Future USS Portland (LPD 27) Launches

From Team Ships Public Affairs

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The future USS Portland (LPD 27) was successfully launched at the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shipyard Feb. 13.

The ship was transferred from the land level facility to the drydock, which was then flooded allowing her to float off the blocks.

"Every milestone in the construction of a ship is significant, but seeing the ship float out of drydock is visually one of my favorites," said Capt. Darren Plath, LPD 17 Class Program Manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. "I'm looking forward to sea trials, delivery and other exciting milestones."

The ships are designed to support embarking, transporting, and landing elements of over 800 Marines with both a flight deck which accommodates CH-53 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles.

LPD 17 class ships are versatile players in maritime security with the ability to support a variety of amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions, operating independently or as part of Amphibious Readiness Groups (ARGs), Expeditionary Strike Groups (ESGs), or Joint Task Forces (JTFs). In addition to performing their primary mission, San Antonio class ships have supported anti-piracy operations, provided humanitarian assistance, and foreign disaster relief operations around the world.

Portland will be the 11th San Antonio class ship delivered by HII which is also currently in the final stages of production on the future John P Murtha (LPD 26).

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft.

Minuteman III test missile launches from Vandenberg

by Air Force Global Strike Command
Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 3:33 a.m. (PDT) today from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., marking the second successful Minuteman test launch this week.

The launch team, under the direction of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, included task force members from 20th Air Force's 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and 91st Missile Wing, Minot AFB, N.D.

"This test launch -- the second in less than a week -- is a visible demonstration of the nation's safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent," said Col. Scott Fox, 20th Air Force vice commander. "That deterrent is more than just the physical missile and associated hardware.

"A weapon system is only as capable as those who operate and maintain it, and the Airmen of 20th Air Force, from the 90th and 91st Missile Wings, as well as the test experts from the 576th Flight Test Squadron performed exceptionally throughout the entire test launch process," Fox said.

The ICBM test launch program supports U.S. strategic deterrence policy as outlined in the 2010 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review by demonstrating the operational credibility of the Minuteman III.

Agencies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy will use the data collected from this mission to ensure a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

The United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent is a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and friends.

Future USS Somerset Launched

AVONDALE, La. (NNS) -- The future USS Somerset (LPD 25) launched April 14 from Huntington Ingalls Industries' (HII) Avondale Shipyard, marking a key milestone in the ship's construction process.

LPD 25 is the ninth ship of the San Antonio class, and is named in honor of the courage of the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed near Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa., on 9/11.

Over the weeks following the Flight 93 crash, recovery personnel retrieved more than 95 percent of the airplane's wreckage from the crash site. An American flag was hoisted on the top of a power shovel or "dragline" on a hill dominating the area. The dragline had been used in coal stripping at one time, and the equipment with the flag became a symbol of the effort.

In the summer of 2008, steel from the dragline's bucket was melted down and cast into LPD 25's bow stem. Somerset is the final of three ships named to honor heroes of the September 11th attacks, joining the USS New York (LPD 21) and USS Arlington (LPD 24), respectively. LPD 25 is the fifth U.S. Navy ship named Somerset.

"As the ninth ship of the San Antonio class, LPD 25's launch represents an important success for the entire program," said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The Navy and the shipbuilder have incorporated many lessons learned and driven efficiencies into the production, resulting in the most complete ship at launch to date for the LPD 17 class. I look forward to HII delivering this critical capability to the Navy."

These versatile ships incorporate both a flight deck to accommodate CH-46 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The San Antonio class' increased vehicle space and substantial cargo carrying capacity make it a key element of twenty-first century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Joint Task Forces.

In addition to performing their primary mission, Somerset's sister ships have supported anti-piracy operations and provided humanitarian assistance and foreign disaster relief operations in Haiti after the earthquake.

Six ships from the San Antonio class have been delivered to the Navy, including USS San Antonio (LPD 17), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS New York (LPD 21) and USS San Diego (LPD 22). LPD 22 recently transited from the shipyard to the homeport in San Diego. The commissioning ceremony for San Diego is scheduled for May 19, in San Diego. Early construction activities are underway for LPD 26 in Pascagoula, Miss., and material for LPD 27 is on order.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships, a Naval Sea Systems Command affiliated PEO, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission ships, support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

North Korea’s expected rocket trajectory

North Korea’s Unha-3 rocket, scheduled for launch next month, will drop to earth in two stages off the western coast of South Korea and to the east of Luzon Island in the Philippines, according to documents submitted by the country to the International Maritime Organization.

You can get more details on this piece of the story on the North Korea Tech website

Future USS San Diego Launched

From Naval Sea Systems Command - Team Ships Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The future USS San Diego (LPD 22) was launched May 7 from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

The launch of the 684-foot ship into the Gulf of Mexico marks an important milestone in the ship's construction process.

"As the sixth ship of the class, this launch is a considerable achievement in the program." said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The ship was more than 75 percent complete prior to launch, more complete than any other ship of the class at this point in construction. We continue to work with the shipbuilders to identify production improvements and a consistent build plan that will lead to lower costs and predictable schedules. San Diego is the first ship of the LPD 17 class that started construction after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, and is testament to the spirit of the Northrop Grumman workers as they and the shipyard continue their return to normalcy."

The ship's keel was laid May 23, 2007. Named for the city of San Diego and her future homeport, the ship's next major milestone will be christening, scheduled for June. The future USS San Diego is expected to deliver to the Navy in 2011.

