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ЦитироватьRocket Lab to launch dedicated Electron mission for DARPA

Rocket Lab to launch dedicated Electron mission for DARPA

The mission intends to space-qualify a new membrane reflect-array antenna and highlights the Electron rocket's suitability as a responsive, flexible and rapidly-acquired launch service for commercial and government missions alike

Huntington Beach, California. January 22, 2019 – Small satellite launch company Rocket Lab announced today that its first mission of 2019 will be a dedicated launch of a 150kg satellite for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The mission highlights US Government demand for the type of responsive, ultra-flexible and rapidly acquired launch service that characterizes the Rocket Lab launch experience on Electron.

DARPA's Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) mission is scheduled for launch in late February and intends to space-qualify a prototype reflect array antenna to improve radio communications in small spacecraft. The antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, packs tightly inside the small satellite for stowage during launch, before deploying to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter once it reaches low Earth orbit. This high compaction ratio enables larger antennas in smaller satellites, enabling satellite owners to take advantage of volume-limited launch opportunities while still providing significant capability. The mission could help validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today, but one which could revolutionize global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet.

"Rapid acquisition of small satellite launch capabilities is increasingly important to US Government organizations like DARPA. The ability to rapidly space-qualify new technology and deploy space-based assets with confidence on short notice is a service that didn't exist for dedicated small satellites until now," says Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. "We're honored to provide Electron's agile and flexible launch service to DARPA and we look forward to delivering the innovative R3D2 payload to orbit."

The mission, the first of monthly Electron launches this year, will lift-off fr om Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 on the Māhia Peninsula of New Zealand. To ensure precise insertion and responsible orbital deployment, the R3D2 payload will be deployed via the Electron Kick Stage to a circular orbit. Using this unique launch method, Electron's second stage is left in a highly elliptical orbit wh ere the stage is subject to significant atmospheric drag, causing it to de-orbit and burn up to nothing in a reduced time frame. The Kick Stage is then used to deploy the satellite payload to a precise orbit, following which the Kick Stage can perform a de-orbit burn to speed up its re-entry, leaving no orbital debris behind in space.

The Rocket Lab Electron launch experience is the world's first customized small satellite launch service. With the choice of two Rocket Lab launch sites, and the ability to rapidly launch to orbit as frequently as every 72 hours, each mission is tailored to the customer requirements. For the first time, small satellite customers are enjoying unmatched flexibility, responsiveness and control over their own orbit.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 38 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1087829328610525184)

First Electron off the pad in 2019 is a dedicated mission for DARPA. The R3D2 mission, scheduled for late Feb, intends to space-qualify a prototype reflect array antenna to improve radio comms in smallsats. Honored to be launching this innovative mission. https://bit.ly/2FEU3pH  (https://t.co/hXBrK22Xs4)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174183.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/184844.jpg)DARPA‏Подлинная учетная запись @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) 38 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1087830155060543490)

Our Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) is set for #launch (https://twitter.com/hashtag/launch?src=hash) in late February to space-qualify new type of membrane reflectarray antenna. Made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, antenna deploys to 2.25 meters diameter once in LEO. https://go.usa.gov/xEZux  (https://t.co/ztUZyawXKx)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174180.jpg)
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ЦитироватьDARPA Prototype Reflectarray Antenna Offers High

Performance in Small Package
RF Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration targeted for launch in late February to space-qualify a new membrane reflectarray antenna, which stows tightly for launch and deploys to full size in orbit
OUTREACH@DARPA.MIL
1/22/2019

(https://forum.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/forum/file/93037) (https://www.darpa.mil/DDM_Gallery/R3D2_619x316.jpg)

DARPA's Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) is set for launch in late February to space-qualify a new type of membrane reflectarray antenna. The antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, packs tightly for stowage during launch and then will deploy to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter once it reaches low Earth orbit.

R3D2 will monitor antenna deployment dynamics, survivability and radio frequency (RF) characteristics of a membrane antenna in low-Earth orbit. The antenna could enable multiple missions that currently require large satellites, to include high data rate communications to disadvantaged users on the ground. A successful demonstration also will help prove out a smaller, faster-to-launch and lower cost capability, allowing the Department of Defense, as well as other users, to make the most of the new commercial market for small, inexpensive launch vehicles. Satellite design, development, and launch took approximately 18 months.

"The Department of Defense has prioritized rapid acquisition of small satellite and launch capabilities. By relying on commercial acquisition practices, DARPA streamlined the R3D2 mission from conception through launch services acquisition," said Fred Kennedy, director of DARPA's Tactical Technology Office. "This mission could help validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today, but one which could revolutionize global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet."

The launch will take place on a Rocket Lab USA Electron rocket from the company's launch complex on the Mahia Peninsula of New Zealand. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor and integrated the 150 kg satellite; MMA Design designed and built the antenna. Trident Systems designed and built R3D2's software-defined radio, while Blue Canyon Technologies provided the spacecraft bus.

Rocket Lab will host a webcast and provide coverage of the launch via live stream: http://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream.

Image Caption: MMA Design successfully completes deployment testing of its innovative high-compaction ratio reflectarray antenna in its Louisville, Colorado facilities.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186382.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) Peter Beck @Peter_J_Beck (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) · 4 ч (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1093365207865352192)

Sorry I can't be at #SmallSat2019 (https://mobile.twitter.com/hashtag/SmallSat2019?src=hashtag_click) today folks, but have been busy gearing up for another launch. Electron is ready to fly, next up is payload integration in one of the LC-1 clean rooms. #FrequentAndReliableLaunchIsHere (https://twitter.com/hashtag/FrequentAndReliableLaunchIsHere?src=hash)

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/RocketLab) Rocket Lab @RocketLab (https://mobile.twitter.com/RocketLab) · 7 ч (https://mobile.twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1095801936341651456)

They see us rollin'....

