NROL-79: Intruder 12A & 12B - Atlas V 401 (AV-068) - Ванденберг SLC-3E - 01.03.2017, 17:50 UTC

[tnt22]

03/01 21:28
Liftoff of NROL-79 as seen from the Vandenberg press site. Credit: Gene Blevins/LA Daily News

[tnt22]

Трансляция ULA

[Чебурашка]

Ну что, долетело оно? Или это военная тайна.

Как же всё таки тяжко 401-ый Атлас от Земли отрывается. Вот 551 просто пулей выстреливает.

[tnt22]

NRO‏Подлинная учетная запись @NatReconOfc 3 мин. назад
 
#NROL79 launched today at 850 PST. Congratulations to the team! @ulalaunch, @AFSpace, @30thSpaceWing, @AFSMC, @AF
 

[тавот]

azeast пишет:
Аппарат, был помещен в специальную капсулу в верхней части носителя, которая отделится после того, как ракета достигнет заданной высоты.

Капсула времени ?  

[tnt22]

Gen. Dave Goldfein‏Подлинная учетная запись @GenDaveGoldfein 56 мин назад

Congrats to @ulalaunch & the #Airmen of @30thSpaceWing, @AF_SMC & all of @AFSpace on today's successful launch of #NROL79 on an #AtlasV

[tnt22]

Миссия успешно завершена

03/01 22:25
MISSION SUCCESS is declared in today's satellite launch performed by the Atlas 5 rocket from Vandenberg.
(ULA photo)

[tnt22]

03/01 22:26  ULA post-launch quotes
"I am so impressed by the incredible teamwork between the NRO, U.S. Air Force our industry partners and the ULA team that resulted in today's successful launch. The integrated mission team overcame many challenges, including delays associated with the Vandenberg Canyon Fire last year," said Laura Maginnis, vice president, Government Satellite Launch.

"Tragically, Ventura County firefighter Ryan Osler lost his life en route to assist in fighting the fire. We are honored to dedicate today's mission to Ralph and his family. Thank you to all of the men and women who worked to deliver this critical asset for our nation's security."

[tnt22]

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-79 Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office
http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-successfully-launches-nrol79.aspx

United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches NROL-79 Payload for the National Reconnaissance Office

Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., (March 1, 2017) – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-3 March 1 at 9:50 a.m. PST. Designated NROL-79, the mission is in support of national defense.

"I am so impressed by the incredible teamwork between the NRO, U.S. Air Force our industry partners and the ULA team that resulted in today's successful launch. The integrated mission team overcame many challenges this flow including delays associated with the Vandenberg Canyon Fire last year," said Laura Maginnis, vice president, Government Satellite Launch. "Tragically, Ventura County firefighter Ryan Osler lost his life en route to assist in fighting the fire. We are honored to dedicate today's mission to Ryan and his family. Thank you to all of the men and women who worked to deliver this critical asset for our nation's security."

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 401 configuration vehicle, which includes a 4-meter-diameter extended payload fairing. 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.

Спойлер

This is ULA's second launch in 2017 and the 117th successful launch since the company was formed in December 2006.

ULA's next launch is the Delta IV WGS-9 satellite for the U.S. Air Force. The launch is scheduled for March 8 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

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

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation's most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 115 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.

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

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[LRV_75]

небесный тихоход

[tnt22]

30th Space Wing (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.)

·

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil
 
ATLAS LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL
 
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg successfully launched a National Reconnaissance Office payload on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V from Space Launch Complex-3 here Wednesday, March 1, at 9:50 a.m. PST.
 
Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.
 
"This successful launch is the result of outstanding teamwork between members of the 30th Space Wing and our partners at the National Reconnaissance Office and United Launch Alliance," said Moss. "The combined team delivered an important capability for the nation today. It was an exceptional effort."
 
The 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base is responsible for safety and launch operations from the Western Range.

Спойлер

"A launch like this requires thousands of hours of activity and practice to execute successfully," said Lt. Col. Eric Zarybnisky, 4th Space Launch Squadron commander. "Engineers and technicians from my squadron work with members of the United Launch Alliance to ensure a successful launch like this one."
 
