BY JUSTIN RAY

March 12, 2000 -- Follow the launch of the Multispectral Thermal Imager spacecraft aboard a Taurus rocket. Reload this page for the very latest on the mission.

2358 GMT (6:58 p.m. EST)

The U.S. Dept. of Energy's Multispectral Thermal Imager spacecraft is alive and well following its fiery overnight launch aboard an Orbital Sciences-built Taurus rocket. MTI, an experiment satellite to test future spy satellite technologies, was released from the rocket's fourth stage about 12 minutes after departing pad 576-East at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Preliminary information shows the satellite was delivered into an acceptable orbit with a high point of 384 miles and low point of 361 miles. The orbital inclination is 97.43 degrees to the equator, taking the craft almost over Earth's poles.

The successful launch marked the 19th straight for Orbital Sciences rockets. It was fifth flight of Taurus since 1994, all of which have been successful.

The four solar arrays on MTI were deployed shortly after separating from the Taurus rocket. Ground controllers achieved a total of seven contacts with the satellite on Sunday. Five were through a station in Fairbanks, Alaska and two through the primary ground station in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Data from the satellite indicated good proper power levels, a successful solar array extension and no significant problems, officials said. Commanding of the satellite from the ground has started.

Over the next month, the spacecraft's systems and two research instruments will turned on and checked. A two-month instrument calibration period will follow. The R&D mission should start in earnest by mid-June.

MTI is sponsored by DoE's Office of Nonproliferation and National Security. It will serve as a testbed for futuristic multispectral and thermal imaging. Scientists say the satellite will attempt to prove the imaging techniques in space for the first time by detecting reflected and thermally radiated electromagnetic waves not visible to the human eye.

Results from the three-year mission could be used to develop future reconnaissance satellites for monitoring facilities on Earth suspected of making nuclear or chemical weapons. Next generation spy satellites would collect information such as surface temperatures, materials, water quality and vegetation health around the complexes.

MTI features a cryogenically-cooled telescope that will observe selected ground sites where researchers know the true conditions. The images will be relayed to MTI's primary communications station in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for comparison to determine the effectiveness of the satellite's technologies.

Besides military operations and treaty monitoring, the technology also could be used for environmental and climate research.

A secondary experiment aimed at space weather research also will be tested on MTI. Sponsored by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Czech Republic's Astronomical Institute of the Academy of Sciences, the High-energy X-ray Spectrometer will study solar flares that can damage satellites and threaten astronauts.

Led by Sandia National Laboratories, the MTI project also involves Los Alamos National Laboratory, Savannah River Technology Center, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Ball Aerospace, Raytheon and TRW.

1008 GMT (5:08 a.m. EST)

The U.S. Dept. of Energy's Multispectral Thermal Imager satellite has been placed into Earth orbit today by an Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket. Liftoff occurred at 0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST) from pad 576-East at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

The launch team has announced the Taurus rocket released the MTI spacecraft after reviewing data received moments ago through the McMurdo tracking station in Antarctica. Spacecraft separation was not "seen" live by engineers at the launch site because the rocket had passed out of range of the Vandenberg tracking station. Officials had to wait until rocket arrived in the skies over Antarctica to confirm the launch process had been completed.

The next major event will occur in about one hour when the first opportunity occurs for ground controllers to hear a signal from the MTI satellite. However, this communications pass over a station in Fairbanks, Alaska, will be low on the horizon and a signal might not be heard. A better chance to hear the beacon will come 90 minutes later -- or three hours after launch -- at Fairbanks. The signal will confirm the satellite is alive.

The first chance controllers will have to receive a full health check and communicate with MTI will occur at about T+plus 11 hours through the primary ground station at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

MTI is designed to spend three years in space testing new imaging technologies that might be used by future spy satellites. If the techniques work, they could detect facilities on Earth suspected of producing nuclear or chemical weapons of mass destruction.

We will update the Mission Status Center later today with a report on MTI's health following its journey into space.

1000 GMT (5:00 a.m. EST)

The test conductor has just informed the launch team that the MTI spacecraft has separated from Taurus rocket's fourth stage.

0958 GMT (4:58 a.m. EST)

Officials report acquiring a signal from the rocket through the McMurdo tracking station in Antarctica. It will take a few minutes to determine if spacecraft separation occurred successfully.

0941 GMT (4:41 a.m. EST)

T+plus 12 minutes, 20 seconds. If everything has gone as planned, the MTI spacecraft should have just separated from the Taurus rocket's upper stage. However, the launch team does not have a live data link with the rocket through any ground stations at this time. The information is being stored and will be available via the McMurdo tracking station at T+plus 27 minutes. We expect to have confirmation of spacecraft separation within the next 45 minutes.

