T-00:03 |
Stage 1 ignition |
The first stage LR87 liquid propellant engine ignites and comes up to proper thrust. |
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T+00:00 |
Liftoff |
The Titan 2 rocket begins its journey to orbit with the DMSP F16 weather satellite from Space Launch Complex-4 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. |
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T+02:29 |
Stage 1 shutdown |
After consuming its supply of hypergolic propellants, the first stage engine shuts down. |
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T+02:30 |
Stage 2 ignition |
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. |
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T+03:35 |
Jettison fairing |
The payload fairing that protected the DMSP F16 spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating conditions are acceptable.
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T+05:25 |
Stage 2 shutdown |
The Titan 2 rocket's second stage shuts down, completing the powered phase of flight for the former Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The stage then prepares to release the DMSP satellite. |
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T+06:29 |
Payload separation |
The U.S. Air Force's Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F16 spacecraft is deployed from the Titan 2 rocket's second stage on a sub-orbital trajectory. |
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T+13:58 |
Kick motor ignition |
The Apogee Kick Motor attached to the bottom of DMSP F16 is ignited to inject the satellite into a stable orbit around Earth. |
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T+14:49 |
Kick motor burnout |
The kick motor completes its firing and will remain attached to the satellite. The orbit achieved should be 421 by 460 nautical miles. |
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T+14:59 |
Orbit trim maneuver |
A 21-second firing of the spacecraft's hydrazine thrusters begins to put the spacecraft into a circular orbit around Earth's poles at an altitude of 458 nautical miles and inclined 98.7 degrees to the equator. |
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