The principal mission of LPD 17 class amphibious transport dock ships is to transport and deploy the necessary combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ship will carry approximately 720 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles (EFV), augmented by helicopters or vertical take off and landing aircraft (MV 22). These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations and expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st century.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

WGS-3 Milcomsat Launched Over the Weekend

After two failed launch attempts, the Air Force's third communication satellite, Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS-3), successfully blasted off from Cape Canaveral 8:47 p.m. (EST), Saturday (0147 UTC Dec 6).

United Launch Alliance (ULA) had postponed the launch earlier amid bad weather and technical snags.

41 minutes after its launch, the Delta IV 5-4 rocket successfully deployed the satellite into the geosynchronous orbit, triggering cheers at the space launch control center. The satellite launch also marks the completion of the 36th mission ULA in 36 months.

Jim Sponnick, ULA Vice President, Delta Product Line, said in a statement, "ULA congratulates the Air Force and our mission partners on the successful launch of WGS-3. It was appropriate the Air Force, which was one of the primary customers ULA was created to support, was the customer for today's 36th launch in 36 months.”

With its spectacular launch from Space Launch Complex-37, WGS-3 has joined the two other WGSs launched on Oct. 10, 2007 and Apr. 3, 2009 respectively. The 6.5 ton WGS-3 will be parked at 12 degrees West, after undergoing in orbit testing.

The WGS satellite’s installation has enabled more robust and successful execution of Command and Control, Communications Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR).

One WGS satellite’s capability is equivalent to the entire DSCS constellation. It not only enables users to get information faster but also provides data 10 times the data rate previously available, stated Air Force Maj. Mark Hadley, deputy program manager, Wideband Global SATCOM project.

WGS-3, an upgrade over Defense Satellite Communication System (DSCS), has been designed to serve U.S. and allied military forces around the world.

Providing high-capacity broadband communication services, WGS-3 will replace its DSCS as the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications.

As mentioned previously, the WGS-3 mission is the third installment of the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) system. The WGS satellites are important elements of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to America's troops in the field for the next decade and beyond. WGS enables more robust and flexible execution of Command and Control, Communications Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), as well as battle management and combat support information functions. WGS-3 augments the existing service of the WGS-1 and WGS-2 satellites by providing additional information broadcast capabilities. It also provides high-capacity X-band and Ka-band communications to U.S. forces and allies across all current theaters of operation around the world. WGS-1 has been in operation over the Pacific since April 2008, and WGS-2 has been operating over the Middle East since August 2009. Both satellites have met or exceeded mission requirements throughout their testing and operational phases.

“With its extraordinary increase in satellite communications capacity and flexibility, WGS helps our warfighters more effectively execute their missions on land, at sea and in the air,” said Brig. Gen. Samuel Greaves, Vice Commander of the Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles. “This is another great milestone for the WGS team, which is performing superbly and setting the standards for getting these critical communications assets into space and into operational use.”

“WGS addresses our military’s ever-growing appetite for high-bandwidth satellite communications,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “We’re now working with the Air Force to determine how future WGS satellites could be enhanced to handle missions involving airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and communications-on-the-move.”

WGS-3 was flown on an Air Force C-5 transport from Boeing’s Satellite Development Center in El Segundo to Cape Canaveral in September. Before being shipped, WGS-3 completed mission assurance reviews and challenging factory tests that simulated the stress of the satellite’s mission.

Ramstein Airmen support NASA shuttle launch

by Airman 1st Class Alexandria Mosness, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFNS) -- Ramstein Air Base Airmen teamed up with New York Air National Guard members to support NASA's launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis in May here.

Members of the 37th Airlift Squadron, 1st Combat Communications Squadron and the Guard's 101st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron loaded rescue cargo into two C-130 Hercules on the flightline in the event of an emergency on the space shuttle, which launched May 11.

Each unit was on standby for the launch of the Atlantis, in case of an in-flight emergency where the shuttle crew would have to bail out.

"Today, we are headed to Moron, Spain, to be prepositioned for the launch on May 11," said Maj. Shawn Fitzgerald, a 101st ERQS combat rescue officer. "We are the support contingency if the shuttle crew has to bail out. We will stay on alert and in contact with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center in Florida.

"We have equipment to help us out if a situation arises," Major Fitzgerald said. "In case of an emergency, we throw out the rigging alternate method, a zodiac boat with parachutes on it, and then the pararescuemen will jump out after the boats. Along with dry suits, water protective equipment and medical gear; we have the ability to get anyone, anywhere."

While supporting NASA is a unique mission, the pararescuemen do not let this thought get in the way of their job.

"We are well trained for this type of mission," Major Fitzgerald said. "Whether it's a shuttle astronaut or an Air Force pilot, we will rescue them. The only difference is it is a crew instead of just one person, but we will get them."

With the precautionary measures being taken in preparation for the Atlantis takeoff, everyone involved realized their efforts are strictly precautionary.

"This system was developed after the Challenger exploded on launch," Major Fitzgerald said. "Every since then, we have not had any astronauts have to bail out."

Although the pararescuemen have more than sufficient training, they would not be able to do their mission without the support of 1st CBCS Airmen.

"We are providing information to support the pararescuemen," said Staff Sgt. Steven Humphrey, a 1st CBCS satellite communications technician. "We provide communication support between the John F. Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral, Fla., and the aircraft."

Without that valuable communication link, the pararescuemen would not know where to jump.

