T+0:00 |
Liftoff |
The twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SRMU) boosters are ignited and the Titan 4B rocket launches from Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. |
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T+2:13 |
Stage 1 Ignition |
The Titan 4B rocket's core vehicle stage 1 engine -- the Aerojet LR87-AJ-11 -- is ignited. The liquid-propellant powerplant burns Aerozine-50 fuel and nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer. |
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T+2:28 |
SRMU Separation |
Having consumed all their solid-propellant, the two Alliant Techsystems-built solid rocket boosters are jettisoned to fall into the Pacific Ocean. |
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T+3:30 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
The payload fairing buit by Boeing that protected the NRO spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated once it is no longer needed. |
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T+5:26 |
Staging of Titan Core |
The first stage engine shuts down and the second stage Aerojet LR91-AJ-11 engine is ignited. The spent first stage is jettisoned from the rest of the space-bound Titan 4B rocket one second after the second stage is started. |
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T+9:18 |
Stage 2 Shutdown |
The liquid-fueled second stage engine completes its firing after reaching the desired altitude in space for deployment of the payload. |
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T+9:30 |
Spacecraft Separation |
The classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite cargo is released into space from the second stage to complete the Titan 4B rocket's launch. |