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 Roll out operations are underway at LC-1 in prep for our next launch. Today's a busy day for the pad team who will assess vehicle and ground systems, plus take Electron vertical for checkouts.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174884.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1095801936341651456/photo/1)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174882.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1095801936341651456/photo/2)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) Peter Beck @Peter_J_Beck (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) · 9 ч (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1095920253937152004)

Electron is on the pad. It's going to be a busy year!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174888.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1095920253937152004/photo/1)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) Peter Beck@Peter_J_Beck (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) · 4 ч (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1097366320801210371)

Wet dress complete! Not long now folks.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/174822.jpg) (https://mobile.twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1097366320801210371/photo/1)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/184844.jpg)DARPA‏Подлинная учетная запись @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) 24 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1103348053694734336)

The RF Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) made it to New Zealand this week. Payload integration has begun for its ride into low-Earth orbit on @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) Electron, targeted for later this month.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160061.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 15 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1103367553659748352)

Following a delay to payload arrival, the R3D2 spacecraft is now at LC-1 & integration is underway! The launch window has been adjusted to the second half of March to provide the prime contractor with additional time to complete payload and spacecraft validation & verification.

Цитировать

LAUNCH INFORMATION

Rocket Lab's next launch is the DARPA R3D2 mission, currently targeted between 17 - 30 March 2019 NZDT. The mission will lift-off from Launch Complex 1 carrying a prototype reflect array antenna designed to improve radio communications in small spacecraft.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1103467166714814465)

Rocket Lab: "The window will be open from 17 - 30 March 2019, NZDT. Within the window, lift-off will be scheduled between 11:30 and 15:30 NZDT (22:30 – 02:30 UTC)."

ЦитироватьRocket Lab launch of DARPA satellite slips
by Jeff Foust (https://spacenews.com/author/jeff-foust/) — March 6, 2019

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/191565.jpg)
Rocket Lab's next Electron launch, which was scheduled for late February, has been pushed back to the second half of March because of the delayed arrival of its payload, a DARPA experimental satellite. Credit: Rocket Lab/Trevor Mahlmann

WASHINGTON — Rocket Lab's first launch of the year, which was scheduled for late February, has been pushed back to the second half of March because of the delayed arrival of its payload, an experimental military satellite.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency said March 5 that its Radiofrequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration, or R3D2, satellite arrived in New Zealand March 4 to begin integration with Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle. The launch from Rocket Lab's Launch Complex (LC) 1 in New Zealand is now scheduled for the second half of March.

Rocket Lab confirmed the new schedule March 6. "Following a delay to payload arrival, the R3D2 spacecraft is now at LC-1 and integration is underway," the company tweeted. In a later statement, the company said the launch would take place between March 16 and 30 (U.S. time), with four-hour windows each day from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Eastern.

When Rocket Lab announced the launch in January (https://spacenews.com/rocket-lab-to-launch-darpa-satellite/), the company was targeting late February for the launch. However, a DARPA spokesperson said that the launch was postponed "to provide the prime contractor with additional time to complete payload and spacecraft validation and verification."

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for R3D2, which will test technologies for deployable antennas. Once in orbit, R3D2 will deploy a Kapton membrane that will expand to a diameter of 2.25 meters to demonstrate the ability to small satellites to carry large deployable antennas needed to support high-bandwidth communications.

The 150-kilogram satellite will be the only payload on the launch, the first for Rocket Lab since an Electron launch in December that carried more than a dozen small satellites. The company said in January that the mass and volume of R3D2 took up the entire capacity of the rocket, leaving no room for secondary payloads.

Rocket Lab said in January that the launch would be the first of 12 the company plans to perform in 2019 as it shifts into full operations. Most of those launches will take place from LC-1 in New Zealand, although the company intends to carry out at least one launch from its new launch site, LC-2, under construction at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport on Wallops Island, Virginia. The first launch from that site is scheduled for this fall.

Rocket Lab didn't indicate if the delay in the DARPA mission would impact those plans. In a January interview, Rocket Lab Chief Executive Peter Beck said the company expected to increase its launch rate over the course of the year to allow it to reach that total of 12 even though the first launch was, at that time, not scheduled until late February. Beck said that, by the end of the year, Rocket Lab expects to be launching Electrons at a rate of one every two weeks.

ЦитироватьBizonich пишет:
Трансляции пуска, как я понял не будет.  :(  

Цитироватьtnt22 пишет:
Rocket Lab will host a webcast and provide coverage of the launch via live stream: http://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream .

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/184844.jpg)DARPA‏Подлинная учетная запись @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) 9 мар. (https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1104387629376851974)

R3D2 carries a tissue-thin Kapton membrane antenna that stows compactly for launch and then deploys to 2.25 meters diameter once in LEO. Learn more about R3D2 at https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2019-01-22b ... (https://t.co/LJ623VyZcC).

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 12 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1106351364475486209)

Launch update: DARPA's payload team is conducting final ground station configuration work over the coming days. To allow for the completion of this, we are currently targeting late next week for lift-off of the #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) mission.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160317.jpg)

ЦитироватьMMA P DaHGR Movie

MMA Design (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaZI83ud3ktu9JSqsTBP0hg)

Опубликовано: 6 нояб. 2018 г.

Deployment Video for the MMA P-DaHGR Antenna. Approved for public release. Unlimited distribution.

