelligence Community organization responsible for developing, launching and operating America's national security spy satellites.

"The NRO is a small, flat, end-to-end organization fully capable of successfully delivering an increasingly capable, integrated resilient and affordable architecture. We have control of every function required, from the R&D that enables us to stay ahead of targets and threats, to the acquisitions required to deliver new capabilities to respond to changing mission imperatives in the field," NRO Director Betty Sapp said in testimony to Congress this year.

The NRO is the nation's eyes and ears in space, supporting policy makers, the Armed Services, the Intelligence Community, Departments of State, Justice and Treasury, and civil agencies.

"We contribute to global intelligence, military and homeland security operations, while simultaneously assisting with the formation of national policy and achieving diplomatic goals. We provide direct support to U.S. warfighters, help protect U.S. borders and contribute significantly to the fight against ISIS and other counter-terrorism operations. NRO capabilities contribute to the U.S.'s ability to improve battlespace awareness, deter aggression and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, combat terrorism, identify and track High-Value Targets and conduct security operations worldwide," Sapp testified.

"The NRO is advancing the sensor sensitivity of overhead SIGINT and GEOINT capabilities to collect against power signals and fleeting targets. We are improving the area persistence of our space-based systems to provide greater "time on target" to observe and characterize activities and the potential relationship between activities. We are working to reduce "sensor to shooter" timelines to get the right information to those who need it, when they need it. We're also developing smaller, less expensive satellites that can be launched in larger quantities to enhance our current architecture performance against high value and fleeting targets."

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126935.jpg)
The NROL-52 launch poster. Credit: United Launch Alliance

This launch comes less than two weeks after another Atlas 5 successfully deployed the NROL-42 surveillance satellite into a highly elliptical, highly inclined Molniya-style orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

It was the 25th NRO launch successfully carried out by United Launch Alliance.

Код Выделить Развернуть

** ULA LAUNCHES FOR NRO **

Delta 322: NROL-21 on D2-7920 (Dec. 14, 2006) Vandenberg
AV-009: NROL-30 using Atlas 5-401 (June 15, 2007) Cape
AV-015: NROL-24 using Atlas 5-401 (Dec. 10, 2007) Cape
AV-006: NROL-28 using Atlas 5-411 (March 13, 2008 ) Vandenberg
Delta 337: NROL-26 on D4-Heavy (Jan. 17, 2009) Cape

AV-025: NROL-41 using Atlas 5-501 (Sept. 20, 2010) Vandenberg
Delta 351: NROL-32 on D4-Heavy (Nov. 21, 2010) Cape
Delta 352: NROL-49 on D4-Heavy (Jan. 20, 2011) Vandenberg
Delta 353: NROL-27 on D4-Medium+ (March 11, 2011) Cape
AV-027: NROL-34 using Atlas 5-411 (April 14, 2011) Vandenberg

Delta 359: NROL-25 on D4-Medium+ (April 3, 2012) Vandenberg
AV-023: NROL-38 using Atlas 5-401 (June 20, 2012) Cape
Delta 360: NROL-15 on D4-Heavy (June 29, 2012) Cape
AV-033: NROL-36 using Atlas 5-401 (Sept. 13, 2012) Vandenberg
Delta 364: NROL-65 on D4-Heavy (Aug. 28, 2013) Vandenberg

AV-042: NROL-39 using Atlas 5-501 (Dec. 5, 2013) Vandenberg
AV-045: NROL-67 using Atlas 5-541 (April 10, 2014) Cape
AV-046: NROL-33 using Atlas 5-401 (May 22, 2014) Cape
AV-051: NROL-35 using Atlas 5-541 (Dec. 13, 2014) Vandenberg
AV-058: NROL-55 using Atlas 5-401 (Oct. 8, 2015) Vandenberg

Delta 373: NROL-45 on D4-Medium+ (Feb. 10, 2016) Vandenberg
Delta 374: NROL-37 on D4-Heavy (June 11, 2016) Cape
AV-065: NROL-61 using Atlas 5-421 (July 28, 2016) Cape
AV-068: NROL-79 using Atlas 5-401 (March 1, 2017) Vandenberg
AV-072: NROL-42 using Atlas 5-541 (Sept. 23, 2017) Vandenberg
ULA is scheduled to perform its fourth launch just this year for the NRO in December using a Delta 4 from Vandenberg.

Thursday's launch will be the sixth and final of the year for the Atlas 5, all carrying missions in the national interest. Late deliveries of several more payloads, however, delayed five additional flights originally planned for 2017 until next year.

See earlier NROL-52 coverage (http://spaceflightnow.com/tag/av-075/).

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьNAVAREA IV 886/2017 (11,25,26)

WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
FLORIDA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   050800Z TO 051008Z OCT,
   ALTERNATE 060800Z TO 061008Z OCT
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-39N 080-38W, 28-43N 080-28W,
   28-37N 080-21W, 28-31N 079-28W,
   28-27N 079-28W, 28-29N 080-34W.
   B. 28-31N 079-02W, 28-21N 077-46W,
   28-11N 077-50W, 28-21N 079-05W.
   C. 25-08N 056-52W, 23-57N 052-06W,
   23-37N 052-18W, 24-52N 057-01W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 061108Z OCT 17.

( 010210Z OCT 2017 )

ЦитироватьNAVAREA XII 435/2017 (83)

EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 051614Z TO 051829Z OCT,
   ALTERNATE 061614Z TO 061829Z OCT
   IN AREA BOUND BY
   12-58N 157-10W, 12-13N 151-55W,
   10-46N 152-08W, 11-30N 157-22W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 061929Z OCT 17.

( 290756Z SEP 2017 )

ЦитироватьAtlas V NROL-52 Payload Mate

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220286.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

Опубликовано: 3 окт. 2017 г.

A 4-meter diameter payload fairing, with the National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-52 mission encapsulated inside, is mated to an Atlas V rocket at the Vertical Integration Facility at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 50 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915252584046256129)

Whew! Windy day at Cape Canaveral, but #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) with #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) is on the launch pad. A photo from roll this morning. @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168700.jpg)

Цитировать10/03/2017 19:07

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket with the NROL-52 spacecraft aboard moved to the launch pad this morning for liftoff Thursday to serve the national interest.

Спойлер

The 194-foot-tall rocket was rolled out from the vertical assembly building to the pad at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41.

Liftoff is scheduled for 4:07 a.m. EDT (0807 GMT) to deliver the craft to a classified orbital perch.

The Atlas 5 began its third-of-a-mile trek to the launch pad with first-motion at 11a.m. EDT (1500 GMT), arriving atop Complex 41 just before noon. The first stage will be filled with 25,000 gallons of RP-1 fuel, a highly-refined kerosene, later today.

After a crew rest day Wednesday to sync with the early morning launch, countdown clocks begin ticking around 9 p.m. on Wednesday.

It will be the 16th time that the NRO has used the Atlas 5 to deliver one of its national security payloads into orbit.

The 421 version of the Atlas 5 will do the lifting this time. It has flown 6 times in the past 15 years. It is distinguished with a four-meter-diameter nose cone, two side-mounted solid boosters and a single-engine Centaur.

Weather forecasters give a 60 percent chance of good conditions for launch.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/915319876142714881)

She's not an Atlas V 541 (or a 551, heh - the bigger the rocket, the more I like them), but that's a good looking LV. ULA rollout photos of Atlas 421 ahead of the NROL-52 launch. For additional photos: http://www.ulalaunch.com/file-library.aspx?launchEventID=287 ... (https://t.co/wrCGL02hAi)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168726.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168727.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168729.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915328094063480833)

Photos! ULA's #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) rocket rolls out to Space Launch Complex-41 with the #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) mission for the @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) http://bit.ly/2xZf8GH  (https://t.co/vJaqSztXVq)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168742.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168740.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168741.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьPhotos: Atlas 5 rocket rolls out for NROL-52 flight
October 3, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

CAPE CANAVERAL — Riding the rails between its assembly building and the launch pad, an Atlas 5 rocket topped with a clandestine national security satellite was rolled out this morning for Thursday's liftoff at 4:07 a.m. EDT (0807 GMT).

Спойлер

United Launch Alliance technicians executed a smooth transfer in windy conditions, moving the 194-foot-tall rocket atop its 1.4-million pound launching platform the 1,800-foot distance.

The trek from the 30-story Vertical Integration Facility to the Complex 41 launch pad used specially-made "trackmobiles" to carry the vehicle.

Once at the pad, autocouplers were engaged to feed the rocket with its commodities from the ground.

The launch team has begun its crew sync period to adjust for the overnight countdown operations.
Clocks begin ticking Wednesday evening for the seven-hour process to activate the Atlas-Centaur, run final tests and then fuel the stages with cryogenics.

Weather forecasters continue to predict a 60 percent chance of favorable conditions for liftoff.

See earlier NROL-52 coverage (http://spaceflightnow.com/tag/av-075/).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126944.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126936.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126945.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126946.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126937.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126947.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126938.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126948.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126939.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126940.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126941.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126942.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126949.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126950.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126951.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126952.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126953.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126954.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126955.jpg)
Credit: Justin Ray/Spaceflight Now

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126943.jpg)
Credit: United Launch Alliance

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 39 мин.39 минут назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/915559170002341890)

Feels like this will be a good evening to go to space
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168803.jpg)

Цитировать10/04/2017 17:18
This is a crew sync day for the Atlas 5 launch team, giving personnel time to rest before starting the countdown late tonight for tomorrow's early morning liftoff.

Спойлер

Weather forecasters continue to predict a 60 percent chance of acceptable liftoff conditions, with only cloudiness and winds a concern.

Clocks begin ticking around 9 p.m. EDT with power up of the Atlas and Centaur stages. Fueling the vehicle with cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen begins around 2 a.m.

The historical odds of NROL-52 launching on the first try are 78 percent, based on the Atlas 5's previous countdowns over the past 15 years.

Of the 73 launches of Atlas 5 to date:

-38 have gone at opening of window on first attempt
-19 went on first attempt but slipped later into the window
-13 missions had scrubs (6-Technical, 4-Weather, 3-Range)
-3 missions had more than one scrub

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 15 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915645732929069057)

Some overnight beauty shots of ULA's #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) with #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash). Speaking of overnight, launch is planned for 4:07amET tomorrow.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168876.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168875.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 13 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/915670246899556353)

FEATURE ARTICLE: ULA Atlas V set for NROL-52 launch from Cape Canaveral - https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/ ... (https://t.co/dUDtjeHNAC) - by William Graham. 12 hours to launch from the time of this tweet.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168870.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168868.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168869.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168871.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать

ULA Atlas V set for NROL-52 launch from Cape Canaveral (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185928.jpg) Bill Nelson‏Подлинная учетная запись @SenBillNelson (https://twitter.com/SenBillNelson) 10 мин назад (https://twitter.com/SenBillNelson/status/915671776356691969)

Good news for Florida's Space Coast. Just spoke w/ Air Force Gen. Monteith - he confirmed the Cape is ready to handle two launches in a day.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168872.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185592.png) NRO‏Подлинная учетная запись @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) 6 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/915685680306470913)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) mission is poised to launch Oct. 5 from CCAFS, Fla. aboard a @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) rocket. @AFSpace (https://twitter.com/AFSpace) @AF_SMC (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC) @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) (ULA photo)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168884.jpg)

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52
Watch live! Coverage begins Oct. 5 at 3:47 a.m. EDT. Watch via the ULA website (http://www.ulalaunch.com/webcast.aspx) or YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/psu-QG2PPz0).

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186131.jpg) John Kraus‏ @johnkrausphotos (https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos) 8 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/915663417578541056)

Photos fr om SLC-41 this morning, wh ere a @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) Atlas V is scheduled to launch #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) at 4:07am tomorrow. Live coverage: @AmericaSpace (https://twitter.com/AmericaSpace)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLUWOrZXcAAkl_x.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLUWOrYXkAAqEoW.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLUWR1aWkAEH-oW.jpg)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLUWR15WsAIbCJk.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/05/2017 04:17 Countdown ticking for NROL-52 launch

The countdown has commenced for launch of a covert payload for the U.S. spy satellite agency by a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket.

Clocks are picking up the seven-hour sequence of work that will prepare the booster, payload and ground systems for blastoff at 4:07 a.m. EDT (0807 GMT).

Спойлер

The launch team will begin powering up the rocket to commence standard pre-flight tests. Over the subsequent few hours, final preps for the Centaur's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen systems will be performed, along with a test of the rocket's guidance system and the first stage propulsion and hydraulic preps, internal battery checks and testing of the GPS metric tracking system used to follow the rocket as it flies downrange, plus a test of the S-band telemetry relay system.

A planned hold begins when the count reaches T-minus 2 hours. Near the end of the 15-minute hold, the team will be polled to verify all is in readiness to start fueling the rocket for launch.

Supercold liquid oxygen begins flowing into the Centaur upper stage, followed by the first stage filling. Liquid hydrogen fuel loading for Centaur will be completed a short time later.

