* Astronomy

Blobrana · L

RE: NROL-32 satellite

Blobrana · L

The US National Reconnaissance Office has launched what is reputed to be the largest satellite ever sent into space.
The spacecraft was put into orbit on a Delta-4 Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force station on Sunday.
The NRO gave no details about the payload but it is understood the satellite will be used to eavesdrop on enemy communications.
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Blobrana · L

Despite early morning rain, the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket blasted off Sunday evening.
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Blobrana · L

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office lifted off from Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral at 22:58 GMT (5:58 p.m. EST) on November 21, 2010. Designated NROL-32, the top-secret electronic surveillance satellite supports the national defence of the United States.
This was the fourth Delta IV Heavy launch and the 351st Delta rocket. It was also the second Heavy launch of an NRO spacecraft.
The Delta IV Heavy features a central Common Booster Core and two strapon CBC's and at over 300 feet tall is the largest unmanned rocket in the United States. It is powered by RS-68 engines fuelled with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The upper stage is powered by the cryogenic RL10B-2 Pratt & Whitney engine.

Blobrana · L

The Delta IV Heavy rocket with the classified NROL-32 satellite has successfully launched from Cape Canaveral.

Blobrana · L

NROL-32 satellite

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Blobrana · L

Second try for Delta IV Heavy planned Sunday night

United Launch Alliance will make a second attempt to launch a Delta IV Heavy rocket and secret surveillance satellite at 5:58 p.m. Sunday.
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Blobrana · L

The launch of the Delta IV Heavy rocket with the NROL-32 mission has been rescheduled to 22:58 GMT, 21st November, 2010.

Blobrana · L

Delta IV rocket launch scrubbed

The United Launch Alliance said they are scrubbing the Delta IV rocket launch.
According to officials, abnormal temperature readings were observed in its boosters.
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Blobrana · L

Delta IV-Heavy Launch Rescheduled to November 19

The 45th Space Wing launch of a Delta IV-Heavy Launch Vehicle carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload has been rescheduled to Nov. 19, 2010, at 6:06 p.m. Eastern Standard Time from Space Launch Complex 37 here.
During closeout processing of the launch system in preparation for flight, engineers detected that the installation of some ground support equipment pyrotechnic ordnance lines did not meet requirements. These ordnance lines fire the "hold down bolts" at liftoff releasing the Delta IV Heavy for flight. Mission managers have delayed the launch 24 hours, which allows time for new ordnance lines to be installed that meet all flight requirements.
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