Spaceflight Now: Delta launch report

Globalstar 7 launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: Feb. 7, 2000
T-0:00:00.0 Liftoff
Liftoff The Delta 2 rocket's main engine and twin vernier steering thrusters are started moments before launch. The four strap-on solid rocket motors are ignited at T-0 to begin the mission.
T+0:01:07.0 Jettison Ground-Lit SRBs
Ground-lit sep The four Alliant TechSystems-built solid propellant boosters are jettisoned from the Delta's first stage about four seconds after using up all their fuel. The spent casing fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+0:01:10.0 Begin Dogleg Maneuver
Dogleg Under the power of the first stage main engine and two vernier jets, the rocket begins a 50-second "dogleg" maneuver, turning itself in flight to achieve a higher orbital inclination. The rocket cannot fly to a 52-degree inclination off the pad due to safety limits.
T+0:04:24.0 Main Engine Cutoff
MECO After consuming its RP-1 fuel and liquid oxygen, the Rocketdyne RS-27A first stage main engine is shut down. The vernier engines cut off moments later.
T+0:04:32.0 Stage Separation
Stage sep The Delta rocket's first stage is separated now, having completed its job. The spent stage will fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+0:04:37.5 Second Stage Ignition
Stage 2 start With the stage jettisoned, the rocket's second stage takes over. The Aerojet AJ118-K liquid-fueled engine ignites for the first of two planned firings to place the Globalstar satellites into the right orbit.
T+0:04:47.0 Jettison Payload Fairing
Fairing The 10-foot diameter composite payload fairing that protected the four Globalstar satellites atop the Delta 2 during the atmospheric ascent is jettisoned is two halves.
T+0:11:18.4 Second Stage Shutdown
SECO The second stage engine shuts down to complete its first firing of the launch. The rocket and attached satellites are now in a 51-minute coast period before the next burn.
T+0:18:19.1 Begin Coast Thermal Roll
Coast During this lengthy coast period, the second stage will slowly roll to ensure heating on the stage and satellites is equally distributed. This is referred to as a "barbecue roll." The roll will stop about two minutes before restart.
T+1:02:13.2 Restart Second Stage
Restart The second stage engine is reignited to finish the task of boosting the four Globalstar satellites into the intended low-Earth orbit.
T+1:02:31.9 Second Stage Shutdown
SECO After a short firing, the second stage engine is shut down. This completes the powered flight to deliver the payload into space. The second stage will be fired twice more after satellite separation for avoidance of the spacecraft and to deplete remaining fuel.
T+1:07:03.0 Separate U1/U2 Spacecraft
Upper deploy The two Globalstar satellites mounted on the upper tier of the special dispenser are released into space.
T+1:11:13.0 Separate L1/L2 Spacecraft
Lower deploy The two Globalstar satellites mounted on the lower tier of the special dispenser are released into space.

Image and data source: Boeing and SS/L.
 Flight Data File
Vehicle: Delta 2 (7420)
Payload: Four Globalstar satellites
Launch date: Feb. 8, 2000
Launch window: 2054-2124 GMT (3:54-4:24 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-17B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Flight profile
profileTrack the major launch events for the Delta 2 rocket carrying the four Globalstar satellites on Spaceflight Now's interactive flight profile page (requires JavaScript).

Pre-launch briefing
Launch preview - A story giving an overview of this rocket launch.

Windows - Available windows for future launch dates.


Orbit trace - Map showing the ground track the rocket will follow during flight.

Delta 2 rocket - Overview of the Delta 2 7420 rocket used to launch the Globalstar satellites.

Globalstar system - Description of the Globalstar satellites and constellation.
Video vault
Animation shows the Boeing Delta 2 rocket launching four satellites for the Globalstar cellular telephone system.
  PLAY (431k, 1min 14sec QuickTime file)

Boeing Mission Director Rich Murphy explains the launch process and trajectory the Delta 2 rocket will follow during flight.
  PLAY (432k, 1min 32sec QuickTime file)

Download QuickTime 4 software to view this file.
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