Coriolis launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW Posted: December 12, 2002
T-00:03.1 |
Stage 1 ignition |
The first stage LR87 liquid propellant engine ignites and comes up to proper thrust. |
|
T+00:00.1 |
Liftoff |
The 330,900-pound Titan 2 rocket begins its journey to orbit with the Coriolis satellite from Space Launch Complex-4 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. |
|
|
T+02:34.5 |
Stage 1 shutdown |
The first stage engine shuts down once the onbaord propellant supply is depleted. |
|
T+02:35.2 |
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+03:33.0 |
Jettison fairing |
The 25-foot long payload fairing that protected the Coriolis spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating conditions are acceptable.
|
|
T+05:32.0 |
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 and attached payload enter a transfer orbit with a high point of 445.0 nautical miles, low point of 118.1 nautical miles and inclination of 98.70 degrees. |
|
T+55:48.0 |
Orbit raising burn |
The attitude control system thrusters on the Titan 2's second stage fire for 110 seconds to boost the orbit for spacecraft deployment. |
|
T+58:38.1 |
Payload separation |
The Coriolis spacecraft is release from the Titan 2 rocket's second stage after arriving in an orbit with a high point of 446.7 nautical miles, low point of 150.3 nautical miles and inclination of 98.70 degrees. |
|
|
|
|
|
Flight data file
Vehicle: Titan 2 (G-4)
Payload: Coriolis
Launch date: Dec. 15, 2002
Launch window: 1418-1433 GMT (9:18-9:33 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Satellite broadcast: none
Pre-launch briefing
Titan 2 - Description of the former ICBM missile converted to a space launch vehicle.
Coriolis - General overview of the satellite and its two instruments.
Apollo 8 leaves the cradle
NEW! The December 1968 journey of the Apollo 8 crew into lunar orbit is relived in this unique three-disc DVD set. Pre-order today and save!
U.S. STORE
U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE
Hubble Calendar
NEW! This remarkable calendar features stunning images of planets, stars, gaseous nebulae, and galaxies captured by NASA's orbiting Hubble Space Telescope .
U.S. STORE
U.K. & WORLDWIDE STORE
|