ЦитироватьPantograph Deployable High-Gain Reflectarray ("P-DaHGR") Antenna

MMA's DaHGR Antennas enable a range of high-performance systems packaged in small stowed volumes. Our DaHGRs are configurable and feature both wideband and narrowband architectures.

The P-DaHGR antenna architecture is realized using very lightweight, flexible membrane substrates, tensioned via a pantographic mechanism, where the prefix "P" denotes the Pantograph-tensioning method.

The P-DaHGR antenna solution combines the best attributes of successfully flown solutions, but with advantages in performance, compaction and simplicity, and significantly reduces the development and implementation risk by leveraging proven technologies. A large, space-fed reflectarray provides equivalent performance as a conventional parabolic reflector for all missions not requiring extremely large bandwidth. Bandwidths achievable by reflectarrays easily support a multitude of mission requirements.

Key characteristics:

[/li]
• Prime offset-fed reflector configurations
• UHF – Ka band
• 5 – 10+% bandwidth
• 1m² – 20m² aperture
• Up to 0.4m²/U packing efficiency
• 6U+ volume

DaHGR™ and P-DaHGR™ are trademarks of MMA Design LLC.

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185703.jpg)Northrop Grumman‏Подлинная учетная запись @northropgrumman (https://twitter.com/northropgrumman) 10 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/northropgrumman/status/1106676564266242048)

We're getting excited for this month's @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) R3D2 launch! #NorthropGrumman (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthropGrumman?src=hash) is the prime contractor & integrated the satellite; @BlueCanyonTech (https://twitter.com/BlueCanyonTech) provided the bus; @TridentSystemsi (https://twitter.com/TridentSystemsI) designed R3D2's radio; @mmadesignllc (https://twitter.com/mmadesignllc) designed & built the antenna. Here's an idea of what'll happen.

Video (https://twitter.com/i/videos/tweet/1106676564266242048) (0:30)

ЦитироватьHYDROPAC 858/2019 (76)

WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   2230Z TO 0230Z COMMENCING DAILY
   19 MAR THRU 03 APR IN AREA BOUND BY
   39-15.0S 177-49-0E, 39-12.5S 177-51.0E,
   39-12.5S 178-11.9E, 39-19.0S 178-11.9E,
   39-19.0S 177-49.0E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 040330Z APR 19.

( 150909Z MAR 2019 )


HYDROPAC 853/2019 (76,83)

SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   2230Z TO 0230Z COMMENCING DAILY
   19 MAR THRU 03 APR IN AREA BOUND BY:
   A. 39-00S 176-00W, 39-00S 171-30W,
   40-15S 171-30W, 40-15S 176-00W.
   B. 38-30S 161-45W, 37-30S 155-15W,
   38-30S 155-00W, 39-30S 161-30W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 040330Z APR 19.

( 142358Z MAR 2019 )

ЦитироватьHYDROPAC 914/2019 (76)

WESTERN SOUTH PACIFIC.
NEW ZEALAND.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
   2030Z TO 0300Z COMMENCING DAILY
   25 MAR THRU 06 APR IN AREA BOUND BY
   39-15.0S 177-49-0E, 39-12.5S 177-51.0E,
   39-12.5S 178-11.9E, 39-19.0S 178-11.9E,
   39-19.0S 177-49.0E.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 070400Z APR 19.

( 200812Z MAR 2019 )


HYDROPAC 915/2019 (76,83)

SOUTH PACIFIC.
DNC 06.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SPACE DEBRIS
   2230Z TO 0230Z COMMENCING DAILY
   25 MAR THRU 06 APR IN AREAS:
   A. BETWEEN
   39-00S 40-15S AND 176-00W 171-30W.
   B. BOUND BY
   38-30S 161-45W, 37-30S 155-15W,
   38-30S 155-00W, 39-30S 161-30W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 070330Z APR 19.

( 200824Z MAR 2019 )

Цитировать

LAUNCH INFORMATION

Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Sunday 24 March UTC (11:30 am, Monday 25 March NZDT) for the next Electron mission.

Launch window: Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 24 March UTC, and the launch window is open until 29 March 2019, UTC (25 March NZDT). 
Launch timing: Launch attempts will only take place between 11:30 - 15:30 NZDT (22:30 - 02:30 UTC). 

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1108930172529471489)

The launch window for the DARPA R3D2 mission is four hours long each day.
Here's your handy dandy timezone guide!

NZDT: 11:30 - 15:30
UTC: 22:30 - 02:30
PDT: 15:30 - 19:30
EDT: 18:30 - 22:30


1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1108929530125680640)

Following today's launch readiness review for the DARPA #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) mission, Electron is go for launch! We are currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Sunday 24 March, UTC. (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160491.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 2 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1108936911626747904)

Weather is looking great for Sunday UTC.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 7 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109216668608192512)

We don't just go to orbit, we deploy satellites with exquisite accuracy. Electron's Kick Stage takes our customers' satellites exactly where they need to go. Looking forward to flying another Kick Stage on our @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) mission. L-2 days! http://www.rocketlabusa.com/vehicle/kickstage/ ... (https://t.co/tIoZFjJVBG)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160538.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 10 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109633560195915776)

We are at L-1 day for the @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) mission on Electron! Weather is tracking green and we're currently targeting no earlier than 22:30 UTC tomorrow (11:30 NZDT) for lift-off. (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)

ЦитироватьLIVE STREAM

Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Sunday 24 March UTC for the DARPA R3D2 mission on Electron.

A live webcast of the launch will be available on this page approximately 15 minutes prior to the target T-0 time.

