Photo by United Launch Alliance
LifeQs
United Launch Alliance Launch
Answer one question or many - using words, photos or other media.
Ned Berke
The Atlas V booster is 12.5 ft in diameter and 106.5 ft in length. The booster’s tanks are structurally rigid and constructed of isogrid aluminum barrels, spun-formed aluminum domes, and intertank skirts. Atlas booster propulsion is provided by the RD-180 engine system (a single engine with two thrust chambers). The RD-180 burns RP-1 (Rocket Propellant-1 or highly purifi ed kerosene) and liquid oxygen, and delivers 860,200 lb of thrust at sea level. The Atlas V booster is controlled by the Centaur avionics system, which provides guidance, fl ight control, and vehicle sequencing functions during the booster and Centaur phases of fl ight.
Source: United Launch Alliance
Ned Berke
According to United Launch Alliance: As a result of increased civil and commercial use as well as experience in military operations, the USAF is deploying the new GPS IIF series to sustain the space and control segments while improving mission performance. The new GPS line features:
– Two times greater predicted signal accuracy than heritage satellites.
– New L5 signals for more robust civil and commercial aviation.
– An on-orbit, reprogrammable processor, receiving software uploads for improved system operation.
– Military signal “M-code” and variable power for better resistance to jamming hostile environments,
meeting the needs of emerging doctrines of navigation warfare.
– Two times greater predicted signal accuracy than heritage satellites.
– New L5 signals for more robust civil and commercial aviation.
– An on-orbit, reprogrammable processor, receiving software uploads for improved system operation.
– Military signal “M-code” and variable power for better resistance to jamming hostile environments,
meeting the needs of emerging doctrines of navigation warfare.
Ned Berke
United Launch Alliance successfully executed the mission on Saturday, October 31 at 12:13pm.
