USSF-8: GSSAP 5, GSSAP 6 - Atlas V 511 (AV-085) - CCAFS SLC-41 - 21.01.2022 19:00 UTC

[tnt22]

Tory Bruno @torybruno 15 ч. назад

#ULARocketShip delivering the #AtlasV booster and Centaur for the #USSF8 mission for the @SpaceForceDOD. Launch is planned for Spring 2021

[Старый]

Вывод непосредственно на ГСО?

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Welcome to Cape Canaveral and the start of another #AtlasV launch campaign! Follow along today as we begin stacking the rocket to launch two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites for @SpaceForceDOD and @USSF_SSC on Jan. 21. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

   

[Чебурашка]

Сикока Атласов осталось?

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
The #AtlasV 511 with a single solid rocket booster will be used to launch the #USSF8 mission directly to geosynchronous orbit. This is the first 511, which also features a five-meter payload fairing and an RL10C-1 engine on the Centaur upper stage. https://ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/atlas-v-ussf-8...

 

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Upcoming in #AtlasV stacking, a GEM 63 solid rocket booster and the Centaur will be hoisted into place. #USSF8 payload attachment occurs early in the new year. Liftoff on Jan. 21 will be the 75th #AtlasV launch from Cape Canaveral and ULA's 148th mission. https://ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/atlas-v-ussf-8...
   
  

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Another launch year is underway at ULA with attachment of the #USSF8 national security payload atop an #AtlasV 511 rocket. The encapsulated @SpaceForce_DOD satellites arrived at the Vertical Integration Facility on Monday.
See more details in our blog: https://blog.ulalaunch.com/blog/ussf-8-ula-prepares-to-launch-third-gssap-mission...

   

[zandr]

https://blog.ulalaunch.com/blog/ussf-8-ula-prepares-to-launch-third-gssap-mission

USSF-8: ULA prepares to launch third GSSAP mission
January 11, 2022
The USSF-8 payload arrives at the VIF to join its Atlas V rocket. Photo by United Launch Alliance
Another launch year is underway at United Launch Alliance (ULA) with attachment of a U.S. Space Force payload atop an Atlas V 511 rocket for the USSF-8 mission later this month.
The two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) spacecraft, encapsulated in the rocket's 17.7-foot (5.4-meter) payload fairing, arrived at ULA's Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) and was hoisted aboard the Atlas V on Monday, Jan. 10.
Technicians connected the payload and launch vehicle to begin combined operations. Final testing and electrical checkouts will be performed before the 196-foot-tall (59.7-meter) rocket is transported to Space Launch Complex-41 for its countdown and liftoff.
Launch of the U.S. national security mission for the Space Force's Space Systems Command is targeted for Jan. 21. It will be the 75th Atlas V to launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla.
This is the GSSAP program's third launch, having successfully used ULA Delta IV Medium+ (4,2) rockets in July 2014 and August 2016 to deploy the first two pairs of space surveillance satellites into space.
The GSSAP spacecraft, built by Northrop Grumman, greatly improve our ability to rapidly detect, warn, characterize, and attribute disturbances to space systems in the geosynchronous environment, and enable spaceflight safety to assist in avoiding satellite collisions.
From their vantage point, the GSSAP satellites have clear and unobstructed viewing of objects in space without the interruption from weather or the atmospheric distortion that can limit ground-based observations. This allows for more accurate tracking and characterization of human-made orbiting objects.
GSSAP supports U.S. Strategic Command space surveillance operations as a dedicated Space Surveillance Network sensor. The GSSAP spacecraft also have the capability to perform Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). RPO allows for the space vehicle to maneuver near a resident space object of interest, enabling characterization for anomaly resolution and enhanced surveillance, while maintaining flight safety.
Launch of the USSF-8 mission marks the 148th flight for ULA and our 93rd in service to national security. This mission also furthers the long-standing relationship between ULA and the Space Systems Command (SSC), headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif. SSC is responsible for launch operations, on-orbit checkout, developmental testing, sustainment and maintenance of military satellite constellations and other Department of Defense space systems.

[Pirat5]

погода:
Atlas V USSF-8 L-4 Forecast - 21 Jan Launch
основной день - 60%, резервный - 70%
Вы не можете просматривать это вложение.

