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ЦитироватьRocketShip delivers Delta IV Heavy boosters at VAFB
By 2nd Lt. Kaylee Schanda, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published April 10, 2020

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143403.webp) (http://"http://"http://"https://media.defense.gov/2020/Apr/09/2002278205/-1/-1/0/200405-F-VU029-1248.JPG""")
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The hatch opens on a United Launch Alliance barge, known as the RocketShip, revealing Delta IV Heavy boosters April 5, 2020, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The barge docked at Vandenberg AFB to offload Delta IV Heavy boosters for an upcoming launch scheduled to occur later this year. The barge operation is a vital first step to executing the mission of assured access to space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aubree Owens)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/143401.webp) (http://"http://"http://"https://media.defense.gov/2020/Apr/09/2002278198/-1/-1/0/200405-F-VU029-1052.JPG""")
Mission partners and base members extract a Delta IV Heavy booster fr om a United Launch Alliance barge, known as the RocketShip, April 5, 2020, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The barge docked at Vandenberg AFB to offload Delta IV Heavy boosters for an upcoming launch scheduled to occur later this year. The barge operation is a vital first step to executing the mission of assured access to space. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aubree Owens)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --
A United Launch Alliance barge, carrying Delta IV Heavy booster cores, second stage and payload faring, docked and delivered the rocket body parts April 5, 2020, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.

The ULA barge, known as the RocketShip, delivered the parts in preparation for an upcoming launch scheduled for later this year showcasing the ongoing mission amidst COVID-19.

"We have been anticipating and planning this operation in coordination with ULA for several months," said 1st Lt. Jasmine Toye, 2nd Space Launch Squadron mission integration manager. "No matter the circumstances, we have one job: perform the mission. Now is no different."

The arrival of the Delta IV Heavy is a vital first step in ensuring space superiority through assured access to space.

"We are continuing to work with our launch partners to ensure the Western Range remains postured to launch," said Col. Anthony Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander. "COVID-19 may be the threat at the forefront of everyone's mind, and we are certainly taking all the necessary precautions to address that threat, but make no mistake, our national security still depends on our ability to launch rockets."

The rocket parts were ultimately delivered to ULA's Horizontal Integration Facility, wh ere they will be configured for the next several months before being erected into Space Launch Complex-6 for final integration and launch.

Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/68305.jpg) Tyler Gray‏ @TylerG1998 (https://twitter.com/TylerG1998) 2 дн. назад (https://twitter.com/TylerG1998/status/1248691017647304705)

After many days of traveling, @ulalaunch (https://twitter.com/ulalaunch)'s RocketShip has delivered its precious cargo - a Delta IV Heavy - to Vandenberg AFB in California. This rocket will launch the NROL-82 spacecraft for @NatReconOfc (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc) from SLC-6 later this year.

ЦитироватьRocketShip delivers Delta IV Heavy boosters at VAFB
A United Launch Alliance barge, carrying Delta IV Heavy booster cores, second stage and payload faring, docked and delivered the rocket body parts April 5, 2020, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
vandenberg.af.mil (https://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2143111/rocketship-delivers-delta-iv-heavy-boosters-at-vafb/)

ЦитироватьULA delivers Delta 4-Heavy rocket to California launch base
April 16, 2020 (https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/) | Stephen Clark (https://spaceflightnow.com/author/stephen-clark/)

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/150014.jpg)
The three first stage boosters for a United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket are revealed April 5 after delivery on ULA's RocketShip transport vessel. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aubree Owens

United Launch Alliance's rocket transport ship has delivered a Delta 4-Heavy rocket to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in preparation for launch of a U.S. government spy satellite late this year.

The Delta 4-Heavy's three first stage boosters — known as Common Booster Cores — second stage and payload fairing arrived at Vandenberg on April 5 aboard ULA's ocean-going transport vessel, named RocketShip.

