Blogs

SECO-3. The second-stage engine performed a brief burn in preparation for release of the P-PODs.

A camera on the second stage of the Delta II rocket captured this footage as the SMAP spacecraft pushed itself away from the rocket to complete the delivery of the Earth-observing spacecraft to its proper orbit.

NASA Launch Manager Tim Dunn reports all is well with the SMAP spacecraft following a successful countdown and flawless launch this morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. "We're in contact with SMAP and everything looks good right now," Dunn said. "Deployment of the solar arrays is underway. We just couldn't be happier." He …

"And there go the arrays," NASA TV Commentator George Diller said as SMAP's three-panel solar array began to open. The spacecraft is power-positive. Deployment of the first CubeSat P-POD, FIREBIRD, is expected in about 45 minutes.

NASA's SMAP spacecraft is flying solo following a successful separation from the Delta II rocket. This is a 411-by-425-mile injection orbit. During the next few weeks, the spacecraft will make adjustments until it reaches its operational orbit of 426 miles. Once operational, the observatory will sweep above Earth in a near-polar orbit at an altitude …

SMAP will be released in two minutes.

Less than five minutes away from SMAP spacecraft separation.

The Delta II rocket's second-stage engine reignited for its second burn, which lasted the expected 12 seconds, and shut down on time.

Controllers are beginning to see the second stage go though some maneuvers to prepare for the second stage engine's second restart. It will burn for only about 12 seconds, and at that point there will be another five-minute coast phase before SMAP separation, expected at 10:18:51 a.m. EST.