Please explain the purpose of operation: |
This STA is required in support of the Pegasus Ionopheric Connection Explorer (ICON) Mission, NASA Contract NNK10LB01B. Authorization is sought for testing on Oct. 1, Oct. 3-4, and for lauch of space vehicle on Oct. 10. (Dates are UTC.) See Attachment for detailed information. Authorization to December is requested to cover delay contingencies.
License will be cancelled once launch is complete.
Test 1: Oct 1, 18:15- 21:55 UTC: Telemetry Equipment Testing, beginning at estimated Waypoint 27.950N; 84.450W at 39,000 ft maximum and extending East to approximately 28.6N, 78.0W (past PPWR) at 39,000 ft. while ferrying the Launch Vehicle from VAFB to CCAFS (Figure 1). This amounts to a Maximum radius of 410 km at a Maximum height of 39,000 ft. Testing consists of sending data from the launch vehicle and receiving data at the Ground Stations.
Test 2: Oct 3, 04:00 - Oct 4, 04:00 UTC: Telemetry Equipment Testing at CCAFS KXMR strip (28.46N; 80.57W), on the Ground at 20 ft altitude. Intended furthest receiver is at JDMTA TAA-50-1 Ground Station, 170 km away. Testing consists of transmitting data from the launch vehicle while it is mounted to the aircraft parked on the ground and receiving the data at the Ground Station.
Launch: Oct 10, 01:25- 02:55 UTC: Telemetry, recording beginning on the Ground at KXMR (28.46N, 80.57W) and through the duration of flight. Launch is located at approximately 29.000 N; 78.300 W (PLCH). Trajectory and NASA information is provided in the Exhibit, in Tables 1, 2 and Figures 2 and 3.
NASA and Northrop Grumman will launch the ICON, spacecraft rocket from Northrop Grumman’s L-1011 Stargazer aircraft. |