The rocket delivery occurred during the global coronavirus pandemic, which has affected numerous sectors of the economy. But the federal government has deemed aerospace and defense-related businesses, including ULA, as essential functions that must continue operations during the public health crisis.

"We are continuing to work with our launch partners to ensure the Western Range remains postured to launch," said Col. Anthony Mastalir, commander of the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, located around 140 miles (225 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles.

"COVID-19 may be the threat at the forefront of everyone's mind, and we are certainly taking all the necessary precautions to address that threat, but make no mistake, our national security still depends on our ability to launch rockets," Mastalir said in a statement.

"We have been anticipating and planning this operation in coordination with ULA for several months," said 1st Lt. Jasmine Toye, 2nd Space Launch Squadron mission integration manager. "No matter the circumstances, we have one job: perform the mission. Now is no different."

ULA and military crews offloaded the Delta 4-Heavy rocket hardware over a six-day process and transferred the components to ULA's Horizontal Integration Facility. Inside the horizontal hangar, ULA personnel will connect the rocket's three Common Booster Core first stage elements to form a triple-body configuration and install the Delta 4-Heavy's second stage over the next several months.

Then ULA will roll the rocket to Space Launch Complex-6, the Delta 4's West Coast launch pad, and raise it vertical for a cryogenic fueling test and other checkouts. Finally, the Delta 4-Heavy's classified National Reconnaissance Office payload and its launch shroud will be hoisted atop the rocket to cap assembly of the launch vehicle.

The Delta 4-Heavy rocket is being prepared for the NROL-82 mission scheduled for launch from SLC-6 at Vandenberg some time between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 of this year.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/150013.jpg)
One of the Delta 4-Heavy rocket's Common Booster Cores is offloaded from ULA's RocketShip vessel April 5 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Aubree Owens

The Delta 4-Heavy rocket is built at ULA's factory in Decatur, Alabama, and transported to launch sites at Cape Canaveral for Vandenberg aboard the company's RocketShip vessel. For trips to Vandenberg, the RocketShip sails down river channels to the Gulf of Mexico, then traverses the Panama Canal and sails northward in the Pacific to the spaceport on California's Central Coast.

The NROL-82 mission scheduled for launch late this year will be 13th flight of a Delta 4-Heavy rocket — the largest vehicle in ULA's current fleet — since debuting in 2004.

Another NRO spy satellite mission, designated NROL-44, is scheduled for launch on the 12th Delta 4-Heavy rocket in June from Cape Canaveral. That rocket is already stacked on pad 37 at Cape Canaveral and has completed a cryogenic fueling test before receiving its classified spy satellite payload in the final weeks before launch.

There are five Delta 4-Heavy rockets in ULA's backlog remaining to launch through late 2023, all slated to loft NRO spy satellites into orbit.

The Delta 4-Heavy's Common Booster Cores are each powered by a hydrogen-fueled Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68A main engine. The three engines will generate 2.1 million pounds of thrust during launch.

The rocket's second stage has a single Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine, which also burns super-cold liquid hydrogen.

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Цитировать(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/35121.jpg) U.S. Space Command @US_SpaceCom 20 ч. назад (https://twitter.com/US_SpaceCom/status/1329179554020134912)

#USSPACECOM (https://twitter.com/hashtag/USSPACECOM?src=hashtag_click) command team, @USArmy (https://twitter.com/USArmy) GEN James Dickinson & @USMC (https://twitter.com/USMC) MGySgt Scott Stalker @US_SpaceComCSEL (https://twitter.com/US_SpaceComCSEL), visited #VandenbergAFB (https://twitter.com/hashtag/VandenbergAFB?src=hashtag_click) launch facilities. @30thSpaceWing (https://twitter.com/30thSpaceWing) supports #westcoast (https://twitter.com/hashtag/westcoast?src=hashtag_click) launches for @NASA (https://twitter.com/NASA) @DeptofDefense (https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense) @usairforce (https://twitter.com/usairforce) private industry & Missile Defense Agency test/ops.

