Delta 4 Heavy launch. Saturday, 11 June 2016, 151 PM EDT. Florida

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Delta 4 Heavy launch. Saturday, 11 June 2016, 151 PM EDT. Florida (Page 1 of 3)

Posted: 6/7/2016 7:10:34 PM EDT

Source

"A United Launch Alliance Delta 4-Heavy rocket will launch a classified spy satellite cargo for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office. The largest of the Delta 4 family, the Heavy version features three Common Booster Cores mounted together to form a triple-body rocket."

Possible webcast

Another webcast link

Webcast starts at 1:31 PM EDT

Posted: 6/7/2016 7:13:16 PM EDT

[#1]

Is that the one running F1 engines, or am I mistaking that for something else?

Posted: 6/7/2016 7:18:57 PM EDT

[#2]

If you announce you are launching a SECRET SQUIRREL cargo...is it REALLY "secret"?

Posted: 6/7/2016 9:13:32 PM EDT

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
Is that the one running F1 engines, or am I mistaking that for something else?

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The Delta 4 Heavy uses RS68A H2/Lox engines, each with about half the thrust of the F-1. There is nothing flying, or scheduled to fly, that would use the F-1 engines,,although,NASA has been tinkering with some of the left-over Saturn hardware. The J-2 rebirth is an active program (I think). The J-2 was used on the Saturn second and third stages..

Posted: 6/7/2016 9:16:36 PM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you announce you are launching a SECRET SQUIRREL cargo...is it REALLY "secret"?

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The cargo is actually a weather satellite, and the spy satellite will be the next "weather satellite" launch.

Posted: 6/7/2016 9:20:15 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

The Delta 4 Heavy uses RS68A H2/Lox engines, each with about half the thrust of the F-1. There is nothing flying, or scheduled to fly, that would use the F-1 engines,,although,NASA has been tinkering with some of the left-over Apollo hardware. The J-2 rebirth is an active program (I think). The J-2 was used on the Apollo second and third stages.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Is that the one running F1 engines, or am I mistaking that for something else?

The Delta 4 Heavy uses RS68A H2/Lox engines, each with about half the thrust of the F-1. There is nothing flying, or scheduled to fly, that would use the F-1 engines,,although,NASA has been tinkering with some of the left-over Apollo hardware. The J-2 rebirth is an active program (I think). The J-2 was used on the Apollo second and third stages.

Ok, thanks.
I seem to recall seeing a video (theoretical, of course) about a Mars launch vehicle... maybe that's what I was thinking.
I do recall the F1 engines being mentioned specifically

Posted: 6/7/2016 9:27:26 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

Is that the one running F1 engines, or am I mistaking that for something else?

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Nothing uses F1 engines anymore. They've been 'obsolete' for many decades.

Posted: 6/7/2016 9:29:15 PM EDT

[#7]

I read that there is only a 40% chance that this actually flies on Thursday, and if it is delayed there is an 80% chance that it flies on Saturday.

Posted: 6/8/2016 7:38:11 PM EDT

[#8]

Here's a live thread for tomorrow:

https://spaceflightnow.com/2016/06/08/d374_journal/

Posted: 6/8/2016 8:22:17 PM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Is that the one running F1 engines, or am I mistaking that for something else?

View Quote

http://arstechnica.com/science/2013/04/new-f-1b-rocket-engine-upgrades-apollo-era-deisgn-with-1-8m-lbs-of-thrust/2/

Posted: 6/9/2016 9:39:16 AM EDT

[#10]

This is not a great picture but it is a start:

Posted: 6/9/2016 9:44:53 AM EDT

[#11]

Going to be too cloudy on Florida's west coast (were I am) to see it.

Posted: 6/9/2016 11:23:03 AM EDT

[#12]

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Quoted:

Going to be too cloudy on Florida's west coast (were I am) to see it.

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It's probably not going to go today anyways.

Edit: 30% chance.

http://spaceflightnow.com/2016/06/08/d374_journal/

Posted: 6/9/2016 1:44:15 PM EDT

[#13]

The weather improvement trend is continuing, with the best shot for
launch today likely coming between 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. EDT (1815-1915
GMT), the weather officer indicates. The odds of acceptable weather in
the rest of the launch window have been reduced to just 10 percent.

Posted: 6/9/2016 1:53:31 PM EDT

[#14]

New launch time is 2:55PM EST.

Posted: 6/9/2016 1:53:32 PM EDT

[#15]

We've got an active thunderstorm now in the Central Highlands. Won't be able to see the launch.

Posted: 6/9/2016 1:57:56 PM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:

We've got an active thunderstorm now in the Central Highlands. Won't be able to see the launch.

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http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:35:49 PM EDT

[#17]

For those who can youtube at work..

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:36:07 PM EDT

[#18]

New launch time is 3:05 EST.

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:38:41 PM EDT

[#19]

I can't wait till SpaceX gets to land all three of those boosters back on earth.

That will kick ass.

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:46:03 PM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I can't wait till SpaceX gets to land all three of those boosters back on earth.

That will kick ass.

View Quote

You will be waiting quite some time.