A final hold is scheduled at the T-minus 4 minute mark. That 15-minute pause will give everyone a chance to finish any late work and assess the status of the rocket, payload, Range and weather before proceeding into the last moments of the countdown.

Going into the Countdown tonight, there is a 60 percent chance of acceptable liftoff weather. The first weather briefing of the count will occur in about an hour.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915749645372018688)

We'll be back with #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) countdown updates at 1:30amET, and the live broadcast beings at 3:47amET. http://bit.ly/av_nrol52  (https://t.co/y71i8H1Ezo)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168896.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/915743661161410560)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168893.jpg)

Цитировать10/05/2017 04:56

The Atlas-Centaur vehicle has been powered up. Guidance system testing is next in the countdown.

Цитировать10/05/2017 05:48 Weather is 40% GO

Rain showers streaming off the Atlantic and strong, gusty winds are being felt across Cape Canaveral tonight courtesy of a tropical wave in the Bahamas.

In the countdown's first official weather briefing, the Air Force launch weather officer has decreased the odds of acceptable liftoff conditions to 40 percent. The primary concerns are cumulus clouds associated with the showers and ground winds, although those are expected to trend down overnight. The exact timing of isolated showers and when one might pass near the pad will be key.

The launch time outlook calls for scattered low-level clouds and broken mid and high cloudiness, isolated showers, good visibility, east-northeasterly winds off the water of 26 knots gusting to 30 knots and a temperature of 81 degrees F.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 56 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/915774555381215238)

Weather now 40% GO for overnight Atlas 5 #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch from Cape Canaveral due to clouds and gusty winds https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168891.jpg)

Цитироватьtnt22 пишет:

Bill Nelson ‏Подлинная учетная запись @ SenBillNelson 10 мин назад (https://twitter.com/SenBillNelson/status/915671776356691969)
Good news for Florida's Space Coast . Just spoke w/ Air Force Gen. Monteith - he confirmed the Cape is ready to handle two launches in a day .

ЦитироватьWeather now 40% GO

Цитировать10/05/2017 08:07 L-3 hours and counting

The first four hours of the countdown have been completed at Cape Canaveral for the launch of NROL-52 at 4:07 a.m. EDT (0807 GMT).

In about 45 minutes, the launch team will be polled for readiness to begin fueling the Atlas 5 rocket. Tanking is scheduled to start a short time later.

Цитировать10/05/2017 08:14

Guidance system testing has wrapped up.

Цитировать10/05/2017 08:30

A band of rain showers is coming ashore over the Florida spaceport, which has caused the current winds to gust to 42 knots at the launch pad. Weather is RED at the present time due to cumulus clouds and ground winds.

These showers are fast-moving and should pass quickly. There is another cell about 25 miles away.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915813454350610432)

Good morning from Atlas mission control! #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) countdown has just entered a planned hold. This is the 1st of 2 planned holds.

Цитировать10/05/2017 08:37 Countdown in pre-planned hold

T-minus 2 hours and holding. The countdown has just entered the first of two planned, 15-minute holds over the course of the day that will lead to the 4:07 a.m. EDT (0807 GMT) launch of the Atlas rocket. The holds give the team some margin in the countdown timeline to deal with technical issues or any work that is running behind. The final hold is scheduled to occur at T-minus 4 minutes.

Цитировать10/05/2017 08:38

Nine additional minutes are being added to this hold. That time will be subtracted from the later T-minus 4 minute hold.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915814003632410627)

The #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) weather forecast shows a 40% chance of favorable weather. Concerns are cumulus clouds and rain.

Цитировать10/05/2017 08:46

The final hands-on work has concluded at the launch pad and technicians are departing the complex for the remainder of the countdown to liftoff.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915820207192657921)

Continuing to watch the weather as we maintain the hold in the #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) countdown.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:02

The hold is being extended by another five minutes while the launch team watches the weather. The winds have eased dramatically after the rain moved on through the area.

ЦитироватьUpdated: 10/05/2017 09:10

Five more minutes have been added to this continuing hold, putting the fueling readiness poll at 2:09 a.m. and resumption no sooner than 2:11 a.m.

10/05/2017 09:10

Five more minutes have been added to this continuing hold.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:14

The launch team is posturing to resume operations after waiting for the winds to subside.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:16 Countdown running again

T-minus 2 hours and counting! The launch countdown has resumed for today's flight of the Atlas 5 rocket to deploy the clandestine NROL-52 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 20 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/915823809457819648)

Winds finally died down. Now prepping for cryo ops #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:20

NEW TIME is being coordinated for 4:22 a.m. (0822 GMT) after high winds held up the start of fueling operations this morning.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:21

MAN STATIONS for cryogenic tanking. A readiness poll will be conducted in five minutes.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:23

The ULA launch conductor at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center is briefing his team on procedures before entering into the final two hours of the countdown.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:24 GO for fueling

Console operators have reported READY status during the pre-fueling readiness poll. The ULA launch director also voiced his approval for moving forward with the countdown today.

The loading of nearly 66,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the Atlas 5 rocket will be getting underway a short time from now.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915825665445949440)

The team has give the go to begin cryogenic fueling operations. New launch time is 4:22amEDT. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:26

Clocks have one more built-in hold planned at T-minus 4 minutes. During that pause, the final "go" for launch will be given. Liftoff is targeted for 4:22 a.m. EDT (0822 GMT) from Cape Canaveral's Complex 41.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:27

Chilldown thermal conditioning of the mobile launch platform upon which the rocket stands is beginning. This is meant to ease the shock on equipment when supercold cryogenic propellants start flowing into the rocket.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:28

The Centaur liquid oxygen pad storage area has been prepped. The next step is conditioning the transfer lines, which is now beginning to prepare the plumbing for flowing the cryogenic oxidizer.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:36 Centaur LOX loading

Filling of the Centaur upper stage with about 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen has begun at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41 following the thermal conditioning of the transfer pipes.

The liquid oxygen -- chilled to Minus-298 degrees F -- will be consumed during the launch by the Centaur's single RL10 engine along with liquid hydrogen to be pumped into the stage a little later in the countdown. The Centaur will perform the firings required to propel the NROL-52 spacecraft into the desired orbit today.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/915827924879765504)

Fueling of United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket with 66,000 gallons of fuel and oxidizer underway to loft #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168900.jpg)

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:42

Passing the 10 percent level on the Centaur upper stage's liquid oxygen tank.

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:45

The launch team is returning the vehicle to its precautionary high-wind pressurization mode due to the next rain cell about to move ashore with gusty conditions.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915830683674783744)

Heads up! #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch time is now 4:22amEDT. Broadcast will begin at 4:02amEDT. http://bit.ly/av_nrol52  (https://t.co/y71i8H1Ezo)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168903.jpg)

Цитировать10/05/2017 09:55

SCRUB! Extremely windy conditions associated with rain squalls coming off the Atlantic Ocean have forced officials to stand down with today's launch attempt.

After delaying the start of fueling to let the winds to die down after a band of showers pass, the launch team was able to resume the countdown and begin fueling operations. But shortly thereafter the weather officer advised that another rain cell packing high winds was headed toward the pad.

In the interest of safety, flow was stopped and the vehicle was returned to its high-wind pressurization mode.

Liftoff is tentatively reset for Friday morning, But there's just a 30 percent chance of acceptable weather as a tropical wave moves through the region.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915833218070441984)

The #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch is scrubbed for the day.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168904.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/915833721172795392)

Scrub. Ground winds. See you tomorrow #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/915837540699136000)

Today's #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch scrubbed b/c of ground winds that prevented launch. New date: Friday, Oct. 6; launch time is 4:03 amEDT.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168897.jpg)

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

(Oct. 5, 2017, 3:15 a.m. EDT) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the NROL-52 mission was scrubbed today due to ground winds that prevented launch.

The launch is planned for Friday, Oct. 6, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch time is 4:03 a.m. ET.

[/li]
• Rocket: Atlas V 421
• Mission: NROL-52
• Launch Date: Friday, Oct. 6, 2017
• Launch Time: 4:03 a.m. EDT
• Live Broadcast: Begins at 3:43 a.m. EDT
  

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186208.jpg) The Rogue Astronaut‏ @therogue_astro (https://twitter.com/therogue_astro) 10 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/therogue_astro/status/915845060398379008)

Liftoff of #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) is tentatively reset for Friday morning, But there's just a 30% chance of favourable weather as a tropical wave moves in.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168898.jpg)

Цитировать10/05/2017 17:03
The official weather forecast for Friday's launch opportunity is 30 percent favorable, primarily due to cloudy conditions.

Спойлер

"Locally, a tropical wave near South Florida will continue to usher in abundant moisture, cloudy conditions, and widespread showers over the Spaceport today and persisting through tomorrow's launch count. East- northeast winds remain breezy with a slight trend down late evening and gusting in the mid-20s during the window," the launch weather team says.

"The primary concerns for launch are cumulus clouds and thick clouds."

The forecast for the 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT) liftoff time calls for scattered and broken decks of clouds, isolated showers, good visibility, easterly winds of 20-24 knots and a temperature of 81 degrees F.

A Saturday morning launch opportunity, which has just become available on the Eastern Range, has 60 percent favorable weather.

"In the event of a 24-hour delay, the aforementioned tropical wave continues to migrate to the west with the shower potential trending down. Moisture in the mid and upper levels remains high with a thick cloud threat. The primary concern for launch is cumulus clouds and thick clouds."

A SpaceX launch originally planned for Saturday has delayed to next week for unrelated reasons, opening up a slot on the Eastern Range schedule for the Atlas, if needed.

The Range typically gives customers two launch attempts before the next rocket gets its shot, and a day between is necessary to reconfigure equipment.

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/05/2017 20:08
(https://24liveblog.tradingfront.cn/event/8e0a9c2ea62611e7aca0f23c913e9177/20171005170950_284939.jpg)
A tropical wave moving through the Florida Straits continues to dump rain across a wide portion of the state today, including at the Atlas 5 rocket pad where the NROL-52 mission awaits its next opportunity to launch.

Photographers are at Complex 41 right now servicing their sound-activated cameras for another countdown tonight.

The disturbance was near the Bahamas yesterday, but is moving east-to-west into the Gulf of Mexico. A strong wind shear in the atmosphere is keeping the system from developing into a tropical storm or hurricane, but rain squalls overnight forced cancellation of the first Atlas 5 countdown and bands of showers have continued to rotate ashore all morning.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916114767722565632)

Sun sets on #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) w/ #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) earlier this evening. The team is on console and preparing for launch at 4:03amEDT. http://bit.ly/av_nrol52  (https://t.co/y71i8H1Ezo)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168517.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916109024894046208)

COUNTDOWN for #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) now ticking to overnight Atlas 5 launch from Cape Canaveral at 4:03amEDT (0803 GMT) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168516.jpg)

Цитировать10/06/2017 04:13 Countdown starts for NROL-52 launch

The second countdown begins now for the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on the NROL-52 national security satellite deployment mission.

Спойлер

Clocks are picking up the seven-hour sequence of work that will prepare the booster, payload and ground systems for blastoff at 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT).

The launch team will start powering up the rocket to commence standard pre-flight tests. Over the subsequent few hours, final preps for the Centaur's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen systems will be performed, along with a test of the rocket's guidance system and the first stage propulsion and hydraulic preps, internal battery checks and testing of the GPS metric tracking system used to follow the rocket as it flies downrange, plus a test of the S-band telemetry relay system.

A planned hold begins when the count reaches T-minus 2 hours. Near the end of the 15-minute hold, the team will be polled to verify all is in readiness to start fueling the rocket for launch.

Supercold liquid oxygen begins flowing into the Centaur upper stage, followed by the first stage filling. Liquid hydrogen fuel loading for Centaur will be completed a short time later.

A final hold is scheduled at the T-minus 4 minute mark. That 15-minute pause will give everyone a chance to finish any late work and assess the status of the rocket, payload, Range and weather before proceeding into the last moments of the countdown.

The first weather briefing will be coming up in about 90 minutes.

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/06/2017 05:41 Weather is 40% GO

In the first weather briefing of the countdown, the weather officer has the odds at 40 percent of acceptable conditions at the 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT) liftoff time of the Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral.

Спойлер

The fierce winds experienced last night have subsided. The current ground winds at Complex 41 are just 11 knots.

The concern, however, will be showers continuing to rotate ashore that could violate the cumulus cloud rule at launch time. Moisture in the atmosphere also risks the chance of violating the rule governing the cloud thickness for triggered lightning during the rocket's ascent.

The weather reconnaissance aircraft will be airborne to interrogate the clouds in real-time.

