Tonight(5-27) a 4th attempt will be made tonight to launch the United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket, with GPS 2F-1 for the United States Air Force, from SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Mondays launch attempt was aborted just seconds before ignition due to a possible problem in the solid rocket booster steering system. Liftoff is targeted for 11 p.m. EDT. with a launch window extending to 11:19 p.m. EDT. Spacecraft separation happens 3 hours and 33 minutes after launch. GPS 2F-1, is the first of 12 next generation global positioning satellites built by Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc. in El Segundo, California. The new 2F series has improved performance including: two times greater predicted signal accuracy than heritage satellites, new L5 signals for more robust civil and commercial aviation, has the capability of on-orbit, reprogrammable processor, receiving software uploads for improved system operation, military signal “M-code” and variable power for better resistance to jamming hostile environments, meeting the needs of emerging doctrines of navigation warfare. The new GPS 2F-1 spacecraft will take over for GPS 2A-27 in Plane B, Slot 2 location of the network, considered one of the primary positions in the constellation that is divided into six orbital groupings with multiple satellites flying in each. GPS 2A-27 satellite, which was launched in September 1996 and has exceeded its expected lifetime, will be relocated as part of the Air Force's efforts to spread out the available satellites and increase coverage. The Plane B, Slot 2 was supposed to be occupied by the GPS 2R-20 satellite after it launched in March 2009. But an interference problem with a test payload aboard the craft prevented it from entering service as scheduled. **May 13th marked the 50th anniversary of the Delta program, the first Thor-Delta launched on May 13th, 1960. Satellite Broadcast Coordinates: Galaxy 19 @ 97.0°W Transponder 16C (4020 H) Analog. Testing starts approx at 10:05 p.m. EDT. Broadcast starts approx. 10:35 p.m. EDT. Don't have satellite TVRO system? a webcast of the launch is available at: Webcast Available: http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Webcast.shtml Additional coverage at: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d349/status.html http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/launches/next_launch.html -- Dishnut-P ==================================================================== Program Director and Operator of RadioFree Dishnuts - Producer of The Dishnut News heard Saturdays at 10pm ET. on: RFD, on satellite via Galaxy-19 @97° W - Transponder 23 (12115 Vert) SR: 22425 APID: 1794 and many affiliates, micro LPFM stations. http://dishnuts.net RFD Listen Links: http://dishnuts.net/ **In Loving Memory of Mom (Dishnut Gerry)** _______________________________________________ Medianews mailing list Medianews@etskywarn.net http://lists.etskywarn.net/mailman/listinfo/medianews
