Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 20:10:57 EDT
This concludes tonight's coverage of the TacSat-3/Minotaur 1 mission.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 20:08:41 EDT
TacSat-3 deployed

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 20:04:18 EDT
systems nominal

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 20:04:03 EDT
4th stage ignition

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:58:54 EDT
all systems nominal 3rd stage burnout

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:58:20 EDT
3rd stage burn

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:54:59 EDT
launch

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:54:31 EDT
30 seconds

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:54:09 EDT
50 seconds

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:53:00 EDT
T-2 minutes

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:50:04 EDT
7:50 T-5 minutes and counting.Go for launch

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:45:05 EDT
7:45 T-10 minutes and counting

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:39:53 EDT
T-15 minutes and counting.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:34:24 EDT
New launch time is 7:55 p.m.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:28:26 EDT
Recalculating new launch time. It may take longer than expected for ship to move.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:26:28 EDT
New launch time is 7:45 p.m.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:20:27 EDT
7:20 p.m. T-15 minutes and holding. Boat in the range.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 19:05:01 EDT
7:05p.m. T-30 minutes and counting. No issues for range,rocket or spacecraft. Range is clear.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 18:35:25 EDT
6:35 p.m. We are T-60 minutes and counting for launch of the Air Force Research LabTacSat-3 satellite on an Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket from Wallops Island. The Coast Guard is clearing some boats in the avoidance area. The target launch time is 7:35 p.m. The launch window runs to 11:30 p.m.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 18:11:03 EDT
An alternate source has been found for the needed surveillance data. Radar on Coast Guard ships supporting the mission will be used.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 18:05:08 EDT
6:05 p.m. T-90 minutes and counting. One issue. Problem with a range surveillance radar. Rocket and spacecraft are green for launch.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 17:36:55 EDT
One issue being worked. We are having problems with a radar that is used for surveillance.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 17:35:09 EDT
5:35 p.m. T-2 hours and counting. Everything still looks good for launch. No issues being worked.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 17:05:14 EDT
5:05 p.m. We are T-2 hours 30 minutes and counting for launch of an Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket from Wallops Island. The target launch time is 7:35 p.m. The launch window runs to 11:30 p.m. Final vehicle and site preparations are underway.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 16:35:26 EDT
4:35 p.m. T-3 hours and counting.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 15:43:44 EDT
The delay between the webcast video and actual events is now down to about 6 seconds.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 15:35:00 EDT
3:35 p.m. T-4 hours and counting.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 15:19:34 EDT
Beginning to remove shelter from around the rocket.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 15:04:58 EDT
T-4 hours 30 minutes and counting.The target launch time is 7:35 p.m. The launch window is 7:35 to 11:30 p.m. Latest forecast at launch is nearly skies, temperature will be 51 degrees, and winds at 13 knots out of the east. Probability of good weather for launch is near 100%.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 14:41:46 EDT
Programming note: When watching the webcast video/audio, be aware that there is about a 20 second delay from what you see on your computer screen and what is taking place at Wallops.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 14:35:12 EDT
T-5 hours and counting. The launch team is beginning rocket and spacecraft preparations.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 13:36:58 EDT
We are T-6 hours and counting for the Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket. The range personnel are currently checking out support systems including radar,safety and telemetry. The rocket and spacecraft personnel will begin their launch preparations at the T-5 hour mark.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-19 at 10:09:22 EDT
The launch team is "GO" for launch this evening. The Wallops range team reports at 11:30 a.m. to begin preparations for launch.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-18 at 16:00:39 EDT
The launch team received permission today to proceed towards the launch attempt of the TacSat-3 mission on May 19. The launch window is 7:35 to 11:30 p.m. Today's afternoon forecast shows a 90% probability of acceptable weather for launch. There is one issue that we are following. There is a possibility of a conflict with the air space we need for the launch. If there is a conflict, we will move the launch to Wednesday, May 20. We should know the status of this issue early Tuesday morning.

Posted by RCC on 2009-05-13 at 13:31:09 EDT
The new launch date for the TacSat-3 mission on an Air Force Minotaur 1 rocket from Wallops Island has been set for May 19 with a backup day of May 20. The launch window for both days is 7:35 to 11:30 p.mn. EDT.