"We will pass the data onto the pararescuemen, and we will keep the plane flying around the right area," Sergeant Humphrey said.

Even though 37th AS pilots fly this mission about twice a year, they do not take it any less serious.

"We are prepositioning for an emergency response," said Capt. Siobhan Celusta, the 37th AS flight commander. "This is one of the most important missions the 37th does. We're such a vital part to the mission for NASA. Knowing that we are there to stand by in case of an emergency is pretty noble, and I am proud to be a part of that."

New York Air Guard Conducts 100th Shuttle Mission

By Air Force Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, Special to American Forces Press Service

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Eight pararescuemen aboard "King 2," an HC-130 Hercules from the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, breathed a collective sigh of relief as the space shuttle Atlantis, traveling more than 3,000 miles an hour, reached orbit yesterday for NASA's final visit to refurbish and restore the Hubble Space Telescope.

It was the 100th time airmen from the Long Island-based rescue wing have watched a space shuttle climb into orbit as they stood by to rescue the crew in case something went wrong.

The New York Air National Guardsmen have had this mission since December 1988, when NASA conducted the first shuttle missions after the 1986 Challenger disaster.

"Every member of the 106th Rescue Wing is proud of this mission," Air Force Col. Michael Canders, the 106th's commander, said. "Our unit has played a critical role in the exploration of space for the last 20 years, and we look forward to continuing to support this effort."

The highly trained rescue crew eagerly awaited Atlantis' lift-off here, where they remained alert and prepared to retrieve shuttle astronauts if the shuttle failed to reach orbit. If that had happened, the seven-member Atlantis crew would have used an escape hatch to bail out into the Atlantic.

While "King 2" stood ready at Patrick Air Force Base, a short distance from Kennedy Space Center, a second HC-130, "King 1," orbited the eastern seacoast, prepared to rush to the projected impact area or splash point, if necessary.

Air Guardsmen from the unit, based at Gabreski Field Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., routinely practice this contingency procedure, known as Mode 8 Egress, which is, essentially, a parachute descent to safety.

If an ejection had taken place, the shuttle crew would have been spread out roughly a mile apart, given the speed of the shuttle as the astronauts bailed out. Once the astronauts were located, the pararescuemen would deploy in two teams via parachute, along with a Zodiac inflatable boat, to retrieve the astronauts, Canders said.

"I am always grateful for the outstanding job the 106th Rescue Wing does for NASA's shuttle launches," Mike Leinbach, the NASA launch director, said. "They are a critical part of our overall launch contingency planning, and I am absolutely certain that if called on, they would perform their job in a flawless manner."

Knowing the pararescuemen are close by is important, said Air Force Col. Lee Archambault, who commanded a shuttle mission in March and flew on another in 2007.

"Because of the amount and level of egress training and rescue procedures we receive, we know we are well taken care of should we need to get out of the vehicle if the worst of the worst happens," Archambault said. "We very much appreciate the support of the 106th Rescue Wing and all the rescue personnel on station throughout the world. Without [their] support, we couldn't do what we do."

After the Challenger disaster, the shuttle was redesigned to include an escape hatch, which allows crewmembers to leave the spacecraft in an emergency. Rescue crews were then needed to locate those downed crewmembers and pluck them from the waters off Cape Canaveral. The 106th Rescue Wing volunteered for the mission, developed and validated the astronaut search and rescue procedures, and has been there for nearly every shuttle mission since, Air Force Col. Robert Landsiedel, the wing's vice commander, said.

"Although we're ready, we're relieved we don't have to rescue the astronauts," said Lt. Col. Jim Kelley, 106th navigator and King 2 mission commander, responsible for controlling the rescue package and helicopter refueling plan for this mission. "It's a mission you train for and hope you never have to execute."

Airmen help launch satellite into orbit

by Staff Sgt. Stacy Foster, 50th Space Wing Public Affairs

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the Air Force's second Wideband Global Satellite Communications system lifts off from Space Launch Complex-41 April 3 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. After a 31-minute flight, WGS-2 was placed successfully in orbit where it will provide enhanced communication abilities to troops in the field. (Courtesy photo)

The Air Force's second Wibeband Global Satellite Communications satellite was successfully launched into orbit April 3 by officials from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

WGS-2 joins the service's first WGS satellite that was launched Oct. 10, 2007.

The WGS system significantly increases the communications capabilities for troops in the field, allies and national leadership, to include the president.

"WGS-1 has performed beyond our expectations," said Lt. Col. Brent McArthur, the 3rd Space Operations Squadron commander. "In fact, feedback from users indicates the capabilities have exceeded their expectations as well and they just can't get enough of it."

The 3rd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever AFB, Colo., maintains control of WGS-1, and is scheduled to assume control of WGS-2 in late June 2009.

The WGS-2 mission is the second installment of the WGS system. The WGS satellites are important elements of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to America's troops around the world for the next decade and beyond. WGS enables more robust and flexible execution of command and control, communications computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as battle management and combat support information functions. WGS-2 augments the existing service of the WGS-1 satellite by providing additional information broadcast capabilities.

"This has been a Herculean effort. There are literally thousands of people working around the clock to make this a success," Colonel McArthur said. "It's an awesome responsibility for 3rd Space Operations Squadron (members) to assume control of WGS-2 after so many people have spent hundreds of thousands of hours getting this satellite to where it is today."

The satellite will be positioned over the equator at around 60 degrees East longitude to provide support to U.S. Central Command in Afghanistan, Iraq and others parts of Southwest Asia.

