In the event of a scrub, the next launch window for Antares is April 18-21st. The weather is forecast to be 45% “go” for tomorrow’s launch. Yesterday’s launch of Anik G1 from Baikonur was just cataloged today as 2013-014A plus associated hardware. The next NORAD tracking ID in the queue is 2013-015A. Keep in mind these predictions could change as the launch window evolves. Preliminary visibility for the objects will favor latitudes 0-30° north at dusk to 10-40° at dawn. The cubesat payloads are tiny and below the threshold of naked eye visibility. These objects should be visible to the naked eye at magnitudes +3 to +5. This configuration is similar to a Falcon 9/Dragon launch, minus the solar panel covers. Once in orbit, the launch of Antares should generate four visible objects the test mass payload, the two clam-shell fairings, and the stage two booster. One of the most memorable launches we witnessed was the pre-dawn liftoff of STS-131 on April 5 th, 2010: The predawn launch of STS-131 as seen from 100 miles west. Conditions during twilight can change almost moment-to-moment. Be prepared to switch over for dusk conditions if the launch extends into the end of the window. Sunset at Wallops on the evening of April 17 th occurs at 7:41PM EDT, meaning we could be in for a photogenic dusk launch of Antares if it stretches to the end of the target window.Īnd speaking of which, a pre-sunset launch means short daytime exposure settings for photography. If the launch goes at the beginning of the window, the local sun angle over the launch facility will be 30° to the west. This also means that the launch window can be extended over three hours rather than having to be instantaneous. This is similar to what will be necessary to head to the ISS, but this week’s launch will not be trailing the ISS in its path. Antares is aiming to put the Cygnus test mass in a 250 x 300 kilometre orbit with a 51.6° inclination. I live a hundred miles west of Cape Canaveral and I’ve followed launches all the way through Main Engine Cutoff and first stage separation with binoculars.īe sure to also follow the launch broadcast live for any last minute delays via NASA TV or Universe Today will have a live feed as well. Find a spot with a low uncluttered eastern horizon and watch from an elevated rooftop or hilltop location if possible. Also onboard are the Phonesat-1a, -1b, and -1c micro-cubesats and the Dove 1 satellite.īe sure to watch for the launch of Antares if you live in the region. (Credit: Orbital Sciences Corporation).Īntares will deploy a dummy mass simulating the Cygnus module. If all goes well, Orbital Sciences will join SpaceX this summer in the select club of private companies with the ability provide cargo delivery access to the International Space Station in Low Earth Orbit. The primary mission for Wednesday’s Antares A-One flight will be to demonstrate the ability for the Antares rocket to place a payload into orbit. Antares is a two stage rocket with a 1 st stage liquid fueled engine and a solid-fueled 2 nd stage. and north to the New York City tri-state area as it heads off to the southeast. The launch of Antares from Wallops will be visible for hundreds of miles and be over 10° above the horizon for an arc spanning from Wilmington, North Carolina to Washington D.C. Space shots are a familiar sight to the residents of the Florida Space Coast, but will provide a unique show for residents of the U.S.
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