Anonymous
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Clayton Wear)
Update by Vandenberg Air Force Base
Team Vandenberg supported the successful launch of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload from Space Launch Complex-6 here, Saturday, Jan. 19, at 11:10 am PST.
Col. Bob Reeves, 30th Space Vice Wing commander, was the space launch commander.
“Congratulations to the 30th Space Wing, United Launch Alliance and the National Reconnaissance Office for a successful mission,” said Reeves. “The entire team worked diligently to ensure mission assurance, public safety, and mission success on the Western Range.”
This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Heavy configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. The EELV program was established by the U.S. Air Force to provide assured access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads.
By Jeff Lawton
The launch from Vandenberg occurred this morning (Jan 19, 2019) at 11:10 AM PST and I heard the rumbling about 6 min later. Both stations picked up the airwave! SB onset at 11:16:21 PST and Cam onset at 11:19:46 PST. I guess Ventura got it at about 11:18.
A little Google Earthing shows VAFB – SB distance is 53.34 miles and VAFB – CAM distance is 97.24 miles. VAFB – SB travel time was 381 sec and VAFB travel time was 586 sec. Apparent velocity to SB was 504 mph and to CAM was 597 mph. The trip to CAM was faster because? Upper atmosphere travel path? Maybe gets coupled with the ground?
Something to sit around and think about . . .
Then there’s football tomorrow!!
By Patti Gutshall
I’ve had exactly the same questions based on seeing launches from various locations – the speeds I’ve computed (based on when we hear the rumble) always varies. I’m not a physicist but assume the velocity variations are due to both ground and atmospheric effects. Low altitude and higher altitude paths would all be affected by topography (canyons, mountains), temps, winds, etc. at those altitudes. Multiple paths could perhaps superimpose constructively or destructively. Under certain “weather” conditions at home, I can easily hear seals barking and concerts at the bowl while at other times, the amplitudes are greatly diminished or nada.
I’ve never heard seals barking at the bowl.