BIG NEWS!!! Watch XM 3 Launch Into Orbit LIVE on Webcam

[GregFromBloomfield]

http://www.sea-launch.com/current_launch.htm

Sea Launch is now preparing for the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite, on February 17. Liftoff is expected at the opening of a one-hour launch window, at 7:53pm PST (Feb. 18, 3:53 GMT). Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, the 702-model spacecraft will augment the existing XM satellite system. Sea Launch successfully lifted to orbit the XM-1 and XM-2 satellites in 2001.

--mod edit-- liftoff date changed , post updated

[PCLoadLetter]

What is this third satellite supposed to do? Increase the coverage area?

[Ballbuster1]

Very cool. Thanks for the info, Greg.:clap:

[GregFromBloomfield]

What is this third satellite supposed to do? Increase the coverage area?

Theirs all the details in that link I provided.

I think it's being sent up to orbit to lauch a full attack on Sirius' satellites that are already up thier, just to show who's the boss in Satellite radio. :action-sm

[PCLoadLetter]

I think it's being sent up to orbit to lauch a full attack on Sirius' satellites that are already up thier

Cool! Lasers!!

[Mike H]

What is this third satellite supposed to do? Increase the coverage area?

Do a search; it has been explained several times.

[Tenbatsuzen]

For the lazy people...

The two XM satellites that are in orbit now have an power issue that will considerably shorten their lifespans. This was a problem on the satellite designer's end, NOT XM's. What XM intends to do is launch their spare (XM-3, codenamed "Rhythm"), and put that in orbit in the current position of one of the first two satellites. The first two satellites will then be moved into an orbit together, supplementing each other. The future plan is to build a fourth satellite using insurance money (XM-4, codenamed "Blues"), and launch that one in a year or so. The first two satellites launched (XM-1, "Rock", and XM-2, "Roll", will then change their orbits and power down, acting as supplemental satellites to the other two, in case there is a catastrophe.

[Lil'GlubGlub]

sure they will let us watch a satellite go up to space, but we can't watch the bbboys in studio.

[rmathus]

Here are some pics (http://www.sea-launch.com/mission_xm3/payload_rollout/xm3_rollout.htm) of XM-3 from Sea Launch.

[GregFromBloomfield]

sure they will let us watch a satellite go up to space, but we can't watch the bbboys in studio.

Yeah, wonder what ever happened w/ that webcams in studio plan.

[GregFromBloomfield]

Here are some pics (http://www.sea-launch.com/mission_xm3/payload_rollout/xm3_rollout.htm) of XM-3 from Sea Launch.

Cool picts, some even look like something you would see taken by terriorist spys on CNN...

[NightStalker3]

Somebody should slapped a WOW sticker on it for good measure.

[GregFromBloomfield]

Somebody should slapped a WOW sticker on it for good measure.

Hellz Ya! Still got 3 days to do so also!

[Ballbuster1]

sure they will let us watch a satellite go up to space, but we can't watch the bbboys in studio.Please save that for the appropriate thread..........:action-sm
http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=21314&highlight=studio+cam
http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=19478&highlight=studio+cam
Let's not turn every thread into a whining thread. Thanks.

[Lil'GlubGlub]

Please save that for the appropriate thread..........:action-sm
http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=21314&highlight=studio+cam
http://www.wackbag.com/showthread.php?t=19478&highlight=studio+cam
Let's not turn every thread into a whining thread. Thanks.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh It's called sarcasm sir,



Mabe you've heard of it?????????? :icon_mrgr :action-sm

[mascan42]

I think it's being sent up to orbit to lauch a full attack on Sirius' satellites that are already up thier, just to show who's the boss in Satellite radio. :action-sm
Will the front of XM3 open up and swallow the Sirius satellite up so it can be brought back down to O&A's secret lair inside a volcano?

[Tenbatsuzen]

I'm just reading these posts and thinking of "Spies Like Us". And chuckling.

[MilitantRabbit]

So they're launching the XM Satellite Suppository?

