B-28 launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW Posted: August 15, 2000
T+00:00 |
Launch |
The twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SRMU) boosters are ignited and the Titan 4B rocket liftsoff .36-of-a-second later from Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. |
T+02:13.1 |
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+02:27.9 |
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+03:20.7 |
Jettison Payload Fairing |
The 66-foot long payload fairing built by Boeing that protected the classified satellite cargo during launch is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits. |
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T+05:19.8 |
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+08:56.6 |
Stage 2 Shutdown |
The liquid-fueled second stage engine completes its firing and the rocket enters a brief coast period before deployment of the payload. |
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T+09:16.6 |
Spacecraft Separation |
The secret payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is released into space from the Titan 4B rocket's second stage completing the B-28 launch. |
Data source: U.S. Air Force.
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Flight data file
Vehicle: Titan 4B (B-28)
Payload: Classified NRO cargo
Launch date: August 16, 2000
Launch time: 2345 GMT (7:45 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Pre-launch briefing
Launch preview - Read our story for a complete preview of the Titan 4 launch.
Titan 4B - Description of America's most powerful unmanned rocket.
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