From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Mon Jan  1 08:42:40 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Mon, 1 Jan 2018 05:42:40 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule
Message-ID: <395639712.613.1514814160793@wamui-hyena.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
			      Brian Webb
		  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
	                www.spacearchive.info
		       
				 2018 January 1 (Monday) 05:35 PST
----------------------------------------------------------------------

		   VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE

		     Launch
		   Time/Window
  Date              (PST/PDT)               Vehicle          Pad/Silo
--------        -----------------        -------------       --------

JAN 10          To be announced          Delta IV            SLC-6
Vehicle will launch the classified NROL-47 payload for the U.S.
National Reconnaissance Office. The Delta IV will use two solid
rocket motors 

NET JAN 30      To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Spain's Paz satellite 

JAN-MAR         To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium Next commercial communications satellites
41-50 

APR 14          To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium NEXT satellites 51-55 and the GRACE
Follow-On satellites 

MAY 5           04:10                    Atlas V             SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the InSight spacecraft to Mars 

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.

NET: No earlier than

PDT: Pacific Daylight Time

PST: Pacific Standard Time

SLC: Space Launch Complex

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                           SECURITY POLICY

Launch Alert does not intentionally publish sensitive, potentially
sensitive, or inside information. All information comes from open
sources or is approved for public release.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

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From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Sun Jan  7 21:53:20 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2018 18:53:20 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Delta IV NROL-47 to Launch from Vandenberg
Message-ID: <750067702.7698.1515380000754@wamui-agami.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


DELTA IV NROL-47 TO LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG
By 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published January 07, 2018

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch a United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-6 here Wednesday, Jan. 10, with a launch window opening at 1:00 p.m. PST. 

Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, is the space launch commander.

"We are ready and eager to take on this Delta launch," said Wood. "We are proud to provide this national defense capability and every Team V member involved has tirelessly worked to ensure the launch is safe and successful."

Vandenberg's 4th Space Launch Squadron is in final preparations for launch with Vandenberg's mission partners from ULA, and the NRO.

"The 4th Space Launch Squadron's mission assurance technicians, engineers, and program managers are laser-focused on ensuring that all flight hardware, infrastructure, and facilities are ready to go for launch," said Maj. Allen Varghese, 4th Space Launch Squadron director of operations. "Our squadron has worked side-by-side with ULA personnel over the past several months to ensure this mission's success."

The local community can view this launch from the Hawk's Nest on Hwy 1 just a half mile south of Vandenberg Air Force Base's main gate. The Hawk's Nest gates will open at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10.

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Tue Jan  9 23:31:45 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2018 20:31:45 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Wednesday Rocket Launch
Message-ID: <569543095.17120.1515558705674@wamui-cheeto.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The following is a media update from the United Launch Alliance regarding tomorrow's rocket launch from Vandenberg AFB:

L-1 Media Update: ULA Delta IV NROL-47 Set to Launch

Good evening ? The ULA Launch Readiness Review was completed today and everything is progressing toward the ULA Delta IV launch carrying the NROL-47 mission in support of national security. The mission is set to lift off on a Delta IV rocket on Wednesday, Jan. 10 from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Today?s L-1 forecast shows a 30 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1:00 p.m. PT.

Launch Forecast Summary:
Overall probability of violating weather constraints: 70%
Primary concerns: Ground Winds
 
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay: 10%
Primary concern: Ground Winds
 
Launch Broadcast Satellite Coordinates + Webcast
ALL TIMES PACIFIC
  
UPLINK TEST
TUESDAY, JANUARY 9
12:00 ? 12:30 P.M.
 
LAUNCH
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10
BARS + TONE ? 12:09 P.M.
PROGRAM START ? 12:40 P.M.
 
