Spaceflight Now: Titan 4 Launch Report

B-28 launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: August 15, 2000

T+00:00 Launch
The twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrade (SRMU) boosters are ignited and the Titan 4B rocket liftsoff .36-of-a-second later from Space Launch Complex-4 East at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
T+02:13.1 Stage 1 Ignition
The Titan 4B rocket's core vehicle stage 1 engine -- the Aerojet LR87-AJ-11 -- is ignited. The liquid-propellant powerplant burns Aerozine-50 fuel and nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer.
T+02:27.9 SRMU Separation
Having consumed all their solid-propellant, the two Alliant Techsystems-built solid rocket boosters are jettisoned to fall into the Pacific Ocean.
T+03:20.7 Jettison Payload Fairing
The 66-foot long payload fairing built by Boeing that protected the classified satellite cargo during launch is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits.
T+05:19.8 Staging of Titan Core
The first stage engine shuts down and the second stage Aerojet LR91-AJ-11 engine is ignited. The spent first stage is jettisoned from the rest of the space-bound Titan 4B rocket one second after the second stage is started.
T+08:56.6 Stage 2 Shutdown
The liquid-fueled second stage engine completes its firing and the rocket enters a brief coast period before deployment of the payload.
T+09:16.6 Spacecraft Separation
The secret payload for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is released into space from the Titan 4B rocket's second stage completing the B-28 launch.

Data source: U.S. Air Force.

Flight data file
Vehicle: Titan 4B (B-28)
Payload: Classified NRO cargo
Launch date: August 16, 2000
Launch time: 2345 GMT (7:45 p.m. EDT)
Launch site: SLC-4E, Vandenberg AFB, Calif.

Pre-launch briefing
Launch preview - Read our story for a complete preview of the Titan 4 launch.

Titan 4B - Description of America's most powerful unmanned rocket.

MISSION STATUS CENTER