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Who needs a new desktop or phone wallpaper? We got 'em for #AtlasV #USSF8!
Various sizes available for download here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmRDMa3U

[zandr]

https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/398

GSSAP 5 & 6 (USSF-8)
Launch Time
Fri Jan 21, 2022 18:15 UTC

[zandr]

ULA  @ulalaunch
Launch of the #AtlasV 511 rocket on the #USSF8 mission to deploy two Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) spacecraft for the nation is scheduled for Friday at 2:00pmEST (1900 UTC). Weather is 60% GO. Live status blog and webcast: http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

[Игорь Годунов]

Jan 19 22:17

Weather 60% GO for Friday's Launch
The forecast from Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich of the Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron indicates a 60 percent chance of acceptable conditions for Friday's 2:00 p.m. EST (1900 UTC) launch of Atlas V on the USSF-8 mission.
A stretch of cool, dry, and pleasant weather is expected through Thursday as high pressure shifts from the Gulf of Mexico into the western Atlantic. The next cold front is slated to approach the area Friday, although most weather models say the system will remain north of the Cape for the launch opportunity.
The operations forecast includes scattered low clouds and a broken deck of mid- to high-level clouds, good visibility, southeasterly winds 5-9 knots and a temperature near 73 degrees F.
The primary areas of concern will be violations to the Cumulus Cloud and Thick Cloud Layer Rules.

https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/next-launch/atlas-v-ussf-8

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Welcome to Rollout Day for ULA's #AtlasV rocket and  @SpaceForceDoD's #USSF8 mission to Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral. Liftoff is planned for Friday at 2:00pmEST (1900 UTC), bound for geosynchronous orbit. Live updates: http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch

The #AtlasV rocket and #USSF8 mission emerge from the Vertical Integration Facility as they make their way to the pad for Friday's afternoon launch: http://bit.ly/av_ussf8
    

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
This #AtlasV 511 rocket, designated AV-084, stands 196 feet (59.7 meters) tall and will weigh 858,115 pounds (389,234 kg) once fully fueled for liftoff. It features a single side-mounted solid rocket booster for additional liftoff thrust. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8
    

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
The weather forecast for Friday's #AtlasV launch has improved to a 70 percent chance of acceptable conditions. Cloud cover will be monitored by @SpaceForceDOD meteorologists as we approach the 2pmEST (1900 UTC) opening of the launch window tomorrow. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

Прогноз улучшили до 70%

[zandr]

  Spaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
United Launch Alliance's Atlas 5 rocket has arrived on pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in preparation for liftoff on the US Space Force's USSF 8 mission tomorrow at 2pm EST (1900 GMT). https://youtube.com/watch?v=H-NU0cxPZDc...

[Pirat5]

Прогноз улучшили до 70%

Atlas V USSF-8 L-1 Forecast - 21 Jan Launch
основной день - 70%, резервный - 60% (поменялись местами)

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
#USSF8's launch will be the 75th #AtlasV flight from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Learn more about the complex: http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
We are entering the final five hours until liftoff of the #USSF8 mission aboard an #AtlasV 511 rocket. All continues to progress smoothly in our countdown and the team is not working any issues that would preclude liftoff at 2:00pmEST (1900 UTC). http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
The #AtlasV flight control operational test has been accomplished to validate the valve functions and engine steering system performance on the first stage and Centaur upper stage.

[zandr]

ULA  @ulalaunch
_{Trivia Question #3.} The #USSF8 launch will be the #AtlasV rocket's third direct-to-GEO mission. _{Can you name the previous two?}

Прямое выведение на ГСО

[zandr]

Spaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
The Atlas 5 countdown began at Cape Canaveral at 6:40am EST (1140 GMT), targeting launch of an Atlas 5 rocket at 2pm EST (1900 GMT).
It'll take almost seven hours to deploy two US Space Force satellites in geosynchronous orbit.

[zandr]

  Spaceflight Now  @SpaceflightNow
ULA's first mission of 2022 will debut a version of the Atlas 5 rocket with a 5-meter-diameter payload fairing & one solid rocket booster, a variant officially designated the "511" configuration but popularly known as the "Big Slider."
Read more: https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/01/20/ulas-first-launch-of-the-year-to-debut-unflown-variant-of-workhorse-atlas-5-rocket/...

