Launch News Atlas V Cygnus™ OA-7 Mission (April 18, 11:11 a.m. EDT, 30-minute launch window)

[Nicholas Kang]

Mission Overview: http://www.ulalaunch.com/uploads/docs/Mission_Booklets/AV/av_oa7_mob.pdf

Rocket/Payload:A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 will launch Orbital ATK’s Cygnus™ spacecraft on the initial leg of its cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Date/Site/Launch Time: Tuesday, April 18, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The 30-minute launch window opens at 11:11 a.m. EDT.

Live Broadcast: The Live broadcast will begin at 10 a.m. EDT.

Mission Description: Orbital ATK developed the Cygnus advanced maneuvering spacecraft to perform ISS cargo delivery missions under the Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) contract with NASA. At a total weight of approximately 7,225 kg (15,928 lb), OA-7 will include approximately 3,380 kg (7,452 lb) of internal cargo and an 83 kg (183 lb) external deployer carrying CubeSats.

Launch Notes: This mission marks the third time ULA’s Atlas V has launched Orbital ATK’s Cygnus™ spacecraft on its way to the ISS. OA-7 will be the 71st launch of the Atlas V rocket since its first launch in 2002. The Atlas V 401 configuration rocket has flown 35 times, supporting a diverse set of missions, including national security, science and exploration, commercial as well as International Space Station resupply.

Orbital ATK Mission Page:

Orbital ATK is honored to name the OA-7 Cygnus cargo delivery spacecraft after former astronaut and U.S. Senator John Glenn. Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, was a lifelong pioneer of human spaceflight. Glenn paved the way for America’s space program, from moon missions, to the space shuttle and the International Space Station. His commitment to America's human space flight program and his distinguished military and political career make him an ideal honoree for the OA-7 Mission. Glenn passed away on December 8, 2016 and is survived by his wife of 73 years, Annie, and their children, John and Carolyn.

For more information:

OA-7 fact sheet
John Glenn fact sheet
Orbital ATK Cygnus fact sheet
Orbital ATK CRS fact sheet

Go Atlas! Go Centaur! Go OA-7!

Gallery:

The Cygnus™ spacecraft, encapsulated inside an Atlas V 4-mter diameter extra extended payload fairing (XEPF) is mated to its Atlas V booster at the VIF.

An Atlas V Centaur second stage, integrated with several structural elements, is transported from the Delta Operations Center and mated to an Atlas V booster at the Vertical Integration Facility.

An Atlas V common core booster is lifted on to its Mobile Launch Platform or MLP inside the Vertical Integration Facility or VIF at Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex-41.

An Atlas V booster is unloaded at Port Canaveral, Florida. The Atlas V is built in ULA's production facility in Decatur, Alabama, and is transported to the launch sites on a cargo ship known as the Mariner.

 

[boogabooga]

Success!

http://www.ulalaunch.com/ula-succes...-7+under+First+RapidLaunch™+Service+Contract+

 

[Ripley]

...And we have capture!

[ame="http://youtu.be/c-BY-JpUfsQ"]U.S. Commercial Cargo Ship Arrives at the International Space Station - YouTube[/ame]