Friday, July 15, 2011

GPS launch a success after weather improves

After a scrubbed launch attempt Friday morning, a United Launch Alliance Delta IV launched successfully at 2:41 a.m. EDT Saturday from Space Launch Complex-37. The rocket carried an Air Force Global Positioning System IIF-2 satellite.

The second stage fired correctly and the faring separated properly. The satellite was expected to separate from the second stage shortly before 7 a.m.

GPS IIF-2 is the second in a series of next generation GPS satellites and will join a worldwide timing and navigation system of 24 satellites in orbit approximately 11,000 miles above the Earth.

Photo by Pat Corkery, ULA

4 comments:

KRISTA MARIE said...

WHAT IS THE CUMULUS AND ANVIL CLOUDS AT THIS POINT 2034 ? IT IS AN 1.5 H
DRIVE TO VIEW THE LAUNCH.

Three A.M. Launch guy said...

If you ask me, it looks like they will launch. The fuel has been loaded and they seem to be happy with the weather. The mosquitos are another matter.

Den said...

I see the MST moved back and some fires still burning toward the north. Fullmoon (almost) about 45 above horizon. Rocket lit up w/ searchlights. All from my 8th floor condo on the river.

Tyler said...

beautiful launch view from titusville.