ЦитироватьRocket Lab readies for launch with U.S. military satellite
March 23, 2019 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145387.jpg)
The Electron rocket's payload shroud for the R3D2 mission. Credit: Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab teams in New Zealand are preparing for the company's first launch of the year Sunday (U.S. time) with a small experimental satellite for DARPA, the U.S. military's research and development agency.

Liftoff of Rocket Lab's two-stage Electron rocket fr om the company's commercial launch base in New Zealand is set for a four-hour window opening at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) Sunday.

In New Zealand, the launch window opens at 11:30 a.m. local time Monday. Rocket Lab plans to webcast the launch live beginning around 15 minutes before liftoff.

Standing 55 feet tall, Rocket Lab's Electron Rocket will take off from Launch Complex 1, located on Mahia Peninsula on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island.

The launch will mark the fifth flight of the company's privately-developed Electron booster since its inaugural test flight in May 2017, and the third in less than five months.

Made of lightweight carbon fiber structures, the Electron is designed to deploy small satellites into orbit on dedicated rides, freeing spacecraft owners from often-restrictive rideshare launches, wh ere smallsats have little say over launch schedules and target orbits.

Powered by nine Rutherford first stage engines that burn kerosene and liquid oxygen propellants, the Electron rocket will head east from Launch Complex 1 and exceed the speed of sound as it climbs into the stratosphere.

A second stage with a single Rutherford engine will fire more than six minutes to reach a preliminary orbit, then will deploy Rocket Lab's restartable Curie kick stage.

The mission's sole payload is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration satellite.

The Curie stage will fire its engine nearly two minutes to place the DARPA-owned payload into a circular 264-mile-high (425-kilometer) orbit inclined 39.5 degrees to the equator.

The Curie upper stage will deploy its satellite payload around 53 minutes after liftoff.

Known as R3D2, the 330-pound (150-kilogram) spacecraft will demonstrate a new type of membrane reflect array antenna that can be packed into a tight volume for launch on a small rocket, then unfurl once in space.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145408.jpg)
The R3D2 satellite will test the deployment and performance of a ultra-thin antenna reflector in orbit. Credit: MMA Design

R3D2's antenna is made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, and will deploy to a diameter of nearly 7.4 feet (2.25 meters) in orbit, according to DARPA.

During a demonstration mission slated to last at least six months, engineers will monitor the dynamics of the antenna's deployment, and evaluate its performance.

"The antenna could enable multiple missions that currently require large satellites, to include high data rate communications to disadvantaged users on the ground," officials wrote in a mission summary posted on DARPA's website. "A successful demonstration also will help prove out a smaller, faster-to-launch and lower cost capability, allowing the Department of Defense, as well as other users, to make the most of the new commercial market for small, inexpensive launch vehicles."

DARPA says the R3D2 satellite cost approximately $25 million, and the agency's commercial launch contract with Rocket Lab has a value of $6.5 million.

"The Department of Defense has prioritized rapid acquisition of small satellite and launch capabilities. By relying on commercial acquisition practices, DARPA streamlined the R3D2 mission from conception through launch services acquisition," said Fred Kennedy, director of DARPA's Tactical Technology Office. "This mission could help validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today, but one which could revolutionize global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet."

The design and development of the R3D2 satellite took approximately 18 months, according to DARPA.

Northrop Grumman is prime contractor for the R3D2 mission and assembled the satellite. Blue Canyon Technologies of Boulder, Colorado, provided the spacecraft platform, and MMA Design in Louisville, Colorado, built the antenna. Trident Systems, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, designed and built R3D2's software-defined radio, DARPA said.

MMA Design's Pantograph Deployable High-Gain Reflectarray antenna can work in a wide range of radio frequencies — from UHF to Ka-band — supporting broadband, voice, video and data relay missions.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145392.jpg)
Rocket Lab's launch team conducted a wet dress rehearsal on the Electron rocket Feb. 18 at Launch Complex 1, in which the Electron rocket was loaded with liquid propellants during a simulated countdown. Credit: Rocket Lab

The antenna is scheduled to unfurl to its full size around a week after launch to commence a series of tests for DARPA, including the downlink of encrypted data to U.S. government ground terminals, the agency said in response to questions from Spaceflight Now.

The mission is set to last up to six months, but the spacecraft is designed for an 18-month lifetime.

The R3D2 mission is Rocket Lab's first launch for the U.S. military. It is also the company's first launch of a microsatellite, after previous Electron flights carried clusters of much smaller CubeSats to space.

Rocket Lab is a U.S.-New Zealand company, with its corporate headquarters in California and its primary rocket manufacturing plant in Auckland. The company is building a second launch pad at Wallops Island, Virginia, for missions as soon as late this year.

"Rapid acquisition of small satellite launch capabilities is increasingly important to U.S. government organizations like DARPA. The ability to rapidly space-qualify new technology and deploy space-based assets with confidence on short notice is a service that didn't exist for dedicated small satellites until now," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO. "We're honored to provide Electron's agile and flexible launch service to DARPA and we look forward to delivering the innovative R3D2 payload to orbit."

Rocket Lab announced the R3D2 mission in January, when officials said the launch was scheduled for late February. Rocket Lab said delays in delivering the R3D2 satellite from its U.S. factory to New Zealand caused the one-month slip in the launch date.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109889221509017600)

Launch update: Rocket Lab is targeting no earlier than 23:36 UTC for today's #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) mission. This T-0 is driven by the Collision On Launch Assessment (COLA). Essentially, this means we time the launch for a break in space traffic from other satellites and the ISS. (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125535.png)


7 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109889548023037952)

Timezone conversions:

NZDT: 12:36
PDT: 16:36
EDT: 19:36

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 9 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1109894415055642624)

Electron is vertical!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160432.jpg)

ЦитироватьTimeline for Rocket Lab's launch of DARPA's R3D2 tech demo satellite
March 24, 2019 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

Rocket Lab's light-class Electron launcher is set to take off on its fifthflight from New Zealand, aiming for a 264-mile-high (425-kilometer) orbit with DARPA's R3D2 technology demonstration satellite.