Today's Atlas launch was originally scheduled for the fall of 2016, but was delayed in part due to the wildfires that occurred on Vandenberg. Tragically, firefighter Ryan Osler lost his life in a vehicle accident while responding to the fires. To honor his sacrifice, United Launch Alliance dedicated this launch to Ryan and his family. ULA technicians painted the following inscription on the Atlas V booster:
 
Friend, Father, and Fallen Hero
 Ryan S. Osler, Ventura County Fire Department
 1978-2016
 
Team Vandenberg is proud to honor the sacrifice of Ryan and the Osler family with today's launch.

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[tnt22]

"Сам себя не похвалишь - весь день как оплёванный" ( (C) , народная мудрость)...
Молодцы, чо!.. Умеют себя грамотно подать

03/01 22:48  Aerojet Rocketdyne post-launch quotes
"National security is imperative to the safe and secure future of our country and its citizens," said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake. "It's truly gratifying to know that the propulsion systems our employees build here at Aerojet Rocketdyne are helping to keep this country – and the brave military men and women protecting it overseas – safe from harm. Congratulations to all on another successful launch."

Пока не вижу в раскланиваниях ни единого слова про РД-180... Наверное, многого хочу?.. Обыдна, да-аа...

[Salo]

 Spaceflight Now‏ @SpaceflightNow  1 ч.1 час назад
It was the 141st successful launch in a row for Atlas, the 70th for an Atlas 5. Next up #Cygnus #OA7 March 19 from Cape Canaveral
 

[tnt22]

Сообщение Vandenberg AFB
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1099212/atlas-launch-successful

ATLAS LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL
 30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published March 01, 2017

Спойлер

DOWNLOAD HI-RES  /   PHOTO DETAILS
 
 DOWNLOAD HI-RES  /   PHOTO DETAILS
 
 DOWNLOAD HI-RES  /   PHOTO DETAILS
 
A National Reconnaissance Office payload on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, launches from Space Launch Complex-3, March 1, 2017, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Robert J. Volio/Released)

[свернуть]

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

Team Vandenberg successfully launched a National Reconnaissance Office payload on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V from Space Launch Complex-3 here Wednesday, March 1, at 9:50 a.m. PST.

Спойлер

 Col. Chris Moss, 30th Space Wing commander, was the launch decision authority.
 
"This successful launch is the result of outstanding teamwork between members of the 30th Space Wing and our partners at the National
Reconnaissance Office and United Launch Alliance," said Moss. "The combined team delivered an important capability for the nation today. It was an exceptional effort."
 
The 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base is responsible for safety and launch operations from the Western Range.
 
"A launch like this requires thousands of hours of activity and practice to execute successfully," said Lt. Col. Eric Zarybnisky, 4th Space Launch Squadron commander. "Engineers and technicians from my squadron work with members of the United Launch Alliance to ensure a successful launch like this one."
 
Today's Atlas launch was originally scheduled for the fall of 2016, but was delayed in part due to the wildfires that occurred on Vandenberg. Tragically, firefighter Ryan Osler lost his life in a vehicle accident while responding to the fires. To honor his sacrifice, United Launch Alliance dedicated this launch to Ryan and his family. ULA technicians painted the following inscription on the Atlas V booster:
 
Friend, Father, and Fallen Hero
Ryan S. Osler, Ventura County Fire Department
1978-2016
 
Team Vandenberg is proud to honor the sacrifice of Ryan and the Osler family with today's launch.

[свернуть]

[tnt22]

http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/ula/atlas-v-sends-classified-nrol-79-payload-space/

Atlas V sends classified NROL-79 payload to space
Derek Richardson                                      March 1st, 2017

Спойлер

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifts off from Space Launch Complex-3. Designated NROL-79, the mission is in support of national defense. Photo & Caption Credit: ULA

[свернуть]

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket roared out of Vandenberg Air Force Base in California with a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office. The NROL-79 mission lifted off at 9:50 a.m. PST (12:50 p.m. EST / 17:50 GMT) March 1, 2017, from Space Launch Complex 3E.
 