0938 GMT (4:38 a.m. EST)

T+plus 9 minutes, 40 seconds. The Vandenberg tracking station has lost signal from the Taurus rocket as the fourth stage burn was underway. This was expected as the vehicle passed too far south from the station. The next information from rocket will come from the McMurdo tracking station in Antarctica in about 17 minutes. At that point, the MTI spacecraft should be deployed and launch completed.

0937 GMT (4:37 a.m. EST)

T+plus 8 minutes, 30 seconds. Third stage separation confirmed and fourth stage has ignited.

0937 GMT (4:37 a.m. EST)

T+plus 8 minutes. Coming up on separation of the spent third stage and ignition of the fourth stage.

0935 GMT (4:35 a.m. EST)

T+plus 6 minutes, 30 seconds. Battery voltages aboard the rocket are reported normal.

0933 GMT (4:33 a.m. EST)

T+plus 4 minutes, 30 seconds. Good data is being received in the launch control center, officials report. The rocket is current coasting to the high point of its orbit.

0932 GMT (4:32 a.m. EST)

T+plus 3 minutes, 45 seconds. The third stage has burned out. The Taurus rocket is now in a coast period.

0932 GMT (4:32 a.m. EST)

T+plus 3 minutes. All systems still reported nominal in the third stage burn.

0931 GMT (4:31 a.m. EST)

T+plus 2 minutes, 35 seconds. Fairing separation has been called and visually tracked by video cameras at the launch site.

0931 GMT (4:31 a.m. EST)

T+plus 2 minutes, 25 seconds. The rocket's second stage has burned out and separated. Third stage ignition is confirmed.

0930 GMT (4:30 a.m. EST)

T+plus 90 seconds. All systems reported normal. Vehicle heading downrange on the predicted track.

0930 GMT (4:30 a.m. EST)

T+plus 1 minute. The rocket's second stage has ignited and the first stage has separated.

0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST)

T+plus 30 seconds. Pitch over has occurred. Guidance and control nominal. Current and voltage reported as expected.

0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST)

LIFTOFF! Liftoff of the Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket launching the MTI spacecraft to test the next generation of spy satellite technologies.

0928 GMT (4:28 a.m. EST)

T-minus 30 seconds. Navigation accuracy of Taurus rocket's guidance system is go for launch.

0928 GMT (4:28 a.m. EST)

T-minus 1 minute and counting. The rocket's navigation unit is in free inertial.

0927 GMT (4:27 a.m. EST)

T-minus 90 seconds. All systems remain go for launch of the fifth Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket.

0927 GMT (4:27 a.m. EST)

T-minus 2 minutes and counting. Auto sequence start. The countdown is now under computer control.

0926 GMT (4:26 a.m. EST)

T-minus 3 minutes and counting. The Western Range has verified it is clear for launch.

0925 GMT (4:25 a.m. EST)

T-minus 4 minutes and counting. The launch team has issued its final "go" for liftoff.

0924 GMT (4:24 a.m. EST)

T-minus 5 minutes and counting. The rocket's rate gyro guidance system has been started.

0922 GMT (4:22 a.m. EST)

T-minus 7 minutes and counting. Voltage and currents from the avionics reported nominal. Also the S-band data transmitters on the rocket have been activated.

0921 GMT (4:21 a.m. EST)

T-minus 8 minutes and counting. The Taurus rocket's avoinics are going to internal power for launch.

0920 GMT (4:20 a.m. EST)

T-minus 9 minutes and counting. The launch team has given its "go" to switch the rocket's avionics to internal power in one minute.

0919 GMT (4:19 a.m. EST)

T-minus 10 minutes and counting. The countdown continues toward a launch of the Taurus rocket at 0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST) from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

0918 GMT (4:18 a.m. EST)

The MTI satellite atop the Taurus rocket has been configured for launch.

0917 GMT (4:17 a.m. EST)

A verification of telemetry from the Multispectral Thermal Imager spacecraft has been completed, and final work to configure the payload for launch has started. Also, the Range has been cleared to start the interrogation of the C-band tracking beacon on the Taurus rocket.

0914 GMT (4:14 a.m. EST)

T-minus 15 minutes and counting. In about five minutes, the launch team will be polled to give approval for switching Taurus' avionics to internal power. That switch will occur once the countdown passes T-minus 8 minutes.

0911 GMT (4:11 a.m. EST)

The flight termination system has been powered up and checks were completed.

