T-00:03.2 |
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 NOAA-L weather satellite from Space Launch Complex-4 West at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. |
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T+02:30 |
Stage 1 shutdown |
The first stage engine shuts down via command by the rocket's guidance system based upon computer logic. |
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T+02:31 |
Stage separation, 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+03:44 |
Jettison payload fairing |
The payload fairing that protected the NOAA-L spacecraft during atmospheric ascent is separated once heating conditions are acceptable.
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T+05:26 |
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 is then prepared to release the NOAA-L satellite. |
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T+06:31 |
NOAA-L separation |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's NOAA-L weather satellite is deployed from the Titan 2 rocket's second stage. |
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T+15:04 |
Kick motor ignition |
The Thiokol Star 37XFP solid-fuel apogee kick motor attached to the bottom of NOAA-L is ignited inject the satellite into a stable orbit around Earth. |
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T+15:55 |
Kick motor burnout |
The NOAA-L spacecraft should achieve a circular orbit around Earth's poles at an altitude of around 470 miles and inclined 98.7 degrees to the equator. The kick motor will remain attached to the satellite. |
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