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/53341.jpg)

ЦитироватьNROL-82: Delta IV Heavy rocket rolled to launch pad
February 25, 2021
10.jpg
ULA's next Delta IV Heavy rocket now stands atop its West Coast launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the upcoming NROL-82 mission in service to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
NROL-82 extends a partnership between the NRO and ULA that began with our very first launch in 2006 and now totals 30 consecutive successes.
The triple-core Delta IV Heavy is the only rocket in the world today that possesses all of the necessary attributes to meet the stringent requirements to perform this NROL-82 mission. It will be the NRO's ninth launch aboard ULA's heavy-performance rocket.
The U.S. security space asset being launched on NROL-82 is a payload designed, built and operated by the NRO that supports the agency's national security mission to provide intelligence data to the United States' senior policy makers, the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.
Delta IV Heavy's three common booster cores (CBCs), Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) and payload fairing were delivered to Vandenberg by the R/S RocketShip from the ULA factory in Decatur, Alabama. The ocean-going cargo vessel transported the rocket elements to California via the Panama Canal, with offloading occurring at the base harbor just south of the Space Launch Complex (SLC)-6 launch pad.
Testing and connection of the stages took place within the Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) overlooking the pad. The port and starboard boosters were attached to the center core, then the DCSS was joined to the interstage on the forward end of the center booster.

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ULA's next Delta IV Heavy rocket now stands atop its West Coast launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for the upcoming NROL-82 mission. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance

Also completed in the HIF, the Launch Mate Unit (LMU) was fastened to the three CBCs to serve as the structural base of the rocket when it stands atop on the pad's launch table. The LMU contains the 12 holddown bolts that fire to release the 1.6-million-pound rocket at liftoff.
The 170-foot-long rocket emerged from the HIF on Monday, Feb. 15, riding horizontally aboard a 36-wheel, diesel-powered transporter down the roadway to the launch pad.
Enclosed within the Mobile Assembly Shelter, the pad is shielded from winds and weather during pre-flight processing operations to give a comfortable environment for technicians working on the rocket and protect critical flight hardware during pad processing.
The Fixed Pad Erector raised the vehicle upright at the pad on Tuesday, Feb. 16 to complete the Launch Vehicle on Stand (LVOS) milestone for Delta IV Heavy to conduct the NROL-82.
A Wet Dress Rehearsal (WDR) to exercise the rocket and ground systems in a practice countdown setting will be conducted this spring. Vertically attaching the encapsulated payload to finish assembly of the 23-story rocket follows the WDR in the launch campaign.
Launch is currently anticipated in the second quarter of 2021.

ЦитироватьSpaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
United Launch Alliance recently raised a Delta 4-Heavy rocket, one of four left in the company's backlog, on a launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, for liftoff with a secret US government spy satellite at the end of April.

Цитата: Чебурашка от 26.03.2021 16:19:37https://twitter.com/SciGuySpace/status/1375436196361424896

ЦитироватьULA has set a no-earlier-than date of April 26 for the launch of the Delta IV Heavy NROL-82 mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. This will be ULA's first launch of 2021.

ЦитироватьNRO  @NatReconOfc
MISSION PATCH REVEAL! The #NROL82 mission patch commemorates the many heroic acts and sacrifices made to protect our way of life. The logo depicts an eagle, America's symbol of freedom, wearing the flight gear of a WWII Fighter Ace, specifically Gregory "Pappy" Boyington.
.
As a WWII fighter pilot in the Marine Corps, Gregory "Pappy" Boyington was awarded the Medal of Honor, Navy Cross, and Purple Heart for his heroism and dedication, and ACE fighter pilot skills. In the background you will find an F4U Corsair, Boyington's aircraft.
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The "SISU" tattooed on the eagle's arm represents a mystical Finnish word roughly translated as strength of will, determination, perseverance: true grit. SISU is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain courage; a trait found in every American hero.
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The three stars on the patch honor those who have served, are serving, or will serve to preserve America's way of life. Finally, the Latin phrase, TACITAE LIBERTATIS CUSTODEMQUE, ties the logo together in its translation: Silent Guardians of Freedom.