WGS-3 is currently scheduled to launch in August from Cape Canaveral AFS. Three additional satellites are planned to be launched after WGS-3 to bring the constellation to a total of six by 2013.

Space Shuttle Launched for ISS Mission

The space shuttle Discovery and its crew of seven soared into orbit March 15, headed for a March 17 docking with the International Space Station.

Shuttle Launch Scrubbed

Fox News according to the Reuters news service is reporting that tonight's launch fo the Space Shuttle has been scrubbed due to a fuel leak. They hope to turn around the launch in 24 hours with a launch time right before 2100 EDT.

Space Shuttle Ready for Launch Tonight

The space shuttle Discovery is cleared for takeoff March 11 on its mission to the International Space Station.

45th Space Wing team supports successful shuttle Launch

Blazing light surrounds Launch Pad 39A and glows in the nearby water as space shuttle Endeavour leaps into the sky on the STS-126 mission from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. STS-126 is the 124th space shuttle flight and the 27th flight to the International Space Station. The mission will feature four spacewalks and work that will prepare the space station to house six crew members for long-duration missions.

Image Credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph-Kevin O'Connel

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFNS) -- The men and women of the 45th Space Wing provided flawless Eastern Range support for NASA's successful launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour Nov. 14. The launch occurred at 7:55 p.m.(EDT) from Space Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

"Congratulations to the entire NASA, DOD and contractor launch team," said Col. Stephen Butler, 45th Space Wing vice commander. "The 45th Space Wing is proud of its contributions to assuring this safe and successful launch of the space shuttle Endeavour. We have a great partnership with NASA and this mission validates that relationship. I look forward to many more spectacular launches as commander of this amazing team of professionals. "

The crew of Space Shuttle Endeavour will make the 27th visit to the International Space Station, delivering a reusable logistics module. The module will expand the crew quarters and storage, as well as provide additional parts for the regenerative life support system.

And a related story:

Sharks' support helps shuttle soar

by Airman 1st Class David Dobrydney
45th SW Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- When the Space Shuttle Endeavour lifts off tonight from Kennedy Space Center, it will have some invaluable Air Force assistance from 45th Space Wing members from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Patrick Air Force Base to Spain.

The 45th Weather Squadron, 1st Range Operations Squadron, and Detachment 3 of the 45th Operations Group all provide crucial support before, during and after a shuttle launch.

"We're lucky - we get to be on console, running the countdown for the Range," said Mike Gawel, program support manager for the space shuttle in 1 ROPS. He does day-to-day business with NASA, ensuring their requirements for the Eastern Range are met. "I attend up to 10 readiness briefings, and oversee pre-launch operations such as on-pad validation, and final ordnance installation and the Terminal Count-down Demonstration Test, which is coordinated with the rest of the wing," said Mr. Gawel.

Ninety days prior to launch day, an Air Force team is assigned to the launch. This team includes Surveillance Control Officers, who monitor the air and sea space surrounding the pad to keep stray planes and boats away, and the Range Control Officer, who on launch day is the liaison between the 45th Space Wing and the NASA Test Director at Kennedy Space Center regarding any potential instrumentation problems during the final countdown. "The range team has the ability to stop the countdown for any safety or user-mandatory requirements if they are not met," said Mr. Gawel.

Neither rockets nor the space shuttle can go anywhere if the weather doesn't cooperate, and that means the 45th Weather Squadron works 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide up-to-the minute forecasts. "Our squadron provides weather support for all pre-launch, launch, and post-launch operations," said Launch Weather Officer Kathy Winters. That includes transport of the external tanks and payload as well as the moving of the shuttle itself from the processing facilities to the launch pad.

Daily updates are provided to the Launch Director so that movements can be scheduled around inclement weather. For this particular mission, weather threatened the payload canister lowering and roll-around in October. "We gave the Shuttle team several days lead time on this weather, and they moved the payload operations one day earlier and the roll-around operations two days earlier to beat the weather. This allowed them to complete the operations and protect the vehicle before the weather threatened the area," said Ms. Winters.

While the Weather Squadron makes sure the shuttle avoids delays before launch, Detachment 3 is making plans just in case something goes wrong once liftoff occurs.
Detachment 3 is primarily responsible for coordinating astronaut rescue, recovery and medical operations and running the annual Mode VIII exercise, which simulates an ocean landing and subsequent rescue of astronauts.

On launch day, the office coordinates the aircraft from the Air Force, Marine Corp and Coast Guard aircraft that are on standby at Kennedy Space Center for launch pad emergencies and other contingencies. The office also supports the Transoceanic Abort Land-ing sites in Spain and France, deploying members to support a possible emergency landing in those areas.

Control of these varied and spread-out resources is back at Patrick where, starting a day prior to the launch, Det 3 members run the Support Operations Center (SOC). They will remain there monitoring the shuttle's progress until its safe return.
The office is commanded by Lt. Col. Michael Tillema, who said that while this is his first shuttle launch, "this is certainly the best job in the Air Force."

Amelia Earhart Launched

Fireworks detonate as the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE-6) is launched during a nighttime christening ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard. Amelia Earhart, the sixth ship of the T-AKE class, is named after the aviation pioneer who in 1932 became the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic. (U.S Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Steve Vasquez)

The christening ceremony for the newest ship in the Lewis and Clark class of underway replenishment ships was held at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego.

Designated as T-AKE 6, the new ship honors aviation pioneer Amelia Mary Earhart for her courage, vision and groundbreaking achievements, both in aviation and for women.

