Showing posts with label NAVSTAR GPS IIR-21. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NAVSTAR GPS IIR-21. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2009
Final Air Force Delta II Launches from the Cape
A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket departed Cape Canaveral this morning in a sunrise launch to boost a new Global Positioning System satellite.Launch of the Delta II-7925 from launch complex 17-A occurred at 6:35 am EDT, as the sun's rays brought a hint of red and blue hues upon the Florida sky.
"What a marvelous launch. It was truly gorgeous as we followed it toward the horizon -- the colors of the sky and the rocket's plume created a heavenly view," SpaceLaunch News' publisher Mary Myers told this reporter when asked of her impression on what we had witnessed.
One minute into the flight as the rocket rose faster than the speed of sound, it trailed past a crescent Moon in the shape of a huge smile.
The GPS system is made up of 24 satellites traveling in an orbit of 10,998 x 104 nautical miles at 8800 mph. The satellites, as this new will be, is inclined 40 degrees to the earth's equator.
The new spacecraft successfully separated from it's third stage motor over the Wake Island area over the western Pacific at 7:43 am EDT.
This morning's launch was the 48th successful Delta 2 launch of the GPS satellite series, and the final one aboard the Delta II. Future, more larger and upgraded GPS satellites will ride larger rockets such as the Delta IV beginning in 2014.
This new NAVSTAR GPS 2R-21 satellite will begin on orbit operations in a few weeks, as it replaces an aging GPS 2A spacecraft which has been in operation since 1996.
The next Delta II launch is planned for September 15 from complex 17-B here at Cape Canaveral.
Delta II Liftsoff from America's Spacecoast
A United Launch Alliance Delta II lifted off at 6:35 am EDT, this morning on a mission to deploy a new Global Positioning System into orbit.
As the sun began to rise launch occurred making for a beautiful scene here on America's space coast.
As the sun began to rise launch occurred making for a beautiful scene here on America's space coast.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Delta II set for a Sunrise Launch on Monday
A United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket remains poised for its sunrise launch on Monday morning from here at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.Launch time is scheduled for 6:35 am EDT, and SpaceLaunchNews.com will provide LIVE launch coverage beginning at 6:15 am. (Read our mission story below)
Currently, Cape Weather is forecasting a 70% GO for favorable weather at launch time.
The ULA image shows the NAVSTAR GPS IIR-21 satellite in it's payload fairing.
Follow our LIVE Twitter feed (@spacelaunchnews) for mobile updates toyour Blackberry or PDA device.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Final Air Force Delta II to Launch on Monday
The final United States Air Force Delta II rocket is scheduled to liftoff from Cape Canaveral next week on a flight to deliver a new Global Positioning System satellite into earth orbit.
Launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta II-7925 from the Space Coast's complex 17-A is planned for this Monday morning at 6:35 am EDT. The short launch window closes at 6:49 am.
Following an on time liftoff, the new spacecraft would separate from it's third stage motor over the Wake Island area over the western Pacific at 7:43 am EDT.
This will be the final Air Force driven Delta II, however ULA will continue to process Delta II flights. Future GPS satellites will be a tad larger and will be carried into orbit on stronger launch vehicle such as the Delta IV.
When the satellite reaches orbit, Monday's Delta II mission will have successfully delivered it's 48th GPS payload.
Following a successful launch, the GPS 2R-21 satellite will orbit the earth at an altitude of 10,998 x 104 nautical miles once every 12 hours, and provide greater detailed navigational support of landmark areas to within three meters or less. Its orbital inclination will be 40 degrees to the equator.
Each new GPS satellite carries a ten year design life, and operates with 23 other GPS satellites to incorporate a truly successful navigational platform for users here on earth. From military to commercial use, GPS services continues to increase with the service on mobile phones and other portable devices. It is also a platform in which Google Maps has based it's free service upon.
SpaceLaunchNews.com will provide LIVE launch morning coverage beginning at 6:15 am EDT. Also, follow our mobile updates via Twitter @spacelaunchnews.
Launch of the United Launch Alliance Delta II-7925 from the Space Coast's complex 17-A is planned for this Monday morning at 6:35 am EDT. The short launch window closes at 6:49 am.
Following an on time liftoff, the new spacecraft would separate from it's third stage motor over the Wake Island area over the western Pacific at 7:43 am EDT.
This will be the final Air Force driven Delta II, however ULA will continue to process Delta II flights. Future GPS satellites will be a tad larger and will be carried into orbit on stronger launch vehicle such as the Delta IV.
When the satellite reaches orbit, Monday's Delta II mission will have successfully delivered it's 48th GPS payload.
Following a successful launch, the GPS 2R-21 satellite will orbit the earth at an altitude of 10,998 x 104 nautical miles once every 12 hours, and provide greater detailed navigational support of landmark areas to within three meters or less. Its orbital inclination will be 40 degrees to the equator.
Each new GPS satellite carries a ten year design life, and operates with 23 other GPS satellites to incorporate a truly successful navigational platform for users here on earth. From military to commercial use, GPS services continues to increase with the service on mobile phones and other portable devices. It is also a platform in which Google Maps has based it's free service upon.
SpaceLaunchNews.com will provide LIVE launch morning coverage beginning at 6:15 am EDT. Also, follow our mobile updates via Twitter @spacelaunchnews.
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