RCA Satcom (RCA-C) Launch on Delta.

摘要

RCA-C, the third in a series of three large, 24-transponder communications satellites, is scheduled to be launched on a Delta vehicle from the Eastern Test Range (ETR) no earlier than December 6, 1979. The launch support for this mission will be provided by NASA, on a fully reimbursable basis, to RCA-Americom, a subsidiary of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) at a cost of approximately $20.3M. The launches of RCA-A, -B were successfully conducted on December 12, 1975, and March 26, 1976, respectively. The RCA-C spacecraft will be capable of transmitting voice, data, facsimile, and telex messages within the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. The launch vehicle for the RCA-C mission will be the Delta 3914 configuration which incorporates an Extended Long Tank Thor booster, nine Castor IV strapon motors, TR-201 second stage, solid fuel TE-364-4 third stage and 8-foot fairing. The launch vehicle will place the RCA-C spacecraft in a synchronous transfer orbit. The spacecraft Apogee Kick Motor will be fired at transfer orbit apogee to circularize its orbit at geosynchronous altitude of roughly 19,300NM above the equator at approximately 132 degrees W longitude, roughly 3 days after launch.