Earhart became a household name in 1932 when she became the first woman -- and second person -- to fly solo across the Atlantic, flying from Harbor Grace, Newfoundland, to Londonderry, Ireland. That year, she received the Distinguished Flying Cross from the U.S. Congress, the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor from the French government, and the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society from President Herbert Hoover.

In January 1935, Earhart became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean from Honolulu to Oakland, Calif. Later that year she soloed from Los Angeles to Mexico City and back to Newark, N.J. In July 1936, Earhart took delivery of a Lockheed 10E "Electra," financed by Purdue University, and started planning her around-the-world flight.

Rep. Susan A. Davis, delivered the ceremony's principal address. Earhart's niece, Amy Kleppner, served as ship's sponsor. The launching ceremony included the time-honored Navy tradition when the sponsor breaks a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship "Amelia Earhart."

USNS Amelia Earhart is the sixth ship in the Navy's 11-ship T-AKE class. The ship will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a worldwide forward presence by delivering ammunition, food, fuel, and other dry cargo to U.S. and allied ships at sea. The ship is designed to operate independently for extended periods at sea and can carry and support two helicopters to conduct vertical replenishment.

As part of Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, USNS Amelia Earhart is designated as a United States Naval Ship and will be crewed by 124 civil service mariners working for Military Sealift Command. The ship will also have a military detachment of 11 U.S. Navy Sailors to provide supply coordination.

One previous ship has been named for Earhart. The SS Amelia Earhart was a Liberty ship built in the U.S. during World War II.

Vandenberg Airmen launch missile successfully

A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration test assembly launched at 1:01 a.m. April 1 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joe Davila)

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile configured with a National Nuclear Security Administration test assembly launched at 1:01 a.m. April 1 by Vandenberg Air Force Base officials.

The launch tested the weapon system's reliability and accuracy, and what makes this launch different is that it is also the certification flight for the new Developmental Joint Test Assembly on board the MK-21 re-entry vehicle.

"In order to comply with 30th Space Wing safety requirements, a component of the flight termination system on the missile had to be redesigned and certified," said Lt. Col. Lesa Toler, the 576th Flight Test Squadron commander and the mission director for this operational test launch. "Safety is our No. 1 concern when conducting test launches."

The missile's single unarmed re-entry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to its pre-determined target at the Reagan Test Site located in the Marshall Islands.

The data collected will be used by the entire ICBM community, including the U.S. Strategic Command planners and the Program Office at Hill AFB, Utah, and the National Nuclear Security Administration/Department of Energy laboratories, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories and Sandia National Laboratories.

"Minuteman III flight testing is critical because it's the only way to obtain data on weapon system reliability, accuracy, and performance from first stage ignition to RV impact," Colonel Toler said.

Members of the 576th FLTS prepared the launch facility and launch control center, as well as the test missile to ensure a successful launch, she said.

"We met our test objectives but ultimately proved our nation's nuclear ICBM force is reliable and will continue to play a vital role in deterrence and security of the United States," Colonel Toler said.

"An outstanding display of teamwork ensured 100 percent mission success," said Col. Michael Fortney, the 30th SW vice commander and the spacelift commander for the test launch.

Endeavor Launch

The Space Shuttle Endeavour lifted off March 11 with a retired U.S. Navy captain as its commander and three other servicemembers among the seven man crew.

If you want to use a popup media player click on Endeavour Launch

And here are some frequencies monitored during the launch early on Tuesday morning. From Bill in South Daytona:

252.000 CAP? with Arrow 13/14 contacting Bow and later Huntress

260.900 Awaiting the arrivial of tankers 01/02

259.700 Space shuttle (open mike check)? 9pm est count down from 10 to 0 and
counted back up had activty 269.3 but was faded

136.975 NAVY? but the entire conversation was in Spanish.

And Bill reminds all of us that there are only 11 shuttle launches left before the
fleet is retired.

And here are some additional freqs noted during the launch:

46.650 CCAFS Unid mentions of 133.800 and 264.800 and "4 green aircraft, negative spare"

118.625 CCAFS Tower CG 2128 (HU-25D, CGAS Miami) KING 3 (HC-130) SPAR 13 cleared to Andrews

118.900 Space Coast Regional Tower CG 6592 (HH-65C, CGAS New Orleans)

123.100 US Coast Guard RELAY 1 calling CLEARANCE 1 (CG 2128), requesting targets to relay to VARIETY

126.650 KSC Weather / STA NASA TOWER NASA WEATHER COORDINATOR NASA 907 (T-38N) NASA 947 (G-2)

128.550 KSC NASA Tower NASA 907 SEARCH 1 (UH-1H) N435QS (G-IV, Cit Group Equipment / Financing)(departed to Hobby)

133.475 Miami Center-Melbourne TANKER 03

133.750 Patrick AFB Tower SEARCH 3 (UH-1H)

133.800 CCAFS Cape Control JOLLY 1-2 (HH-60G) CLEARANCE 1 JOLLY 3-4 (HH-60G) KING 3
RELAY 1 SEARCH 3 off New Smyrna

138.450 CCAFS DoD Cape LRD comm check with SEARCH 1

138.475 Patrick AFB 301st RQS air-air JOLLY push to Button 14

141.300 CCAFS VARIETY JOLLY 4 JOLLY 3 KING 3 (AR ops complete) KING 1

143.150 CCAFS Tower KING 1 to land, then C-9 departure

156.800 Ch 16 SECTOR JACKSONVILLE, CG Safety Broadcast on Ch 22A. Report of 121.5 ELT activation at 30-23.1N 081-22.5W.

157.075 Coast Guard Range Control RANGE CONTROL 301 CUSTOMS 787 442 BEARS COVE CUTTER SHRIKE BCSO (Brevard County SO) Unid asking if Navy SEAL group is out tonight. (also mentioned on 156.600) CT RANDALL

