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SORCE Processing Notes |
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The Orbital Sciences carrier aircraft departed Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for the launch of
Pegasus/SORCE on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2:17 p.m. The drop of the Pegasus occurred on time at 3:14 p.m. at an altitude of 39,000 feet, 120 nautical miles East-northeast of Cape Canaveral. The satellite separated from the Pegasus rocket 10 minutes 46 seconds after launch at 3:24 p.m. Seven seconds later the satellite was acquired by the TDRS-East Tracking and Data Relay Satellite which confirmed that SORCE was receiving power from its solar arrays. The satellite is in a 400-mile-high orbit at an inclination of 40 degrees. The spacecraft’s science instruments have been turned on and their state of health is being verified. In approximately three weeks, science observations will begin. For the next five years, the spacecraft will measure from space how the Sun affects the Earth’s ozone layer, the circulation of the atmosphere, clouds and oceans. The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The satellite was constructed by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group with science instruments designed and built by the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (January 29, 2003 status report) |
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In
the Multipurpose Payload Processing Facility
(MPPF) at KSC, mating of the SORCE spacecraft
to the Pegasus launch vehicle occurred on
Jan. 5 and the fairing was installed around
the spacecraft on Jan. 15. This morning, Jan.
22 at 4:45 a.m. the integrated vehicle left
the MPPF and was transported to the runway
at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It arrived
there at 6:30 a.m. and the mating to the L-1011
carrier aircraft was completed at 10:30 a.m. The Combined Systems Test, an integrated test involving the launch vehicle, spacecraft and L-1011 aircraft, is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 23. Departure of the L-1011 for launch on Saturday, Jan. 25 will be at 2:15 p.m. for a drop targeted to occur within the launch window at 3:14 p.m. EST. The launch window opens at 3:10 p.m. and closes at 4:08 p.m. The drop of the Pegasus will be at an altitude of 39,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean approximately 100 miles east-southeast of Cape Canaveral. The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the spacecraft is built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, and the instruments are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (January 22, 2003 status report) |
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At Vandenberg Air Force Base, the mating of the launch vehicle to the L-1011 aircraft and the Combined Systems Test (CST) was completed on Friday, Dec. 13. The vehicle was ferried to the CCAFS Skid Strip using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, Tuesday, Dec. 17. The Pegasus was de-mated from the L-1011 and transported to the Multi-Purpose Payload Facility at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, Dec. 18. Fairing removal occurred on Thurs., Dec. 19. Three Flight Simulations are planned prior to launch. One involves the Pegasus launch vehicle on Dec. 22, the remaining two flight simulations on Jan. 3 and Jan. 8 involve both the Pegasus and the SORCE spacecraft. Mating of the spacecraft to the Pegasus is currently scheduled for Jan. 5 and fairing installation activities begin on Jan. 15. The integrated vehicle will be transported to the runway at CCAFS and mated to the L-1011 aircraft on January 22. Also that day, Combined Systems Test #2 is scheduled. This includes the SORCE spacecraft, the Pegasus launch vehicle and the L-1011. Meanwhile, at KSC in the MPPF, testing and validation continues to be performed on SORCE. A communications test with the Hartebeesthoek tracking station in the Republic of South Africa is scheduled for Fri., Dec. 27. SORCE is a Principal Investigator-led mission managed by the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group built the spacecraft and the instruments were built by LASP. (December 20, 2002 status report) |
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At Vandenberg Air Force Base, the mating of the launch vehicle to the L-1011 aircraft and the Combined Systems Test (CST) is scheduled to occur on Friday, Dec. 13. The ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is scheduled for Dec. 17. Once at KSC in the Multi-purpose Payload Processing Facility
(MPPF), three Flight Simulations are planned prior to launch. One involves the Pegasus launch vehicle on Dec. 22, the remaining two flight simulations on Jan. 3 and Jan. 8 involve both the Pegasus and the SORCE spacecraft. Mating of the spacecraft to the Pegasus is currently scheduled for Jan. 6 and fairing installation activities begin on Jan. 14. On Jan. 22, the integrated vehicle will be transported to the runway at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and mated to the L-1011 aircraft. Also on that day, Combined Systems Test #2 is scheduled. This includes the SORCE spacecraft, the Pegasus launch vehicle and the L-1011. Meanwhile, at KSC in the MPPF, work is being performed on SORCE in anticipation of the arrival of the Pegasus. The end-to-end communications test with the Hartebeesthoek tracking station in the Republic of South Africa is scheduled for this week. The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the spacecraft is built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, and the instruments are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (December 11, 2002 status report) |
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On
the Pegasus launch vehicle, re-mating of the
three stages of the vehicle was completed on
Dec. 2. Flight Simulation Test 2-A was
successfully completed on Dec. 4 and the
reaction control system (RCS) is being
charged to flight pressure today. The mating
of the launch vehicle to the L-1011 aircraft
and the Combined Systems Test (CST) is
scheduled to occur on Dec. 13.