РД-180

[Игорь Годунов]

Jan. 21 Live Broadcast: Atlas V USSF-8

Watch live as an Atlas 5 rocket launches for the U.S. Space Force

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
The countdown has resumed and we are GO to fuel the #AtlasV rocket with 66,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. ULA Launch Director Eric Richards has authorized cryogenic tanking operations. Liftoff remains targeted for 2:00pmEST (1900 UTC). http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Fueling operations have been initiated at the Space Launch Complex-41 pad. The first step in tanking procedures is loading 4,150 gallons of liquid oxygen into the Centaur upper stage for today's launch of the #USSF8 mission. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

[zandr]

ULA  @ulalaunch
The last step of fueling has started. This will place about 12,300 gallons of liquid hydrogen fuel into the energetic Centaur upper stage to deliver the #USSF8 mission into geosynchronous orbit. Still targeting 2:00pmEST (1900 UTC) for liftoff.

Заправка жидким водородом верней ступени.

[zandr]

ULA  @ulalaunch
Launch Weather Officer Will Ulrich confirms all conditions remain acceptable for liftoff of #AtlasV #USSF8 less than 30 minutes from now. Live reports from the Cape: http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

Погода даёт добро!

[zandr]

(п.с. скриншот виден?)

Нет.

P.S. Смотреть скриншот на стороннем ресурсе? Ссылка на который, вполне вероятно, со бременем протухнет?!
Хотите поделится - грузите на форум.

[zandr]

стоят на Т= -4:00

Вышли на четырёхминутную готовность и ждут начало окна.

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Our mission today is delivery of the GSSAP-5 and -6 spacecraft into geosynchronous orbit for the U.S. Space Force. The data from GSSAP greatly improves our ability to rapidly detect, warn, characterize and attribute disturbances to space systems in the geosynchronous environment.

[zandr]

Т-10 мин.
Вы не можете просматривать это вложение.

[zandr]

Отсчёт возобновлён
Вы не можете просматривать это вложение.

[zandr]

Пуск!
Вы не можете просматривать это вложение.

[zandr]

.
Вы не можете просматривать это вложение.

[zandr]

ULA  @ulalaunch
The first main engine cutoff, or MECO-1, is confirmed for the #AtlasV rocket's Centaur upper stage. It will coast in this preliminary Earth orbit for the next hour before the second burn begins. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8

Центавр первое включение отработал. Орбитальный полёт.

[zandr]

Jonathan McDowell @planet4589
Centaur now in 176 x 519 km x 28.0 deg parking orbit,  coasting to equator before the geotransfer insertion burn
.
Correction: 176 x 319 km, I didn't have the webcast on a sensible resolution and misread it...

[zandr]

Код Выделить Развернуть

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NByaaPxj8LQ

6:05
Atlas V launches GSSAP-5 and GSSAP-6
  SciNews
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 511 rocket launched the USSF-8 mission, two identical Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellites - GSSAP-5 and GSSAP-6 - for the U.S. Space Force, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on 21 January 2022, at 19:00 UTC (14:00 EST). This is the 102nd mission for an Atlas V launch vehicle and the first and only planned flight of the Atlas V 511 configuration, the two-stage rocket with a single solid rocket booster.
Credit: Illustrations, photos and video footage Courtesy of United Launch Alliance

[Sam Grey]

Для миссии использовался РД-180 118-Т. Осталось 24 двигателей. 

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Separation confirmed! The United Launch Alliance #AtlasV rocket has released the fifth Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP-5) satellite into space for the
@SpaceForceDoD. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8
#PartnersInSpace

.
With the successful release of the first payload, Centaur will coast for about 10 minutes before deploying the GSSAP-6 spacecraft.

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
Separation confirmed! GSSAP-6 has been deployed by the #AtlasV rocket, completing today's launch for the nation. The @SpaceForceDOD's GSSAP program enables spaceflight safety to assist in avoiding satellite collisions in space. http://bit.ly/av_ussf8
#PartnersInSpace

[zandr]

  ULA  @ulalaunch
MISSION SUCCESS! ULA's #AtlasV delivered two surveillance satellites into geosynchronous orbit for more accurate tracking and characterization of human-made orbiting objects. Success #148 for ULA! Thank you to our customers @SpaceForceDoD and @USSF_SSC
! https://ulalaunch.com/missions/missions-details/2022/01/22/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-critical-space-surveillance-mission-for-u.s.-space-force...

Миссия успешна!

[zandr]

Jonathan McDowell  @planet4589
Centaur AV-084 venting leftover propellant after deploying the GSSAP sats

  Flavorful Feral  @FeralFlavorful
Replying to @erockvr6 @winwaed and 3 others
Didn't get to naked eye brightness for me, but I was able to capture it on my DSLR!

Пассивация Центавра выполнена.