157.100 Coast Guard Ch 22A SECTOR JACKSONVILLE with Safety Broadcast, shuttle security zone

157.150 Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral Ch 23A STATION CANAVERAL CUTTER SHRIKE

157.175 Coast Guard Aux Ch 83
442 Aux 2639 Aux 6413 Aux 1440

239.050 CCAFS Tower

243.000 CCAFS Guard CAPE CONTROL requesting unid come up 264.800

252.000 HUNTRESS ARROW 13-14 (F-15C, 33rd FW) ARROW 15-16 DOLPHIN 1-2 (HH-65) TANKER 0#

255.500 Patrick AFB RESCUE OPS JOLLY air-air, to Button 12

260.900 HUNTRESS TANKER 0#

262.850 TANKER 02 AR Boom ARROW 13-14

264.800 CCAFS Cape Control CAPE CONTROL ARROW 15-16 NASA 947 TANKER 03 DOLPHIN 1

265.400 HUNTRESS TANKER 2 DOLPHIN 2 ARROW 15

267.500 Jax NAS SEALORD TANKER 01

269.300 Miami Center-Melbourne ARROW ##

269.375 Patrick AFB Tower JOLLY flight of 4 to land

284.000 KSC NASA Tower JOLLY 1 flight clear to south

294.600 CCAFS Variety Comm check, back to 141.300

311.000 MacDill AFB LIGHTING OPS BOLT 14, ETA, parking and Code 2

311.000 Patrick AFB KING OPS KING / JOLLY AR

320.950 Eglin AFB 33rd FW 15 Prime ARROW 13-14 air-air

344.600 CCAFS Metro TANKER 03 calling Patrick Metro

349.600 CCAFS DoD Cape VARIETY FORWARD OBSERVER AIR (FOA) departed Melbourne. VARIETY request FOA go to external antenna for comm check with CLEARANCE 1. FOA attempting comm check with PARRISH 1.

411.400 KSC Direct 2 NTD OBCC

Thanks to all our reporters who check in to make this report on the launch of Endeavor.

Is this the second coming?

No it is not, but there was a lot of chatter by people across the net who thought it was. After the launch of the NROL-24 yesterday afternoon, the venting of fuel from the Centaur rocket was widely observed across the United States. The spectacular picture above of the event was taken by John Broussard and posted to a Cloudy Nights Telescope Reviews newsgroup (see http://tinyurl.com/3xwpkt).

There are two images of the fuel dump taken from the UK at http://www.distantstars.co.uk/gallery/Misc/. Both the payload and Centaur are visible as streaks. People saw and imaged this event from Louisiana to Florida to Canada to England.

Thanks to Ed Cannon in Austin, Texas, and the SEESAT newsgroup for their reporting on this unique event.

WGS Military Comm Sat Launched

The U.S. Air Force launched the first of a next generation of military communications satellites from here Oct. 10 at 8:22 p.m. (EDT), when a United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster carried a Wideband Global SATCOM satellite into space. Here are the particulars:

Name: Wideband Global Satcom (WGS)
Launch date/time: 11 October 2007 at 0022 UTC
Site: Air Force Eastern Test Range, Florida, USA
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V
International Designator: 2007-046A
SSC #: 32258
Owner: US

General Characteristics:
Primary Function: High-capacity military communications satellite
Primary Contractor: Boeing Satellite Development Center
Satellite Bus: Boeing 702
Weight: Approximately 13,000 lbs at launch, 7,600 lbs on-orbit
Orbit Altitude: 22,300 miles
Payload: Transponded, cross-banded-X and Ka-band communications suite
Antennas: 8 beam, transmit and receive X-band Phased arrays and 10 Ka-band Gimbaled Dish Antennas, 1 X-band Earth coverage
Capability: 39 125-MHz Channels via digital channelizer/router
Number of Terminals Supported: 92
Inventory: 5 on contract
Unit Cost: Approximately $350 million

WGS is the nation's next-generation wideband satellite communications system. It will augment and eventually replace the aging Defense Satellite Communication System which has been the Department of Defense's backbone for satellite communications over the last two decades.

"I am extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of the launch team in working the long hours that have brought us to where we are today," said Col. Donald Robbins, Commander, Wideband SATCOM Group, MILSATCOM Systems Wing.

"With the launch of WGS SV-1, we are on the cusp of providing more capacity than the entire on-orbit Defense Satellite Communications System constellation."

With the launch of SV-1, WGS SV-2 and SV-3 will round out the remainder of the Block I contract. Both satellites are currently progressing through their test programs and are slated for launch next year. The WGS Block II contract for SV-4 and SV-5 was awarded last year. The WGS system is being procured through a commercial contract with the Boeing Company by the Wideband SATCOM Group, part of the MILSATCOM Systems Wing.

WGS will enable enhanced and more flexible execution of Command and Control, Communications Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), battle management, and combat support information. WGS will also augment the existing service available on the UHF F/O satellites by providing additional information broadcast capabilities via Global Broadcast Series (GBS).'