The launch time outlook calls for scattered low-level clouds and broken mid and high cloudiness, isolated showers, good visibility, easterly winds gusting to 16 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916132102327951360)

Weather remains 40% GO for overnight Atlas 5 #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch due to clouds. Aircraft will interrogate in real-time https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168519.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916121218302009346)

Live #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) will resume by 1:30amET, live broadcast @ 3:43amEDT, and launch planned for 4:03amEDT. http://bit.ly/av_nrol52  (https://t.co/y71i8H1Ezo)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168514.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916133219917029378)

The current weather at the Cape is GO on all launch weather rules. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168520.jpg)

Цитировать10/06/2017 05:47

The current weather at the Cape is GO.

Цитировать10/06/2017 07:07

The countdown is progressing smoothly and quietly at Cape Canaveral for the launch of NROL-52 at 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT). No issues are being worked.

Цитировать10/06/2017 07:38

Guidance system testing is complete.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916170943579545600)

Cape Canaveral weather remains GO at the present time for #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch. Odds continue to be 40% favorable today https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168522.jpg)

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:17

The current weather conditions remain GO at Cape Canaveral for the Atlas 5 launch. The odds of acceptable conditions at the 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT) launch time remain at 40 percent. A cumulus cloud in the rocket's flight path is the main concern.

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:19

The final hands-on work has concluded at the launch pad and technicians are departing the complex for the remainder of the countdown to liftoff.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 58 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916174607002013696)

The #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch countdown has entered a planned 15-minuted hold. This is the first of 2 planned holds in today's countdown.

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:33 Countdown in pre-planned hold

T-minus 2 hours and holding. The countdown has just entered the first of two planned, 15-minute holds over the course of the day that will lead to the 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT) launch of the Atlas rocket. The holds give the team some margin in the countdown timeline to deal with technical issues or any work that is running behind. The final hold is scheduled to occur at T-minus 4 minutes.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 47 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916177722061283328)

As countdown progresses flawlessly, all is GO to fuel Atlas 5 rocket for #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168523.jpg)

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:38

MAN STATIONS for cryogenic tanking operations.
The countdown is progressing very smoothly today, without the weather drama that occurred yesterday before fueling.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 46 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916178434056998912)

The team has given the Go to begin cryogenic fueling operations and we're counting down again to #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch at 4:03amEDT

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:45 GO for fueling

Console operators have reported READY status during the pre-fueling readiness poll. The ULA launch director also voiced his approval for moving forward with the countdown today.

The loading of nearly 66,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the Atlas 5 rocket will be getting underway a short time from now.

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:48 Countdown running again

T-minus 2 hours and counting! The launch countdown has resumed for today's flight of the Atlas 5 rocket to deploy the clandestine NROL-52 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Clocks have one more built-in hold planned at T-minus 4 minutes. During that 15-minute pause, the final "go" for launch will be given. All remains targeted for liftoff at 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT) from Cape Canaveral's Complex 41.

In the next couple of minutes, chilldown thermal conditioning of the mobile launch platform upon which the rocket stands will begin. This is meant to ease the shock on equipment when supercold cryogenic propellants start flowing into the rocket.

Цитировать10/06/2017 08:55 Centaur LOX loading

Filling of the Centaur upper stage with about 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen has begun at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41 following the thermal conditioning of the transfer pipes.

The liquid oxygen -- chilled to Minus-298 degrees F -- will be consumed during the launch by the Centaur's single RL10 engine along with liquid hydrogen to be pumped into the stage a little later in the countdown. The Centaur will perform the firings required to propel the NROL-52 spacecraft into the desired orbit today.

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:16

The chilldown conditioning of liquid hydrogen propellant lines at Complex 41 is starting to prepare the plumbing for transferring the Minus-423 degree F fuel into the rocket. The Centaur holds about 12,300 gallons of the cryogenic propellant.

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:18 Atlas LOX loading

The conditioning of the systems for the first stage liquid oxygen tank have been completed. And a "go" has been given to begin pumping supercold liquid oxygen into the Atlas 5's first stage.

The Common Core Booster stage's liquid oxygen tank is the largest tank to be filled today. It holds 48,800 gallons of cryogenic oxidizer for the RD-180 main engine.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/916189630654853125)

Centaur LO2 loading complete

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:28

The first stage liquid oxygen loading is transitioning from slow-fill to fast-fill mode.

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:33 L-minus 90 minutes

Everything continues to go very smoothly and the countdown is on schedule to launch he NROL-52 classified government payload aboard Atlas 5 at 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT).

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:37

Weather conditions have gone RED due to clouds over the spaceport.

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:40 Centaur LH2 loading

Chilldown of the liquid hydrogen system has been accomplished. The launch team has received the "go" to begin filling the Centaur upper stage with the supercold fuel.

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:41

The Centaur engine chilldown sequence is being initiated.

Цитировать10/06/2017 09:47

Centaur's liquid hydrogen tank is 20 percent full. The cryogenic propellant will be consumed with liquid oxygen by the stage's Aerojet Rocketdyne-made RL10 engine.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:00

The liquid hydrogen tank in the Centaur upper stage just reached the 96 percent level. Topping is beginning.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:03

Now 60 minutes till Atlas launch of #NROL52, weather permitting.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:10

Fast-filling of the first stage liquid oxygen tank has been completed. Topping mode is now underway.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:11

The 950,000-pound Atlas 5 rocket now stands fueled for launch as the countdown continues on schedule for a liftoff at 4:03 a.m. EDT (0803 GMT).
However, weather is RED at this time due to cloud cover.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:14

Atlas first stage LOX tank at 100 percent.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:37 Waiting on the weather

Current weather conditions are observed NO GO due to the violation to a thunderstorm that has developed nearby. The cumulus cloud and lightning rule are RED.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916205788607152128)

Weather observed and forecast NO GO for launch of the Atlas 5 on #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) today due to a thunderstorm that has formed https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168527.jpg)

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:46 Countdown in pre-planned hold

T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the planned 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 management members will be performed.
If the weather remains RED, the hold will be extended.

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:46

All three cryogenic tanks on the rocket have been topped off to flight level.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 46 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916208214894678016)

Right now launch weather is no-go due to lightning in the area. Cross those fingers! #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/378800000149454500/c2e974df2f92ce57b2c8db329f5da805_bigger.png) Emre Kelly‏Подлинная учетная запись @EmreKelly (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly) 2 ч назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/916185327211044864)

Nice morning for an #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) launch, no? #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168524.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/916208468180090880)
Board is green, except for weather

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916209245602893824)

At customer request, #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) live coverage will wrap after confirmation of payload fairing jettison, ~4.5 mins after liftoff #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash)

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:54

HOLD EXTENDED due to unacceptable launch weather. Liftoff will be no sooner than 4:08 a.m. EDT (0808 GMT).

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916210319629979648)

We are going to extend the current planned hold at T-4 minutes due to weather. Watch live at http://www.ulalanch.com/webcast.aspx  (https://t.co/Cu8CpMshwW) #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/916210316320624640)

Atlas V behaving well. Weather needs to behave. Next will be to poll to come out of the Built In Hold.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168532.jpg)

Цитировать10/06/2017 10:59

The launch team will extend this hold in five minute intervals through the window to take advantage of any improvement in the weather.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 55 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916211354041806853)

#AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch will be no earlier than 4:08 a.m. EDT. Think clear sky, no lightning thoughts.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/916212283549683712)

0413 now

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 53 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/916212869674520576)

53 minute launch window, so the goal is to find a hole in the weather, release the hold, four minute final countdown to launch.

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:07

The weather constraints for cumulus clouds and lightning from nearby thunderstorm remain RED. The exact duration of today's window is classified.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29831.jpg) William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews) 51 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/916213700247375872)

A5/NROL52: T-0 now 4:18am; official window extends to 5am

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/916213869688664064)

0418. Still red on weather. Otherwise board is green. Gone past happy thoughts. Somebody ask@cumuluscloud to move along

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:13

Launch is delayed to 4:23 a.m. EDT (0823 GMT) at the earliest. But the weather hold continues at the Cape.

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:17

NEW TIME set for 4:28 a.m. EDT (0828 GMT).

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:20

Standing by for the final readiness check to be conducted. The launch team will be polled for a "go" or "no go" to proceed with the count.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 24 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916216595659350016)

New #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch time is 4:28amEDT. Cumulus cloud constraint has been released; lightning still a concern.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29831.jpg) William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews) 48 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/916217197013454849)

A5/NROL52: T-0 now 4:31am

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 51 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/916217471526371329)

Got closer that time. Weather still the issue. That's the reason for the one red:
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168533.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 38 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916217715257462785)

Polling is complete. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) is GO for launch at 4:31amEDT

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:24 GO for launch

Weather is GO.
The ULA launch director and NRO mission director have given the final approval to resume the countdown and proceed with the flight.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) сейчас (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916218879164153856)

HOLD HOLD HOLD. Weather is no-go. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 25 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916219996870795265)

We are scrubbed for the day. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:35

Tomorrow's launch time is 3:59 a.m. EDT (0759 GMT).

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/916220546014240768)

SCRUB: 24 hour recycle. Vehicle and payload not at fault, this was all on the unacceptable weather. Read the overview of this mission - by William Graham - here: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/ ... (https://t.co/dUDtjeHNAC)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168537.jpg)

Цитировать

ULA Atlas V NROL-52 launch moved to Saturday (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916222161295208448)

#AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch scrubbed today due to weather. New launch date and time: Saturday, Oct. 7at 3:59 am ET.

Цитировать10/06/2017 11:41

To recap, unfavorable weather conditions at Cape Canaveral have interrupted back-to-back countdowns of the Atlas 5 rocket launch of the NROL-52 national security satellite.

Fierce winds caused Thursday's scrub and lightning prompted today's postponement.
Another try will be made on Saturday morning at 3:59 a.m. EDT (0759 GMT). A slight improvement in conditions is expected.

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

(Oct. 6, 2017, 4:47 a.m. EDT ) – The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the NROL-52 mission was scrubbed today due to weather.

The launch is planned for Saturday, Oct. 7, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The launch time is 3:59 a.m. ET.

[/li]
• Rocket: Atlas V 421
• Mission: NROL-52
• Launch Date: Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017
• Launch Time: 3:59 a.m. EDT
• Live Broadcast: Begins at 3:39 a.m. EDT
  

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185396.jpg) Chris G - NSF‏ @CwG_NSF (https://twitter.com/CwG_NSF) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/CwG_NSF/status/916354125612253184)

Launch weather forecast for attempt #3 of #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) & the #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) mission tonight. 60% favorable odds. 53min launch window opens at 03:59 EDT.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916356358617870336)

The odds of acceptable weather are 60% favorable for the 3:59amEDT (0759 GMT) launch of Atlas 5 #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) on Saturday https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168576.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916376751055523842)

This just 4th Atlas 5 launch to experience multiple scrubbed countdowns in 15-yr history. Those all went on 3rd try. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) 3rd try tonight
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168564.jpg)

Цитировать

youtube.com/watch?v=wZueNB_R5pI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZueNB_R5pI)

Цитироватьtnt22 (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/user/18282/) пишет:
Обновлён адрес трансляции ULA на ТыТрубе на 2017-10-07

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

Live Atlas V NROL-52 broadcast will begin at 3:39 a.m. EDT. Watch via the ULA website (http://www.ulalaunch.com/webcast.aspx) or YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/wZueNB_R5pI).

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 54 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916471224942837760)

The ULA launch team is back on console and clocks are counting down to #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch at 3:59amET

Цитировать10/07/2017 04:09

Hoping for some cooperation from the weather tonight, the third countdown has commenced for the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on the NROL-52 national security satellite deployment mission.

Clocks are picking up the seven-hour sequence of work that will prepare the booster, payload and ground systems for blastoff at 3:59 a.m. EDT (0759 GMT).

Спойлер

The launch team will start powering up the rocket to commence standard pre-flight tests. Over the subsequent few hours, final preps for the Centaur's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen systems will be performed, along with a test of the rocket's guidance system and the first stage propulsion and hydraulic preps, internal battery checks and testing of the GPS metric tracking system used to follow the rocket as it flies downrange, plus a test of the S-band telemetry relay system.

A planned hold begins when the count reaches T-minus 2 hours. Near the end of the 15-minute hold, the team will be polled to verify all is in readiness to start fueling the rocket for launch.

Supercold liquid oxygen begins flowing into the Centaur upper stage, followed by the first stage filling. Liquid hydrogen fuel loading for Centaur will be completed a short time later.

A final hold is scheduled at the T-minus 4 minute mark. That 15-minute pause will give everyone a chance to finish any late work and assess the status of the rocket, payload, Range and weather before proceeding into the last moments of the countdown.

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/07/2017 04:47

The vehicle has been powered up for launch just over six hours from now.

After each of the scrubs, the vehicle was safed and deactivated by the launch team while backing out of the countdown procedures to wait out the delays. Each fresh count begins the sequence again from the start.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168580.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168580.jpg)

Цитировать10/07/2017 05:36 Weather improves to 70% GO

In the countdown's first official weather briefing, the Air Force launch weather officer says conditions are much more favorable tonight than the past two days.

