CollectingSP's Kerbalized Space Program- (EELV's Galore!) A Mix Of Realism, Fantasy, and Make-Believe Bureaucracy [UNITY DOCKS TO ISS!] (5/27/24)

[CollectingSP]

 UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-03-01)

LAST UPDATED 5:37PM, MAR 01, 2024

Mission Success!

Delta IV Delivers GPS IIF-1 to Orbit for the United States Space Force 

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium Launch Vehicle lifted off from Space Launch Complex 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida today (March 01, 2024)  at 3:50 PM Eastern Standard Time (0850 Zulu.)

Delta IV Successfully Delivered the GPS Block IIF Space Vehicle 01 (GPS IIF-1) Satellite to orbit for the United States Space Force Global Positioning Systems Directorate. The satellite was successfully deployed around 1 hour and 3 minutes after launch, separating from the Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS) at 4:53:30 PM EST.  

The GPS IIF-1 mission was launched in support of the United States Space Force’s Global Positioning Systems Directorate and is the first spacecraft in the next generation of GPS Satellites. The mission of GPS is to “Deliver sustained, reliable GPS capabilities to America's warfighters, our allies and civil users. GPS provides positioning, navigation, and timing service to civil and military users worldwide.”  12 Satellites are planned in this series, most of which are currently manifested for Delta IV.

The launch of GPS IIF-1 was also the first Delta IV Launch since February 3rd, 2021 from Space Launch Complex 39B. Pad 39B Had been under renovation since  March of 2021 due to needed upgrades to support NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) launches on ULA’s Delta IV Heavy Rocket. Additionally, this mission was the Seventh Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020, and the Third flight of the Medium (4,2) Configuration. 

Remembering ULA Teammates

As with every Mission, ULA Dedicated the Delta IV Launch Vehicle in Honor of a ULA Teammate who is no longer with us. This is the same dedication that flew on the real-life GPS IIF-1 mission on May 28th, 2010. 

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

The Dedication can be found in the spoiler below.

Spoiler

     

The ULA Dedication video was played at L- 11:00, in accordance with pre-established procedures. 
 

Launch Photography can be found below. 

Image Caption(s) in spoiler.

Spoiler

(Kennedy Space Center, Florida) A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, On March 01, 2024, carrying the GPS IIF-01 Spacecraft for the United States Space Force (USSF) Global Positioning Systems Directorate (GPSD.) GPS IIF is designed to deliver sustained, reliable GPS capabilities to America's warfighters, our allies and civil users. GPS provides positioning, navigation and timing service to civil and military users worldwide. (NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis)

 

Edited April 15 by CollectingSP
MISSION SUCCESS!

[CollectingSP]

A note to everyone-

I am currently working on moving all of my images to Imgur.  Some images may disappear but I am working on it!

Thanks!

Edited March 9 by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

Update on Imgur- It's being really weird right now, but I'm about halfway done restoring the old images.

They'll probably be fully restored shortly.

[CollectingSP]

All images are back up.

[CollectingSP]

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-03-18)

Delta IV to launch the Defense Rideshare Satellite Program-2 Mission (DRS-2) 

Rocket/Payload: A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) rocket will launch the DRS-2 mission for multiple U.S. Government Agencies and multiple U.S. universities. 

Date/Site/Launch Time: Confirmed on the Eastern Range for Thursday, March 21 with a window ranging from 4:00 to 11:00 PM, with a Backup window on the 22nd of March with the same launch window, from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Webcast: Not available. Multimedia will be available after the launch on the mission’s forum page. 

Mission Description: The DRS-2 Mission is comprised of six separate satellites from six different agencies and universities around the United States. The mission is jointly funded by the U.S. Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. The six spacecraft are as follows-

--

DMIS-2 (Defense Mapping and Intelligence Satellite 2) (AFRL, U.S. Space Force)

The Defense Mapping and Intelligence Satellite is a pathfinder spacecraft for a proposed series of very small-scale imaging reconnaissance satellites in low-earth orbit, carrying multiple new technologies and putting them to the test in their intended environment. The satellite was jointly developed by a team of Air Force Research Lab and U.S. Space Force personnel, and is intended to replace the DMIS-1 Satellite that was lost during the DRS-1 Mission in October 2020, due to technical issues with the satellite.