The WGS SV-1 spacecraft (SC) is an approximately 12,718-lb communications satellite. WGS supports communications links in the 500 MHz range of the X-band and 1 GHz range of the Ka-band spectra. WGS can filter and route up to 4.875 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Depending on the mix of ground terminals, data rates, and modulation schemes employed, a WGS satellite can support data transmission rates between 2.4 and 3.6 Gbps.

WGS has 19 independent coverage areas that can be positioned throughout its field of view. This includes eight steerable/shapeable X-band beams formed by separate transmit/receive phased arrays; 10 Ka-band beams served by independently steerable diplexed antennas (three with selectable RF polarization); and transmit/receive X-band Earth-coverage beams. WGS can tailor coverage areas and connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within its field of view.

Command and Control of WGS is accomplished from four Army Wideband Satellite Operations Centers (WSOCs). Each Global SATCOM Configuration and Control Element (GSCCE) has the capability to control up to three satellites at a time, using X-band or Ka-band telemetry and command links. Spacecraft platform control will be accomplished by the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) at Schriever AFB in Colorado Springs, CO using WGS mission-unique software and databases.

Support technologies for WGS include the xenon-ion propulsion system (XIPS), highly efficient triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, and deployable radiators with flexible heat pipes. The XIPS is 10 times more efficient than conventional bipropellant systems. Four 25-cm thrusters remove orbit eccentricity during transfer orbit operations.

The thrusters are also used to perform orbit maintenance and any required station-change maneuvers during the mission life. The triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells provide on-orbit electrical power for the spacecraft. The deployable radiators? flexible heat pipes provide increased radiator area; resulting in a cooler, more stable thermal environment for the spacecraft.

Built by the Boeing Satellite Development Center, WGS will provide essential communications services for Combatant Commanders to command and control their tactical forces. Tactical forces will rely on WGS to provide high-capacity connectivity into the terrestrial portion of the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN).

'After final checkout and turnover of SV-1, we will have doubled the available high-capacity Military Satellite Communications services,' said Col. Donald Robbins, Commander, Wideband SATCOM Group, MILSATCOM Systems Wing.

Upon its first launch into geosynchronous orbit in 2007, WGS SV-1 will be the Department of Defense's highest capacity communications satellite. A constellation of five satellites will provide service in both the X and Ka-band frequency spectrums.

The first three WGS satellites will be launched in 2007 and 2008. Both the Delta IV and Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) will be used. Satellites 4 and 5 are anticipated for launch in 2011 and 2012.

The Space and Missile Systems Center, located at Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif., is the U.S. Air Force's center of acquisition excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems including six wings and three groups responsible for GPS, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control network, space based infrared systems, intercontinental ballistic missile systems and space situational awareness capabilities. SMC manages more than $60 billion in contracts, executes annual budgets of $10 billion and employs more than 6,800 people worldwide.

Russian Space Forces Launch Navsat - Update

The Russian Space Forces launched a Parus military navigation on 11 Sep 2007 at 1305 UTC from Plesetsk Space Complex (LC132 Pad 1).

Name: Cosmos 2429
International Designator: 2007-038A
SSC #: 32052
Mission: Military Navsat - Parus type
Launch Date/Time: 11 Sep 2007/1305 UTC
Launcher: SL-08/C-1, Kosmos-3M
Orbital Period: 104.63 minutes
Orbital Inclination: 82.98 degress
Apogee: 999 kM
Perigee: 956 kM
Eccentricty: 0.0029585
Downlinks: 150.030 MHz (FM FSK) and 400.080 MHz

The Tsyklon series was followed by the fully operational "Tsyklon-B" or "Parus" system. Unlike the wildly varying Transit satellites, the Tsyklon and Parus satellites had similar configurations. Both are in the form of a drum covered with solar cells, with a weighted mast on top for gravity-gradient stabilization, and a what appears to have been an antenna hung off one side near the bottom. They are all launched from the Plesetsk Northern Cosmodrome by the standard Soviet Kosmos 3M medium-lift booster, one satellite per shot, though a few did include small secondary payloads. The developed Parus satellites had a launch weight of about 810 kilograms (1,785 pounds), and were placed into a near-circular orbit of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) at a near-polar inclination of 83 degrees.

Testing Complete on First Wideband Global SATCOM Satellite

The Boeing Company has completed integration and test of the U.S. Air Force's first Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellite, bringing its satellite communications services one step closer to the warfighter.

"One WGS satellite will provide more communications capacity than the entire Defense Satellite Communication System constellation that's currently on orbit," said Howard Chambers, vice president and general manager, Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. "The spacecraft will be a game-changer for the U.S. government and will revolutionize wideband SATCOM capabilities for the warfighter."

According to Boeing the performance of the first WGS satellite during testing "has been excellent," and factory data suggests it will provide approximately 25 percent more communications capacity by the end of its 14-year mission life as a result of high performance margins within the communications payload.

Boeing is under contract for five WGS Block I and II spacecraft, with an option for a sixth. The first satellite has completed factory testing and rigorous mission assurance reviews, and is ready to ship to the launch site in Florida, where it will be launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket this August. The spacecraft will be placed into an environmentally-controlled container and transported to Cape Canaveral Air Station in an Air Force C-5 aircraft.

WGS Mission
The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) satellites are the key elements of a new high-capacity system that will provide a quantum leap in communications capabilities for the warfighter.

