Re: question about 24 turnaround of VAB launch

Mir16609@aol.com
Fri, 17 Dec 1999 12:58:25 EST

In a message dated 12/17/1999 1:36:50 PM EDT, asb@CSUA.Berkeley.EDU writes:

> I noticed that when the current VAB launch has been delayed, it has been
>  delayed for exactly 24 hours.  My question is why?  It would seem that if
>  they have a specific orbit to get the satellite into, then the launch
>  window would shift, as it has when they have delayed the current shuttle
>  launch.  What is it that dictates that the VAB launch window does not
>  shift?

From:
http://eos-am.gsfc.nasa.gov/operations.html

"The TERRA spacecraft (formally known as EOS-AM) will operate in a 
near-circular, sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of approximately 
98.2 degrees. The descending node crossing time is 10:30am. "

TERRA is not docking with anything, unlike STS-103.  It seems to ba a 
stand-alone system.  A launch time change for a launch delay of 24 hours 
would probably be accomodated within the previous 24 minute launch window.

From:
http://www.floridatoday.com/space/next/index.htm
"Launch will be from SLC-3 East at Vandenberg AFB, CA during a launch window 
from 1:33:25 to 1:57:49 PM EST (1833 to 1857 GMT).

Cheers
Don Gardner  39.1796 N, 76.8419 W, 34m ASL
Homepage: http://hometown.aol.com/mir16609/

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