--

NRO Payload (U.S. National Reconnaissance Office)

No information.

--

XSS-11 (AFRL, U.S. Space Force)

The Experimental Satellite System-11 (XSS-11) microsatellite will demonstrate “a new class of low-cost spacecraft with the goal to explore a variety of future military applications such as space servicing, diagnostics, maintenance, space support and efficient space operations. Microsatellites, such as the XSS-11, will offer affordable platforms to demonstrate key capabilities including rendezvous and proximity operations, autonomous mission planning, as well as other enabling space technologies.”

--

3CS 1,2,3 (Sparkie, Ralphie, Petey) (U.S. Space Force, AFRL, ASU, NMSU, Cu-B, STP)

The Three Corner Satellite program consists of three student-built microsatellites flying in formation with each other. The primary mission objectives are to demonstrate formation flying, provide imaging of cloud formations, and demonstrate autonomous operations. They were built by Arizona State University (Sparky), Colorado University-Boulder (Raphie) and New Mexico State University (Petey.) These satellites will be operated in conjunction with the U.S. Space Force, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Space Test Program.

--

Launch Notes: The launch of DRS-2 will be the second-ever Delta IV launch from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Complex 37B was purpose-built to meet the increased demand for Delta IV Launches and to ensure access to space for our Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, And Commercial Customers. This mission is the Eighth Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020, and the First Delta IV Medium+ (5,4).

Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, follow along on CollectingSP’s Kerbalized space program forum page! Hashtags #DRS2, #DeltaIV, and #Team37.

MEDIA CONTACT: u/CollectingSP On the KSP forums

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

This flight's mission poster:

 

Edited April 15 by CollectingSP
Flight numbering- DV-006 is yet to launch

[CollectingSP]

 

SPACEPORT NEWS- 19 MARCH 2024 EDITION

 

Edited March 19 by CollectingSP
tyops!

[Spikemaster]

Why does DRS 2 mission poster have binary numbers in the background?

 

Edited March 19 by Spikemaster

[CollectingSP]

4 hours ago, Spikemaster said:

Why does DRS 2 mission poster have binary numbers in the background?

 

Good question!

It reads “Delta IV.”

I just thought it was a cool touch, considering it’s a military payload and binary has been featured in a number of IRL mission posters for the military.

One of the payloads also includes an encrypted communications suite, too, so it also sort of represents that in a way.

Edited March 19 by CollectingSP

[Spikemaster]

OK, thanks

[CollectingSP]

FYI To everyone-  just made a small update to today's edition of Spaceport News, and revised the mission patch description.

[CollectingSP]

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-03-21)

 UPDATE: Extending the launch window for tonight's Delta IV/DRS-2 Launch Attempt

As of 9:40 PM EST, the ULA Launch Team and the 45th Weather Squadron have decided that there will be an extension to the launch window for tonight's Delta IV/DRS-2 Launch, with the primary reasoning being the fact that the weather tomorrow afternoon is not looking favorable for the backup launch window.

Launch is now targeted for 12:10 AM EST on the 22nd of March, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from now. The team is currently working only one issue pertaining to the launch sequencer. 

The new launch window will extend until approximately 2:20 AM on the 22nd of March.

Please stay tuned for continuing coverage and updates about Delta IV DV-009's Launch Campaign, Carrying the DRS-2 satellites.

(Last Updated 9:40 PM 03/21/2024)

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

Edited March 22 by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

  UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-03-22)

LAST UPDATED  2:02 AM, MAR 22, 2024

Mission Success!

Delta IV Delivers DRS-2 to Orbit for Multiple U.S. Government Customers

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) Launch Vehicle lifted off from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida today (March 22, 2024)  at 12:10 AM Eastern Standard Time (0410 Zulu.)

