* Astronomy

Blobrana · L

RE: TacSat-4 Satellite

Blobrana · L

All systems nominal.

Blobrana · L

The Minotaur IV rocket with the TacSat-4 satellite has successfully launched from Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska.

Blobrana · L

Blobrana · L

L minus 10 minutes

Blobrana · L

Blobrana · L

L minus 30 minutes

Blobrana · L

The third space launch mission of a Minotaur IV rocket is scheduled to occur on September 27, 2011 in support of TacSat-4, a Navy-led joint mission to provide relevant capabilities and to enable Operationally Responsive Space. TacSat-4 utilises Ultra High Frequency (UHF) channels, which can be used for any combination of communications, data ex-filtration, or Blue Force tracking.
The launch will be the second Minotaur IV mission in less than two months, following the launch of the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency's Hypersonic Technology Vehicle-2 (HTV-2) in late September 2011. In total, there have been four Minotaur IV missions utilising three different vehicle configurations since the vehicle's inaugural launch in April 2010.
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Blobrana · L

The launch is still on schedule for a 15:49 GMT liftoff.

Weather is 'green' for launch.

Launch pad tower rolls away from Minotaur rocket

Blobrana · L

A US Air Force Minotaur 4 rocket with the TacSat 4 demonstration satellite is scheduled to launch from the Kodiak Launch Complex, Alaska, on the 27th September, 2011.
The launch window extends from 15:49 to 16:49 GMT.

Minotaur/TacSat 4 launch dress rehearsal