Rocket Launch 10am Today

[Paule]

The Delta II rocket carrying the NOAA-N Prime satellite is set to lift off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 5:22 a.m. EST.

Built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., NOAA-N Prime is the latest polar-orbiting satellite developed by NASA for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA uses two satellites, a morning and afternoon satellite, to ensure every part of Earth is observed at least twice every 12 hours. The new satellite will collect information about Earth's atmosphere and environment to improve weather prediction and climate research across the globe.

View videos from the NOAA-N Prime launch coverage on the multimedia page.



Hold Begins

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:37:22 AM GMT

We are at T-15 minutes and holding. This is the first of two planned holds prior to liftoff. The countdown will resume in 20 minutes.

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

Well the launch is still scheduled for 10.22 GMT at present.

15 mins left of the countdown which will resume at 9.57 GMT

They will be another pause in the countdown prior to lift off

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

Launch Window Update

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:51:09 AM GMT

During today's 10-minute launch window, there are nine "cut outs" -- or short periods when the vehicle cannot launch because it must avoid collision with other spacecraft

It's a fact...

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:52:30 AM GMT

At liftoff, the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft will weigh 3,130 pounds.

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

Countdown Resumes

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:57:12 AM GMT

The clock is running as the countdown picks up again at the T-15 minute mark. There is one planned hold remaining, which will come at T-4 minutes. The launch team will receive the final weather briefing shortly, giving them an update on the approaching front that could bring clouds at launch time

[Amethyst]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

is the live feed (realplayer)

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

• Final Hold
  
  Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:08:11 AM GMT
  
  The countdown clock is at T-4 and holding. This is the final pause in the countdown. During this hold, the launch team will conduct the final readiness polls and verify that the rocket and spacecraft are prepared for liftoff.
  
  
  
• Weather "Go" for Launch
  
  Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:07:15 AM GMT
  
  The weather officer reports to the launch team that the launch-time weather is "go" for launch.
  

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

Launch Teams Says "Go"

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:15:38 AM GMT

The launch team just gave a "go" for launch. The countdown is due to pick up in about two minutes.

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

• Set for Liftoff
  
  Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:20:09 AM GMT
  
  We're now at the T-2 minute mark and counting, as the liquid oxygen tank is raised to flight pressure. During the last minute before liftoff, the launch enable switch will be set to "on," the liquid oxygen fill and drain valve closed, and the vehicle ignition system will be armed. The main engine will start at the T-2.5 second mark.
  
  
  
• Final Four
  
  Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:18:11 AM GMT
  
  We are at T-4 minutes and counting as the Delta II rocket stands silhouetted against a dark sky, ready to propel the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft toward orbit.
  
  The spacecraft is now on internal power
  

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

• Liftoff for Delta II and NOAA-N Prime!
  
  Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:22:11 AM GMT
  
  ...three ...main engine start ...two ...one ...and liftoff!
  
  With the main engine and three solid rocket boosters burning, the Delta II is thundering through the sky. Just 36 seconds after liftoff, the vehicle is traveling at Mach 1, and will reach maximum dynamic pressure by 50 second
• Booster Separation
  
  Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:23:56 AM GMT
  
  The three solid rocket boosters have burned out and jettisoned. We are waiting for main engine cutoff.

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

Next Launch:

Date:Feb. 19
Mission: STS-119
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: TBD
Description: Space shuttle Discovery launching on assembly flight 15A, will deliver the fourth starboard truss segment to the International Space Station.

[Paule]

Re: Rocket Launch 10am Today

Main Engine Cutoff; Second Stage Burn

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 10:27:01 AM GMT

Main engine cutoff is confirmed.

The second stage has separated from the first and fired its engine over the Pacific Ocean. This burn will last for six minutes and 39 seconds, during which time the two halves of the payload fairing will be jettisoned, exposing the spacecraft.