After the 24-hour delay of an Atlas rocket launch, United Launch Alliance engineers are comfortable they understand why temperature and pressure data from the upper stage of the Atlas rocket on the launch pad were different from similar readings from a Delta rocket.
The data differences are related to structural differences between the two rockets and do not indicate a possible malfunction in the Atlas rocket scheduled to launch a $350 million military satellite into orbit Wednesday, said the Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president of the Atlas program at a press briefing today.
The Wednesday launch is set for a launch window from 8:22 to 9:33 p.m. EDT.
Only a 20 percent chance of a weather delay has been forecast by the Air Force.
Wednesday's WGS launch will loft the first of five advanced military communications satellites.
The first Wideband Global SATCOM will provide as much communication power as military's entire present system. U.S. tactical forces will rely on WGS to connect quickly with the Defense Information Systems Network,which provide computer information and video information from Predator drones.
The military relies heavily on commercial communication networks, and the WGS system could reduce costs while speeding up communication. The first satellite will go in place over the western Pacific, where many U.S. military assets are stationed.
When in place it will be ten times as powerful as the aging Defense Satellite Communication System which has operated for two decades.
Atlas Mission Booklet with details of the launch. Click here.
BOATERS, AVOID A $50,000 FINE:
The map hyperlinked below shows the Eastern Range's Launch Hazard Area for the scheduled launch of an Atlas V rocket on Wednesday between 8:22 and 9:33 p.m.
Mariners are asked to remain clear of the LHA from 6:15 p.m. to 10:20 p.m. Persons entering this zone while it’s an active launch area should be aware that penalties up to $50,000 are authorized to punish violators.
Map for mariners.
Read about the Wideband Global SATCOM satellite: Click here.
Illustration of WGS satellite
10 comments:
Got any openings over there for ex-space center union skills?
For all the blame I see placed against USA and NASA, you seem to neglect one very important fact; you voted to strike and then did. You did this to yourself. Several other unions ratified the same contract. It was not a terrible offer they made you. That fact and your absolute hatred toward people who chose to work, have now turned against you. And again, you're surprised? It's now the poor union that is being attacked?
The union knows full well the results of USA's meeting with the mediators, have they told you or posted it? You know in your heart what's coming and what they haven't told you, and you're right, it is coming. Here is a fact some of you will be forced to ponder too ; the actions and utter lack of respect the union showed to fellow KSC co-workers played heavily into the decisions to let you stay out. Of course, that is only an opinion now isn't it? So not only did you walk but your actions and destructive mean spirited comments helped assure your current position. Now only your pride keeps you from working. When the current hiring spree is through, if you wish to return to work, you will go on a recall list. Word is, when your areas temps hiring is completed, you will go on a recall list if you wish to return. That's the buzz and is only a rumor until it becomes otherwise.
Found a better fact sheet at
http://www.afspc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5582
I hope you all see what HR and FT are doing here. They are fermenting the hate between us and molding it so that we will fight each other when this is all over. They will be able to get the head count down simply through aggressive attrition. Don't fall into this trap. FT has never been a friend of the space program. They just wait like a NASCAR fan for the next wreck hoping its the big one. Nice job FT and USA. Hate mongers of the space coast.
NO ONE NEEDS TO DO ANYTHING YOU ARE DOING IT TOO YOURSELF.
YOU MADE A BAD DECISION NOW BLAME EVERYONE BUT YOURSELF.
THE IAM IS FOLLOWING MOB RULES AND YOU ARE AFRAID TO LEAVE THE PACK.
THE "WRECK" TAKES PLACE EVERY TIME THAT THE "IAM" HAS A MEETING ON TAYLOR STREET.
THEY ARE GOING TO START USING METAL DETECTORS AT THE DOOR.
NEXT WILL COME A STRIP SEARCH.
Do real men vote too strike walk off the job.
Then for the next 15 weeks cry day after day everyone hates them.
Boys if you can not take the heat do not walk off the job.
Hate. Hate. Hate. Great job HR. You are getting it out. Attrition should be easy. Do you get milestone bonuses for that too?
Hate. Hate. Hate. Great job HR. You are getting it out. Attrition should be easy. Do you get milestone bonuses for that too?
who the hell is crying 11:07 A.M. post? Certainly not me, it seems to me that far more of your spineless type have done the majority of whining,bitching and moaning in this Florida Today trash blog. So eat that PAL!!!!!
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