WGS will support the DoD's warfighting information exchange requirements, enabling execution of tactical command and control, communications, and computers; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR); battle management; and combat support information. WGS will also augment the current Ka-band Global Broadcast Service (on UHF F/O satellites) by providing additional information broadcast capabilities.

Each WGS can route 2.1 to 3.6 Gbps of data -- providing more than 10 times the communications capacity of the predecessor DSCS III satellite. Using reconfigurable antennas and a digital channelizer, WGS also offers added flexibility to tailor coverage areas and to connect X-band and Ka-band users anywhere within the satellite field of view. The system provides tremendous operational flexibility and delivers the needed capacity, coverage, connectivity and control in support of demanding operational scenarios.

Boeing was awarded the WGS initial contract in January 2001 for the first three satellites plus the associated ground-based command and control elements. Integrated logistics, training, and sustaining engineering support are also provided by Boeing. The procuring agency is the U.S. Air Force Space Command's MILSATCOM Systems Wing at Los Angeles AFB, California.

The WGS space segment will initially consist of three geostationary satellites operating over Pacific, Indian and Atlantic regions. Under a Block II contract, a fourth and fifth satellite are being procured to meet the warfighter's evolving SATCOM bandwidth requirements. The Block II satellites will be similar to the three Block I satellites already in production and will add a radio frequency bypass capability designed to support airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms requiring ultra-high bandwidth and data rates demanded by unmanned aerial vehicles.

The first Wideband Global SATCOM satellite is scheduled for launch in Mid 2007 aboard an Atlas V Launch Vehicle. WGS will provide transformational capabilities supporting government objectives for the Transformational Communications Architecture in the next decade and beyond.

Boeing was awarded the WGS initial contract in January 2001 for the first three satellites plus the associated ground-based command and control elements. Integrated logistics, training, and sustaining engineering support are also provided by Boeing. In 2006, Boeing was authorized to produce two additional WGS satellites. The procuring agency is the U.S. Air Force Space Command's MILSATCOM Systems Wing at Los Angeles AFB, California.

With an initial launch scheduled in 2007, WGS will provide transformational capabilities supporting government objectives for the Transformational Communications Architecture in the next decade and beyond.

Capacity:
WGS supports communications links within the Government's allocated 500 MHz of X-band and 1 GHz of Ka-band spectrum. The WGS payload can filter and route 4.875 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth. Depending on the mix of ground terminals, data rates and modulation schemes employed, each satellite can support data transmission rates ranging from 2.1 Gbps to more than 3.6 Gbps. By comparison, a DSCS III satellite will support up to 0.25 Gbps.

Coverage:
The WGS design includes 19 independent coverage areas that can be positioned throughout the field of view of each satellite. This includes eight steerable and shapeable X-band beams formed by separate transmit and receive phased arrays; 10 Ka-band beams served by independently steerable, diplexed antennas, including three with selectable RF polarization; and transmit/receive X-band Earth coverage beams.

Connectivity:
The enhanced connectivity capabilities of WGS enable any user to communicate with any other user with very efficient use of satellite bandwidth. A digital channelizer divides the uplink bandwidth into nearly 1,900 independently routable 2.6 MHz subchannels, providing connectivity from any uplink coverage area to any downlink coverage area (including the ability to cross-band between X and Ka frequencies). In addition, the channelizer supports multicast and broadcast services and provides an effective and flexible uplink spectrum monitoring capability to support network control.

The figure below shows how the X-band and Ka-band antenna suites are interconnected via the digital channelizer to provide the unique flexibility and connectivity of WGS.

Command and Control: Control of the WGS communications payloads is accomplished from four Army Wideband Satellite Operations Centers (WSOCs), using ground equipment hardware and software developed by Boeing, ITT Industries, and Raytheon Corp. Each Global Satellite Configuration and Control Element (GSCCE) has the capability to control up to three satellites at a time, via "in-band" (X-band or Ka-band) telemetry and command links. Spacecraft platform control is accomplished by the 3rd Space Operations Squadron (3 SOPS) at Schriever AFB in Colorado Springs, using WGS mission unique software and databases provided by Boeing, hosted on the Command and Control Segment Consolidated (CCS-C) systems that are being fielded by Integral Systems, Inc. The satellite is designed for compatibility with the current S-band SGLS TT&C capability, as well as the planned Unified S-band (USB) formats and frequencies.

Boeing 702 Platform :
The Boeing 702 satellite is the industry leader in capacity, performance and cost-efficiency. Enabling technologies for the advanced 702 design are the xenon-ion propulsion system (XIPS), highly efficient triple-junction gallium arsenide solar cells, and deployable radiators with flexible heat pipes.

XIPS is 10 times more efficient than conventional bipropellant systems. Four 25-cm thrusters remove orbit eccentricity during transfer orbit operations and are used for orbit maintenance and to perform station change maneuvers as required throughout the mission life. Deployable radiators with flexible heat pipes provide substantially more radiator area, resulting in a cooler, more stable thermal environment for both bus and payload. This increases component reliability and reduces performance variations over life.

Summary
As the leading provider of advanced satellite communications systems for broadcast and packet-switched satellite communications, Boeing has leveraged a wealth of Government and commercial experience and technology for WGS. This includes the company's extensive investments to develop the Boeing 702, as well as prior work on phased array antennas and digital signal processors. Together these technologies enabled the tremendous capacity and operational flexibility sought for the WGS space segment. Additionally, these core capabilities can support WGS evolution to satisfy additional transformational requirements of the warfighter, such as improved connectivity for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms and network-centric communications architectures.