SpaceX to launch Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR aka Triana aka GoreSat)

[bananas]

Posted in LBN:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014327012

SpaceX Awarded Two EELV-Class Missions from the United States Air Force

Source: Spaceref

The United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center has awarded SpaceX two Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV)-class missions: DSCOVR (Deep Space Climate Observatory) and STP-2 (Space Test Program 2). To be launched on SpaceX's Falcon launch vehicles in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the awards mark the first EELV-class missions awarded to the company to date.

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The DSCOVR mission will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 and is currently slated for late 2014, while STP-2 will be launched aboard the Falcon Heavy and is targeted for mid-2015. Both are expected to launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

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Read more: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=39427

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Space_Climate_Observatory

Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) (formerly known as Triana, unofficially known as GoreSat) is a NASA satellite proposed in 1998 by then-Vice President Al Gore for the purpose of Earth observation.

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The Bush Administration put the project on hold shortly after George W. Bush's inauguration.

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Congress asked the National Academy of Sciences whether the project was worthwhile. The resulting report stated that the mission was "strong and scientifically vital."

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Triana was removed from its original launch opportunity on STS-107 (the ill-fated Columbia mission in 2003). The $100 million satellite remained in storage for the duration of the Bush administration. In November 2008 the satellite was removed from storage and began recertification for a possible launch on board a Delta II or a Falcon 9.

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[eppur_se_muova]

1. Woo-hoo ! GoreSat finally flies ! This should be on the Greatest Page (under COOL!) nt