DIGITAL SATELLITE C-BAND DOWNLINK
HD FORMAT
SATELLITE ? SES 3 
TRANSPONDER ? 12
BAND ? C-BAND DIGITAL 
ORBITAL POSITION ? 103?W 
HD BANDWIDTH ? 18 MHz (HALF TRANSPONDER)
UPLINK ? 6,165.000 H
DOWNLINK ? 3,940.000 V 
SYMBOL RATE ? 13 
FEC ? ? 
DATA RATE ? 17.9705 
DVBS ? QPSK 
MPEG 2 
AUDIO EMBEDDED
 
Webcast available at  www.ulalaunch.com and  www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Wed Jan 10 12:17:15 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2018 09:17:15 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch on Schedule
Message-ID: <1047737068.5967.1515604635893@wamui-abby.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Today's launch of a Delta IV rocket from Vandenberg AFB appears to be on schedule. The announced launch time is 1:00 p.m. PST.

For countdown status and a video feed of the launch, go to:

   spaceflightnow.com

   www.ulalaunch.com

   www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance

If the sky is clear, the early portion of the launch should be visible more than 100 miles. To see the launch from outlying areas, you will need to determine exactly where to look and have an unobstructed horizon.

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Wed Jan 10 13:07:24 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:07:24 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch Delayed
Message-ID: <996784311.6887.1515607645139@wamui-boogie.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

Delta IV NROL-47 Launch Delayed

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -  The United Launch Alliance Delta IV
rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch
Complex-6, is delayed today due to high ground winds. 

The launch is rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 11, with a window beginning at
1:00 p.m. PST. 

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Jan 11 12:50:01 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:50:01 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch Preparations Under Way
Message-ID: <916921286.7564.1515693001622@wamui-agami.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Preparations are under way for today's launch of a Delta IV rocket from Vandenberg AFB. However, liftoff may not occur at the announced 1:00 p.m. PST launch time due to a technical issue.

For countdown status and a video feed of the launch, go to:

   spaceflightnow.com

   www.ulalaunch.com

   www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance

If the sky is clear, the early portion of the launch should be visible for more than 100 miles. To see the launch from outlying areas, you will need to determine exactly where to look and have an unobstructed horizon.

Because of a lack of time, I will not be able to respond to questions about this launch from individual Launch Alert readers.

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Jan 11 16:12:19 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:12:19 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Updated Launch Time
Message-ID: <2134823108.11849.1515705139434@wamui-cinderella.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The updated time for today's launch from Vandenberg AFB is 1:55 p.m. PST / 21:55 Zulu.

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Jan 11 19:38:16 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2018 16:38:16 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Updated Launch Time (Possible Twilight Launch)
Message-ID: <1845639841.16667.1515717496268@wamui-cinderella.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


The tentative new launch time for this afternoon's rocket launch from Vandenberg AFB is 4:59 p.m. PST.

This may happen after sunset for some observers.

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Thu Jan 11 23:34:21 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2018 20:34:21 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch Delayed
Message-ID: <416704390.21612.1515731661324@wamui-agami.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


The following is a media update from the United Launch Alliance:

(Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Jan. 11, 2018) ? The launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV carrying the NROL-47 mission was scrubbed today due to an issue with a ground system valve.   
 
The launch is planned for Friday, Jan. 12, from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The forecast shows a 90 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch. The launch time is 1:00 p.m. PT.

-----

Here is a news release from Vandenberg AFB:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

Delta IV NROL-47 Delayed

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -  The United Launch Alliance Delta IV
rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch
Complex-6, was delayed today due to an issue with a ground system valve. 

The launch is rescheduled for Friday, Jan. 12, with a window beginning at
1:00 p.m. PST. 

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Fri Jan 12 08:39:11 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 05:39:11 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Launch Preparations Under Way
Message-ID: <592894419.1387.1515764351673@wamui-jelly.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

Preparations appear to be under way for today's launch of a Delta IV rocket from Vandenberg AFB. Liftoff is currently scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PST from south base.

