Discussion: Wallops Launch Alert - tonight!
in: Orienteering; General
Oct 7, 2015 7:24 PM
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Its been a year since the ISS resupply launch failure at Wallops, VA and there hasn't been much activity since. The next ISS launch from Wallops probably won't occur until next summer (2016), but some suborbital flights are still happening, and there's an interesting one tonight. A test of a new sounding rocket upper stage and payload deployment system will release a couple of clouds of Barium/Strontium in the upper atmosphere that should be visible over a large portion of the US mid-atlantic. Basically, a barium enema for the ionosphere. Details here:
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/space-technologies-rec...
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sounding-rockets...
The launch window runs from 7-9 PM EDT, with no specific time in that window given. The goal appears to be to launch while its dark on the ground but the cloud release points (130mi and 118mi) are still in sunlight. There's a link to a livestream feed of the launch on nasa-tv-wallops at the bottom of the first link above. Should be able to follow that and then run outside when it launches. Might be a good photo Op too. Best to get the lowest SE horizon you can find. I'm not sure how high the releases will appear.
http://www.nasa.gov/feature/space-technologies-rec...
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/sounding-rockets...
The launch window runs from 7-9 PM EDT, with no specific time in that window given. The goal appears to be to launch while its dark on the ground but the cloud release points (130mi and 118mi) are still in sunlight. There's a link to a livestream feed of the launch on nasa-tv-wallops at the bottom of the first link above. Should be able to follow that and then run outside when it launches. Might be a good photo Op too. Best to get the lowest SE horizon you can find. I'm not sure how high the releases will appear.
Oct 7, 2015 7:53 PM
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Sign up here! http://attackpoint.org/eventdetail.jsp/event_29467 :)
Some direct links:
Ustream begins at 6pm
Status on Twitter
Status on Facebook
They have an app for viewing stuff too on Google Play and iOS App Store, "What's Up at Wallops"
Good luck, NASA!
Some direct links:
Ustream begins at 6pm
Status on Twitter
Status on Facebook
They have an app for viewing stuff too on Google Play and iOS App Store, "What's Up at Wallops"
Good luck, NASA!
Oct 7, 2015 10:58 PM
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Launch window has been constrained to 7:07-7:31 PM EDT. Livestream is showing the rocket on the pad now. They're aiming for the 7:07 launch now.
Oct 7, 2015 11:05 PM
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Yep! Actually just bought a house almost on the river. Should have a fantastic view.
Oct 7, 2015 11:14 PM
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A bit hazy for good pictures, but very cool nonetheless. Thanks again Eddie!
Oct 7, 2015 11:33 PM
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I saw one yellowish blob, perfectly round - about the size of the full moon, 7 mins after launch. It was about 35 deg above the horizon from N Baltimore. Faded fast - was only visible for about 30s, if that. Not especially exciting, but it was there.
This discussion thread is closed.