[LilJimmyRbinson]

It launches into space from a boat? Also, on this map...
http://www.sea-launch.com/mission_xm3/images/xm-3_groundtrack.jpg

it doesn't look like the satellite will be over the US. I don't get it.

[rmathus]

It launches on a platform in the middle of the Pacific Ocean basically. It will find it's way over to the East Coast side of the U.S. so it can broadcast over here. If I'm not mistaken, the satellites are below the U.S. and just point at the U.S.

[MilitantRabbit]

at least i can watch it after work

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Looks like it's going to be delayed a day, due to weather.

[MilitantRabbit]

Looks like it's going to be delayed a day, due to weather.
Thank you, Captain Obvious.
BTW, since you're on this board, google syndication displays enema ads.

[XMScott]

Somebody should slapped a WOW sticker on it for good measure.


ROFL

I will be at work, cookies for who ever records it!

[Hudson]

Shit! I was on that ship back in July when I was at Olympic Trials!
Fucking cool as shit!

[BuffaloPaul]

Looks like it's going to be delayed a day, due to weather.

Well... whenever it is launched, here are the webcam images that are being pulled from the website...

http://www.navigon.net/sl/lp2.jpg

http://www.navigon.net/sl/lp1.jpg

Sea Launch is now preparing for the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite, on February 17. Liftoff is expected at the opening of a one-hour launch window, at 7:53pm PST (Feb. 18, 3:53 GMT). Built by Boeing Satellite Systems, the 702-model spacecraft will augment the existing XM satellite system. Sea Launch successfully lifted to orbit the XM-1 and XM-2 satellites in 2001.


We should be able to watch it from this thread! (Just keep hitting refresh) :action-sm

[Hudson]

Ok I am so confused what time is that eastern standard??

[BuffaloPaul]

Ok I am so confused what time is that eastern standard??

OK... if the launch goes off as scheduled it should be 10:53 PM or 11:53 PM TONIGHT (Thurs 2-17) depending if this conversion includes the (Daylight saving time) or not...



03:53:00 Fri Feb 18 2005 in GMT converts to
22:53:00 Thu Feb 17 2005 in America/New_York

DST* is not in effect on this date/time in GMT
DST* is not in effect on this date/time in America/New_York *Daylight Saving Time



They are also going to have the streaming launch coverage video when it gets closer to launch time...

Launch Coverage

On the day of launch, you may watch a live webcast of this mission by clicking on the link here (http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html). Click here (http://www.sea-launch.com/video_archive.htm) to ensure your computer is configured correctly with appropriate software or to watch our archived launch videos.

[Hudson]

Thanks I really would love to see it

[evilmonkey]

Due to continuing sea conditions at the launch site, the launch of the XM-3 mission has been postponed. The satellite and the launch vehicle are healthy and ready for launch. Sea Launch will advise when a launch date is reestablished.


Shit, looks like its not happenin today

[rmathus]

Nope, it was delayed again until a further date TBA. Not optimal weather again for the launch.

[evilmonkey]

Newest update:


Due to continuing strong sea currents at the launch site, the launch of the XM-3 mission has been temporarily postponed. The satellite and the launch vehicle are healthy and have been moved back into the hangar until these conditions improve which will be monitored on a daily basis. Sea Launch will advise when a launch date is reestablished



I feel like such a loser following this.

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Why, who doesn't like to see rockets being shot up into space?

I remember the first Space Shuttle launch, cut out of school to see it. Also the first shuttle disaster, watched that sucker blow up live too.

[click]

Why, who doesn't like to see rockets being shot up into space?

I remember the first Space Shuttle launch, cut out of school to see it. Also the first shuttle disaster, watched that sucker blow up live too.

Yeah, I've been following this too. I am kinda bummed that the previous xm launches are not available in the archives. Hope the weather clears soon.

[evilmonkey]

Here we go!

Sea Launch is now preparing for the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite on Tuesday, February 22, at the beginning of a one-hour launch window that opens at 7:52 pm PST (GMT 03:52, Feb. 23).



Sweet!

[NUGHUFFER]

Sea Launch is now preparing for the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite on Tuesday, February 22, at the beginning of a one-hour launch window that opens at 7:52 pm PST (GMT 03:52, Feb. 23).