Delta IV Successfully Delivered all six DRS-2 payloads to orbit for the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), And the Space Test Program’s 3 Corner Satellite payloads, built by Arizona State University (Sparky), Colorado University-Boulder (Raphie) and New Mexico State University (Petey.)

The final satellite (Petey, 3CS-3) was deployed from the DRS Rideshare adapter built by the Boeing Company and United Launch Alliance approximately 21 Minutes after launch, at 12:31 AM EST. 

Please note that there will be no further comment from ULA on the NRO payload, due to its classified nature. All other questions and comments can be directed to the NRO. Questions about the other payloads may be directed at ULA or their respective operating agencies. 

Photos may be released of the payloads pending DOD approval later this week or early next week.

The DRS-2 Mission is comprised of six separate satellites from six different agencies and universities around the United States. The mission is jointly funded by the U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office and is part of the Defense Rideshare Satellites Program.

The launch of DRS-2 was the second-ever Delta IV launch from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Complex 37B was purpose-built to meet the increased demand for Delta IV Launches and to ensure access to space for our Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, NASA, And Commercial Customers. The mission was the Eighth Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020, and the First Delta IV Medium+ (5,4).

Remembering ULA Teammates and honoring resiliency 

As with every Mission, ULA Dedicated the Delta IV Launch Vehicle in Honor of ULA Teammates who are no longer with us. Today’s launch also honored the AFRL Defense Mapping and Imaging Satellite team, who have shown incredible resiliency and passion to make the launch of DMIS-2 possible.

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

The Dedication can be found in the spoiler below.

Spoiler

     

The ULA Dedication video was played at L- 11:00, in accordance with pre-established procedures. 
 

Launch Photography can be found below. 

Image Caption(s) in spoiler.

Spoiler

(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida) A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Rocket Lifts off from Launch Complex 37B, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, On March 22, 2024, at 12:10 AM EST with the DRS-2 Mission onboard. DRS-2 is comprised of six separate satellites from six different agencies and universities around the United States. The mission is jointly funded by the U.S. Space force and National Reconnaissance office, and is part of the Defense Rideshare Satellites Program. Delta IV Successfully Delivered all six payloads to orbit for the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), as well as the Space Test Program’s 3 Corner Satellite payloads, built by Arizona State University (Sparky), Colorado University-Boulder (Raphie) and New Mexico State University (Petey.) (United Launch Alliance)

Edited April 15 by CollectingSP
Flight numbering- DV-006 is yet to launch

[CollectingSP]

 

SPACEPORT NEWS- 10 APRIL 2024 EDITION

Edited April 10 by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-04-15)

Delta IV Heavy to launch the Zarya Functional Cargo Block (ISS 1A/R, FGB)

(Please note, this release has been edited to reflect the new launch Date/Time as of 04/23/2024 9:51 PM EST.)

Rocket/Payload: A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the Zarya Functional Cargo Block (Funktsional'nyy Gruzovoy Blok) For the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos. The Zarya module Is the first element of the International Space Station.

Date/Site/Launch Time: Confirmed on the Eastern Range for Wednesday, April 23rd with a window ranging from 4:00 PM on the 23rd to 1:30 AM on the 24th, from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Webcast: Not available. Multimedia will be available after the launch on the mission’s forum page. 

Mission Description: The Zarya module Is the first element of the International Space Station to be launched. Zarya will provide electrical power, storage, propulsion, and guidance to the ISS during the initial stage of assembly. The research and development of Zarya was paid for by Russia and the design of the module and all its systems are Russian. The United States funded Zarya through the U.S. prime contracts in the Late 2010s as the first module for ISS, and it was built from December 2019 to December 2022 in Russia at the Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center (KhSC) in Moscow. Zarya is being launched on Delta IV due to the retirement of Russia’s venerable Proton-K Launch system, which was previously slated to launch Zarya. Roscosmos and ULA signed the Mission’s Launch Contract in November 2020, along with the contracts for Zvezda and MRM-1, which are also to be launched on Delta IV rockets.

