Wednesday, May 14, 1997

Navstar 42

 1997-F01


The first 2R satellite (SVN 42, IIR production no 2, PRN 12) was destroyed seconds after liftoff. Mass was 2032 kg. It would have been PRN 12 at slot F5.

Photos showed smoke escaping from the No. 2 solid rocket motor (S/N K-404) followed by fire at the base of the motor and detonation of the entire vehicle. As onlookers raced for cover, fiery debris rained down on complex 17. The investigation found that the SRM split along its length, with the split propagating forward prior to complete failure at 12 seconds when the vehicle first stage self-destruct activated. The RSO sent destruct at 22 seconds, destroying the second and third stages. The payload and fairing were destroyed on impact with the ground. The PAM-D left an 8-m dia crater. It was concluded the SRM had been damaged at some point prior to launch.


GPS 2R No. 2 
 

DateTimeEventOrbit  

1997 Jan 17  1628:00  Launch by Delta 7925  CC LC17A 
 1628:02  Telemetry interruption (T+2s) 
 1628:07  SRB No 2 (K-404) burnthrough (T+7s) 
 1628:13  SRB exploded (T+13s) alt 0.48 km 
 1628:13  Vehicle exploded (self-destruct) T+12.6s 
 1628:22  RSO destruct sent (T+22.3s) 
 1628  Debris impact LC17A 

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