NICE!!!! I should still be awake to watch it live.

[MilitantRabbit]

i'm just off of work tomorrow at 10pm, so i can watch it.

mother nature's a dyke

[generoso]

Well have the live stream up playing so cool jazz good stream rate ......

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Any live links or do I have to keep refreshing?

[generoso]

try this link I have it thru real player
http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Thank you, I love watching this stuff.

[generoso]

Thank you, I love watching this stuff.
Same here ..they do need better color people ..when I was watching the Saturn probe my god snooze fest.....Dam they use kerosene and O2 as fuel...

[click]

Damn, I forgot. We still a go?

[NiceHeadDeek]

8 minutes to launch...hope this thing works!
Shouldn't you be in bed, sweet pea?

[generoso]

8 minutes to launch...hope this thing works!
I'm just shocked they use kerosene as fuel....good luck tomorrow BTW

[NiceHeadDeek]

Launch abort? What the fuck.

[Hoagie]

Perhaps another day. :icon_cry:

[click]

Ok nevermind, let's go!

[generoso]

wow ...Well you better win big now Xm needs more kerosene for the next launch

[BucketofAIDS]

hey wiff, u have nothing better to do in LA then watch a sat. launch. Shouldn't u be practicing poker.

[click]

Damn, again? WTF

[Hoagie]

This still gives us time to strap Lady Di to that satellite....mmm...ehhh...mmmphhh

[click]

What did Julia Child say, I had the sound off.

[evilmonkey]

Sea Launch today aborted the launch of the XM-3 satellite. Following the direction to abort, the launch team immediately implemented system safing and securing operations. Sea Launch will provide additional information, as available, on this website.



Damn...

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Motherfucker another coathanger.

[click]

Crap. Well anyway, goodluck WBL. Make us proud. :icon_cool

[evilmonkey]

Sea Launch today halted the launch of XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 satellite at approximately seven minutes before liftoff. An out-of-specification condition was identified on the launch vehicle and Sea Launch is in the process of rescheduling the launch. The rescheduled launch will occur no earlier than Friday, Feb. 25.



Did someone slap a WOW sticker on the launch vehicle and cause the launch to be aborted?


Silly geese.

[ai4i]

All geostationary sats are directly over the equater.

[evilmonkey]

NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- The launch of an American XM-3 satellite by a Russian- Ukrainian rocket from a platform in the Pacific Ocean has been canceled again, Tass reported.

"The launch of the Russian-Ukrainian rocket with the American XM-3 communications satellite has been canceled because of a booster failure," an official at the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow told Tass Wednesday.

Previously, the launch originally scheduled on Feb. 17 was postponed several times due to inappropriate weather conditions, Tass said.



I knew it was the Russians fault somehow.

[MilitantRabbit]

i love xm's efficency: Sirius does it with 3 geosynchronous sats. XM does it with 2--2!--Geostationary sats.

[evilmonkey]

Latest update from Sea Launch



Sea Launch continues its review of the launch vehicle readiness before initiating a countdown to another launch attempt. XM Satellite Radio's XM-3 spacecraft remains in excellent condition. Sea Launch will provide the latest information about this mission, as available.

[Hudson]

When are they gonna light this candle?

[evilmonkey]

From what Ive read, sometime late this weekend or early next week.

[click]

Last I checked they said no later then Feb.25 for the next attempt. Guess not. Did I read correctly? The Russians are launching this for them?

[MilitantRabbit]

remember, the russians shot a dog into space during the space race.

they are not to be trusted.

[Cynicize]

Okay, stupid question time. I understand that these satellites are going up into space, and they're gonna be positioned at the US and so will the original two. I get all that. What I don't get is this: The earth spins on its own "axis", while it revolves around the sun, right? It's basically spinning one way and spinning the other way around a much larger object. So my question is, are you planning on seeing Li'l Jimmy at the Houston Improv....

Actually, my question is: the satellites are gonna have to move WITH the earth right? How do they do this? Are they on motors controlled by something? it's obviously not wires...does everything in Earth's orbit move as the Earth does?