Launch Notes: The launch of Zarya will be the first-ever International Delta IV launch, Contracted by United Launch Services. It is also the first of three contracted Delta IV launches for The Russian Federal Space Agency/Roscosmos, the others being the Zvezda Service Module and the Rassvet MRM-1. This mission is the Ninth Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020 and the Third Delta IV Heavy.

Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, follow along on CollectingSP’s Kerbalized space program forum page! Hashtags #ZaryaModule, #DeltaIVHeavy, and #Team37.

MEDIA CONTACT: u/CollectingSP On the KSP forums

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

This flight's mission poster:

 

Edited May 20 by CollectingSP
Misc

[CollectingSP]

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-04-19)

 UPDATE: Standing down from tonight's Delta IV Heavy (DV-011) / Zarya Launch Attempt

As of 11:00 PM EST, the ULA Launch Team is standing down from tonight's launch attempt due to a violation of the launch criteria and the expiration of today's launch window, with the team working a few faults related to ground infrastructure at Space Launch Complex 37B.

The team is putting into effect what is a 48-Hour Recycle, with the new Launch date being March 21st, 2024. The new launch window will open at approximately 4:00 PM  Eastern Standard Time and close at 11:00 PM on the 21st.

Please stay tuned for continuing coverage and updates about Delta IV DV-011's Launch Campaign with the first element of the International Space Station aboard!

(Last Updated 2:05 AM 04/20/2024)

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

Edited April 20 by CollectingSP

[Squish2867]

Congratulations! I can tell you put a lot of effort into this, you definitely deserve this title.

On 11/5/2023 at 10:32 AM, CollectingSP said:

Thread of the Month for April 2024!

 

[CollectingSP]

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-04-19)

 SCRUB: Standing down from tonight's Delta IV Heavy (DV-011) / Zarya Launch Attempt

At approximately T-minus one minute and six seconds before tonight's 10:30 PM EST launch attempt of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the Zarya Functional Cargo Block, a fault was detected in the launch vehicle's electrical system, resulting in an automatic launch abort by the launch sequencer.

At this time, ULA technicians have assessed the issue and are working on a solution, and the issue is expected to be resolved by tomorrow morning. However, even with the issue being worked, The team is putting into effect what is another 48-Hour Recycle, with the new Launch date being March 23rd, 2024. The new launch window will open at approximately 4:00 PM  Eastern Standard Time and close at 1:00 AM on the 24th.

Please stay tuned for continuing coverage and updates about Delta IV DV-011's Launch Campaign with the first element of the International Space Station aboard!

(Last Updated 9:52PM  04/23/2024)

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

Images from tonight's launch attempt can be seen below.

(Image from video feed at SLC-37B mobile service tower post scrub.)

Edited April 24 by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

  UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-04-24)

LAST UPDATED  1:58 AM,  APRIL 24, 2024

Mission Success!

Delta IV Heavy Delivers the Zarya  Functional Cargo Block (FGB, ISS 1A/R) to orbit for NASA and Roscosmos

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy Rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida Last night (April 23rd, 2024)  at 11:20 PM Eastern Standard Time (0320 Zulu,) carrying the Zarya Functional Cargo Block (ISS 1A/R, Funktsional'nyy Gruzovoy Blok) For the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos.

The Zarya module Is the first element of the International Space Station to be launched. Zarya will provide electrical power, storage, propulsion, and guidance to the ISS during the initial stage of assembly. 

Zarya was launched on Delta IV due to the retirement of Russia’s venerable Proton Launch system, which was previously slated to launch Zarya. Roscosmos and ULA signed the Mission’s Launch Contract in November 2020, along with the contracts for Zvezda and MRM-1.

Delta IV Successfully Delivered Zarya to its target orbit of 51.6 Degrees and 160 Kilometers in altitude at 11:31:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, separating from the Boeing-built Launch Vehicle Payload Adapter (LVPA) and officially beginning the International Space Station Program.