0904 GMT (4:04 a.m. EST)

The launch team has given a "go" to power on the rocket's flight termination system. The FTS would be used to destroy the Taurus in the event of mishap during launch today.

0859 GMT (3:59 a.m. EST)

T-minus 30 minutes and counting. The Air Force reports the earlier problem with a Range radar at the Point Mugu downrange tracking site has been fixed. Also, upper level winds have been verified acceptable for launch today at 0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST).

0845 GMT (3:45 a.m. EST)

The Launch Weather Officer has just provided another update to management. Weather conditions remain acceptable and there are no concerns today. Also, the Western Range reports the final assessment of toxics and debris predictions are "go" for launch. These predictions are made to ensure safety if a launch accident were to occur.

0829 GMT (3:29 a.m. EST)

T-minus 1 hour and counting. The countdown is continuing smoothly at Vandenberg Air Force Base for today's launch of the Taurus rocket and MTI spacecraft. Over the past half-hour, the rocket's avionics and telemetry systems were powered up and telemetry data was quickly received at the launch control centers. In addition, the Western Range has conducted tests of the S- and C-band links. Safety personnel also cleared the launch pad of all workers and established road blocks.

0732 GMT (2:32 a.m. EST)

The Western Range Safety has reported a "red" or "no go" status due to a radar system problem at a downrange station. The problem is being worked and could be fixed within in 30 minutes. The radar is required for launch and this problem must be corrected in order for the Taurus to fly today.

At pad 576-East, final pre-launch work is wrapping up and the launch complex will be cleared momentarily of all personnel.

0729 GMT (2:29 a.m. EST)

T-minus 2 hours and counting. The countdown has started for launch of the fifth Taurus rocket. Countdown clocks are ticking backwards at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California for a planned 0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST) liftoff today.

The launch team says if an unscheduled hold is required, liftoff would be possible at a backup opportunity of 0948 GMT (4:48 a.m. EST).

0720 GMT (2:20 a.m. EST)

The test conductor has just informed the launch team that the final countdown will be started at 0729 GMT (2:29 a.m. EST) at T-minus 2 hours and counting, pending final management approval. That would result in liftoff at 0929 GMT (4:29 a.m. EST) following today's COLA, or collision avoidance period caused by the passing Mir space station.

0645 GMT (1:45 a.m. EST)

Good morning and welcome to our live launch coverage of the Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket and the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Multispectral Thermal Imager spacecraft. The launch team has gathered as Vandenberg Air Force Base in California and voice checks on the countdown communications network have been completed.

Today's launch window opens 0921:41 GMT (4:21:41 a.m. EST) and extends to 0949:28 GMT (4:49:28 a.m. EST). However, a collision avoidance period -- or COLA -- for the Russian space station Mir will likely prohibit liftoff during a few minutes of the window. The exact COLA period will be announced a little later in the countdown.

At Space Launch Complex 576-East, the Taurus rocket stands poised and powered up on its pad for liftoff in just under three hours. On Saturday, the blue thermal blanket on the Peacekeeper first stage motor was removed along with the cover on the payload fairing.

Also on Saturday, the Taurus team posed for pictures in front of the rocket wearing tropical shirts, undoubtedly in reference to the two-week launch delay caused by safety concerns with an island in the South Pacific.

The Launch Weather Officer has just completed a briefing to management and the forecast has improved to a 100 percent chance of acceptable conditions today. The launch time forecast is calling for some scattered clouds at 800 feet, no precipitation, 10 miles visibility, a temperature between 48 and 52 degrees F and northerly winds 15 gusting to 20 or even 25 knots. The wind limit is 43 knots and will not be a problem.

The U.S. Air Force says Range Safety weather criteria are currently "go" and forecasted to remain acceptable. The assessment of where debris from a launch accident would fall and the vent covers are also predicted to be within allowable limits.

As the launch team members work through their checklists over the next few hours, we will provide status updates.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2000
1900 GMT (2 p.m. EST)

A Taurus rocket remains scheduled for a predawn launch tomorrow from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Liftoff is planned for no earlier than 0921 GMT (4:21 a.m. EST).

The weather forecast continues to look favorable with a 90 percent chance of good conditions. The only change from Friday's forecast is an increase of ground-level winds. Vandenberg's weather is under the influence of high pressure as a frontal boundary remains far off the coast of California. At launch time, the forecast calls for scattered layer of cirrus clouds at 24,000 feet, visibility of 7 miles, northerly winds 12 to 18 knots and a temperature between 48 and 52 degrees F. Upper level winds will be out of the west-northwest with a maximum speed of 60 to 70 knots between 40,000 and 45,000 feet.

