NASASpaceFlight.com Forum

Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => NGIS (Formerly Orbital ATK) - Antares/Cygnus Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 03:03 am

Title: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 03:03 am
LIVE LAUNCH DAY THREAD FOR ANTARES A-ONE MISSION.

Please note the difference between this thread and the other threads. This thread should be UPDATES ONLY. Posts that are not will be deleted without notice.

DISCUSSION THREAD (2) IS HERE:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31662.0

For everything else, here's the Party Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30923.0

Viewing Opportunities/Going to the Launch:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31517.0

--

MAIN PRE-LAUNCH RESOURCES:

Orbital’s Antares closing in on debut launch following pad arrival:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/10/orbitals-antares-closing-debut-launch-pad-arrival/

Flight of the Antares – Orbital closing in on long-awaited debut:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/01/flight-antares-orbital-long-awaited-debut/

Hot fire success for Orbital’s Antares:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/02/hot-fire-success-orbitals-antares/

Stars align for Orbital's Antares – A-One debut set for mid-April:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/orbitals-antares-debut-a-one-mission-april/

Orbital’s Antares: An eye on the present and the future:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/orbitals-antares-eye-on-present-future/

LAUNCH DAY ARTICLE:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/orbital-antares-debut-launch-attempt/ 

Previous pre-launch flow update thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30921.0

Orbital GENERAL Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=46.0

Orbital (Antares/Cygnus) News Articles (Recent):
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/antares/

L2 Antares/Cygnus Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=tags&tags=orbital
(Includes updates, videos, graphics, presentations and specific interactive posts with engineers etc.)


As always, stay on topic and use the correct threads.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Liss on 04/17/2013 08:15 am
Quote
A0223/13 - QRACA DUE TO MILITARY STATIONARY AIRSPACE RESERVATION "ANTARES ONE" WITHIN THE NEW YORK OCEANIC CTA/FIR, NEW YORK OCEANIC WILL NOT ACCEPT IFR FLIGHT WITHIN 45NM OF THAT AIRSPACE BOUNDED BY: 2657N/6014W, 2807N/5848W, 1834N/5030W, 1814N/5058W, 1814N/5212W, TO START POINT. THE FOLLOWING INTERNATIONAL ROUTES WILL BE AFFECTED: A516, L375, L435, M525, M595 AND M596 AND M597. INTERNATIONAL REROUTES ARE AS FOLLOWS: A516: PJM TARMO AMENO AND REVERSE L375: KOZIK KAVAX 1700N 5300W IRAXI AND REVERSE L435: KOZIK KAVAX 1700N 5300W PAKER AND REVERSE M525: CAFFE TARMO AMENO AND REVERSE M595: BRKZZ AMENO AND REVERSE M596: NUBUS AMENO AND REVERSE M597: THANK TARMO AMENO AND REVERSE. SFC - FL999, 2100-0030 DLY, 17 APR 21:00 2013 UNTIL 22 APR 00:30 2013. CREATED: 16 APR 14:40 2013

Quote
!CARF 04/084 (KZNY A0217/13) ZNY AIRSPACE DCC ANTARES ONE STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 2657N/6014W 2807N/5848W 1834N/5030W 1814N/5058W 1814N/5212W SFC-UNL WEF 1304172100-1304180030

Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 11:06 am
Call to stations at 0845 EDT - that shrinks the window to 1700 - 1900 EDT for today. Looking out my hotel room window I'd say scattered to broken around 10,000 or above (0700 EDT)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 12:00 pm
Call to stations at 0845 EDT - that shrinks the window to 1700 - 1900 EDT for today.

Thanks! Still a good amount of window.

Note to all, you can post (but make sure you link) photos of Antares via social media, etc.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 12:05 pm
And a useful note via Orbital:

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences
Launch prep at #NASA_Wallops continues. The #Antares vehicle team completed final arming and close out activities last night at 9 PM EDT.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/17/2013 12:16 pm
@OrbitalSciences: The launch team will arrive on console at approximately 8:45 AM.  The count will pick up at 9 AM with an anticipated T-0 of 5 PM EDT.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: d3jf on 04/17/2013 02:12 pm
@OrbitalSciences
The pad close out crew is completing final configuration of the pad.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: d3jf on 04/17/2013 02:31 pm
And another twitter update:

@OrbitalSciences
#Antares team is working closely with MARS and ground facility control crews to verify operation of critical pneumatic and cryo components.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 02:40 pm
Just got a WX briefing 15 mins ago and it does not look good: broken ceilings 4000, everything else OK.  TOmorrow ceilings will be OK but not the surface winds.  WIll make a hard call around 0330 EDT.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 02:42 pm
Just got a WX briefing 15 mins ago and it does not look good: broken ceilings 4000, everything else OK.  TOmorrow ceilings will be OK but not the surface winds.  WIll make a hard call around 0330 EDT.