The two-stage, 55-foot-tall (17-meter) rocket is scheduled for liftoff during a four-hour window opening at 6:30 p.m. EDT (2230 GMT) Sunday from Rocket Lab's commercial launch complex on Mahia Peninsula on New Zealand's North Island.

The privately-developed Electron launcher is making its fifth flight after its maiden flight in May 2017 reached space, but faltered before reaching orbit, followed by four successful missions in a row that deployed nanosatellites into low Earth orbit.

Read our mission preview story (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/23/rocket-lab-readies-for-launch-with-u-s-military-satellite/) for details on the launch and the R3D2 satellite.

The timeline posted below is accompanied by animation provided by Rocket Lab that illustrates the approximate appearance of the major flight events.

Спойлер

Data source: Rocket Lab

T-0:00:00: Liftoff

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143878.jpg)
The Electron rocket lifts off on the power of nine kerosene-fueled Rutherford main engines, generating 34,500 pounds of thrust at liftoff and powering up to 41,500 pounds of thrust as the rocket climbs into the upper atmosphere.

T+0:01:20: Max-Q

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143879.jpg)
The Electron rocket experiences the most intense aerodynamic pressures at this phase of flight.

T+0:02:34: MECO

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143880.jpg)
The nine first stage Rutherford main engines shut down after a two-and-a-half minute burn.

T+0:02:37: First Stage Separation

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143883.jpg)
The Electron's first stage separates from its second stage.

T+0:02:41: Second Stage Ignition

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143876.jpg)
The Electron's second stage Rutherford engine ignites to continue the trip into orbit, producing approximately 5,000 pounds of thrust in vacuum.

T+0:03:06: Fairing Jettison

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143877.jpg)
The Electron rocket's payload fairing, which protected the satellites during the initial phase of ascent, jettisons once the rocket is above the dense, lower layers of the atmosphere. The composite 3.9-foot-diameter (1.2-meter) shroud will fall into the Pacific Ocean.

T+0:08:53: SECO

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143882.jpg)
The second stage's Rutherford vacuum engine shuts down after reaching an elliptical parking orbit.

T+0:08:57: Kick Stage Separation

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145236.jpg)The Electron rocket's kick stage separates from the second stage.

T+0:49:52: Kick Stage Ignition

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145235.jpg)
The kick stage's Curie engine ignites for a 90-second burn to place the mission's CubeSat payloads into a circular 264-mile-high (425-kilometer) orbit with an inclination of 39.5 degrees. The Curie engine burns a proprietary non-toxic "green" propellant and produces about 27 pounds of thrust.

T+0:51:45: Kick Stage Shutdown

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145238.jpg)
The kick stage's Curie engine shuts down after achieving the proper orbit.

T+0:53:15: R3D2 Separation

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145237.jpg)
DARPA's 330-pound (150-kilogram) Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration satellite separates from Rocket Lab's Curie kick stage.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 16:18 PDT (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1109957631299538945) - 24 мар. 2019 г.

The team has identified a video transmitter 13dB down with low performance. It's not an issue for flight, but we want to understand why, so we're waiving off for the day. We'll assess and advise a new target lift-off time soon.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 9 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1109959425136033792)

Technically good to fly, as we have redundant links, but we don't know why the performance dropped and that makes me uncomfortable.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110001051208429568)

Launch update: The team is going to take tomorrow to replace the video transmitter, then we'll be back on the pad to launch @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA)'s R3D2 satellite. Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Tuesday 26 March UTC for launch. (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)


6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110001249804414976)

No video transmitter = no launch webcast, and we all love a good show!


6 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110002183716524032)

Target launch time conversions:
UTC : 22:30, Tuesday 26 March
NZDT: 11:30, Wednesday 27 March
PDT : 15:30, Tuesday 26 March
EDT : 18:30, Tuesday 26 March

ЦитироватьRadio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2)

DARPAtv (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOIHBHRbvncMo7Bf0Vx1zEQ)

Опубликовано: 22 мар. 2019 г.

DARPA's Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2) will space-qualify a new type of membrane reflectarray antenna. The antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, packs tightly for stowage during launch and then will deploy to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter once it reaches low-Earth orbit.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110348953986297856)

Launch update: The video transmitter on Electron has been replaced, tested and confirmed as go for launch! The ground winds are high at LC-1 tomorrow though, so Rocket Lab is currently targeting no earlier than 22:30, Weds 27 March UTC for the @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) launch.


3 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110354331054686208)

Timezone conversions:

NZDT: 11:30 am, Thursday 28 March
PDT : 15:30, Wednesday 27 March
EDT : 18:30, Wednesday 27 March

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 13:22 PDT (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1110638209770254336) - 26 мар. 2019 г.

A weather & COLA window (space traffic) briefing has been completed for the @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) R3D2 launch from LC-1. With limited COLA windows and a high chance (45%) of violating weather criteria tomorrow, launch is now planned for no earlier than 22:30 UTC, 28 March.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 16:10 PDT (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1110680486513278977) - 26 мар. 2019 г.

