Genesis launch timeline
SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Updated: July 28, 2001

T-0:00:00.0 Liftoff
The Delta 2 rocket's main engine and twin vernier steering thrusters are started moments before launch. The three strap-on solid rocket motors are ignited at T-0 to begin the mission.
T+0:01:03.1 SRM Burnout
The three Alliant TechSystems-built solid rocket motors consume all their propellant and burn out.
T+0:01:06.0 Jettison SRMs
The three spent ground-started solid rocket boosters are jettisoned in to fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+0:04:24.3 Main Engine Cutoff
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+0:04:32.3 Stage Separation
The Delta rocket's first stage is separated now, having completed its job. The spent stage will fall into the Atlantic Ocean.
T+0:04:36.9 Second Stage Ignition
With the stage jettisoned, the rocket's second stage takes over. The Aerojet AJ10-118K liquid-fueled engine ignites for the first of two firings needed to boost the upper stage and Genesis spacecraft into the proper orbit.
T+0:04:42.0 Jettison Payload Fairing
The 9.5-foot diameter payload fairing that protected the Genesis satellite atop the Delta 2 during the atmospheric ascent is jettisoned is two halves.
T+0:10:34.4 Second Stage Cutoff 1
The second stage engine shuts down to complete its first firing of the launch. The rocket and attached Genesis spacecraft now begin a 46-minute coast period before the second stage reignites. The orbit achieved should be 100 by 107 nautical miles, inclined 28.5 deg.
T+0:56:40.5 Second Stage Restart
Delta's second stage engine reignites for a short firing to raise the orbital altitude.
T+0:57:50.9 Second Stage Cutoff 2
The second stage shuts down after reaching an orbit of 99 by 2,062 nautical miles inclined 28.51 degrees. Over the next minute, tiny thrusters on the side of the rocket will be fired to spin up the vehicle in preparation for stage separation.
T+0:58:43.9 Stage Separation
The liquid-fueled second stage is jettisoned from the rest of the Delta 2 rocket having completed its role in the launch.
T+0:59:20.9 Third Stage Ignition
The Thiokol Star 37FM solid-fueled third stage is then ignited to propel Genesis away from Earth. A nutation control system featuring a thruster on an arm mounted on the side of the stage will be used to maintain stability during the burn.
T+1:00:26.1 Third Stage Burnout
Having used up all its solid-propellant, the third stage burns out to completed the powered phase of the launch sequence. In about three-and-a-half minutes, two small yo-yo-like structures are released from the third stage to reduce the spinning motion the Delta rocket and Genesis are experiencing in preparation for satellite separation.
T+1:04:11.9 Spacecraft Separation
NASA's Genesis solar wind sample return spacecraft is deployed from the Delta 2 rocket to begin its three-month journey to the L1 point located a million miles from Earth.

Data source: Boeing.


Flight Data File
Vehicle: Delta 2 (7326)
Payload: Genesis
Launch date: Aug. 1, 2001
Launch time: 12:31:38 p.m. EDT (1631:38 GMT)
Launch site: SLC-17A, Cape Canaveral, Florida
Satellite broadcast: GE-2, Trans. 9, C-band

Pre-launch briefing
Ground track - Trace the Delta rocket's trek during launch.

Launch windows - See the daily launch opportunities for Genesis.

Delta 2 rocket - Overview of the Delta 2 7326-model rocket used to launch Genesis.

Genesis - Technical look at the spacecraft and its systems.

Mission science - Overview of the scientific objectives of Genesis.

Delta directory - See our coverage of preview Delta rocket flights.


MISSION STATUS CENTER