The odds of acceptable liftoff conditions have improved to 70 percent for liftoff of the Atlas 5 rocket at 3:59 a.m. EDT (0759 GMT). The primary concern will be cumulus clouds.

The launch time outlook calls for scattered clouds, limited isolated showers, good visibility, southeasterly winds of 10 knots gusting to 15 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/916492622537089029)

Weather forecast improves to 70% GO for overnight Atlas 5 #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch from Cape Canaveral https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168585.jpg)

Цитировать10/07/2017 07:57

SCRUB. A technical problem in the countdown has forced a launch cancellation for tonight. More details to follow.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916529551278329856)

#AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch scrubbed today due to an issue with a telemetry transmitter on the rocket.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин.назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916529813220937729)

The team will replace and retest the hardware in the Vertical Integration Facility prior to another launch attempt. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/916530236568641536)

A new #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch date will be released when it's established.

Цитировать10/07/2017 08:11

An S-band telemetry transmitter on the Atlas 5 rocket has failed and will need replacing before the NROL-52 mission can occur, delaying the launch at least a few days.

To accomplish the repair, the rocket will be rolled back to its nearby vertical assembly building to gain the necessary access to the vehicle's compartments.

Спойлер

This is the third scrub for the mission. Bad weather caused back-to-back postponements over the last two days. The weather was looking favorable today.

No Atlas 5 mission in the 74-flight, 15-year history of the rocket program has encountered three countdown scrubs. Only three missions had multiple scrubs, and those flew on their third tries.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

(Oct. 7, 2017, 1:12: a.m. EDT) The launch of a United Launch Alliance Atlas V carrying the NROL-52 mission was scrubbed today due to an issue with a telemetry transmitter on the launch vehicle.

The team will replace and retest the hardware on the launch vehicle in the Vertical Integration Facility prior to another launch attempt. A new launch date will be released when it's established.

ЦитироватьAtlas V Rocket Rolls Back after Three Back-to-Back Launch Scrubs
 October 8, 2017 (https://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-rocket-rolls-back-after-three-back-to-back-launch-scrubs/)

ULA's Atlas V rocket carrying the classified NROL-52 satellite for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office has been forced to move back into its Integration Facility after suffering three consecutive launch scrubs earlier in the week. A new launch date will be established once repairs on the launch vehicle can be completed and coordination can be made with the Air Force-operated Eastern Range.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151975.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/av_nrol52_s3_5107201734724AM631.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

The 60-meter tall rocket had been on the pad at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 since Tuesday, making attempts to launch on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning with the first two attempts ending in a stand-down due to weather and teams backing out of the third countdown due to a technical issue on the rocket.

Thursday's launch attempt ended when high ground winds associated with shower bands prevented the rocket fr om being safely loaded with cryogenic propellants, prompting a 24-hour recycle to Friday for which weather was also the prime concern with one-in-three odds of favorable conditions.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151974.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/av_nrol52_s2_2107201734411AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Fueling went without issue on Friday and Atlas V stood ready with the countdown holding at T-4 minutes while teams waited for a favorable gap in lightning and cumulus clouds; however, the attempt came to an end when a lightning trigger forced a countdown hold at T-1 minute and 37 seconds and Atlas V ran out of window time.

Saturday appeared to be looking better from a weather standpoint as odds of favorable conditions improved to 70%. Pressing into countdown operations, Atlas V was powered up seven hours before the opening of the classified launch window. Testing of the vehicle indicated a potentially serious problem with an S-Band telemetry transmitter on the launch vehicle and further testing showed the unit was failed for good and required replacement, ending the launch attempt prior to propellant loading.

This is the first Atlas V mission in the 74-flight, 15-year history of the program to experience three countdown scrubs. Only three previous missions had multiple scrubs and all those got off the ground on the third attempt.

The failure of the S-Band transmitter necessitated a rollback of the launch vehicle to the Vertical Integration Facility wh ere replacement and re-testing work can be performed. Replacing the transmitter is a fairly straightforward task, though fully evaluating the root cause of the failure after two trouble-free countdowns may take additional work to ensure other vehicle systems were not affected by the problem. ULA said a new launch date for the mission will be announced once a forward plan has been developed.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152003.png) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152003.png)
NROL-52 Mission Patch – Image: NRO

The Eastern Range had originally been booked by SpaceX Saturday and Sunday for the launch of the SES 11 broadcasting satellite on a Falcon 9 rocket. A first stage issue caused that mission to slip (http://spaceflight101.com/falcon-9-ses-11/spacex-delays-ses-11-launch/) to no earlier than Wednesday, allowing ULA to keep Atlas V out for the Saturday morning attempt. Range approval for the SES 11 mission for Wednesday & a backup on Thursday has not been confirmed yet and will also depend on the progress of repair work on the Falcon 9. If SpaceX can keep the Wednesday target, Atlas V is likely looking at liftoff in the second half of the week, at the earliest.

NROL-52 can be identified with a fairly high-degree of certainty as belonging to the fourth generation of the Satellite Data System (SDS) as the mission appears to be a repeat of the NROL-61 launch of 2016 that also used an Atlas V 421 rocket out of Cape Canaveral and deployed a single payload into Geotransfer orbit.

The Satellite Data System, operating under the code name Quasar, was inaugurated in 1976 and has since gone through four generations, initially operating from highly elliptical Molniya Orbits that allow for optimized coverage over the northern hemisphere.

>> Identifying the Classified NROL-52 Satellite (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/nrol-52-satellite/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151977.png) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151977.png)
Declassified Image of Early SDS Satellite – Credit: National Reconnaissance Office

With the second generation, SDS began operating satellites in Geostationary and Molniya orbits, a pattern that continued into the third generation until the replenishment of Molniya satellites stopped around 2007 – indicating SDS moved to a pure-GEO-based system. The use of the more powerful Atlas V 421 rocket for NROL-61 and 52 suggests the satellites have gained mass as SDS moved into its next generation, in line with the use of the larger Extra-Extended Payload Fairing to fit larger satellites.

The Satellite Data System is similar in architecture to NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System in that a number of satellites in Geostationary Orbit act as communication hubs – relaying commands from the ground to lower-orbiting satellites and routing data from satellites to their operators to achieve a real-time relay capability for the entire orbit of a satellite. SDS provides real-time relay from the Keyhole imaging satellites, radar reconnaissance missions and other intelligence-gathering and technology satellites. Additionally, SDS connects Air Force Satellite Control Network ground stations and relays communications from Air Force aircraft.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 46 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/917482907886936064)

For 8th time in 60 flights from Cape, Atlas 5 rolled back to assembly building after launch delay #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168879.jpg)

Цитировать10/09/2017 23:09

Marking only the eighth delay-and-rollback scenario in 60 flights from Cape Canaveral, the Atlas 5 rocket was returned to the assembly hangar today replace the S-band telemetry transmitter on the vehicle before its NROL-52 mission.

Спойлер

The Atlas originally moved from the nearby Vertical Integration Facility to the Complex 41 pad last Tuesday. After experiencing back-to-back weather scrubs due to high winds Thursday and lightning on Friday, the hardware issue occurred on Saturday.

Launch of this mission is tentatively expected in a few days, pending Range availability.

The Atlas 5 program at the Florida spaceport uses a "clean-pad" concept with minimal infrastructure. Instead, stacking of the rocket stages and pre-flight work is accomplished inside the user-friendly confines of the VIF building. The mobile launch platform transports the Atlas between the hangar and the pad, a distance of just 1,800 feet.

Five times in the history of the Atlas 5 program has a rocket been forced to roll back for technical reasons, including this one. Those instances were driven by circumstances that required hardware removal-and-replacement jobs be performed in the 30-story-tall VIF.

The previous rollbacks occurred on the Hellas Sat mission in 2003 to replace data instrumentation unit, the WGS 2 flight in 2009 to replace a leaky liquid oxygen valve, Intelsat 14 also in 2009 to replace an ordnance control assembly and most recently in June on NROL-38 to remove a faulty ground support equipment duct in the environmental control system.

One other rollback occurred in February 2012 due to an extended wait for Range availability after weather thwarted initial launch opportunities on the MUOS 1 flight. Another Atlas 5 with NASA's Radiation Belt Storm Probes was rolled back to ride out Hurricane Isaac in August 2012.

Most recently, a rollback was ordered in March 2014 due to a Range outage and scheduling delays.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 22 мин назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/918127702988677121)

Launch update: #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) is scheduled to launch no earlier than Saturday, Oct. 14.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 21 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/918128234608320512)

The telemetry transmitter that caused Saturday's launch delay has been replaced and retested. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) w/ #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) remain secure in the VIF

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

[/li]
• Rocket: Atlas V 421
• Mission: NROL-52
• Launch Date: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017
• Launch Time: 3:31 a.m. EDT
• Live Broadcast: 3:11 a.m. EDT
  

Цитировать10/12/2017 17:24 On the pad

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket with the NROL-52 spacecraft aboard moved to the launch pad this morning for liftoff Saturday to serve the national interest.

Спойлер

The 194-foot-tall rocket was rolled out from the vertical assembly building to the pad at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41.

Liftoff is scheduled for 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT) to deliver the craft to a classified orbital perch.

The Atlas 5 was rolled back to the VIF on Monday for a removal, replacement and retest of its S-band telemetry transmitter, then waited for nearby Falcon 9 to launch to occur last night before returning to pad today.

After a crew rest day Friday to sync with the early morning launch, countdown clocks begin ticking at 8:41 p.m. on Friday.

It will be the 16th time that the NRO has used the Atlas 5 to deliver one of its national security payloads into orbit.

The 421 version of the Atlas 5 will do the lifting this time. It has flown 6 times in the past 15 years. It is distinguished with a four-meter-diameter nose cone, two side-mounted solid boosters and a single-engine Centaur.

Weather forecasters give a 40 percent chance of good conditions for launch. Cumulus clouds and lightning are the main concerns.

"During the count Friday evening and on launch day, broad troughing is expected over Central Florida associated with the Easterly wave in the northwest Caribbean. High moisture, troughing, and deep easterly flow will result in an elevated coastal shower threat over the Spaceport with the potential for isolated embedded thunderstorms coming in off the Atlantic," forecasters say.

The launch time outlook calls for scattered and broken levels of clouds, coastal showers, good visibility, easterly winds 16 to 20 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 12 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/918534162944004096)

#AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) is back on the launch pad! We're set to launch #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) for @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) Oct 14 at 3:31amET. http://bit.ly/av_nrol52  (https://t.co/y71i8H1Ezo)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/168509.jpg)

ЦитироватьPhotos: Atlas 5 returns to pad for night owl launch
October 12, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

The United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket with the NROL-52 spacecraft aboard moved to the launch pad this morning for liftoff Saturday to serve the national interest. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT).

The Atlas 5 was rolled back to the Vertical Integration Facility on Monday for a removal, replacement and retest of its S-band telemetry transmitter, then waited for nearby Falcon 9 to launch to occur last night before returning to pad today.

Credit: United Launch Alliance

See earlier NROL-52 coverage (http://spaceflightnow.com/tag/av-075/).

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126981.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126982.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126983.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126984.jpg)
 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/126985.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/13/2017 17:43 Weather remains 40% GO

The weather outlook heading into tonight's launch countdown at Cape Canaveral predicts odds of 40 percent that conditions will be suitable for liftoff of the Atlas 5 rocket.

Спойлер

"Currently, easterly flow through the atmosphere is causing coastal showers to impact the Space Coast. An upper-level trough and an Easterly Wave stretching from the Florida Straits to the Bahamas will continue to migrate west and will impact Florida today. This will cause an in-flux of tropical moisture, increasing coastal showers and thunderstorms tonight through Saturday," forecasters report.

"Winds will also increase and be from the east gusting in the low 20s today and through the countdown, but will trend down to the upper teens to 20 knots during the window."

The launch time forecast includes scattered cumulus clouds and broken high cirrostratus clouds, good visibility, coastal showers, easterly winds 16-20 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F.

"The primary concern for launch is cumulus clouds and lightning," launch meteorologists say.

"In the event of a 24-hour delay, the Easterly Wave continues to transit west, and coastal showers will continue to be a concern. Winds become from the east-southeast with gusts in the mid to upper teens. The primary concern for launch is cumulus clouds."

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/14/2017 03:41 Countdown starts for NROL-52 launch

The fourth countdown has been initiated for the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket on the NROL-52 national security satellite deployment mission.

Clocks are picking up the seven-hour sequence of work that will prepare the booster, payload and ground systems for blastoff at 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT).

Спойлер

The launch team will start powering up the rocket to commence standard pre-flight tests. Over the subsequent few hours, final preps for the Centaur's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen systems will be performed, along with a test of the rocket's guidance system and the first stage propulsion and hydraulic preps, internal battery checks and testing of the GPS metric tracking system used to follow the rocket as it flies downrange, plus a test of the S-band telemetry relay system.