At 11:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, the Zarya Module’s activation began, with flight controllers in Moscow, Russia transmitting commands to Zarya via the NASA TDRS network to activate the Module’s RCS system, Antennas, and to deploy the Module’s solar arrays.

The launch of Zarya was the first-ever International Delta IV launch, Contracted by United Launch Services. It was also the first of three contracted Delta IV launches for The Russian Federal Space Agency/Roscosmos, the others being the Zvezda Service Module and the Rassvet MRM-1. In addition to these firsts, this mission was also the first Delta IV Rocket to fly with an ISS Operations Upper Stage (IOUS.) Derived from existing Delta Cryogenic Second Stage technology, the IOUS employs two RS-73/MARC-60 engines and provides around 4.8 times more thrust than the current Single-engine RL-10 powered DCSS, and will be used for all subsequent ISS assembly flights. 
The mission was the Ninth Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020 and the Third Delta IV Heavy Rocket to fly. 

Honoring the International Space Station Team

With the launch of Zarya, ULA, NASA, and Roscosmos decided to place a message honoring the dedication and passion of the International Space Station team on Delta IV-H DV-011. This dedication can be shown below in the spoiler, as usual.

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

The Dedication can be found in the spoiler below.

Spoiler

 

     
 

Launch Photography and Renderings of Zarya can be found below. 

Image Caption(s) in spoiler.

Spoiler

(Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida) A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy Rocket Lifts off from Launch Complex 37B, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, On April 23rd, 2024, at 10:20 PM EST with the Zarya Functional Cargo Block (Funktsional'nyy Gruzovoy Blok) Onboard. The Zarya module Is the first element of the International Space Station to be launched, and it will provide electrical power, storage, propulsion, and guidance to the ISS during the initial stage of assembly. The launch of Zarya was the first-ever International Delta IV launch, and the first of three contracted Delta IV launches for The Russian Federal Space Agency/Roscosmos, the others being the Zvezda Service Module and the Rassvet MRM-1.  (United Launch Alliance)

Renderings of Zarya  (Artist's Impression) (Credit: NASA/CollectingSP)

Edited Sunday at 01:34 AM by CollectingSP
Typo.

[CollectingSP]

 

Page Two

SPACEPORT NEWS- 10 APRIL 2024 EDITION

Edited May 11 by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-05-19)

Delta IV Heavy to launch the Unity Module (Node One/ISS 2A)

(Please note, this release has been edited to reflect the new launch Date/Time as of 05/24/2024 11:38 PM EST.)

Rocket/Payload: A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket will launch the Unity Module (Node 1/ISS-2A) of the International Space Station For NASA. The Unity module Is the first American element of the Station.

Date/Site/Launch Time: Confirmed on the Eastern Range for Saturday, May 25th with an instantaneous launch window at 8:55PM EST, from Space Launch Complex 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Webcast: Not available. Multimedia will be available after the launch on the mission’s forum page. 

Mission Description: Unity (also known as Node 1) is a six-sided aluminum connecting passageway to the living and work areas of the International Space Station. It is the first major U.S.-built component of the station, and will be delivered by a European-built Service Module derived from the Orion MPCV. The European Service Module will dock Unity with Zarya, then separate and De-Orbit itself a day after arrival. Unity was built for NASA by Boeing in a manufacturing facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the European Service Module was built in Bremen, Germany at Airbus Defence and Space. 

Launch Notes: This mission is the tenth Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020 and the Fourth Delta IV Heavy. It is also the first Delta IV Heavy to be launched since November 20th, 2020 from Space Launch Complex 39B. Pad 39B Has been under renovation since March 2021 due to upgrades being installed at the pad to support NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Launches on Delta IV Heavy. In addition to these milestones, The Delta IV Heavy to fly this mission, DV-006- Is the oldest unflown Delta IV Rocket, being manufactured in 2019. It was originally slated to launch NROL-1, but was remanifested for the Unity Launch.

Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, follow along on CollectingSP’s Kerbalized space program forum page! Hashtags #UnityModule, #DeltaIVHeavy, #DV006, and #Team37.

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

This flight's mission poster:

 

Edited Saturday at 03:37 AM by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

NASA/ULA JOINT PRESS RELEASE (2024-05-24)

 SCRUB: Standing down from tonight's Delta IV Heavy (DV-006) / Unity Launch Attempt

At approximately T-minus 21 Minutes before tonight's 08:30 PM EST launch attempt of the United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying the Unity Module, Also known as Node 1, a fault was detected in the ground launch sequencer system at Space Launch Complex 39B.  Said issue could not be resolved in time for tonight's launch attempt, as tonight's launch required an instantaneous launch window to rendezvous and dock with the International Space Station's Zarya Functional Cargo Block on the morning of May 26th.

As of 8:52 PM EST, United Launch Alliance has resolved the issue with the launch vehicle, and the backup launch window has been confirmed for Tomorrow, May 25th, 2024. The new launch window will also be an instantaneous one, with the launch occurring at 8:55 PM EST from Space Launch Complex 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

With the new launch opportunity, the docking date of Unity to Zarya is currently planned for the morning of May 27th, 2024.

Delta IV, the Unity Module, and the European Service Module all remain in good condition ahead of tomorrow's new launch attempt.

Please stay tuned for continuing coverage and updates about Delta IV DV-006's Launch Campaign with the First American element of the International Space Station!

(Last Updated 9:25PM 05/24/2024)

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

Images from tonight's launch attempt can be seen below.

Image Caption(s) in spoiler.

Spoiler

(Kennedy Space Center, Florida) A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy Rocket is seen on the pad during a launch attempt at Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, On May 24th, 2024. Aboard is the Unity Module (Node 1) of the International Space Station along with its European Service Module. Unity (also known as Node 1) is a six-sided aluminum connecting passageway to the living and work areas of the International Space Station. It is the first major U.S.-built component of the station, and will be delivered by a European-built Service Module derived from the Orion MPCV. The European Service Module will dock Unity with Zarya, then separate and De-Orbit itself a day after arrival. Unity was built for NASA by Boeing in a manufacturing facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the European Service Module was built in Bremen, Germany at Airbus Defence and Space. The Launch Attempt was later called off due to a technical fault, and will be retried the following day. (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Edited Saturday at 01:25 AM by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

  UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE PRESS RELEASE (2024-05-25)

LAST UPDATED AT PUBLICATION

Mission Success!

Delta IV Heavy Delivers the Unity  Module (Node 1, ISS-2A) to orbit for NASA

A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy Rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 39B at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida in Florida tonight (May 25th, 2024) at 8:55 PM Eastern Standard Time (1255 Zulu,) carrying the Unity Module (Node 1/ISS-2A,) Which is the first American element of the International Space Station. 

Unity (also known as Node 1) is a six-sided aluminum connecting passageway to the living and work areas of the International Space Station. It is the first major U.S.-built component of the station and will be delivered by a European-built Service Module derived from the Orion MPCV. The European Service Module will dock Unity with Zarya, then separate and De-Orbit itself a day after arrival. Unity was built for NASA by Boeing in a manufacturing facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the European Service Module was built in Bremen, Germany at Airbus Defence and Space.

Delta IV Successfully Delivered Unity and the ESM to their target orbit of 51.6 Degrees and 140 Kilometers in altitude at 9:04:50 PM Eastern Standard Time- approximately 9 minutes and 50 seconds after launch, separating from the Boeing-built Launch Vehicle Payload Adapter (LVPA) and sending the Unity-ESM Stack on a rendezvous trajectory with the International Space Station, where docking of Unity to the forward-facing port of Zarya is currently planned for the morning of May 27th, 2024.

At 9:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, activation of the European Service Module’s systems began, with flight controllers in Houston, Texas transmitting commands to the ESM via the NASA TDRS network to activate the Module’s propulsion and guidance systems.

