Category: OSIRIS-REx

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft remains attached to the Centaur upper stage following the ride to space that began with liftoff from Space Launch Complex 41 in Florida at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The spacecraft is due to separate from the Centaur at about 8:04 p.m.

The Centaur’s RL-10 engine has cut off for the second and final time. OSIRIS-REx will remain attached for another 15 minutes before it is released at about 8:04 p.m. EDT.

Centaur engine is performing well and tank pressures are stable, according to ULA Telemetry Engineer Marty Malinowski.

The Centaur engine has reignited for its second and final burn in tonight’s ascent. This burn lasts six minutes, 50 seconds.

Note: If you are having trouble with the videos, try viewing the blog at https://blogs.nasa.gov/osiris-rex (without the ‘S’ in http). This video issue stems from firewall settings at various locales.

The Centaur and the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft are still joined as they continue in the first coast phase. It’s been 26 minutes since the Atlas V rocket carrying OSIRIS-REx lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41. The Atlas V first stage performed well and handed off to the Centaur upper stage, which completed its first of two burns. The next is coming up.

Image from NASA TV

The Centaur engine has cut off after its successful first burn. The vehicle will coast for about 22 and a half minutes before the Centaur’s second and final burn.

Now nine minutes into the flight, Centaur’s RL-10 engine continues to perform well.

Image from NASA TV