Coriolis launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: December 12, 2002

T-00:03.1 Stage 1 ignition
The first stage LR87 liquid propellant engine ignites and comes up to proper thrust.
T+00:00.1 Liftoff
The 330,900-pound Titan 2 rocket begins its journey to orbit with the Coriolis satellite from Space Launch Complex-4 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.
T+02:34.5 Stage 1 shutdown
The first stage engine shuts down once the onbaord propellant supply is depleted.
T+02:35.2 Start stage 2
The LR91 liquid propellant second stage engine is ignited and the first stage is separated as the Titan 2 rocket continues its ascent. The first stage falls into the Pacific Ocean.
T+03:33.0 Jettison fairing
The 25-foot long payload fairing that protected the Coriolis spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating conditions are acceptable.
T+05:32.0 Stage 2 shutdown
The Titan 2 rocket's second stage shuts down by guidance command, completed the powered phase of flight for the former Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The stage and attached payload enter a transfer orbit with a high point of 445.0 nautical miles, low point of 118.1 nautical miles and inclination of 98.70 degrees.
T+55:48.0 Orbit raising burn
The attitude control system thrusters on the Titan 2's second stage fire for 110 seconds to boost the orbit for spacecraft deployment.
T+58:38.1 Payload separation
The Coriolis spacecraft is release from the Titan 2 rocket's second stage after arriving in an orbit with a high point of 446.7 nautical miles, low point of 150.3 nautical miles and inclination of 98.70 degrees.

Flight data file
Vehicle: Titan 2 (G-4)
Payload: Coriolis
Launch date: Dec. 15, 2002
Launch window: 1418-1433 GMT (9:18-9:33 a.m. EST)
Launch site: Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Satellite broadcast: none

Pre-launch briefing
Titan 2 - Description of the former ICBM missile converted to a space launch vehicle.

Coriolis - General overview of the satellite and its two instruments.


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