NOAA-M launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: June 22, 2002

T-00:00.0 Stage 1 ignition
The first stage LR87 liquid propellant engine ignites and comes up to proper thrust.
T+00:03.2 Liftoff
The Titan 2 rocket begins its journey to orbit with the NOAA-M weather satellite from Space Launch Complex-4 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
T+02:34 Stage 1 shutdown
The first stage engine shuts down via command by the rocket's guidance system based upon computer logic.
T+02:35 Start stage 2
The LR91 liquid propellant second stage engine is ignited and the first stage is separated as the Titan 2 rocket continues its ascent. The first stage falls into the Pacific Ocean.
T+03:41 Jettison fairing
The payload fairing that protected the NOAA-M spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating conditions are acceptable.
T+05:32 Stage 2 shutdown
The Titan 2 rocket's second stage shuts down by guidance command, completed the powered phase of flight for the former Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The stage is then prepared to release the NOAA-M satellite.
T+06:34 Payload separation
The NOAA-M polar-orbiting weather spacecraft is deployed from the Titan 2 rocket's second stage.
T+14:43 Kick motor ignition
The apogee kick motor attached to the bottom of NOAA-M is ignited to inject the satellite into a stable orbit around Earth.
T+15:34 Kick motor burnout
The ATK Tactical Systems-built Star 37XFP solid rocket motor completes its firing and will remain attached to the satellite. NOAA-M will operate in a circular orbit around Earth's poles at an altitude of around 470 nautical miles and inclined 98.7 degrees to the equator.

Flight data file
Vehicle: Titan 2 (G-14)
Payload: NOAA-M
Launch date: June 24, 2002
Launch window: 1822-1832 GMT (2:22-2:32 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Satellite broadcast: GE-2, Transponder 9, C-band

Pre-launch briefing
Titan 2 - Description of the former ICBM missile converted to a space launch vehicle.

NOAA-M - General overview of this weather satellite.

Instruments - A look at the instruments aboard NOAA-M.

History - Past NOAA environmental satellites.



MISSION STATUS CENTER