Laura Maginnis, vice president, Government Satellite Launch, said: "I am so impressed by the incredible teamwork between the NRO, U.S. Air Force our industry partners and the ULA team that resulted in today's successful launch. The integrated mission team overcame many challenges this flow including delays associated with the Vandenberg Canyon Fire last year.

Спойлер

"Tragically, Ventura County firefighter Ryan Osler lost his life en route to assist in fighting the fire. We are honored to dedicate today's mission to Ryan and his family. Thank you to all of the men and women who worked to deliver this critical asset for our nation's security."


Atlas V / NROL-79 launch . Photo Credit: ULA

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The launch
 
The weather for the launch was almost perfect. In fact, some six hours before launch, the probability of weather violation at the time of liftoff decreased to zero percent.

Using an Atlas V in the 401 configuration – 4-meter fairing, zero solid rocket motors and a single engine Centaur upper stage – the vehicle lifted off from the launch pad and began to turn toward the south.

The first stage, an Atlas common booster core, was powered by a single Russian-made RD-180 engine. Consuming rocket grade kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen, it produced about 860,000 pounds (3,827 kilonewtons) of thrust. That increased to 933,000 pounds (4,152 kilonewtons) as the vehicle climbed out of Earth's atmosphere and into the vacuum of space.

About 1 minute, 21 seconds into flight, as the vehicle surpassed the speed of sound, the Atlas V began to push through the region of maximum stress on the rocket known as Max Q.

About two-and-a-half minutes later, some four minutes into the flight, the Atlas common booster core was depleted of fuel and the RD-180 cut out as planned.

At 4 minutes, 9 seconds, the Atlas common booster core separated with the Centaur upper stage. Ten seconds later, its RL10C-1 engine ignited.

Consuming liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, the RL10C-1 engine provided about 22,890 pounds (101.8 kilonewtons) of thrust.
It being a classified mission, at 4 minutes, 27 seconds, once the payload fairing was jettisoned to reveal the payload to space, ULA's coverage of the mission concluded at the request of the NRO.
 
The payload

Not much is known about the classified payload or what orbit it was being placed in. There has been information suggesting the rocket was carrying a pair of Naval Ocean Surveillance Satellite (NOSS) spacecraft. This would be similar to those that were deployed on NROL-36 and NROL-55, the latter occurring in October 2015.

These spacecraft are also known by their code name of INTRUDER. Together, the pair weighs about 14,330 pounds (6,500 kilograms) and provide intelligence to the NRO and U.S. Navy.

This was the 70th flight of an Atlas V rocket and the 35 in the base 401 configuration since the first launch in 2002. It was the second West Coast launch of the year and ULA's second flight of 2017.

Спойлер

ULA's next launch is expected to occur on March 8, 2017, when it launches the Wideband Global SATCOM, or WGS 9, spacecraft from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 37.

The satellite being launched is a communications spacecraft that will serve the U.S. military. The rocket that will be employed for this flight will be a Delta 4 Medium+ (5,4) with a five-meter fairing and four solid rocket motors.

Video Courtesy of SpaceFlight Insider

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[vadimr]

Чебурашка пишет:
Как же всё таки тяжко 401-ый Атлас от Земли отрывается. Вот 551 просто пулей выстреливает.

Для космической ракеты, чем медленнее - тем лучше. 

С МБР забавно сравнить. 

[tnt22]

Короткое (0:56) видео от 30th Space Wing, Vandenberg AFB

[Алексей]

Чебурашка пишет:
Как же всё таки тяжко 401-ый Атлас от Земли отрывается. Вот 551 просто пулей выстреливает.

Посчитал для интереса TWR: 401 - 1.15, 551 - 2.17. Разница существенная в ускорении - в 7.5 раз.

[tnt22]

Для архива...

Tory Bruno‏Подлинная учетная запись @torybruno 1 мин. назад
 
It was a good day #NROL79
 

[Безумный Шляпник]

Первый: USA-274, 2017-011A, SCN 42058