A planned hold begins when the count reaches T-minus 2 hours. Near the end of the 15-minute hold, the team will be polled to verify all is in readiness to start fueling the rocket for launch.

Supercold liquid oxygen begins flowing into the Centaur upper stage, followed by the first stage filling. Liquid hydrogen fuel loading for Centaur will be completed a short time later.

A final hold is scheduled at the T-minus 4 minute mark. That 15-minute pause will give everyone a chance to finish any late work and assess the status of the rocket, payload, Range and weather before proceeding into the last moments of the countdown.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186193.jpg) Julia‏ @julia_bergeron (https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/julia_bergeron/status/918968160342208512)

Look who graced the @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) LC41 during remote setup today @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) The #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) emblem came to life! Courtesy: Julian Leek
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169098.jpg)

Цитировать10/14/2017 04:20

The vehicle has been powered up for launch just over six hours from now. Guidance system testing is next.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/919022150685687808)

Launch weather for #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) remains difficult due to tropical moisture streaming into FL. 40% chance of GO conditions https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169106.jpg)

Цитировать10/14/2017 05:07 Weather odds stay at 40% GO

In the countdown's first official weather briefing, the launch weather officer says there continues to be a 40 percent chance of acceptable conditions at the 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT) liftoff time due to tropical moisture streaming into Central Florida from the Atlantic.

Спойлер

This is nearly a carbon copy of the weather pattern that caused that weather scrubs last week, with coastal showers, cumulus clouds, lightning and gusty winds all prevalent.

Tonight, there is a tropical wave centered over Cuba. Cape Canaveral is on the northern edge of the associated rain.

The launch time outlook calls for scattered and broken levels of clouds, rainshowers, good visibility, easterly winds gusting to 22 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F.

[свернуть]

Цитировать10/14/2017 06:58

Weather remains the only concern right now. It has been raining at the pad over the past hour as a strong rain cell with gusty winds moved ashore.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919058867337814016)

#AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) returned to the pad on Thursday & entered a 7-hour countdown in the evening hours on Friday, local time. Now inside L-3 hrs. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 10 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919059969118482433)

Radar has shown a chain of showers moving east to west, passing over the #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) pad for the last two hours. Winds are also on the high end.

Цитировать10/14/2017 07:22

Guidance system testing is complete.

Цитировать10/14/2017 07:31 L-3 hours and counting

Activities continue to go well in the countdown. The first four hours of the count have been completed at Cape Canaveral for the launch of NROL-52 at 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT).

In about 45 minutes, the launch team will be polled for readiness to begin fueling the Atlas 5 rocket. Tanking is scheduled to start a short time later, weather permitting.

ЦитироватьUpdated: 10/14/2017 07:50

The current weather conditions are NO GO at Cape Canaveral due to the cumulus clouds passing over the pad from coastal rain, but that constraint could clear in about 45 minutes.

The odds of acceptable conditions at the 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT) launch time for the Atlas 5 remain at 40 percent.

The hope is the potential of finding a hole in the weather at the right time.

Цитировать10/14/2017 07:51

The final hands-on work has concluded at the launch pad and technicians are departing the complex for the remainder of the countdown to liftoff.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919062723681546240)

The early portion of tonight's #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) countdown has gone well. The vehicle has been thoroughly checked, now entering tanking prep. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:01 Countdown in pre-planned hold

T-minus 2 hours and holding. The countdown has just entered a scheduled hold point. It will last for 24 minutes today. That's 15 minutes originally planned and 9 minutes that have been narrowed from the later T-minus 4 minute hold period.

Launch remains targeted for 3:31 a.m. EDT (0731 GMT).

The change will allow the team to assess the weather and high wind conditions embedded in rain squalls moving over the Cape before moving into fueling.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919065779668209664)

T-2 Hours & HOLDING! Atlas V countdown now in a planned hold dedicated to tanking preps and polling of the team. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:14

The GO has been given to the launch team to begin preparations for fueling the Atlas 5. The threat of high winds has subsided, allowing countdown activities to resume.

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:23

The ULA launch conductor at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center is briefing his team on procedures before entering into the final two hours of the countdown.

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:25

This hold is being extended a few more minutes.

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:31 GO for fueling

Console operators have reported READY status during the pre-fueling readiness poll. The ULA launch director also voiced her approval for moving forward with the countdown today.

The loading of nearly 66,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the Atlas 5 rocket will be getting underway a short time from now.

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:32 Countdown running again

T-minus 2 hours and counting! The launch countdown has resumed for today's flight of the Atlas 5 rocket to deploy the clandestine NROL-52 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Clocks have one more built-in hold planned at T-minus 4 minutes.

In the next couple of minutes, chilldown thermal conditioning of the mobile launch platform upon which the rocket stands will begin. This is meant to ease the shock on equipment when supercold cryogenic propellants start flowing into the rocket.

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:37 New T-

A new launch time is being coordinated for liftoff at 3:38 a.m. EDT (0738 GMT) from Cape Canaveral's Complex 41. The adjustment was required after the T-minus 2 hour hold was extended.

Clocks have one more built-in hold planned at T-minus 4 minutes. That hold is planned to last 6 minutes.
During that pause, the final "go" for launch will be given, weather permitting.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/919076127070703616)

The team has established a new launch time of 3:38 a.m. ET. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/14/2017 08:40 Centaur LOX loading

Filling of the Centaur upper stage with about 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen has begun at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41 following the thermal conditioning of the transfer pipes.

The liquid oxygen -- chilled to Minus-298 degrees F -- will be consumed during the launch by the Centaur's single RL10 engine along with liquid hydrogen to be pumped into the stage a little later in the countdown. The Centaur will perform the firings required to propel the NROL-52 spacecraft into the desired orbit today.

Цитировать (https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/378800000149454500/c2e974df2f92ce57b2c8db329f5da805_bigger.png) Emre Kelly‏Подлинная учетная запись @EmreKelly (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/919077924938113024)

Another morning, another #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) attempt. Stopped raining at KSC office, but still cloudy. Photo taken at 0133. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169099.jpg)

Цитировать10/14/2017 09:01

The chilldown conditioning of liquid hydrogen propellant lines at Complex 41 is starting to prepare the plumbing for transferring the Minus-423 degree F fuel into the rocket. The Centaur holds about 12,300 gallons of the cryogenic propellant.

Цитировать10/14/2017 09:04 Atlas LOX loading

The conditioning of the systems for the first stage liquid oxygen tank have been completed. And a "go" has been given to begin pumping supercold liquid oxygen into the Atlas 5's first stage.

The Common Core Booster stage's liquid oxygen tank is the largest tank to be filled today. It holds 48,800 gallons of cryogenic oxidizer for the RD-180 main engine.

Цитировать10/14/2017 09:07

The Centaur liquid oxygen tank reached the 96 percent level. The topping off process is starting now.

Цитировать10/14/2017 09:14

Centaur liquid oxygen tank has reached flight level.

Цитировать10/14/2017 09:25 Centaur LH2 loading

Chilldown of the liquid hydrogen system has been accomplished. The launch team has received the "go" to begin filling the Centaur upper stage with the supercold fuel.

10/14/2017 09:26

The Centaur engine chilldown sequence is being initiated.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 50 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919089884207382528)

One hour to the target #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch time of 7:38 UTC. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) tanking is on track as the count progresses. Weather is the item to watch...

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 52 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919090414640091136)

Based on the launch trajectory, #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) is headed into Geostationary Transfer Orbit & the LV config suggests a close repeat of NROL-61.

Цитировать

Identifying the classified NROL-52 Satellite

NROL-52 can be identified with a fairly high degree of certainty as belonging to the fourth generation of the classified Space Data System operated by the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office to relay data fr om U.S. intelligence-gathering assets in real time, including image reconnaissance data collected by the Keyhole satellites in elliptical polar orbits.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152002.png) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/nrol-52-patch.png)
NROL-52 Mission Patch – Image: NRO

The Space Data System, in addition to relaying data to and fr om a variety of satellites, also supports the Air Force Satellite Control Network by connecting ground stations and also provides communications relay to Air Force aircraft on polar routes.

The NRO is an intelligence agency tasked with the design, construction and operation of all U.S. reconnaissance satellites as well as the distribution of satellite intelligence to other agencies including signals intelligence for the NSA, image reconnaissance to the NGA and measurement and signatures intelligence to the DIA. Established back in 1961, the NRO is shrouded in great secrecy and most of its active programs are highly classified with declassification only possible decades after the end of specific programs.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151979.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/08/av_nrol61_s1727201684253PM63.jpg)
Atlas V with NROL-61 – Photo: United Launch Alliance

As an intelligence agency, the NRO makes great efforts to keep its activities secret, therefore the identity of any and all NRO satellites are classified. However, it is possible to identify the nature of satellites by analyzing their launch trajectory as available in navigational warnings to mariners and pilots, the type of launch vehicle to constrain an approximate satellite mass and the launch window to assess possible target orbits.

Typically, NRO satellites are tracked in their secret orbits within a few days by a worldwide network of satellite observers, revealing from wh ere they operate which usually provides a good idea of a satellite's purpose.

The case for NROL-52 appears straightforward since the mission is a close repeat of the 2016 NROL-61 mission that launched out of Cape Canaveral on an Atlas V 421 rocket and deployed the single payload into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. That launch marked the first NRO use of the Atlas V 421 variant with a pair of Solid Rocket Boosters and an Extra-Extended Payload Fairing.

NROL-61 had already been suspected to belong to a new generation of the Satellite Data System based on the typical launch cadence for SDS and the apparent change to a more-powerful rocket from the Atlas V 401 used for the previous SDS missions suggested the new satellite generation was heavier. Tracking of the NROL-61 satellite confirmed it maneuvered into a Geostationary Orbit from wh ere SDS is known to operate.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151976.png) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/08/5277884_orig-512x430.png)
Declassified Image of Early SDS Satellite – Credit: National Reconnaissance Office

Similarities between NROL-61 and 52 are the type of launch vehicle, not used in any other NRO program, the launch site, and the expected ascent trajectory – though final confirmation of the satellite's identity will come after launch once orbital parameters can rule out the possibility of a one-off mission.

The Satellite Data System, also known by its code name Quasar, saw its first launch in 1976 using a Titan-3 rocket. The first generation satellites – at least seven of which were launched until 1987 – weighed in at under one metric ton and operated from a Molniya-type orbit with their apogee locked over the northern hemisphere to enable data relay from the polar regions.

In addition to satellite data relay, the SDS craft support communications to U.S. Air Force aircraft in the northern regions and connect the Air Force Satellite Control Network ground stations.

The second generation of Quasar satellites was inaugurated in 1989 – Three second generation satellites were launched on the Space Shuttle while the last one, lofted in 1996, used a Titan-4 rocket. It is believed that the second generation SDS carried an infrared early warning system for the detection of ballistic missile launches with the satellites weighing in at around three metric tons. Three of the SDS-2 satellites were delivered to Molniya-type orbits with a 39,700-Kilometer apogee while one entered a Geostationary Orbit.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151978.png) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151978.png)
Molniya Orbit – Image: NASA

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151980.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/08/nrol-61-orbit.jpg)
NROL-61 Initial Orbit – Image: Spaceflight101 / JSatTrak

The third generation of SDS satellites incorporates a combination of satellites in highly elliptical Molniya orbits for coverage of the northern regions and spacecraft in Geostationary Orbit to deliver round-the-clock global coverage

The replenishment of Molniya satellites apparently ended in 2007, likely marking the transition to a purely GEO-based system. Improvements in technology have allowed GEO satellites to service high-latitude regions, though polar coverage is still a challenge when only using satellites in GEO.

Eight third generation SDS satellites were launched between 1998 and 2014 with a launch cadence of around two to three years to keep the constellation at operational strength. The satellites used Atlas-IIAS, Atlas-V 401 and Delta IV M+(4,2) launch vehicles.

The use of the more-powerful Atlas V 421 indicates the next generation of SDS satellites, to which NROL-61 and 52 are believed to belong, has gained mass compared to their predecessors that used Atlas V vehicles without any boosters. Based on the injection orbit of NROL-61 and the known performance of Atlas V 421, it becomes clear that the SDS-4 generation may weigh up to around 5.1 metric tons per satellite.

Previous SDS launches utilized the Long Payload Fairing of the Atlas V rocket measuring 12 meters in length while the NROL-61 and 52 missions employed the 13.8-meter Extra-Extended Fairing, suggesting the next generation of SDS satellites requires more space inside the fairing, most likely for more or larger communications antennas.

A worldwide network of satellite trackers will attempt to spot the NROL-52 satellite after launch and track its climb into Geostationary Orbit and possible moves it will make to enter its operational spot above the Earth to provide further proof of the satellite's identity.