We were only going to get 2x 15 min launch windows tomorrow due to space traffic and would have to thread the needle between weather events. #LaunchIsMoreThanARocket (https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaunchIsMoreThanARocket?src=hash)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 16:36 PDT (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1110687074523508736) - 26 мар. 2019 г.

Having only 30 minutes of a four-hour launch window available because of COLAs seems... unusual.


(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 16:43 PDT (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1110688827125825536) - 26 мар. 2019 г.

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

Yea, low inclination and the particular apogee of this flight plays into it. Pretty much all of the windows for this flight have these constraints, so it makes it more important not to layer weather constraints over the top.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 5 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1111341289033744384)

Launch preparations for today's attempt are progressing smoothly. This is a fun mission with a full load on Electron of over 150kg and some very narrow launch windows to hit.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 3 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1111342200804143104)

Electron is vertical on the pad and we are currently targeting no earlier than 23:27 UTC for today's @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) launch.
Live webcast will be available approx 20 minutes prior to T-0. http://www.rocketlabusa.com/live-stream  (https://t.co/RyD0mD6yVf) (https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/125513.png)

Timezone conversions:
NZDT: 12:27
PDT : 16:27
EDT : 19:27

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/30213.jpg)Peter Beck‏ @Peter_J_Beck (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck) 17:32 PDT (https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1111425984828313601) - 28 мар. 2019 г.

Mission success! Great kick stage burn and final orbit. Perfect flight!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 17:38 PDT (https://twitter.com/RocketLab/status/1111427291857379329) - 28 мар. 2019 г.

Payload deployed. Precise orbital insertion by Electron's Kick Stage. Mission Success!

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67532.jpg)Rocket Lab‏Подлинная учетная запись @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) 18:46 PDT (https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1111432073133219840) - 28 мар. 2019 г.

Electron's nine Rutherford engines roaring off the pad today. Credit for this beautiful shot goes to our launch team members @VonBraunnabe (https://twitter.com/VonBraunnabe) and @samstoms (https://twitter.com/samstoms). #GoElectron (https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoElectron?src=hash)!

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160570.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/184844.jpg)DARPA‏Подлинная учетная запись @DARPA (https://twitter.com/DARPA) 17:57 PDT (https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1111432073133219840) - 28 мар. 2019 г.

The payload successfully deployed. Congrats, #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) team! @RocketLab (https://twitter.com/RocketLab) provided launch; @northropgrumman (https://twitter.com/northropgrumman) was satellite prime contractor; @mmadesignllc (https://twitter.com/mmadesignllc) designed/built antenna; @TridentSystemsI (https://twitter.com/TridentSystemsI) designed/built software-defined radio; Blue Canyon Technologies provided spacecraft bus.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160573.jpg)

Спойлер

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160575.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160574.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160576.jpg)

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 16:28 (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1111409760593543168) - 28 мар. 2019 г.

LAUNCH! Rocket Lab's Electron rocket launches with DARPA's R3D2

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160566.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160567.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160568.jpg)
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160569.jpg)

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/186040.jpg)Chris B - NSF‏ @NASASpaceflight (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight) 17:33 PDT (https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1111426190412124165) - 28 мар. 2019 г.

SUCCESS!

Rocket Lab's Electron deploys R3D2 for DARPA.

ARTICLE:
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/03/rocket-lab-dedicated-darpa-mission/ ... (https://t.co/FX0XNTBSqB)

- by Thomas Burghardt (@TGMetsFan98 (https://twitter.com/TGMetsFan98)) Play By Play

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/160571.jpg)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab DARPA R3D2 Launch

Rocket Lab (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWq7LZaizhIi-c-Yo_bcpw)

Трансляция началась 3 часа назад

ЦитироватьRocket Lab successfully launches R3D2 satellite for DARPA

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/210017.jpg)

Rocket Lab successfully launches R3D2 satellite for DARPA

The launch marks Rocket Lab's 25th satellite deployed to orbit, continuing the company's mission success heritage

Huntington Beach, California – March 28, 2019 – A Rocket Lab Electron launch vehicle successfully lifted off from Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula at 23:27, March 28th UTC (12:27, 29 March NZDT). The mission launched a prototype reflect array antenna to orbit for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

"Congratulations to our dedicated team for delivering another important and innovative asset to space – on time and on target. The unique requirements of this mission made Electron the perfect launch vehicle to lift R3D2 as a dedicated payload to a highly precise orbit," said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck. "Thank you to our mission partners. We look forward to continuing to provide frequent, reliable and rapidly-acquired launch services for innovative small satellites."

Rocket Lab was sel ected for the launch because of the company's proven mission heritage and its ability support rapid acquisition of small satellite launch capabilities. Due to Rocket Lab's streamlined acquisition practices, DARPA's R3D2 mission was launched just over 18 months from conception – a significant reduction in traditional government launch acquisition timeframes.

With proven flight heritage fr om four orbital missions, Rocket Lab is the only fully commercial small satellite launch service provider in operation. The experienced Rocket Lab team has delivered 25 satellites to orbit, including innovative new space technologies that provide vital capabilities such as weather monitoring, Earth observation and Internet of Things connectivity. The R3D2 mission was Rocket Lab's first of 2019, as the company heads into a busy year of launches booked for lift-off every four weeks. To support the small satellite industry's highest launch cadence, Rocket Lab is currently producing one Electron launch vehicle every 30 days across its Huntington Beach, California, and Auckland, New Zealand, production facilities.
...