Hope you find a gap during the window!

William Graham's written a brilliant 3,000 word feature for the launch, will be on site in around one hour.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 02:49 pm
That hard call time was 1530 EDT, of course... 3:30 PM EDT
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 02:52 pm
One of the range radar aircraft had to declare an emergency and land in NY - range is trying to make up with a large USCG Cutter's surveillance radar, but it's another threat.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 03:03 pm
Antares Rocket Preperation (201304160003HQ)

The Orbital Sciences Corporation Antares rocket is seen on the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) Pad-0A at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, Tuesday, April 16, 2013 in Virginia. NASA's commercial space partner, Orbital Sciences Corporation, is scheduled to test launch its first Antares on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/sets/72157633268743282/
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 03:44 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

Poll to obtain approval to start the vehicle loading sequencer has been completed - and sequencer has started.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 03:45 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

The ground facility is providing warm helium to the launch vehicle.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 03:47 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

MACH ethernet test is complete.
Poll for external power on completed - team is ready for vehicle power on.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 03:51 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

Vehicle avionics systems are on external power.
Payload avionics power up performed.
Systems Initialization is underway.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 04:01 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

The #Antares launch team is still tracking cloud cover predictions. We are still looking at 45% favorable conditions for launch.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 04:05 pm
UPDATE ON AIR CONDITIONING FLOW.  First picture shows the problem.  Heavy winter blazer helps.  Frank Culbertson, former ISS commander, and co-victim of the cold air assault, asked himself: "what would the ISS crew do if faced with that problem?"  The second picture shows the solution.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 04:11 pm
Antares management team (brief glimpses...)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Guinness_Harp on 04/17/2013 04:24 pm
Antonio from above:
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lar on 04/17/2013 04:25 pm
UPDATE ON AIR CONDITIONING FLOW.  First picture shows the problem.  Heavy winter blazer helps.  Frank Culbertson, former ISS commander, and co-victim of the cold air assault, asked himself: "what would the ISS crew do if faced with that problem?"  The second picture shows the solution.

Very high tech! Sucks to be the guy on the other side of the vent though, he is now getting 3x the previous airflow out of his section... :)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 04:26 pm
Antonio, is Adam the LC for this mission? Voice sounds familiar.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 04:30 pm
Yup.  And Mike Bitzer his alternate.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: block51 on 04/17/2013 04:34 pm
View from the observation deck. Swung past during my lunch break.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2013 04:40 pm
Just saw a live shot of the rocket on the pad at NASA TV (now gone for an ISS event) - weather looks much better than I thought. Of course 4.5 hours is a long time...

Photo from another forum.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 04/17/2013 04:41 pm
Yup.  And Mike Bitzer his alternate.

Jeesh, small world.  I was at Los Angele AFS with Mike.  About the same time that you gave the Pegasus concept briefing to SMC (Space Division at the time).
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 04:47 pm
FEATURE ARTICLE (Huge, 3000+ worder) by William Graham. Required reading:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/orbital-antares-debut-launch-attempt/
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 04:53 pm
Merged a few posts from the other (now closed, cause we're into launch day) thread. This is already a brilliant thread, ahead of moving into the business end of the live updates. Loving the pics! ;D
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 05:02 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

#Antares #NASA_Wallops. T-4:10 no technical issues in work.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 05:02 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

#Antares update: Chilldown of the main subcooler has been completed with LN2.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 05:06 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

Commodity loading team made small adjustments to regulator and ground components. Work complete. the team is securing the pad.#Antares
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 05:17 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences
 
#Antares launch team update: Poll for prelaunch processing has been completed. SIGI alignment is underway. T-3:45
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 05:42 pm
Go for LO2 loading system (LOLS) chilldown.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 06:00 pm
Internal power checks complete.

I think I heard the wx briefer say that POV was now 20%.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ineedalife999 on 04/17/2013 06:01 pm
The latest METAR from the Wallops airport shows clear skies with winds at 7 knots.

METAR: KWAL 171754Z 16007KT 10SM CLR 24/14 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP214 T02390144 10250 20183 56009
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2013 06:10 pm
Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences
We are hearing that weather conditions are looking up. We now have 55% favorable conditions.

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences
#Antares launch update: Approx T-3 hours and counting. Main subcooler is full of LN2.

