Delta-IV Heavy to Launch Last DSP Satellite
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. — The U.S. Air Force is set to launch the first operational mission of a Delta IV-Heavy Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle from Space Launch Complex 37 here on Nov. 10. The Delta IV-Heavy will carry the 23rd and final Defense Support Program satellite into orbit. The launch window for this mission extends from 8:39 p.m. to 10:42 p.m.
DSP satellites provide early warning for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launches. DSP satellites use infrared sensors to detect heat from missile and booster plumes against the Earth’s background. In recent years, scientists have developed methods to use DSP’s infrared sensors as part of an early warning system for natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and forest fires. The first DSP was launched from here Nov. 6, 1970 on a Titan III-C rocket. The last DSP satellite will be the first operational spacecraft to launch atop United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV-Heavy. This will be the second launch of a Delta IV-Heavy. The first launch was a demonstration mission that occurred Dec. 21, 2004.
Notes:
1. Remote camera set-up: Media representatives interested in setting up remote cameras must report to the parking lot of the old Florida Space Authority complex on Nov. 10, at 7:30 a.m. for badging and escort.
2. Pre-launch news conference: There will be a pre-launch news conference on Nov. 9, at 2:00 p.m. at the old Florida Space Authority auditorium (located adjacent to the South Gate of Cape Canaveral AFS).
45th Space Wing representatives scheduled are:
Col. Scott Henderson, 45th Launch Group Commander or Lt. Col. Steve Steiner, Commander, 5th Space Launch Squadron Mr. Joel Tumbiolo, Launch Weather Officer, 45th Weather Squadron Space and Missile System Center representatives scheduled are:
Col. Samuel Greaves, Mission Director or Col. James Planeaux, Launch and Range Systems Wing, Delta IV Group Commander
Col. Roger Teague, Space Based Infrared System Group Commander
Lt. Col. Joe Coniglio, Air Force DSP Program Director
United Launch Alliance representative scheduled is: Mr. Dan Marin, Director, EELV Delta IV Air Force Programs
Northrop Grumman Space Program Representative scheduled is: Ms. Peggy Paul, Northrop Grumman Space Technology DSP Program Manager
3. Live satellite feed information:
8 – 8:14 p.m. – test signals
8:14 p.m. to not later than 11 p.m. — launch broadcast program
Service Details: CARRIER: INTELSAT
SATELLITE: G26C
TRANSPONDER: 05 C-BAND ANALOG
ORBITAL POSITION: 93 DEGREES (W)
BANDWIDTH 36 MHz
DOWNLINK FREQ 3800 MHz (V)
4. Launch day coverage: Media representatives interested in covering the launch from the Kennedy Space Center News Center must report to the parking lot at the old Florida Space Authority complex on Nov. 10, by 7 p.m. for badging and escort. Media with a permanent KSC badge will not require an escort and should drive directly to the KSC News Center, which is the press site for this launch.
5. Webcast: The launch can be viewed via Webcast at: http://www.ulalaunch.com
6. HDNET broadcast: (TBD)
