SeaWiFS/SeaStar Launch Status

As of Thursday, September 18, 1997, SeaWiFS was transitioned from test to fully operational schedule. L-band transmissions of 1 kilometer data will be enabled during all imaging operations and global 4 kilometer data plus limited onboard 1 kilometer data will be stored onboard and downlinked at noon and midnight at NASA/Goddard.

The first full test day of complete SeaWiFS operations began at noon (eastern time) Monday, September 15 and continued through noon Tuesday, September 16. During that time, global GAC data was recorded onboard and the real-time, HRPT L-band broadcast was active. The SeaWiFS Project has received and successfully processed the first global data set and will be making this plus all additional data sets available on Tuesday, September 23rd. The data will be available on the SeaWiFS World Wide Web Browser and at the Goddard DAAC. The start of routine data operations is set for Thursday, September 18th at noon (eastern time).

The first engineering test of SeaWiFS was a complete SUCCESS!. you can see the first image HERE



The series of 32 orbit raising burns has been completed without a problem and SeaStar is now at its final 705 kilometer altitude. Based on preliminary analyses, the spacecraft is right in the middle of the target orbit. Orbit parameters are: 697 X 712 km altitude, 705 km semi-major axis, 98.217 degrees inclination and a local time of descending node of 12:05 pm + 15 seconds.

The first engineering test of the SeaWiFS instrument took place on Thursday, September 4, 1997 during which time a short (approximately 4 minute) real-time transmission over NASA/Wallops was transmitted.

The installation of the new SeaWiFS Receiving Station at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center was completed. You can see pictures of the entire procedure.

Friday, August 1, 1997 - below are the updates as they were posted during the launch.

• The first two passes over NASA/Goddard on the night of August 1 were tracked and telemetry data acquired.
  You can view the photographs taken during this activity.
• View the coverage map of tonight's SeaStar passes over NASA/Goddard
• SeaStar is on orbit, operating with all systems nominal
• SeaStar telemetry data received at Poker Flats, Alaska and commands sent
• SeaStar contact established with McMurdo station
• L1011 returns to Vandenberg Air Force Base
• confirmed orbit of 312 x 307 km
• preliminary orbit 305 km circular
• spacecraft is in orbit
• stage 3 burnout
• stage 3 ignition
• All systems looking good prior to stage 3 burn
• stage 2 burnout - coast phase
• Fairing separation
• stage 2 burn underway
• LAUNCH
• Launch Readiness Poll performed - CLEARED FOR LAUNCH
• L1011 at 38,00 feet
• NORAD satellite ID assigned 24883
• Takeoff
• L1011 and chase plane standing by for takeoff
• L1011 taxiing to takeoff position
• L1011 engines started
• Weather briefing underway - Cleared for launch
• Chase plane ready to support launch
• Aircraft doors closed - flight crew onboard
• Spacecraft powered up
• Payload access door closed

Images of the SeaStar launch - click on thumbnails for larger version

1845 UT	1900 UT	1915 UT

1926 UT	1930 UT	2007 UT

2009 UT	2020 UT	Release

Free Fall	Ignition	First Stage Burn

Click here for earlier photographs
of launch preparations

SeaWiFS Project Home Page

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gene carl feldman (301) 286-9428