[АСПОС ОКП]

К вопросу о попутчиках.

Space-Track has catalogued the two satellites simply as 'USA 324' and 'USA 325'.

The previous satellite numbered in the USA series is the Navstar from the 2021-045 launch carrying the name 'USA 319'
Numbers 320-323 are missing.
There's a multiplicity of potential explanations but it is unusual for USA numbers to be held back, the convention is normally to use the next available number when a satellite's existence is declared.
Are there four undeclared satellites that are currently listed as debris? Are there four satellites, already numbered, yet to be released from another object currently in orbit? Or is it a cataloguing error?

It's noticeable that all of the satellite listing websites/groups I can find (including my own) have automatically generated 320 and 321 as the numbers:
https://www.zarya.info/2022#006

Robert Christy

[zandr]

К вопросу о попутчиках.

В этой теме был вопрос о попутчиках?

Этот пост точно в эту тему?

[zandr]

Да. сюда.
Мак-Ди тоже отписался. Более понятно (для меня).
https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1485292548843261954

Jonathan McDowell  @planet4589
Several of you have pointed out to me this morning that GSSAP 5 and 6 have been cataloged by Space Force with the cover names USA 324 and 324, raising the question of what the heck happened to USA 320-323, not yet in the catalog. I see three main possibilities:
.
1) (most likely) the numbers are reserved for the several ESPASat class payloads yet to be deployed from LDPE-1 (or deployed already but for some purely technical reason, like lack of sensor coverage, not yet cataloged)
.
2) some of the smaller Space Force payloads launched recently, like 2021-068A Monolith, have been retrospectively assigned USA numbers but this isn't reflected yet in the catalog;
.
3)  (least likely, I hope) the US has once again decided to flout UN1721B etc and has been deploying satellites covertly without cataloging them, and yet wasn't smart enough to skip the numbers like it initially did for USA 295-297 (which were belatedly acknowledged after 2 yr)
.
I really think (3) is unlikely, to be clear.
.
Oh, and  I forgot possibility
4) It's a numbering mistake, 18SPCS need more coffee, and they will soon renumber the GSSAPS as USA 320 and 321.

[zandr]

... нашлись:

Jonathan McDowell  @planet4589
OK, all of my guesses about USA 320 to 323 were wrong: they are payloads from Transporter 3. I feel silly for missing that possibility.
  No US military payloads were announced as being on the launch in the SpaceX press kit, though.

улетели раньше.

[Liss]

Китайцы жалуются, что за ними шпионят:

https://www.interfax.ru/world/900336

18:43, 5 мая 2023
В КНР насчитали не менее 14 опасных маневров спутников США у китайских спутников за 2 года
Москва. 5 мая. INTERFAX.RU - Спутники-шпионы США с февраля 2020 по декабрь 2021 годах не менее 14 раз опасно сближались с важнейшими спутниками КНР, находящимися на геостационарной орбите, пишет South China Morning Post со ссылкой на доклад Чанчуньского института оптики, точной механики и физики.

Авторы доклада указали, что частые подлеты спутников к ценнейшим китайским аппаратам в космосе создают угрозу их безопасности.

По данным китайской стороны, речь идет о новейших американских высокоманевренных спутниках из "Программы осведомленности ситуации на геосинхронной орбите" (GGSAP) - программы космических наблюдений за спутниками других стран. Слежение идет под управлением Стратегического командования ВС США с помощью нескольких спутников, действующих в составе единой сети. Эти спутники оснащают камерами видеонаблюдения с высоким разрешением и средствами радиоэлектронной разведки, способными считывать радиосигналы с других спутников, говорится в докладе.

Авторы доклада считают, что американские военные "показали возможности и желание помешать Китаю использовать космическое пространство".

В частности, 26 февраля 2020 года спутник GGSAP облетал китайский спутник Tianlian 2-01, который используют для связи между космическими аппаратами и наземными станциями; он работает в рамках программы космических пилотируемых полетов. 28 февраля аппарат GGSAP подлетал к спутнику BD-2 G8, который задействован в навигационной системе "Бэйдоу" - китайском аналоге GPS. Когда в 2021 году устройство GGSAP сблизилось с китайским спутником SJ-20, другой аппарат КНР занял выгодную позицию для слежения за этим американским спутником.

South China Morning Post уточняет, что обычно подобную информацию о взаимодействии спутников сохраняют в тайне, и неясно, почему в КНР ее решили раскрыть на этот раз...