The ferry to KSC using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is scheduled for Dec. 17. Once at KSC, three Flight Simulations are planned prior to launch and are scheduled for Dec. 22, Jan. 3 and Jan. 8. At KSC in the Multi-purpose Payload Processing Facility (MPPF), limited work is being performed on SORCE in anticipation of the arrival of the Pegasus. The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the spacecraft is built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, and the instruments are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (December 5, 2002 status report) |
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On the Pegasus launch vehicle, the three stages of the vehicle have been de-mated. The electrical boxes containing the fasteners associated with the fin actuators and the thrust vector control system were removed and returned to the vendor. The fasteners were re-torqued and have successfully passed vibration and environmental testing. The fasteners were returned to Vandenberg Air Force Base from Orbital Sciences and were reinstalled on the vehicle. The stages are to be re-mated next week and will be followed by a set of flight simulations. The Combined Systems Test (CST) is currently scheduled to occur on December 15. The ferry to KSC using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is anticipated for the third week of December, expected to occur on or about Dec. 17. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch. Processing of SORCE, built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, has been going well since its arrival at the Kennedy Space Center on Oct. 26 in the Multi-purpose Payload Processing Facility (MPPF). Due to launch delay, only minor work has been conducted over the past week but will resume on a limited basis next week. There are no spacecraft issues or concerns. The SORCE project is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The instruments on the SORCE spacecraft are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (November 27, 2002 status report) |
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The three stages of the Pegasus launch vehicle have been de-mated. The electrical boxes containing the fasteners associated with the fin actuators and the thrust vector control system have been removed and returned to the vendor. The fasteners will be
re-torqued and undergo environmental and vibration testing. They will be returned to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for reinstallation on the vehicle this week. The stages will be re-mated the first week of December and will be followed by a set of flight simulations. The Combined Systems Test is currently scheduled to occur on Dec. 15. The ferry to KSC, using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft, is anticipated for the third week of December, and expected to occur no later than Dec. 21. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch. Processing of SORCE, built by The Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, has been going well since its arrival at KSC on Oct. 26. Due to launch delay, no work has been conducted over the past week but will resume on a limited basis next week. There are no spacecraft issues or concerns. The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The instruments on the SORCE spacecraft are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (November 20, 2002 status report) |
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On
the Pegasus launch vehicle, the three stages
of the vehicle have been de-mated. The electrical
boxes containing the fasteners associated
with the fin actuators and the thrust vector
control system have been removed and returned
to the vendor. The fasteners will be re-torqued.
They will be returned to Orbital for reinstallation
on the vehicle next week. The stages are to
be re-mated the first week of December and
will be followed by a set of flight simulations.
The Combined Systems Test is currently scheduled
to occur on December 15. The ferry to KSC
using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft
is anticipated for the third week of December,
expected to occur not later than December
21. Three Flight Simulation tests are also
planned at KSC prior to launch. Processing of SORCE, built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, has been going well since its arrival at the Kennedy Space Center on Oct. 26 in the Multi-purpose Payload Processing Facility (MPPF). Due to launch delay, no work has been conducted over the past week but will resume on a limited basis next week. There are no spacecraft issues or concerns. The SORCE project is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The instruments on the SORCE spacecraft are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (November 14, 2002 status report) |
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On the Pegasus launch vehicle, additional time will be necessary to check torque values on fasteners associated with the fin actuators and the thrust vector control system. The stages must be de-mated for access to these components. The ferry to KSC using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is anticipated to occur during the third week of December. Three Flight Simulation tests are planned at KSC prior to launch. Processing of SORCE, built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, has been going well since its arrival at the Kennedy Space Center on Oct. 26. In the Multi-purpose Payload Processing Facility (MPPF), the spacecraft Limited Performance Test, a 16-hour electrical test of the satellite was successfully completed. A solar array lighting test was also successfully performed this week and the spacecraft's batteries have been charged. There are no spacecraft issues or concerns. The SORCE project is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The instruments on the SORCE spacecraft are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). (November 7, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE, built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, arrived at the Kennedy Space Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 and is undergoing prelaunch testing at the Multipurpose Payload Processing Facility located in the KSC Industrial Area. Charging of the flight batteries was completed yesterday. A Limited Performance Test, an electrical test of the spacecraft lasting 16 hours, is under way today. A solar array lighting test is scheduled for Nov. 5. There are no spacecraft issues or concerns. The SORCE project is managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The instruments on the SORCE spacecraft are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). The silicon seal associated with the interface between the Pegasus rocket and its wing has been replaced with a new seal and will be rebonded with fresh adhesive. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle completed its buildup and testing on Oct. 11 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The mating of the three stages was completed Oct. 15. Two Flight Simulation tests were performed. Flight Simulation No. 1 was successfully completed on Oct. 11 and Flight Simulation No. 2 was completed on Oct. 17. The ferry to KSC using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft is scheduled for Nov. 9. Three Flight Simulation tests are planned at KSC prior to launch. NASA is targeting a launch date of Dec. 13 subject to the availability of the Eastern Range. (October 30, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE, built by the Orbital Sciences Space Systems Group, is at their spacecraft manufacturing facility in Dulles, Va. SORCE has satisfactorily completed space environment tests and is undergoing final preparation for shipment to Florida. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing this Saturday, Oct. 26. The SORCE project is managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The instruments on the SORCE spacecraft are built by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics
(LASP). The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle completed its buildup and testing on Oct. 11 at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The mating of the three stages was completed Oct. 15. Two Flight Simulation tests were scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 was successfully completed on Oct. 11 and Flight Simulation No. 2 was completed on Oct. 17. Additional time will be required to re-work a silicon seal associated with the interface between the Pegasus rocket and its wing area. Due to Western Range and operational support requirements, the ferry to KSC is now anticipated to occur during the second week of November with a launch occurring in mid-December. The Pegasus will ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch. (October 24, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE
is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility
in Dulles, Va., and has satisfactorily completed space
environment tests. The spacecraft is scheduled to
arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing
on Oct. 26. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The mating of the three stages was completed yesterday, Oct. 15. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 was successfully completed on Oct. 11 and Flight Simulation No. 2 is under way today, Oct. 16. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on Oct. 29. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on Nov. 1, Nov. 8 and Nov. 18. (October 16, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia and has satisfactorily completed space environment tests. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 26. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 9 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 16. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 29. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (October 9, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia and has satisfactorily completed space environment tests. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 26. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 9 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 16. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 29. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (October 2, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia and has satisfactorily completed space environment tests. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 26. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 9 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 16. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 29. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (September 25, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia and has satisfactorily completed space environment tests. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (September 18, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia and has satisfactorily completed space environment tests. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (September 04, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia, and will complete space environment testing this week. The testing has gone satisfactorily to date. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation Tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation Tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (August 28, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia undergoing planned space environment testing which is going satisfactorily. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle continues to undergo buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (August 21, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Va., undergoing environmental testing. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on Oct. 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle is undergoing buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for Oct. 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on Oct. 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on Oct. 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on Nov. 1, Nov. 8 and Nov. 18. There are no significant issues or concerns at this time. (August 14, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia undergoing environmental testing. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle is undergoing buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. There are no significant issues or concerns at this time. (August 7, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia, undergoing environmental testing. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle is undergoing buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. There are no significant issues or concerns at this time. (July 31, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia undergoing environmental testing. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle is undergoing buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (July 24, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles, Virginia, undergoing environmental testing. The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October 25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle is undergoing buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (July 17, 2002 status report) |
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SORCE
is at the Orbital Space Systems Group spacecraft facility in Dulles,
Virginia undergoing environmental testing. The spacecraft is scheduled
to arrive at Kennedy Space Center to begin final processing on October
25. The Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle is undergoing buildup and testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Two Flight Simulation tests are scheduled while the vehicle is in California. Flight Simulation No. 1 is scheduled for October 1 and will be followed by Flight Simulation No. 2 on October 9. The Pegasus is scheduled for ferry to Cape Canaveral using the Orbital Sciences L-1011 aircraft on October 28. Three Flight Simulation tests are also planned at KSC prior to launch and are scheduled to occur on November 1, November 8 and November 18. (July 10, 2002 status report) |
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Page Last Revised |
Page & Curator Information |
02/10/2003 |
Curator:
Kay Grinter (kay.grinter-1@ksc.nasa.gov) /
InDyne, Inc. |