[mascan42]

The orbit is calculated so that once it's over the correct area, it's speed is kept constant with the rotation of the Earth . . . that's the layman's explanation. If we've got any actual rocket scientists on here, maybe they could explain it better.

[POTUSin08]

I don't remember the proper terms but the basics for achieving Geostationary/Geosynchronous (they mean the same) is getting the orbit speed of the "bird" the same as the rotational speed of the earth. This makes the bird appear stationary from the ground but it is actually travelling across the sky, the speed is determined by the altitude of the satellite. It is not controlled by motors but the inertia (Newton's LAw: Objects in motion tend to stay in motion) since there is no friction from air to slow it down it just keeps going. However there usually are rockets on board that can move it around. Course corrections and such.

[rmathus]

It's scheduled to launch tomorrow at 10:51 PM EST (7:51 PM PST). As before, the still webcam is up and there will be a live feed of the event on their website. Let's hope it makes it off the ground this time!

[mascan42]

I hope they weren't counting on that rate increase to pay for the fuel . . . 'cause now it looks like it was a hoax. :icon_wink

[generoso]

So whats the odds of this thing launching this time ....If not lets just go get some kerosens ourselvs a really big pipe and launch it..

[angrybeerguy]

4min to go woo hoo this is awesome

[generoso]

well about time 3 times lucky.....

[Ballbuster1]

It's Off !!!!!!!!:clap:
All looks good.:icon_wink

[d0uche_n0zzle]

About freaking time.

[Ballbuster1]

Coming up on 2nd stage seperation..............
Complete !!!!!:icon_mrgr

[generoso]

Now to park in place and turn on the switches

[generoso]

I recorded the lift off should send it foundry or is that just lame

[d0uche_n0zzle]

Send it in, who doesn't like rockets?

[Ballbuster1]

I recorded the lift off should send it foundry or is that just lameDo it !!!!! This is XM History.:icon_wink

[generoso]

ok sent ...hope steve can get 10 meg files...

[Ballbuster1]

I have no idea how to do that stuff, so thanks alot.:clap:

[generoso]

Actually I am woundering now after seeing the reel footage they just had now. if my company did there Garage doors....

[Coffee Diva]

"Roger, go at throttle up."

[Ballbuster1]

Ha, Ha.........God Bless America.............we got commercials.

[generoso]

And they had to thank the acadamy .....look as my signal comes in for the next few years.

[evilmonkey]

This is sweet

[click]

Fuck, I missed it. Anyone have a link? I don't see Steve having this up on Foundry.

[MilitantRabbit]

Spacecraft signal achieved. Now cruising to spacecraft apogee and...
fuck the scientific shit. we got a net ad!

[evilmonkey]

For those of you who missed it, heres a little photo of the launch.



http://www.sea-launch.com/mission_xm3/gallery_xm3/images/XM-3_tall_450.jpg




Sweet!

[evilmonkey]

Also...


LONG BEACH, Calif., February 28, 2005 - Sea Launch Company today successfully delivered XM Satellite Radio’s XM-3 satellite to orbit from its ocean-based platform on the Equator, in its first mission of the 2005 manifest. Early data indicate the spacecraft is in excellent condition.


The Sea Launch Zenit-3SL rocket lifted off at 7:51 pm PST ( 03:51 GMT , Mar. 1), precisely on schedule, from the Odyssey Launch Platform, positioned at 154 degrees West Longitude. All systems performed nominally throughout the flight. The Block DM-SL upper stage inserted the 4,703 kg (10,346 lb) XM-3 satellite into an optimized geosynchronous transfer orbit of 2468 km x 35786 km, on its way to an orbital location for routine testing prior to placement in its final orbital position at 85 degrees West Longitude. A ground station in South Africa acquired the spacecraft’s first signal an hour after liftoff, as planned.

[Hudson]

CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAP!
I missed it!
I really wanted to see it too!!

[evilmonkey]

You can watch a replay of it here i believe


http://www.sea-launch.com/current_index_webcast.html