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919093424996929536)

Command Receiver/Decoder Testing is repeated at this point to ensure the Flight Termination System can receive destruct commands.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 8 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/919094330274525184)

The 950,000-pound Atlas 5 rocket now stands fueled for flight on #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) from Cape Canaveral, if the weather allows https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169111.jpg)

Цитировать10/14/2017 10:10 Waiting on the weather

Current weather conditions are observed NO GO due to the violation to the cumulus cloud criteria. Meteorologists are tracking the weather coming off the Atlantic in hopes conditions will become GO within today's launch opportunity. The odds are 80 percent NO GO.

Цитировать10/14/2017 10:18

Standing by to go into the final built-in hold.

Цитировать10/14/2017 10:19 Countdown in pre-planned hold

T-minus 4 minutes and holding. The countdown has entered the planned 6-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 management members will be performed.

But the count will remain in the hold if the weather remains out of limits.

Цитировать10/14/2017 10:33

HOLD EXTENDED while launch managers wait on the weather. Liftoff will be delayed beyond 3:38 a.m.

10/14/2017 10:35

The launch team is advised to remain in the current posture, ready to resume the count if the weather allows.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 25 сек. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/919104954266279937)
New launch time established for 3:43 a.m. ET.

Цитировать10/14/2017 10:40

Continuing to hold as another rain cell marches toward to the coastline.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 1 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/919105466311106560)
Pending weather clearing, the new launch time is 3:48 a.m. ET.

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The Launch Weather Officer is providing updates every five minutes. If a clearing arrives, a new T-0 will be coordinated. #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/14/2017 10:44

Liftoff is no sooner than 3:53 a.m. EDT. The launch team is extending the hold in five minute intervals while waiting on the weather.

Цитировать10/14/2017 11:00

A 24-hour delay recycle of the countdown is being executed. Liftoff is rescheduled for tomorrow at 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT).

Weather forecasters predict a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions, slightly better than the odds that were given at the stat of today's try.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 2 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/919110556459470848)

Scrub. Weather. We'll prep for 24 hr recycle

ЦитироватьAstroflyer пишет:
Капризная ракета какая попалась!

ЦитироватьНичё, к рождеству запустят (http://novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/bitrix/images/forum/smile/icon_smile.gif)

ЦитироватьUpdated: 10/14/2017 19:23 Weather now 70% GO

Drier air is moving into Florida after passage of the tropical wave that caused all of the rain during this morning's launch attempt. With that change, the odds of acceptable weather for Sunday's 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT) have improved to 70 percent GO.

Спойлер

"The Easterly Wave that caused the showers over the Spaceport this morning continues to migrate west. Drier air filters into Central Florida over the next 24 hours with improving conditions," the launch weather team says.

"Easterly flow persists in the low and mid-levels of the atmosphere that will result in an isolated coastal shower threat. Winds trend down through the day with peak winds in the mid-teens expected during tomorrow's attempt."

The primary concern for launch will be cumulus clouds.

The forecast at launch time includes scattered low- and high-level clouds, coastal showers, good visibility, east-northeasterly winds 12-16 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V to Launch NROL-52

[/li]
• Launch Date: Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017
• Launch Time: 3:28 a.m. EDT
• Live Broadcast: 3:08 a.m. EDT
  

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/919361694593376257)

COUNTDOWN No. 5 for #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) begins now for overnight Atlas 5 launch from Cape Canaveral at 3:28amEDT (0728 GMT) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169147.jpg)

Цитировать10/15/2017 03:38 Countdown starts for NROL-52 launch

Attempting to fly on its fifth countdown, clocks have started ticking for the 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT) liftoff of a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket from Cape Canaveral to place a classified satellite into space for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Цитировать10/15/2017 04:18 Atlas-Centaur powered

The launch team has powered up the rocket to commence standard pre-flight tests. Over the next few hours, final preps for the Centaur's liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen systems will be performed, along with a test of the rocket's guidance system and the first stage propulsion and hydraulic preps, internal battery checks and testing of the GPS metric tracking system used to follow the rocket as it flies downrange, plus a test of the S-band telemetry relay system.

Цитировать10/15/2017 05:04 Weather remains 70% GO

Today could be the day? In the countdown's first official weather briefing, the Air Force launch weather officer says conditions are more favorable tonight than previous attempts. There is a 70 percent chance of GO launch weather.

The primary concern will be cumulus clouds associated with isolated coastal showers. But those rain cells are much less widespread tonight.

The forecast at launch time includes scattered clouds, coastal showers, good visibility, east-northeasterly winds gusting to 20 knots and a temperature of 80 degrees F.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 54 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/919384065777614849)

In countdown's first weather brief, odds of good launch conditions are 70% GO for 3:28amEDT (0728 GMT) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuNsYA)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169160.jpg)

Цитировать10/15/2017 07:43

In the pre-fueling weather briefing, the current conditions remain GO at Cape Canaveral for the Atlas 5 launch. The odds of acceptable conditions at the 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT) launch time are 70 percent favorable. Isolated coastal showers are the main concern.

Цитировать10/15/2017 07:45

The final hands-on work has concluded at the launch pad and technicians are departing the complex for the remainder of the countdown to liftoff.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/919427413406289921)

The #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) countdown has just entered a planned 15-min hold. This is the first of 2 planned holds in today's count.

Цитировать10/15/2017 07:58 Countdown in pre-planned hold

T-minus 2 hours and holding. The countdown has just entered the first of two planned, 15-minute holds over the course of the day that will lead to the 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT) launch of the Atlas rocket. The holds give the team some margin in the countdown timeline to deal with technical issues or any work that is running behind. The final hold is scheduled to occur at T-minus 4 minutes.

Цитировать10/15/2017 08:10 GO for fueling

Console operators have reported READY status during the pre-fueling readiness poll. The ULA launch director also voiced his approval for moving forward with the countdown today.

The loading of nearly 66,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the Atlas 5 rocket will be getting underway a short time from now.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/919430608161574913)

The ULA team has given the GO to begin cryogenic fueling operations. Clocks will resume the countdown shortly. #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)

Цитировать10/15/2017 08:13 Countdown running again

T-minus 2 hours and counting! The launch countdown has resumed for today's flight of the Atlas 5 rocket to deploy the clandestine NROL-52 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Clocks have one more built-in hold planned at T-minus 4 minutes. During that 15-minute pause, the final "go" for launch will be given. All remains targeted for liftoff at 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT) from Cape Canaveral's Complex 41.

In the next couple of minutes, chilldown thermal conditioning of the mobile launch platform upon which the rocket stands will begin. This is meant to ease the shock on equipment when supercold cryogenic propellants start flowing into the rocket.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/919430395258658816)

Launch team polled and all is in readiness for fueling Atlas-Centaur for #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72) (ULA pic tonight)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169149.jpg)


 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185376.jpg) Spaceflight101 LIVE‏ @S101_Live (https://twitter.com/S101_Live) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/S101_Live/status/919431026203615232)

T-2 Hours & COUNTING for #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) / #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) attempt #5. Targeting launch at 7:28 UTC, Weather is 70% GO. http://bit.ly/2yHM9Io  (https://t.co/TQYrPGNFm3)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169148.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185645.jpg) ULA‏Подлинная учетная запись @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/919432031490248704)

Cryogenic fueling operations have begun and we're counting down once more to #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch at 3:28 a.m. ET.

Цитировать10/15/2017 08:20 Centaur LOX loading

Filling of the Centaur upper stage with about 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen has begun at Cape Canaveral's Complex 41 following the thermal conditioning of the transfer pipes.

The liquid oxygen -- chilled to Minus-298 degrees F -- will be consumed during the launch by the Centaur's single RL10 engine along with liquid hydrogen to be pumped into the stage a little later in the countdown. The Centaur will perform the firings required to propel the NROL-52 spacecraft into the desired orbit today.

Цитировать10/15/2017 08:42

The chilldown conditioning of liquid hydrogen propellant lines at Complex 41 is starting to prepare the plumbing for transferring the Minus-423 degree F fuel into the rocket. The Centaur holds about 12,300 gallons of the cryogenic propellant.

Цитировать10/15/2017 08:44 Atlas LOX loading

The conditioning of the systems for the first stage liquid oxygen tank have been completed. And a "go" has been given to begin pumping supercold liquid oxygen into the Atlas 5's first stage.

The Common Core Booster stage's liquid oxygen tank is the largest tank to be filled today. It holds 48,800 gallons of cryogenic oxidizer for the RD-180 main engine.

Цитировать10/15/2017 08:47

The Centaur liquid oxygen tank reached the 96 percent level. The topping off process is starting now.

ЦитироватьAtlas-5 launch from NROL-52

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220673.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Fu5Cry8552v6z8WimbXvQ) InterSpace (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Fu5Cry8552v6z8WimbXvQ)

Опубликовано: 15 окт. 2017 г.

ЦитироватьAtlas V Rocket Launch with NROL 52 Secret Payload from Cape

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220764.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/SpaceVidsNet) Space Videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdF5d0UwSJJunRcRVzP1uDg)

Опубликовано: 15 окт. 2017 г.

ЦитироватьAtlas V NROL-52 LIVE Launch Broadcast (Oct. 15)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220286.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

ЦитироватьUnited Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-52 Mission for the National Reconnaissance Office

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (Oct. 15, 2017) – A United Launch Alliance  (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office lifted off  from Space Launch Complex-41 on Oct. 15 at 3:28 a.m. EDT. Designated NROL-52, the mission is in support of national security.

Спойлер

"Today's launch is a testament to the tireless dedication of the ULA team, demonstrating why ULA continues to serve as our nation's most dependable and successful launch provider," said Laura Maginnis, ULA vice president of Government Satellite Launch. "After recovering from Hurricane Irma that came through the area last month, and the last week's weather challenges, the team found the right opportunity today to deliver this critical national asset to orbit."

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 421 configuration vehicle, which includes a 4-meter payload fairing (PLF) and two solid rocket boosters. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage was powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine.

This is ULA's 7th launch in 2017 and the 122nd successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.

"I want to thank the entire ULA team and our mission partners at the NRO and U.S. Air Force who made this, our 26th NRO launch, successful," said Maginnis.

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

ULA's next launch is the Joint Polar Satellite System-1 for NASA and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. The launch is scheduled for Nov. 10 at 1:47 a.m. PST from Space Launch Complex-2 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 120 satellites to orbit that aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, unlock the mysteries of our solar system, provide critical capabilities for troops in the field and enable personal device-based GPS navigation.

For more information on ULA, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com (http://www.ulalaunch.com), or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321). Join the conversation at www.facebook.com/ulalaunch (http://www.facebook.com/ulalaunch), twitter.com/ulalaunch (http://twitter.com/ulalaunch) and instagram.com/ulalaunch (http://instagram.com/ulalaunch).

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[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg) Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 5 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/919498105053220865)

ULA confirms Atlas V launch with NROL-52 was a success. ARTICLE: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/ ... (https://t.co/dUDtjeHNAC) COVERAGE: https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42905.0 ... (https://t.co/V6Xs0ctfrg) ULA Photos:
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169162.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169163.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать

Atlas V successfully launches with NROL-52 (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/10/ula-atlas-v-nrol-52-launch-cape-canaveral/)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/919554745299189761)

122

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67530.jpg) Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/SpaceflightNow/status/919488461211623424)

MISSION SUCCESS is declared in today's satellite launch performed by the Atlas 5 rocket from the Cape https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/02/av075_journal/ ... (https://t.co/AohlmuvS72)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169173.jpg)

ЦитироватьJonathan McDowell @planet4589 (https://twitter.com/planet4589)  51m (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/919562968211378176)

USA-279 is believed to be a QUASAR communications sat which relays images and data from spy sats. It's expected to go to geostationary orbit

ЦитироватьJonathan McDowell‏ @planet4589 (https://twitter.com/planet4589)  49m (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/919563203574730759)

The QUASAR sats are likely built by @BoeingDefense/El Segundo, California (former Hughes)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186131.jpg) John Kraus‏ @johnkrausphotos (https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/919468871270195200)

Atlas V soars from SLC-41 with @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) payload at 3:28am this morning! @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169167.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67521.jpg) Stephen Clark‏ @StephenClark1 (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/919476687632519168)

A shot of this morning's Atlas 5 #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) launch as viewed from the Kennedy Space Center press site.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169170.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185592.png) NRO‏Подлинная учетная запись @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/919491680629350401)

Congratulations to the team who helped make #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) a success! @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) @AF_SMC (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC) @AF_SMC (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186201.jpg) Michael Seeley‏ @Mike_Seeley (https://twitter.com/Mike_Seeley) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Mike_Seeley/status/919468379529994240)

Liftoff of the @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) #AtlasV (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtlasV?src=hash) rocket! Congrats to the ULA team and thanks to the @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) for their always great support.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169166.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169165.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185971.jpg) 45th Space Wing‏ @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing/status/919465135395213312)

The men and women of the 45SW continue to make the impossible possible! Recover from Irma (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125598.png) 2 launches in 4 days (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125598.png)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169176.jpg)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186225.jpg) Gen. Jay Raymond‏ @AFSpaceCC (https://twitter.com/AFSpaceCC) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/AFSpaceCC/status/919532580092878848)

Congratulations to the @45thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/45thSpaceWing), @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc), @AF_SMC (https://twitter.com/AF_SMC) & @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch) for a successful Atlas V launch this morning!

