[Launch Alert] Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule
Launch Alert
launch-alert at mailman.qth.net
Sun Mar 16 15:24:40 EDT 2014
LAUNCH ALERT
Brian Webb
Ventura County, California
launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
www.spacearchive.info
2014 March 16 (Sunday) 12:17 PDT
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VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE
Launch
Time/Window
Date (PST/PDT) Vehicle Pad/Silo
-------- ----------------- ------------- --------
APR 3 07:46-07:56 Atlas V SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the DMSP F19 military weather satellite. Liftoff
will occur an hour after sunrise
APR-JUN To be announced GBI ---
Missile defense test involving the launch of a target missile from the
Central Pacific followed by a Ground Based Interceptor from Vandenberg
AFB. FTG-06B
JUL 1 02:56 Delta II SLC-2W
Vehicle will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 environmental
satellite. 1-second launch window
AUG To be announced Atlas V SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the WorldView 3 earth imaging satellite
The above schedule is a composite of unclassified information
approved for public release from government, industry, and other
sources. It represents the Editor's best effort to produce a schedule,
but may disagree with other sources. Details on military launches are
withheld until they are approved for public release. For official
information regarding Vandenberg AFB activities, go to
http://www.vandenberg.af.mil.
All launch dates and times are given in Pacific Time using a 24-hour
format similar to military time (midnight = 00:00, 1:00 p.m. = 13:00,
11:00 p.m. = 23:00, etc.).
The dates and times in this schedule may not agree with those on other
online launch schedules, including the official Vandenberg AFB
schedule because different sources were used, the information was
interpreted differently, and the schedules were updated at different
times.
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A DMSP military weather satellite is scheduled for launch from
Vandenberg AFB next month. The following is an op-ed feature about the
value of the DMSP program.
DMSP: ANOTHER GLOBAL UTILITY
Commentary by Lt. Col. Humphrey Daniels III
50th Operations Group, Detachment 1 commander
Schriever AFB Op-Ed Feature
2014 March 4
SUITLAND, Maryland -- August marks the 52nd year of continuous service
for the Air Force's longest running satellite program. What program?
Well, it's a somewhat lesser known capability; but, it still provides
the U.S. another global utility. We are talking about the Defense
Meteorological Satellite Program or simply DMSP.
Despite being a very old program, DMSP is still meeting U.S. Strategic
Command and warfighter requirements with a greater than 99.8 percent
mission success rate over the past 18 months. In fact, the Air Force
has scheduled another DMSP satellite launch (flight 19) for April 3 to
extend service. Why all the emphasis on an aging program? Well, it
remains a key staple for the Department of Defense in providing global
environmental monitoring. This service enables situational awareness
for military planners and senior decision makers, and ultimately
supports our higher level national security objectives.
Day-to-day, the 50th Operations Group, Detachment 1, leads operations
and maintenance of DMSP to provide high-resolution global visible and
infrared cloud data and other specialized meteorological,
oceanographic and solar-geophysical data in support of DOD and
civilian users worldwide. But what does that really mean; and how does
it support global usefulness?
Fair question. The answer lies in looking at the specific capabilities
of the six (soon to be seven) DMSP satellites. Here is a list of key
sensor capabilities with specific examples of provided global support:
Cloud detection
One example includes sensor data that captures visible and infrared
imagery that is used in target strikes. This same data is also used in
providing close air support, routing of remotely piloted aircraft,
surveillance support, tropical storm fixes and early warning for
typhoon avoidance.
Atmospheric profiles
An example here includes microwave sensor data that captures snow
cover, as well as upper atmospheric temperature and wind speed. This
data is also used in providing worldwide sea surface temperatures and
winds (a big key to providing piracy threat assessment since pirate
vessels are likely to travel in favorable conditions).
Sea ice detection
Specialized DMSP sensors also measure sea ice concentration and
thickness. This data is fused with other data sources to develop ice
edge forecast maps that aid mission planners in conducting operations
in Arctic and Antarctic regions. In fact, ice forecast maps are used
to support safe aviation and maritime mission travel during Thule Air
Base's annual resupply mission known as Operation Pacer Goose. This
data is also leveraged during Operation Deep Freeze - a joint service,
interagency operation that provides air and maritime cargo and
passenger transport throughout Antarctica in support of the United
States Antarctic Program. Yet another example of its utility includes
support to the U.S. Coast Guard's ice breaking missions (the ice maps
help show where thickness exists during ice-breaking operations).
Soil trafficability assessments
DMSP's versatility includes measuring soil moisture. This data is fed
to computer models to help determine trafficability (or ability to
travel over soil)--a huge asset for conducting land convoy operations
or even landing U.S. helicopters in soft areas. In some instances,
this data supports humanitarian vehicle travel and natural disaster
relief efforts.
Space environmental monitoring
Other specialized DMSP sensors provide natural space environment data
that supports Space Situational Awareness (space weather forecasts).
This is helpful in assessing satellite anomalies, as well as
forecasting high solar activity (scintillation) that could lead to
high frequency or ultrahigh frequency communications and radar signal
interference. Both warfighter and civilian communities also rely upon
this data to enable geomagnetic storm warnings.
Dust Storm Analysis
The primary DMSP sensor supports both dust storm and volcanic ash
analysis. These are key in conducting both combat and peacekeeping
operations throughout the year. This data is also useful in
understanding the gases and emissions that occur before a volcanic
eruption (eruption prediction).
These are but a few of the key DMSP sensor capabilities. But they all
demonstrate the global utility of DMSP. So, if you are ever asked
about DMSP there should be no doubt about what it provides. If you are
in a pinch, it might also be useful to reference this article or the
associated link below.
Related Links
50 OG Det-1:
http://www.schriever.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=21180
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