For countdown status and a video feed of the launch, go to:

   www.spaceflightnow.com

   www.ulalaunch.com

   www.youtube.com/unitedlaunchalliance

If the sky is clear, the early portion of the launch should be visible for more than 100 miles. To see the launch from outlying areas, you will need to determine exactly where to look and have an unobstructed horizon. For information on viewing Vandenberg launches, go to:

    www.spacearchive.info/vafbview.htm

Brian Webb

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Fri Jan 12 18:06:03 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:06:03 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Delta IV NROL-47 Launched from Vandenberg
Message-ID: <1149830968.21963.1515798363490@wamui-boogie.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
From: 30th Space Wing Public Affairs, www.vandenberg.af.mil

DELTA IV NROL-47 LAUNCHED FROM VANDENBERG

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg successfully launched a
United Launch Alliance Delta IV rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance
Office payload from Space Launch Complex-6 here, Friday, Jan. 12, at 2:11
p.m. PST.

Col. Greg Wood, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the space launch
commander.

"This was an incredibly important launch for the 30th Space Wing and our
mission partners," said Wood. "The entire team - the 30th Space Wing, the
National Reconnaissance Office, United Launch Alliance, and others -  worked
hand-in-hand to ensure this launch was safe and successful. This was an
outstanding effort by everyone."

This satellite was launched aboard a Delta IV Medium (5,2) configuration
Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. Established by the U.S. Air Force, the
EELV program provides assured access to space for Department of Defense and
other government agencies.

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Tue Jan 16 18:22:41 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2018 15:22:41 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Vandenberg AFB Launch Schedule
Message-ID: <2054703032.10019.1516144962113@wamui-koala.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


                             LAUNCH ALERT
 				  
			      Brian Webb
		  launch-alert-editor at earthlink.net
	                www.spacearchive.info
		       
                               2018 January 16 (Tuesday) 15:18 PST
----------------------------------------------------------------------

		   VANDENBERG AFB LAUNCH SCHEDULE

		     Launch
		   Time/Window
  Date              (PST/PDT)               Vehicle          Pad/Silo
--------        -----------------        -------------       --------

NET FEB 10      06:22                    Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Spain's Paz satellite. Liftoff occurs 31 minutes
before Vandenberg AFB sunrise and could cause the rocket's exhaust
plume to be illuminated by the sun when the vehicle reaches high
altitude 

JAN-MAR         To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium Next commercial communications satellites
41-50 

APR 14          To be announced          Falcon 9            SLC-4E
Vehicle will launch Iridium NEXT satellites 51-55 and the GRACE
Follow-On satellites 

MAY 5           04:10                    Atlas V             SLC-3E
Vehicle will launch the InSight spacecraft to Mars 

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.

NET: No earlier than

TBD: To be determined

PDT: Pacific Daylight Time

PST: Pacific Standard Time

SLC: Space Launch Complex

----------------------------------------------------------------------

                           SECURITY POLICY

Launch Alert does not intentionally publish sensitive, potentially
sensitive, or inside information. All information comes from open
sources or is approved for public release.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

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   - Handle a forgotten or lost password

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Point your browser to www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Copyright 2018, Brian Webb. All rights reserved. No portion of this
newsletter may be used without identifying Launch Alert as the
source and providing a functioning hyperlink or text that point to
http://www.spacearchive.info/newsletter.htm.

From launch-alert at mailman.qth.net  Tue Jan 30 08:11:53 2018
From: launch-alert at mailman.qth.net (Launch Alert)
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2018 05:11:53 -0800 (GMT-08:00)
Subject: [Launch Alert] Wednesday Morning Eclipse
Message-ID: <1344031515.1541.1517317913551@wamui-agami.atl.sa.earthlink.net>


                     WEDNESDAY MORNING ECLIPSE
                            by Brian Webb

If the weather cooperates, early risers in the Southwest can enjoy a
total lunar eclipse on the morning of January 31. 

The key times (in Pacific Time) for this event are as follows:
 
  03:48 Partial eclipse begins 
??04:42 Totality begins 
??05:30 Mid-eclipse 
??06:08 Totality ends 
??07:11 Partial eclipse ends

Experts predict that the usually normally gray moon will probably be bright orange in color during totality. To see the eclipse, you won't need any special equipment, the unaided eye will suffice. However, you will have a better view if you use binoculars or a small telescope.