ЦитироватьAtlas V Blasts Off fr om Florida on Fifth Attempt, Classified NROL-52 Satellite Confirmed in Orbit
October 15, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/atlas-v-launches-nrol-52-satellite/)

Lifting a classified satellite in the interests of U.S. National Security, ULA's Atlas V rocket lit up the night skies over Florida's Atlantic Coast on Sunday – finally getting off the ground on its fifth launch attempt. Hidden fr om view under the rocket's payload fairing was NROL-52 – a classified satellite of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, likely joining a constellation of spacecraft tasked with relaying reconnaissance data fr om America's orbiting spy assets.

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151992.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l510152017104533AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Enlisting the help of two Solid Rocket Boosters for extra push, Atlas V lifted off fr om Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 at 7:28 UTC, 3:28 a.m. local time. Rising vertically for just a handful of seconds, Atlas V swung to the south-east and dropped its boosters into the ocean two minutes after launch, continuing into space powered by its Russian-built RD-180 main engine. The trusted Centaur assumed control of the flight after passing the four-minute mark and the fairing fell away ten seconds into the upper stage burn – marking the start of a pre-arranged news blackout to allow NROL-52 to reach its secret orbital destination without the public watching.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151997.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_s6_11015201712558AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Despite the NRO's secret-keeping policy when it comes to the agency's launches, it is quite clear wh ere NROL-52 is headed from navigational warnings published prior to launch, lining up with the standard departure path from Florida when heading into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit. Employing a two-burn flight profile, NROL-52 will separate from its booster less than one hour after launch into a highly elliptical orbit from wh ere it will employ its own engine to climb into a stationary position nearly 36,000 Kilometers over the equator.

Confirmation of launch success for AV-075 and NROL-52 was provided by ULA around one and a half hours after liftoff and will be the last heard of the classified satellite, though satellite observers are at the ready to spot the satellite and monitor wh ere it will settle once arriving in its operational orbit.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152002.png) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/nrol-52-patch.png)
NROL-52 Mission Patch – Image: NRO

Sunday's launch marked the fourth NRO launch of the year, following the NROL-79 ship-tracking satellites (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-79/) launched on an Atlas in March, the mysterious NROL-76  (http://spaceflight101.com/falcon-9-nrol-76/)that went up on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in May and buzzed the International Space Station a short time later, and the recent Atlas V launch from California with the NROL-42 electronic intelligence satellite (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-42/). For Atlas V, Sunday's launch was the sixth and final planned mission in 2017 and the 74th flight since the rocket's debut in 2002.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) operates within the framework of the various three-letter intelligence agencies in the U.S. as a link between the Department of Defence and the Intelligence Community, tasked with the design, procurement, launch and operation of all the country's intelligence-gathering & support satellites and the distribution of satellite intelligence other agencies including the CIA and NSA. Founded in 1961, the NRO operated as a black organization for the first three decades of its existence before being disclosed to the public and beginning to announce its launches in advance.

As an intelligence agency, the NRO makes efforts to keep all its activities secret, including the identity of satellites it sends into orbit. However, occasional leaks, knowledge on previous NRO programs and watching satellite activity in orbit can provide valuable information for the identification of satellites and uncover their objectives.

>> Identifying the Classified NROL-52 Satellite (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/nrol-52-satellite/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151977.png) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151977.png)
Declassified Image of Early SDS Satellite – Credit: National Reconnaissance Office

NROL-52 was a close repeat of the NROL-61 mission of 2016, the only previous NRO use of an Atlas V 421 rocket, indicating the two are launching the same type of spacecraft – further supported by downrange safety areas that lined up perfectly for the two missions. NROL-61 was understood to be the first in a new generation of Satellite Data System (SDS) satellites and was found in the days after launch in a Geostationary Transfer Orbit of 1,100 by 35,800 Kilometers and has since begun serving as USA 269 within the operational SDS constellation from a position near 90°E over the Indian Ocean.

The Satellite Data System – flying under the code name Quasar – debuted in 1976 and has since gone through four generations of satellites, starting out as a constellation of satellites in highly elliptical Molniya orbits to guarantee robust communications over the northern hemisphere as the Soviet Union was the prime target of space-based spying efforts in those days. Four second generation satellites went up in the 80s and 90s when the system switched to a combination of Molniya and Geostationary Satellites for global coverage.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151996.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_s4_21014201715448AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

The third generation continued this architecture until the replenishment of Molniya satellites apparently stopped in 2007, likely marking the transition to a fully GEO-based system.

SDS is similar to NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System in that it places satellites into high orbits to relay communications to lower-orbiting satellites – allowing flight controllers to command satellites in real time for the majority of their orbits and enabling reconnaissance data, e.g. images from the Keyhole satellites, to be delivered to analysts almost immediately after acquisition. Additionally, SDS supports the Air Force Satellite Control Network and can be used for secure aeronautical communications.

The switch to the Atlas V 421 rocket for the fourth generation SDS satellites while predecessor craft used the less-powerful Atlas V 401 or Delta IV M+(4,2) suggests they have gained mass; the change from the Long Payload Fairing to the Extra-Extended Fairing also indicates the satellites got larger, possibly due to bigger communication antennas. Atlas V 421 can deliver up to five metric tons into the NROL-52/61 target orbit, placing an upper bar to the satellite's mass – making them heavier than the latest generation of TDRSS craft that weighed in at 3.5 tonnes and used Atlas V 401 vehicles.

NROL-52 had a ten-day battle with Florida weather and technical gremlins before finally making it off the pad. Launch attempts on October 5 and 6 had to be scrubbed for high winds and lightning, respectively, and a third try to launch ended when the rocket's S-Band telemetry transmitter was found to be defective. Atlas V returned to its integration facility on Monday and had the transmitter replaced & re-tested by Wednesday, allowing the 59-meter tall vehicle to return to the pad on Thursday.

A launch attempt on Saturday could not move further than the T-4-minute hold point due to persistent showers and gusty ground winds over the Cape Canaveral space port.

Facing a more positive weather outlook, Atlas V was powered up for a seven-hour countdown that began with a comprehensive set of checks while engineers closed out the launch complex in preparation for tanking.

>> Atlas V Launch Vehicle Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/atlas-v-421/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151998.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_s6_41015201712714AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Atlas V entered cryogenic tanking once clocks began ticking after a planned hold at T-2 hours, receiving 185,000 liters of -183°C Liquid Oxygen on its first stage while the Centaur upper stage was filled with 15,700 liters of LOX and 48,000 liters of -253°C Liquid Hydrogen fuel. The first stage had received its dose of 94,600 liters of Rocket Propellant 1 before the night's countdown, leaving only cryogenic propellants plus Helium pressurant gas to be loaded.

Illuminated by floodlights, Atlas V was filled with 305 metric tons of liquid propellants as the countdown ticked along as planned without any technical problems and a favorable trend in the weather. As clocks picked up at T-4 minutes, computers assumed full control of the countdown with Atlas V terminating propellant load and pressurizing its tanks, switching to internal power, arming its flight termination system and taking over control at the T-2 minute mark. Final status checks with the Eastern Range and Launch Director in the last minute cleared the vehicle into its ignition sequence.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151995.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l910152017105703AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Atlas V came to life at T-3 seconds when the two-chamber RD-180 engine fired up to soar to a launch thrust of 390 metric ton-force under the close supervision of computers to ensure the engine was working properly before committing the vehicle to flight with the ignition of the boosters. Liftoff occurred at 7:28:00 UTC when Atlas V fired up its twin Solid Rocket Boosters to leap off its pad with a thrust of 735 metric ton-force.

Atlas V shot up vertically for only five seconds before the boosters and main engine chambers were gimbaled for the rocket to pitch over and roll onto a 99-degree launch azimuth, departing Florida to the south east on the standard path toward a Geotransfer Orbit. The vehicle passed the speed of sound 37 seconds after blasting off and the RD-180 engine throttled back briefly around 52 seconds into the mission when Atlas V encountered maximum aerodynamic pressure on its way through the dense atmosphere.

Each contributing 172 metric-ton-force to the vehicle's overall thrust, the two boosters exhausted their 41-tonne propellant supply 94 seconds into the flight and thrust began tailing off. Atlas V held the boosters for another 35 seconds in order to separate them in more favorable aerodynamic conditions, ensuring the 17-meter long SRBs would drop away cleanly. Continuing on toward space, Atlas V switched into Closed Loop Control after flying a pre-programmed attitude profile when ascending through the discernible atmosphere wh ere winds can influence the loads experienced on the vehicle.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151989.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l310152017104423AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Approaching staging, Atlas V began throttling back on the RD-180 engine to maintain a constant acceleration at 4.6Gs as the vehicle got lighter and lighter. Meanwhile, Centaur prepared for operation by chilling down its RL-10 engine and firing a pyro valve enabling pressurization gas to prime the Reaction Control System.

The end of the first stage burn came with a clean shutdown of the RD-180 engine four minutes and ten seconds into the flight, followed six seconds later by the separation of the empty first stage via pyrotechnics and retrorockets to clear the way for upper stage ignition. Upon staging, Centaur entered into RL-10C pre-start before igniters fired to enable the 10,200-Kilogram-force engine to begin its first burn to lift the stack into an initial parking orbit.

Separation of the payload fairing occurred ten seconds into operation of the Centaur as Atlas V shed further weight since aerodynamic forces could no-longer harm the classified satellite. At the time of fairing jettison, Atlas V was already traveling 5.2 Kilometers per second, crossing an altitude of 110 Kilometers.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152004.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/nrol52-path1.jpg)
NROL-52 Ascent Path (Typical GTO Trajectory) – Image: United Launch Alliance

Per the usual procedure of the NRO's secretive launches, Atlas V entered a pre-arranged news blackout at the point of fairing separation with no more details on the mission's progress shared in real time.

Per the NROL-61 launch, Centaur was likely to employ a two-burn ascent profile with an initial boost into an elliptical Parking Orbit for a coast phase of under one hour in order to gain altitude. The second burn was to boost the apogee of the orbit and reduce its inclination to achieve a Geotransfer injection with increased perigee. Based on NROL-61, Satellite Analyst Ted Molczan (http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Oct-2017/0006.html) expects NROL-52 to show up in an orbit around 1,108 by 35,806 Kilometers, inclined 18.68°.

The Centaur upper stage will be tasked with a retrograde deorbit maneuver a little over an hour into the mission to set it up for destructive re-entry over the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas V NROL-52 Launch Highlights

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220286.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

Опубликовано: 15 окт. 2017 г.

ЦитироватьDazzling Photos of Atlas V's Early Morning Blastoff on Classified Government Mission
October 15, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/dazzling-photos-of-atlas-vs-early-morning-blastoff-on-classified-government-mission/)

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 421 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 at 7:28 UTC on Sunday, October 15, 2017 on a classified mission with the NROL-52 satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office. The early morning launch came on the fifth attempt to get Atlas V off the ground, a record for the workhorse launch vehicle – checking off its sixth and final planned mission in 2017. Confirmation of NROL-52 launch success came one and a half hours after launch; the satellite is believed to be the second in the fourth generation of the Satellite Data System communications infrastructure used to relay reconnaissance data gathered by other NRO birds in real time.

Спойлер

>> Read our Launch Recap (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/atlas-v-launches-nrol-52-satellite/)

All Photos: United Launch Alliance

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151984.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l1110152017104827AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151985.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l1310152017104948AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151991.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l510152017104533AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151990.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l410152017105223AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151983.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l110152017104150AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151993.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151993.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151994.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l910152017105703AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151981.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l1010152017105116AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151986.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l210152017104316AM63.jpg) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151988.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l310152017104423AM63.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьPhotos: News media shots of the NROL-52 liftoff
October 15, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

Cape Canaveral was the point of origination for the United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket and the classified NROL-52 payload.

Photo Credit: Alex Polimeni/Spaceflight Now

See earlier NROL-52 coverage (http://spaceflightnow.com/tag/av-075/).

Спойлер

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[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAtlas 5 pierces the night to boost national security satellite into space
October 15, 2017 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/10/) Justin Ray (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/justin-sfn-ray/)

CAPE CANAVERAL — A covert communications relay station to route spy satellite data directly to users was successfully launched by a million-pound Atlas 5 rocket overnight.

The United Launch Alliance rocket left Cape Canaveral under the cover of darkness at 3:28 a.m. EDT (0728 GMT), dodging rain showers while speeding through decks of clouds, for a trek to geosynchronous transfer orbit to deploy the NROL-52 spacecraft.

Спойлер

The fifth launch attempt proved to be the charm for NROL-52 after four thwarted tries over the past week, mainly due to bad weather.

The last Atlas variant of any kind with this many scrubs was AC-167, the final Atlas 2AS in 2004, that experienced four scrubs and launched on the fifth try.