About the DARPA R3D2 payload:

DARPA's R3D2 (Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration) spacecraft intends to space-qualify a prototype reflect array antenna to improve radio communications in small spacecraft. The 150kg spacecraft carried an antenna, made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, designed to pack tightly inside the small satellite for stowage during launch, before deploying to its full size of 2.25 meters in diameter in low Earth orbit. The design is intended to provide significant capability, typical of large spacecraft, in a much smaller package. The mission could lay the groundwork for a space-based internet by helping to validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today.

About Electron:

The R3D2 mission was launched on an Electron launch vehicle, comprised of two fully carbon-composite stages, powered by a total of ten 3D printed and electric pump-fed Rutherford engines, designed and built in house by Rocket Lab at the company's headquarters in Huntington Beach, California. The R3D2 payload was deployed to a circular orbit by Rocket Lab's unique Kick Stage, an additional stage designed for precise orbital deployment and equipped with the ability to deorbit itself upon mission completion to leave no orbital debris behind.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/67516.jpg)Jonathan McDowell‏Подлинная учетная запись @planet4589 (https://twitter.com/planet4589) 1 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1111465456764968961)

Successful Electron launch confirmed with three objects tracked in orbit: 16A (presumed R3D2) in 421 x 438 km x 39.5 deg orbit; 16B (presumed kick stage) in 417 x 438 km x 39.5 deg; 16C (Electron 2nd stage) in 199 x 434 km x 39.5 deg orbit.

Цитировать29 МАР, 09:48
Rocket Lab вывела в космос экспериментальный спутник связи Минобороны США

В Пентагоне хотят проверить работоспособность спутниковой антенны нового типа, отражающая поверхность которой сделана из полиимидной пленки

ТАСС, 29 марта. Американская компания Rocket Lab вывела на околоземную орбиту в пятницу с помощью своей ракеты Electron экспериментальный спутник связи, изготовленный по заказу Управления перспективных исследовательских программ Пентагона (DARPA).

"Спутник [Radiofrequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration, R3D2] успешно доставлен на орбиту", - отметило Управление в своем Twitter (https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1111432073133219840).

Как указало DARPA, цель данной миссии - проверить работоспособность спутниковой антенны нового типа, отражающая поверхность которой сделана из тончайшей полиимидной пленки. Перед стартом она была компактно сложена в рулон. Уже на орбите антенна развернулась с помощью телескопического механизма и приобрела форму восьмигранника площадью около 4 кв. м.

В DARPA надеются, что использование в будущем подобных антенн позволит радикально уменьшить размер спутников и тем самым снизить стоимость вывода аппаратов на орбиту. R3D2 был изготовлен американской корпорацией Northrop Grumman менее чем за два года.

Запуск спутника массой 150 кг был осуществлен со стартовой площадки Rocket Lab в Новой Зеландии.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/185703.jpg)Northrop Grumman‏Подлинная учетная запись @northropgrumman (https://twitter.com/northropgrumman) 4 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/northropgrumman/status/1111627903920427009)

Launch and payload deployment for #R3D2 (https://twitter.com/hashtag/R3D2?src=hash) were successful! We are proud to have led the team on this mission. #NorthropGrumman (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthropGrumman?src=hash)

ЦитироватьRocket Lab launches DARPA research satellite
March 29, 2019 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/03/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145384.jpg)
Rocket Lab's fifth Electron rocket launched at 7:27 p.m. EDT (2327 GMT) from the company's launch complex on Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand. Credit: Rocket Lab/Kieran Fanning & Sam Toms

A Rocket Lab Electron rocket climbed into orbit from New Zealand Thursday (U.S. time) with an experimental payload for a U.S. military research and development agency to demonstrate the performance of a compact, deployable antenna that could expand the communications capabilities of future small satellites.

The 55-foot-tall (17-meter) rocket, powered by nine kerosene-fueled 3D-printed Rutherford main engines, fired off its launch pad on New Zealand's North Island at 7:27 p.m. EDT (2327 GMT) after a four-day delay to allow time for crews to replace a video transmitter and wait for improved weather conditions.

The Electron rocket headed east from Rocket Lab's commercial spaceport on Mahia Peninsula, wh ere liftoff occurred at 12:27 p.m. local time Friday. The slender all-black launcher, sized for small satellite launches and made of lightweight carbon composite materials, soared through broken clouds and released its first stage to fall into the sea two-and-a-half minutes into the mission.

A single Rutherford engine on the Electron's second stage ignited to accelerate into a preliminary parking orbit, then a Curie kick stage maneuvered into a nearly circular orbit with an average altitude of roughly 264 miles (425 kilometers) and an inclination of 39.5 degrees to the equator.

Rocket Lab's webcast of the launch ended after the conclusion of the Electron's second stage engine burn around 10 minutes after liftoff, but the company confirmed the final kick stage maneuver occurred as planned. Separation of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's R3D2 satellite was timed for approximately 53 minutes after liftoff.

Officials declared success after the R3D2 satellite's deployment from the Curie kick stage, extending Rocket Lab's streak of successful launches to four in a row after the inaugural Electron test flight fell short of orbit in 2017. DARPA says the Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration, or R3D2, satellite was developed in a little more than 18 months, an unusually quick pace for a space mission.

"Congratulations to our dedicated team for delivering another important and innovative asset to space – on time and on target," said Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. "The unique requirements of this mission made Electron the perfect launch vehicle to lift R3D2 as a dedicated payload to a highly precise orbit."

Спойлер

The U.S.-New Zealand launch provider plans to ramp up to a pace of one launch per month later this year. Rocket Lab is building a second Electron launch pad at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island, Virginia, for missions beginning by the end of this year.