Delta 4 Heavy is just that, HEAVY.
It needs to be to get a massive payload in to orbit, pretty much every drop of fuel is used and there is no room for the extra weight of things such as landing gear and the systems required for the task.

Just watch how long the Delta 4H takes to clear the tower, every ounce of energy it generates is dedicated to the payload, not hauling extra weight.

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:52:06 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
You will be waiting quite some time.

Delta 4 Heavy is just that, HEAVY.

It needs to be to get a massive payload in to orbit, pretty much every drop of fuel is used and there is no room for the extra weight of things such as landing gear and the systems required for the task.

Just watch how long the Delta 4H takes to clear the tower, every ounce of energy it generates is dedicated to the payload, not hauling extra weight.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

I can't wait till SpaceX gets to land all three of those boosters back on earth.

That will kick ass.

You will be waiting quite some time.

Delta 4 Heavy is just that, HEAVY.

It needs to be to get a massive payload in to orbit, pretty much every drop of fuel is used and there is no room for the extra weight of things such as landing gear and the systems required for the task.

Just watch how long the Delta 4H takes to clear the tower, every ounce of energy it generates is dedicated to the payload, not hauling extra weight.

They're re-vamping 39A for the Falcon Heavy. Launch is slated for later this year for the FH demo. I think they'll hit their target for FH this year as well, as a lot of payloads are dependent on it.

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:52:36 PM EDT

[#22]

launch on hold

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:53:48 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:
This is not a great picture but it is a start:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CkgeliXUoAEoKfM.jpg

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Lol, every time I build a rocket in kerbal like that it tumbles.

Posted: 6/9/2016 2:58:51 PM EDT

[#24]

Looks like they are going to delay it again. Real overcast around here.

Posted: 6/9/2016 3:08:20 PM EDT

[#25]

I don't expect that this will fly today.

Saturday is the next option.

Posted: 6/9/2016 3:08:25 PM EDT

[#26]

Wonder what the costs are for delaying s launch. Not so much money and payroll, but what has to happen with regard to fuel systems. How long can the fuel sit in the tanks before something needs to be done?

Posted: 6/9/2016 3:10:07 PM EDT

[#27]

No way it launches today - window is until around 6pm and it's pouring out here.

Come back Saturday.

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:23:50 PM EDT

[#28]

new launch time 17:58 ET

http://www.ulalaunch.com/webcast.aspx

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:46:08 PM EDT

[#29]

They're talking minus 13 minutes.

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:49:40 PM EDT

[#30]

Saying it's still a go with the count. weather is still a factor...

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:53:05 PM EDT

[#31]

Go for launch pending weather.

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:54:54 PM EDT

[#32]

It's a go for the terminal count. T-4 minutes.

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:57:03 PM EDT

[#33]

Don't know why they're pushing for it today... weather is horrible.

ETA no doubt winds are too much. Stupid to try and launch

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:58:09 PM EDT

[#34]

not so fast

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:58:11 PM EDT

[#35]

And we have a hold...

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:58:50 PM EDT

[#36]

aborted for weather

Posted: 6/9/2016 5:59:19 PM EDT

[#37]

ABORT ABORT

Posted: 6/9/2016 6:01:10 PM EDT

[#38]

Darn it!

Posted: 6/9/2016 6:23:36 PM EDT

[#39]

Could Space X haul said weather satellite or is just too heavy for their rocket?

Posted: 6/9/2016 6:43:55 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:

Could Space X haul said weather satellite or is just too heavy for their rocket?

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Way too heavy. I think that satellite is 8 tonnes or something like that.

SpaceX will be able to do that very soon, but they need to test their heavy configuration first later this year.

Posted: 6/9/2016 6:45:34 PM EDT

[#41]

Launch has been postponed to Saturday at 1:51 EST.

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:04:14 PM EDT

[#42]

Less than 2 hours left. Weather is currently a go.

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:06:19 PM EDT

[#43]

It's a spy satellite. Why do they announce stuff like this? Shouldn't the launch be secret?

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:08:17 PM EDT

[#44]

I'm in miama at the air port. Will I be able to witness it?

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:13:27 PM EDT

[#45]

Anyone got a current launch time and feed?
Thanks

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:15:55 PM EDT

[#46]

Anyone have a good video link?
Thank You!

Posted: 6/11/2016 12:17:20 PM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:

It's a spy satellite. Why do they announce stuff like this? Shouldn't the launch be secret?

View Quote

It's tough to hide the launch of a rocket, not to mention a heavyweight rocket like a Delta IV Heavy. Further, even if it were to take place in the darkest, least-inhabited portion of the interior of the country, the launch would be easily detected by the Russian (and Chinese) equivalent of our DSP satellites. Also, I don't know if it is codified by a written treaty, or agreement, but to prevent any confusion or fear of sneak attack by ballistic missile, each nation tries to notify the other of such launches (but not their payloads).

Now, once a payload gets into orbit, that's when the fun stuff can take place of disguising payloads as spent stages, making them stealthy, changing orbits and altitudes, etc.

This all said, amateur sky watchers have captured images of US and Russian spy sats plenty of times, and what a sat is doing can sometimes be figured out by its configuration, orbit, etc.

The bottom line is, the actual launch is the least of concerns when it comes to military and other classified space systems.