Delta 4 WGS 8 launched!

[Ultimate Steve]

Quote

Launch window: 2353-0042 GMT (6:53-7:42 p.m. EST)
Launch site: SLC-37B, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

A United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will launch the eighth Wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft, formerly known as the Wideband Gapfiller Satellite. Built by Boeing, this geostationary communications spacecraft will serve U.S. military forces. The rocket will fly in the Medium+ (5,4) configuration with four solid rocket boosters. Delayed from Sept. 22, Sept. 28, Oct. 20 and Nov. 17. Moved forward from Dec. 15. [Oct. 18]

-SpaceFlightNow

 

Continuing with the tradition of my last minute launch threads, there will be a Delta 4 launching tonight.

Livestream link: ULA's Youtube stream.

 

Update: Launching in ten minutes now!

Update 2: It succeeded!

Edited December 7, 2016 by Ultimate Steve

[Mitchz95]

That initial burst of flame at T-2 always stops my heart before I remember that it's normal.

[GoSlash27]

So wait... That launch left the payload in a (roughly) 29.5 k x 200 NM orbit. Does the sat have an engine on board to circ, or is this supposed to be the final orbit?

Best,
-Slashy

*Edit* Nevermind.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/03/01/boeings-first-two-all-electric-satellites-ready-for-launch/

So is this the new Hall effect thruster I've been hearing about?

Best,
-Slashy

[YNM]

That seems to be the case. Satellite bus is based of this, looking from the previous satellites.

Edited December 8, 2016 by YNM

[Just Jim]

I watched it. The sky was clear enough tonight to see it. Looked like a bright red/orange blip... very pretty!  

Oh, for the record, I'm on the other side of Florida, about 120 miles from NASA, for anyone that's interested.

If the sky is clear, you can see a launch all the way from here.

Edited December 8, 2016 by Just Jim

[Kryten]

1 hour ago, GoSlash27 said:

So wait... That launch left the payload in a (roughly) 29.5 k x 200 NM orbit. Does the sat have an engine on board to circ, or is this supposed to be the final orbit?

Best,
-Slashy

*Edit* Nevermind.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/03/01/boeings-first-two-all-electric-satellites-ready-for-launch/

So is this the new Hall effect thruster I've been hearing about?

Best,
-Slashy

That's a pretty standard super-synchronous GTO, and it'll reach GSO using a conventional chemical thruster, as it's the norm for communications sats.

[Firemetal]

Yup that was a great launch! Glad I didn't miss it like I always do this time.

Fire