The 330-pound (150-kilogram) R3D2 spacecraft will demonstrate a new type of membrane reflect array antenna that can be packed into a tight volume for launch on a small rocket, then unfurl once in space.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/145403.jpg)
Artist's illustration of DARPA's R3D2 satellite. Credit: Northrop Grumman

R3D2's antenna is made of a tissue-thin Kapton membrane, and will deploy to a diameter of nearly 7.4 feet (2.25 meters) in orbit, according to DARPA.

During a demonstration mission slated to last at least six months, engineers will monitor the dynamics of the antenna's deployment, and evaluate its performance.

"The antenna could enable multiple missions that currently require large satellites, to include high data rate communications to disadvantaged users on the ground," officials wrote in a mission summary posted on DARPA's website. "A successful demonstration also will help prove out a smaller, faster-to-launch and lower cost capability, allowing the Department of Defense, as well as other users, to make the most of the new commercial market for small, inexpensive launch vehicles."

DARPA says the R3D2 satellite cost approximately $25 million, and the agency's commercial launch contract with Rocket Lab has a value of $6.5 million.

"The Department of Defense has prioritized rapid acquisition of small satellite and launch capabilities. By relying on commercial acquisition practices, DARPA streamlined the R3D2 mission from conception through launch services acquisition," said Fred Kennedy, director of DARPA's Tactical Technology Office. "This mission could help validate emerging concepts for a resilient sensor and data transport layer in low Earth orbit – a capability that does not exist today, but one which could revolutionize global communications by laying the groundwork for a space-based internet."

Northrop Grumman is prime contractor for the R3D2 mission and assembled the satellite. Blue Canyon Technologies of Boulder, Colorado, provided the spacecraft platform, and MMA Design in Louisville, Colorado, built the antenna. Trident Systems, headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, designed and built R3D2's software-defined radio, DARPA said.

MMA Design's Pantograph Deployable High-Gain Reflectarray antenna can work in a wide range of radio frequencies — from UHF to Ka-band — supporting broadband, voice, video and data relay missions.

The antenna is scheduled to unfurl to its full size around a week after launch to commence a series of tests for DARPA, including the downlink of encrypted data to U.S. government ground terminals, the agency said in response to questions from Spaceflight Now.

"What we're doing on this mission primarily is demonstrating a new high compaction ratio deployable antenna," said Lindsay Millard, DARPA's R3D2 program manager. "An antenna has a lot of different uses for DoD. One example is communication. The antenna and the power you have on the satellite dictates what size of antenna you need on the ground to receive it, so the bigger the antenna you can have in space, the smaller the one can be on the ground.

"Fitting that very big antenna into a smaller satellite makes the satellite less expensive, and allows us to leverage different types of launch vehicles that maybe we wouldn't be able to use for bigger satellites," Millard said.

The mission is set to last up to six months, but the spacecraft is designed for an 18-month lifetime.

"It has four different carbon fiber deployment mechanisms that will go out on each corner, then it has a pantograph, which is a shape that kind of looks like an accordion, around the outside that will expand," Millard said. "Then we will begin to see how flat the antenna is, we'll do some assessments from the ground to see what it might be able to transmit.

"What's really making the antenna work is the copper etchings on top of the Kapton," Millard said. "Kapton looks a lot like cellophane you might have in an Easter basket, and so it's a great place to hold the copper, which is what is reflecting the energy, and it's just set into the Kapton. So when electromagnetic radiation hits the antenna, it acts like a parabola and focuses that energy."

The R3D2 mission was Rocket Lab's first launch for the U.S. military, and the company's first launch of a microsatellite, after previous Electron flights carried clusters of much smaller CubeSats to space.

[свернуть]

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/29262.jpg)Jeff Foust‏ @jeff_foust (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust) 16 мин. назад (https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1121085304167968768)

...Northrop Grumman CEO/President Kathy Warden ... said she was "extremely proud" of performance on R3D2 tech demo satellite for DARPA launched last month.

ЦитироватьNorthrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Critical Space Capability for DARPA Mission in Record Time

Rapid prototyping capabilities led DARPA's R3D2 program to success

May 07, 2019

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. – May 7, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully demonstrated rapid spacecraft development for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA), with the Radio Frequency Risk Reduction Deployment Demonstration (R3D2), which launched on March 28, 2019.

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Northrop Grumman led a unique team of commercial suppliers to deliver a 150 kg small satellite from concept to orbit in 20 months. Traditional satellites of comparable complexity typically take many years to get to this stage.

"Our team's success with the R3D2 program is a strong proof of concept that the rapid development of future space capabilities is possible," said Scott Stapp, vice president, resiliency and rapid prototyping, Northrop Grumman. "We look forward to continuing to lead the cultural change necessary in the industry, by partnering with the U.S. government, commercial suppliers and startups to deliver prototypes and demonstrations for critical national security missions. Taking thoughtful risks and eliminating bureaucracy allowed us to streamline our processes to achieve rapid timelines."

The significantly accelerated timeline of R3D2 was enabled by DARPA's approach of reducing requirements, reviews, and deliverables, while accepting greater levels of risk than is typical for an operational system. Northrop Grumman, known for its systems engineering expertise and extensive experience in leading successful space missions, utilized innovative rapid-development processes and commercial suppliers to keep schedule and risk balanced.

The Northrop Grumman-led team, included Blue Canyon Technologies, provider of the spacecraft bus, and Trident Systems, who designed and built R3D2's software-defined radio. R3D2 was launched from the Mahia Peninsula in New Zealand by Rocket Lab.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com (http://news.northropgrumman.com/) and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews (http://www.twitter.com/ngcnews), for more information.

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