The fourth countdown for Discoverer III was successfully conducted at Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) on 3 June 1959. Three previous attempts, (21, 23, and 26 May 1959) to complete a countdown for the launch of this vehicle were unsuccessful as a result of technical difficulties, coupled with poor weather conditions and range scheduling limitations. Final countdown was initiated at 0200 Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) and culminated in a successful launching at 1309:20 PDT. No significant delays were encountered except for a 2 hour and 52minute "hold" which v/as called because of unfavorable weather. Lift-off was normal and resulted in only slight pad fire damage. First stage boost phase events and vehicle staging were close to nominal. However, second stage boost was not sufficient to place the Discoverer vehicle into orbit, primarily as a result of early termination of thrust (Refer to page 19). Based on preliminary trajectory studies, it is estimated that the vehicle impacted in the vicinity of 30 degrees South Latitude after having reached an apogee altitude of approximately 157 statute miles. The coast trajectory as initially determined from Pt. Mugu radar tracking data was substantially higher than that experienced with Discoverer II and significantly higher than the predicted flight path. As a result of marginal radar tracking coverage, data were not sufficient to accurately determine the second stage trajectory. Postflight analysis of these trajectory data showed the Pt. Mugu radar information to be erroneous.


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    Titel :

    DISCOVERER III. Preliminary System Test Report (5 Day)


    Erscheinungsdatum :

    1959


    Format / Umfang :

    72 pages


    Medientyp :

    Report


    Format :

    Keine Angabe


    Sprache :

    Englisch