Workers today are completing final pre-launch preparations and disconnecting lines from the rocket at pad 576-East.

The launch team will convene at about 0600 GMT (1 a.m. EST) on Sunday in advance of starting the countdown. Over the final three hours to liftoff, the Taurus rocket will be powered on, the Multispectral Thermal Imager satellite configured for launch and final Range Safety checks completed. If there are no problems, the countdown will continue into the final 8 minutes and the Taurus' avionics switched to internal power. The rocket will be armed at T-minus 4 minutes. The last two minutes will be computer-controlled by the auto sequencer.

It will take just 12 minutes and 12 seconds to deliver the MTI spacecraft into its planned polar orbit around Earth. Live telemetry from the Taurus rocket will be received at the Vandenberg tracking station through the first 9 minutes of the flight. However, the final three minutes of the launch -- including spacecraft separation -- will occur after the rocket travels beyond the tracking site's view, meaning the launch team will not know how the Taurus is performing as events happen.

Officials will wait until the rocket passes over the McMurdo ground station in Antarctica about 27 minutes after launch to obtain the data not collected by Vandenberg. It will take an additional 30 minutes for engineers to sort through the data before the U.S. Air Force, which is running this launch, to declare a successful delivery of MTI into the correct orbit.

The first signals from MTI could come about 90 minutes after launch through a ground station in Fairbanks, Alaska. However, the satellite will pass low over the Fairbanks' horizon, making this contact opportunity somewhat unlikely. A better pass one orbit later -- or three hours after launch -- is expected to pick up MTI's beacon to confirm the craft is alive.

MTI controllers will receive their first full insight into the satellite's health when it passes over the primary mission ground station at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, about 11 hours after launch.

We will complete live coverage throughout the final countdown and launch here in the Mission Status Center.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2000

The Launch Readiness Review was completed on Friday at Vandenberg Air Force in California, clearing an Orbital Sciences Taurus rocket for liftoff early Sunday morning carrying an experimental satellite for the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

The mission has been delayed two weeks while the U.S. and Tahitian governments resolved a safety concern with a South Pacific island near the predicated impact area of the rocket's spent third stage. In the end, the populated Marutea atoll was determined to be outside the danger area. Read our story for more on the unusual problem.

The Orbital Sciences launch team will have about a half-hour to get the Taurus rocket airborne on Sunday beginning at about 0921 GMT (4:21 a.m. EST). However, the U.S. Air Force said Friday a collision avoidance period, or COLA, will likely prohibit liftoff during the first several minutes of the window. The COLA is caused by passage of the Russian space station Mir. The preliminary information indicates the Taurus could launch no sooner than 0927 GMT (4:27 a.m. EST). The COLA predication will be refined during the final hours of the countdown and the new launch time could change slightly.

Air Force weather forecasters are calling for near ideal conditions for launch. There is just a 10 percent chance layered clouds would cause a launch postponement. Launch Weather Officer Capt. Eric Barela gives this overview:

"Charts continue to show favorable weather for day of launch. We will be under the influence of High pressure as a frontal boundary remains far off the coast of California. Continue to expect thin cirrus at time of launch and northerly surface winds 8-12 knots. Upper level winds will be out of the west-northwest 260-300 degrees with a max wind speed of 50-60 knots at 40-45KFt."

At launch time, meteorologists predict a scattered layer of cirrus clouds at 24,000 feet, visibility of 7 miles, northerly winds 8 to 12 knots and a temperature between 48 and 52 degrees F.

If the launch is delayed 24 hours, the forecast remains virtually unchanged with only a 10 percent chance of not meeting the weather rules.

The payload aboard the fifth Taurus rocket is the Multispectral Thermal Imager satellite for the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Office of Nonproliferation and National Security. MTI will circle about 360 miles above Earth in near-polar orbit, serving as an R&D testbed for futuristic multispectral and thermal imaging. Researchers say the satellite will attempt to prove the imaging techniques in space for the first time by detecting reflected and thermally radiated electromagnetic waves not visible to the human eye.

Results from the three-year mission could be used to develop future reconnaissance satellites for monitoring facilities on Earth suspected of making nuclear or chemical weapons. Next generation spy satellites would collect information such as surface temperatures, materials, water quality and vegetation health around the complexes.

MTI features a cryogenically-cooled telescope that will observe selected ground sites where researchers know the true conditions. The images will be relayed to MTI's primary communications station in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for comparison to determine the effectiveness of the satellite's technologies.