The Atlas 5-421 vehicle, powered by its main engine and and two thrust-augmentation solid rocket boosters, thundered eastward on the company's second mission in service to the National Reconnaissance Office in three weeks.

Out of the public eye, the high-energy Centaur upper stage performed a pair of burns that shaped the preliminary orbit of the payload.

An official declaration of launch success came about 90 minutes after liftoff, marking the 145th consecutive successful Atlas program launch spanning more than two decades and the 74th for an Atlas 5.

"After recovering from Hurricane Irma that came through the area last month, and the last week's weather challenges, the team found the right opportunity today to deliver this critical national asset to orbit," Laura Maginnis, ULA vice president of Government Satellite Launch, said in the post-launch press release.

"Today's launch is a testament to the tireless dedication of the ULA team, demonstrating why ULA continues to serve as our nation's most dependable and successful launch provider."

It was United Launch Alliance's 122nd successful mission. The firm has averaged one launch per month, every month, for the past 11 years.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/127010.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/15092607/atlas_flights_74.jpg)
The Atlas 5 rocket has performed 74 launches. Stats now stand at 26 flights dedicated to the Defense Department, 17 commercial missions, 16 for the National Reconnaissance Office and 15 for NASA. Photos by Pat Corkery, Jeff Spotts, Ben Cooper, Walter Scriptunas II, James Murati, Gene Blevins, Bill Hartenstein, Alex Polimeni and Justin Ray

Little to nothing is known about the secretive spacecraft launched today. But there is plenty of speculation that this is another relay platform for the NRO as part of the Satellite Data System.

"The QUASAR (SDS) system's main role is probably still data relay for NRO imaging and radar satellites in low orbit," said Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and noted space historian.

Likely the second one built in its generation, the payload will be operated in geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the Earth to enable the NRO to receive timely imagery and data from its fleet of low-earth-orbiting surveillance observatories.

A similar Atlas launch was accomplished last summer, likely the beginnings of the fourth generation for SDS. The program once had the codename QUASAR.

"NROL-61, launched in July 2016, is believed to be an SDS, in part because it operates in a geosynchronous slot known to have been occupied by earlier SDS spacecraft. It is believed to be the first fourth generation SDS, due to the increase in mass and size over earlier models, that could be inferred from its launch vehicle and fairing. The NOTAM coordinates of the NROL-52 launch are nearly identical to those of NROL-61; therefore, it almost certainly will enter a similar orbit," said respected satellite observer Ted Molczan.

The satellite will have a constant view of nearly one-third of the globe, allowing receipt of the reconnaissance data and routing it to a central ground hub.

Exquisite-class electro-optical and radar-imaging satellites operate much closer to Earth, causing them to remain out of contact with ground-receiving stations during most of each orbit.

The NRO has been sending up SDS birds since 1976 to receive transmissions from surveillance craft. The SDS constellation enables the data to reach analysts much quicker than waiting for the spy satellites themselves to pass over the relatively few number of ground antennas.

"The first imagery intelligence satellites took photos on film, which had two drawbacks: the film had to be returned to Earth for processing, often resulting in unacceptable delays in obtaining intelligence; once the film ran out, the satellites became useless, Molczan said.

"The KH-11 electro-optical satellites, first launched in 1976, solved these problems by doing away with film, and taking their images electronically, much like modern digital cameras. Transmitting their imagery reduced the time required to obtain intelligence, but since KH-11 operates in low-Earth orbit, it is seldom within range of ground stations. One solution would have been to store the data for later transmission, but that would have introduced significant delays. Instead, KH-11 was provided with a set of dedicated relay satellites, called SDS."

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/127009.jpg) (https://assets.cdn.spaceflightnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/15092145/GEO_SDS.jpg)

SDS acts in similar fashion to NASA's civilian Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System to route communications from the International Space Station and science data from unmanned observatories.
Sky-watchers say that the NRO originally used highly elliptical, highly inclined orbits for SDS. The first use of geosynchronous orbit around the planet's equator was in 1990 after an SDS was launched by the crew of space shuttle Atlantis.

"The unprecedented nearly 10-year gap since the launch of an SDS to Molniya orbit has led to speculation that the NRO is transitioning to an all-GEO constellation. Time will tell. I have no idea why GEO would be preferred over Molniya," Molczan said.

Код Выделить Развернуть

** GEOSYNCHRONOUS QUASARS **

SDS 2-2 -- Atlantis STS-38 ..............Nov. 15, 1990

SDS 3-2 -- Atlas 2AS AC-157 (NROL-10)....Dec. 6, 2000
SDS 3-3 -- Atlas 2AS AC-162 (NROL-12). ..Oct. 11, 2001
SDS 3-6 -- Delta 4M+4,2 (NROL-27)........March 11, 2011
SDS 3-7 -- Atlas 5-401 AV-023 (NROL-3 8) ..June 20, 2012
SDS 3-8 -- Atlas 5-401 AV-046 (NROL-33)..May 22, 2014

SDS 4-1 -- Atlas 5-421 AV-065 (NROL-61)..July 28, 2016
SDS 4-2 -- Atlas 5-421 AV-075 (NROL-52)..Oct. 15, 2017ULA has two more high-profile launches to go this year, both from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The $1.6 billion JPSS 1 polar-orbiting weather observatory will be lofted by the penultimate Delta 2 rocket in November and the NROL-47 payload will be launched by a Delta 4 in December.

The next Atlas 5 is planned for January to loft a missile early-warning satellite for the Air Force.

See earlier NROL-52 coverage (http://spaceflightnow.com/tag/av-075/).

[свернуть]

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32932.jpg) Scott Tilley‏ @coastal8049 (https://twitter.com/coastal8049) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/919750273249165312)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) payload, presumably USA279, S-Band TT&C copied. S/C appears alive. SGLS 9 is a busy place! 'x' indicates spurious signal.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169240.jpg)


 (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32932.jpg) Scott Tilley‏ @coastal8049 (https://twitter.com/coastal8049) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/919764929309052929)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) payload, USA 279, exhibits ~240 second period to TT&C beacon signal strength as did USA 269 at this stage.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169244.png)

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32932.jpg) Scott Tilley‏ @coastal8049 (https://twitter.com/coastal8049) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/919788429600112640)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash), USA 279, produces nice Doppler curve that supports Paul Camilleri's observations and Molczan's refined TLE http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Oct-2017/0068.html ... (https://t.co/jw245fMl2U)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169239.png)

ЦитироватьClassified NRO Satellite Spotted in Orbit within Hours of Launch
October 16, 2017 (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/nrol-52-satellite-spotted-in-orbit/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152001.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/nrol52orbit.jpg)
Image: Spaceflight101/JSatTrak

Within hours of its arrival in a classified orbit on Sunday, satellite trackers spotted the clandestine NROL-52 satellite – confirming its expected orbital trajectory and adding further proof to its suspected role within the satellite fleet of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Спойлер

NROL-52 leapt off the ground atop an Atlas V 421 rocket Sunday morning, lifting off fr om Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 at 7:28 UTC. Departing to the south-east, Atlas V took flight after a ten-day struggle with weather conditions at Florida's Space Coast and some technical trouble causing a string of three launch scrubs October 5 through 7 and another weather-related delay Saturday morning.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151982.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l1010152017105116AM63b.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Powering away fr om Cape Canaveral, Atlas V dropped its twin boosters two minutes and nine seconds into the flight after each contributed 172 metric-ton-force of thrust through the initial climb past the speed of sound and out of the dense atmosphere. Atlas V fired its 420-metric-ton-force RD-180 engine until four minutes and ten seconds into the flight before the spent first stage fell away and the trusted Centaur upper stage ignited its RL-10C engine for an initial boost into orbit.

When the payload fairing separated from around the NROL-52 satellite four minutes and 34 seconds into the mission, Atlas V headed into the typical news blackout in place for the NRO's classified satellite launches. However, based on the rocket's south-easterly trajectory away from Cape Canaveral and a warning issued for the deorbit of the Centaur upper stage over the Pacific some eight and a half hours after launch, it was clear that the mission was headed into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit.

In fact, the NROL-52 mission appeared to be a close repeat of the NROL-61 launch of 2016, to date the only other NRO mission using an Atlas V 421 (http://spaceflight101.com/spacerockets/atlas-v-421/) vehicle. The NROL-61 mission placed a single satellite (USA 269) into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit as the first in the fourth generation of the Satellite Data System (SDS) tasked with relaying commands and data to and from lower orbiting reconnaissance satellites – allowing reconnaissance data such as images from the Keyhole satellites to be available to analysts in near real time.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151987.jpg) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/av_nrol52_l210152017104316AM63.jpg)
Photo: United Launch Alliance

Using the NROL-61 mission as reference, satellite analyst Ted Molczan created tracking elements (http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Oct-2017/0061.html) for satellite spotters to use in their search for NROL-52 in the hours and days after its launch.

Paul Camilleri, based in Australia's Northern Territory, was the first to observe the newly launched NROL-52 (http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Oct-2017/0065.html) and its Centaur upper stage just four hours after launch, tracking NROL-52 for 83 minutes and Centaur for almost three and a half hours as his location is ideal for observing high-altitude GTO and GEO transfer injections. These initial data points allowed orbital elements for NROL-52 to be refined for further tracking efforts. (http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Oct-2017/0068.html)

Though there is still some uncertainty in NROL-52's exact parameters, the approximate orbit of 1,113 by 35,802 Kilometers, inclined 18.68 degrees is a very good match for NROL-61 that had shown up in an initial orbit of 1,108 x 35,806 km, 18.68°.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152000.png) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/DMOpMj0V4AE9omQ.png)
NROL-52 Radio Measurements – Credit: Scott Tilley (https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/919764929309052929)

Satellite tracker Scott Tilley, based in Roberts Creek, Canada, picked up radio signals from the newly launched NROL-52 payload later on Sunday, showing the same 240-second periodicity in its Telemetry & Telecommand beacon that had been observed for USA 269 in the early portion of its mission last year. Tilley's Doppler measurements also confirmed the orbital parameters based on the earlier observations from Australia.

With the satellite using the same launch vehicle as NROL-61, entering an identical orbit and exhibiting the same behavior, NROL-52 can be identified with very high certainty as belonging to the next generation of SDS satellites.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/151999.png) (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/wp-content/uploads/sites/181/2017/10/DMO9vlUUMAAe311.png)
NROL-52 Doppler Curve – Credit: Scott Tilley (https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/919764929309052929)

Re-named USA 279, the satellite will soon begin raising its orbit to enter Geostationary Orbit wh ere its speed matches that of the Earth's rotation to allow the satellite to remain locked in position over a chosen spot on Earth. USA 269, the first in the new SDS generation, is currently operating over the Indian Ocean near 90°E in Geostationary Orbit and satellite trackers will attempt to keep tabs on the newly launched craft to see wh ere it will enter the constellation.

Given the type of launch vehicle and payload fairing, the 4th generation of SDS likely features larger and heavier satellites than the previous third generation, expanding capabilities to respond to a growing demand for secure space-to-ground communications. According to performance information, Atlas V 421 can deliver up to 5.1 metric tons into the NROL-52 orbit, placing it in the typical mass range of powerful communications satellites.

>> NROL-52 & Satellite Data System Overview (http://spaceflight101.com/atlas-v-nrol-52/nrol-52-satellite/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152003.png) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/152003.png)
NROL-52 Mission Patch – Image: NRO

The Satellite Data System, operating under the code name Quasar, was inaugurated in 1976 and has since gone through four generations, initially operating from highly elliptical Molniya Orbits that allow for optimized coverage over the northern hemisphere.

With the second generation, SDS began operating satellites in Geostationary and Molniya orbits, a pattern that continued into the third generation until the replenishment of Molniya satellites stopped around 2007 – indicating SDS moved to a pure-GEO-based system.

The current Satellite Data System is similar in architecture to NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System in that a number of satellites in Geostationary Orbit act as communication hubs – relaying commands from the ground to lower-orbiting satellites and routing data from satellites to their operators to achieve a real-time relay capability for the entire orbit of a satellite. SDS provides real-time relay from the Keyhole imaging satellites, radar reconnaissance missions and other intelligence-gathering and technology satellites. Additionally, SDS connects Air Force Satellite Control Network ground stations and relays communications from Air Force aircraft.

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьAerial Views of Atlas V NROL-52

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220286.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/user/UnitedLaunchAlliance) United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

Опубликовано: 17 окт. 2017 г.

Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/32932.jpg) Scott Tilley‏ @coastal8049 (https://twitter.com/coastal8049) 4 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/coastal8049/status/920850575536697345)

#NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash) USA 279 manoeuvres for first time... Fits below show old tle vs. new for same data.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/169104.png)
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Цитировать (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29931.jpg) Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno (https://twitter.com/torybruno) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/928589360089452544)

Feeling nostalgic about our last launch of #NROL52 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NROL52?src=hash)? Here's a little more on how it went.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/170750.jpg)