This mission was the first Delta IV Heavy to be launched since February 3rd, 2021 from Space Launch Complex 39B. Pad 39B Has been under renovation since 2021 due to needed upgrades to support NASA’s Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Launches on Delta IV Heavy.

 This mission was also the second Delta IV Rocket to fly with an ISS Operations Upper Stage (IOUS.) Derived from existing Delta Cryogenic Second Stage technology, the IOUS employs two RS-73/MARC-60 engines, provides around 4.8 times more thrust than the current Single-engine RL-10 powered DCSS, and will be used for all ISS assembly flights.

Tonight's launch marked the Tenth Delta IV Rocket to be flown since its inaugural launch in 2020 and the Third Delta IV Heavy Rocket to fly. Also, The Delta IV Heavy to fly this mission, DV-006- was the oldest unflown Delta IV Rocket in the ULA inventory, being manufactured in 2019.

Honoring a pioneer and icon- George W.S. Abbey
George W.S. Abbey served as director of Johnson Space Center until 2001, served as an integral part of the NASA Shuttle-Mir Program, and provided crucial oversight, management, and guidance in the first phase of the International Space Station.
His impact will be felt for generations to come, as his legacy lives on in the ISS program.
It was therefore only fitting to place his name on the Delta IV Heavy rocket launching Tonight’s Mission.
Mr. Abbey’s dedication and the additional ULA Team Dedication are shown below in the spoiler, as usual.

(As always, this is a work of fiction.)

The Dedication(s) can be found in the spoiler below.

Spoiler

 

       

 

     

Launch Photography, Renderings of Unity docking with Zarya, and the mission emblem can be found below. 

Image Caption(s) in spoiler.

Spoiler

(Kennedy Space Center, Florida) A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy Rocket Lifts off from Launch Complex 39B, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, On May 25th, 2024 at 08:55 PM EST. Aboard is the Unity Module (Node 1) of the International Space Station along with its European Service Module. Unity (also known as Node 1) is a six-sided aluminum connecting passageway to the living and work areas of the International Space Station. It is the first major U.S.-built component of the station, and will be delivered by a European-built Service Module derived from the Orion MPCV. The European Service Module will dock Unity with Zarya, then separate and De-Orbit itself a day after arrival. Unity was built for NASA by Boeing in a manufacturing facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the European Service Module was built in Bremen, Germany at Airbus Defence and Space. Docking of the Unity/ESM Stack to the Zarya Functional Cargo block is currently scheduled for May 27th, 2024, two days after launch. (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

Renderings of Unity docking with Zarya  (Artist's Impression) (Credit: NASA/CollectingSP)

The Unity module's Mission Patch, as seen on the Payload Fairing  (Credit: NASA)

 

 

Edited Sunday at 03:06 AM by CollectingSP

[CollectingSP]

NASA Blogs Release 

Unity Module (Node 1/ISS-2A) Arrives at Station

Images from the docking camera inside PMA-1 present a clearer picture of the final moments before docking. 

The 12.8 ton Unity Module arrived at the International Space Station at 10:38:24 a.m. EST, propelled by a European Service Module. The duo docked to the Zarya module on the formerly Space-Facing forward side of the To-be Russian segment two days after lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a Delta IV Heavy rocket on Saturday, May 25 at 8:55 pm EST (7:55 p.m. Central time). The spacecraft were flying about 260 miles over northeastern Australia at the time of docking.

Unity (also known as Node 1) is a six-sided aluminum connecting passageway to the living and work areas of the International Space Station. It is the first major U.S.-built component of the station. Unity was built for NASA by Boeing in a manufacturing facility at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and the European Service Module that Propelled Unity during the rendezvous and docking was built in Bremen, Germany at Airbus Defence and Space. 

The European Service Module spacecraft that guided Unity to the station will remain in place until tomorrow morning at 9:05 a.m. EST, when it will be undocked and de-orbited, ending its mission.

Edited Monday at 08:06 PM by CollectingSP