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August 17th, 2017

Thursday's Update ULA's Atlas V Rocket Sits in Sunshine Ready for TDRS-M Launch



Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (August 16, 2017) - A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, carrying the TDRS-M spacecraft for NASA, is rolled from the Vertical Integration Facility to the pad at Space Launch Complex-41. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance

ULA's Atlas V rocket sits in the sunshine with the TDRS-M satellite inside as it is prepped for the launch on Friday, August 18.  Wednesday revealed the rocket as it was rolled out.

 The Atlas V rocket carrying the TDRS-M spacecraft was rolled from the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex-41 this morning. Everything is progressing toward the ULA Atlas V launch carrying the TDRS-M spacecraft for NASA.

The mission is set to lift off on a ULA Atlas V rocket on Friday, August 18 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Today’s L-2 forecast continues to show a 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.  The August 18 launch window is 8:03-8:43 a.m. ET. 

Launch Forecast Summary:

  • Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 30 percent
  • Primary concerns: Cumulus Clouds and Thick Clouds
  • Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30 percent
  • Primary concern: Cumulus Clouds and Thick Clouds

An Atlas V 401 rocket will launch the Tracking Data and Relay Satellite-M (TDRS-M) into a geosynchronous transfer orbit for NASA. Liftoff will occur on Friday, August 18 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. ULA partners with NASA to deliver these space communication satellites to orbit. ULA’s Atlas rocket was used for the second generation series and will complete the three satellite third generation series with the launch of TDRS-M.

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is a space-based communication system used to provide tracking, telemetry, command and high-bandwidth data return services. The TDRSS, also referred to as the NASA Space Network, consists of satellites in geosynchronous stationary orbits and the associated TDRS ground stations. The TDRSS is a basic agency capability and a critical national resource.

Microwave communications equipment and gimbaled antennae are the primary payload of each satellite. The TDRSS is capable of providing near continuous high bandwidth (S-, Ku- and Ka-band) telecommunications services for Low Earth Orbiting spacecraft (including the International Space Station) and expendable launch vehicles like ULA’s Atlas V and Delta IV rockets that use the network to receive and distribute telemetry data during flight. 

Launch Forecast Summary:

  • 70 percent chance of favorable weather conditions
  • Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 30 percent
  • Primary concern: Cumulus Clouds and Thick Clouds