Delta II | NOAA 18

The Earth Science flight Delta II | NOAA 18 departed Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA atop a Delta II, bound for SSO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United States Air Force
Mission type
Earth Science
Rocket
Delta II
Launch site
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 2W
Payload
—
Target orbit
SSO
Delta II | NOAA 18 cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2005-05-20T10:22:01.000Z
    Liftoff
    Delta II roars off the pad at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in SSO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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