ЦитироватьNRO  @NatReconOfc
RocketLAUNCH UPDATE: Our #NROL82 mission launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a @ulalaunch #DeltaIVHeavy is targeted for NET April 26, 1239-1557 PDT.

Спойлер

@30thSpaceWing: Our NROL-44 mission on a Delta IV Heavy at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Dec. 2020. Photo credit NRO
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182796.jpg)

[свернуть]

ЦитироватьLaunch-minus 1 Week!
The Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office and U.S. Space Force next Monday. Liftoff time is 1:46 p.m. PDT (4:46 p.m. EDT; 2046 UTC) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
A live countdown blog begins at 4 a.m. PDT (7 a.m. EDT; 1100 UTC) and launch webcast will be available on this page starting 20 minutes before liftoff.

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
RocketSparkles Wonder when you will see the #DeltaIVHeavy near you? Our visibility graphic shows when the rocket will rise into view during its #NROL82 mission
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/183055.jpg)

ЦитироватьMAS Retracted for Launch
A key milestone was achieved today to configure the Space Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6) pad for Monday's launch of the Delta IV Heavy rocket.
Pad crews retracted the Mobile Assembly Shelter (MAS) from its enclosure position to the park position a safe distance away from the rocket.
(https://24liveblog.tradingfront.cn/event/2737171997667847814/20210424220046_351772.jpeg) (https://photo.24liveblog.com/2737171997667847814/20210424220046_351772.jpeg)
Photo by United Launch Alliance

The MAS acts as a giant wind screen during pre-flight operations to provide a comfortable environment for technicians working on the rockets and to protect critical flight hardware during pad processing.
The 270-foot-tall structure is an element from the history of this launch site. It was constructed in the 1980s to provide weather protection during on-pad assembly of the space shuttle at SLC-6. After that program was cancelled, the Delta IV made use of the pad starting in 2000 and kept the MAS as part of the site.

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
Final preps are underway at SLC-6 for Monday's countdown and launch of #DeltaIVHeavy #NROL82. Weather is 40% GO.
Live coverage begins at 4amPDT (7amEDT; 1100 UTC).
We will be playing trivia for your chance to win a ULA swag pack!
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182813.jpg)

ЦитироватьSpaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
New launch time!
ULA is setting a new launch time for the Delta 4-Heavy rocket at 1:47pm PDT (4:47pm EDT; 2047 GMT), a minute later than previously planned.
The new time is needed due to a collision avoidance concern with an object already in orbit.

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
The countdown is exactly two hours away from the #NROL82 liftoff time. We have a green status board for #DeltaIVHeavy, ground systems and the weather. http://bit.ly/div_nrol82
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182819.jpg)

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
The #DeltaIVHeavy's Delta Cryogenic Second Stage is ready to begin receiving 10,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen for launch.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182820.jpg)

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
Meet the rocket launching today: #DeltaIVHeavy. It is the only rocket in the world today that meets all of the requirements to perform this #NROL82 mission for @NatReconOfc and @SpaceForceDoD. #PartnersinSpace
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182825.jpg)

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
If you are just tuning in, the countdown is proceeding toward a liftoff of #DeltaIVHeavy at 1:47pmPDT (4:47pmEDT; 2047 UTC). We continue to have a green board with no issues being worked. The launch webcast begins at L-20 minutes: http://bit.ly/div_nrol82
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ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
The countdown is entering the 31-minute built-in hold at T-minus 4 minutes. The final readiness polls will be performed during this hold before permission is given to launch. Liftoff time remains targeted for 1:47pmPDT (4:47pmEDT; 2047 UTC). http://bit.ly/div_nrol82

Цитироватьhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVoo0Q4hNpw
April 26 Live Broadcast: Delta IV Heavy NROL-82
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220814.jpg) (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)  United Launch Alliance (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnrGPRKAg1PgvuSHrRIl3jg)

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
#DeltaIVHeavy will lift off on 2.1 million pounds of thrust from its three main engines. The port and starboard common booster cores burn for four minutes, while the center core fires for an additional 90 seconds before staging and ignition of the second stage.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182827.jpg)

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
L-10 minutes from launch. The space asset being launched is a payload designed, built and operated by the @NatReconOfc that supports the agency's national security mission to provide intelligence data to senior policy makers, the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
#DeltaIVHeavy is traveling five times the speed of sound now with less than a minute of burn time left in the port and starboard boosters. http://bit.ly/div_nrol82

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
Separation of the port and starboard boosters is confirmed, and the center core has throttled up to full power to consume the fuel conserved by burning at lower thrust for the past four minutes. Velocity nearly doubles in this phase of flight. http://bit.ly/div_nrol82

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
#DeltaIVHeavy's composite payload fairing that protected #NROL82 during ascent through the atmosphere has jettisoned at the edge of space. The rocket now weighs just seven percent of its liftoff mass. http://bit.ly/div_nrol82

ЦитироватьSpaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
The Delta 4's center engine has shut down and the core booster has separated.
The second stage's RL10 engine has ignited for its first burn, and ULA says the rocket's payload shroud has jettisoned.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182824.jpg)

Цитироватьhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mvjEPN6Mbs 4:31
Delta IV Heavy launches NROL-82
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/220832.jpg)  SciNews (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjU6ZwoTQtKWfz1urL7XcbA)
A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launched the NROL-82 mission from Space Launch Complex-6, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on 26 April 2021, at 20:47 UTC (13:47 PDT, 16:47 EDT). The NROL-82 mission was launched for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and is the 13th Delta IV Heavy launch.
Credit: United Launch Alliance (ULA)

ЦитироватьULA  @ulalaunch
MISSION SUCCESS! United Launch Alliance's #DeltaIVHeavy rocket successfully launches #NROL82 for
@NatReconOfc and @SpaceForceDoD. Success #143 for ULA! Thank you to our customers for the trust they place in us! #PartnersInSpace https://bit.ly/3sUqFjg

(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182830.jpg)

ЦитироватьSpaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
A United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket climbed into orbit Monday from a military base in California, hauling to space a classified spy satellite as large as a bus & leaving just three Delta rockets left to fly before retirement.
Camera: @SpaceForceDoD
https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/04/26/spy-satellite-successfully-launched-from-california-military-base/
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182847.jpg)

Цитата: полтора_землекопа от 27.04.2021 03:33:34C. Bassa:

543 х 530 км, наклонение 98.01°

Цитата: Виктор  Воропаев от 27.04.2021 08:48:41Почему? На втором витке.

(https://c.radikal.ru/c41/2104/59/729bdc9cac2ct.jpg) (https://radikal.ru/big/rjsljo0nowgiy)

Цитата: Виктор  Воропаев от 27.04.2021 09:06:24Из амстердамского кофешопа можно много чего увидеть...
Пишет про оптику на втором витке: http://satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2021/0139.html

ЦитироватьJonathan McDowell  @planet4589
USA 314 (the NROL-82 spy sat payload) now located by hobbyist observers in 525 x 758 km x 98.0 deg sun-sync orbit with 1300 local time of descending node

ЦитироватьDr Marco Langbroek Syringe #Vaccinate  @Marco_Langbroek
Based on a combination of optical and radio data by @cgbassa and @coastal8049, it appears that the #NROL82 payload has been put in virtually the same orbital plane as USA 224.
Orbital altitude is (for now) different but it might make some manoeuvres to match USA 224 better.
(https://img.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/182869.jpg)