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences
The #Antares launch director has processed an Orbital waiver to the ground wind constraint of 15 knots. New level is 20 knots.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: pericynthion on 04/17/2013 06:12 pm
Latest METAR showing 1/8th to 1/4 cloud coverage at 3000ft:
KWAL 171754Z COR 16007KT 10SM FEW030 BKN150 BKN200 24/14 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP214 T02390144 10250 20183 56009

http://tinyurl.com/wallopswx
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 06:15 pm
FTS checks complete.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2013 06:19 pm
Live video feed from the launch pad! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stennisaj26-1 (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stennisaj26-1)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ineedalife999 on 04/17/2013 06:22 pm
Latest METAR showing 1/8th to 1/4 cloud coverage at 3000ft:
KWAL 171754Z COR 16007KT 10SM FEW030 BKN150 BKN200 24/14 A3017 RMK AO2 SLP214 T02390144 10250 20183 56009

http://tinyurl.com/wallopswx

Lastest forecast (albeit Salisbury, MD) shows 5/8 to 7/8 cloud cover at 4000 ft through 6 PM EST.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2013 06:24 pm
FTS checks complete.

Also reported by OSC:

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences
#Antares launch update: Open loop and transmitter checks are complete. FTS and Power Systems Testing is underway. LOLS Chilldown is in work.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: CuddlyRocket on 04/17/2013 06:35 pm
Sorry, what time is this aiming to launch? In English money, please!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2013 06:36 pm
Sorry, what time is this aiming to launch? In English money, please!

10 pm BST, i.e. just less than 2.5 hours from now.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Orbiter on 04/17/2013 06:40 pm
Looks like a good day to fly!

NASA Wallops ‏@NASA_Wallops 28m
#Antares launch coverage starts 4pmET: http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

@OrbitalSciences #Antares launch director approves Orbital waiver to ground wind limit of 15 knots. New limit: 20.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Space Pete on 04/17/2013 07:00 pm
L-2 hours!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 07:02 pm
wx brief now; not sounding good for low level clouds.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 07:06 pm
45% POV. Tomorrow will be 50 %.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: psloss on 04/17/2013 07:16 pm
45% POV. Tomorrow will be 50 %.
Thanks for the updates, Kim -- sounds like a slight improvement from the 55% chance of weather violation from the L-48 hour forecast.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 07:16 pm
45 mins to NASA TV coverage. Also REALLY appreciating Kim's updates.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: asmi on 04/17/2013 07:16 pm
They should've brought Russian specialists for launch. "Weather restrictions? What weather restrictions? Damn them! Go!!!" :)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 07:31 pm
About to poll for start of fueling.  Mission Director Frank C. has decided to go ahead.  If we stop by L-30 we can try again tomorrow.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 07:32 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

Approx T- 1:30 for #Antares. LOLS chill down is proceeding well. No vehicle issues in work at this time.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 07:32 pm
go for prop load.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 04/17/2013 07:32 pm
Orbital Sciences‏@OrbitalSciences

Cloudiness is increasing.  Areas north of the site all have ceilings below 6K.
Current conditions are acceptable, but degrading.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: russianhalo117 on 04/17/2013 07:33 pm
They should've brought Russian specialists for launch. "Weather restrictions? What weather restrictions? Damn them! Go!!!" :)
A while back in December 2012 it was said that a small delegation that also makes up team for Soyuz-2-1v launcher would probably attend the launch, but that was in December 2012 and I do not know if they will attend or not today.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 07:37 pm
RP is flowing.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: psloss on 04/17/2013 07:38 pm
Slight tangent: did this link already get posted in another thread?  PDF with additional details:
http://www.orbital.com/Antares-Cygnus/files/Pre-Launch-Guest-Briefing.pdf

Orbital Tweeted earlier:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OrbitalSciences/status/324540075151065088

Linked from here, too:
http://www.orbital.com/Antares-Cygnus/
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 07:45 pm
Just decreased window to 15 minutes.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lee Jay on 04/17/2013 07:46 pm
Just decreased window to 15 minutes.

Same opening time?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 07:47 pm
Just decreased window to 15 minutes.

Same opening time?

yes.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/17/2013 07:48 pm
Just decreased window to 15 minutes.

Same opening time?

This is apparently related to the sub-cooled LOX for the AJ26 (NK-33) first stage engines.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 07:48 pm
LO2 load started.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 07:54 pm
Live view:
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 07:55 pm
Just decreased window to 15 minutes.

Antonio note from earlier relating to the above:

Once tanking starts (nominally L-1:30) we can DELAY up to 15 minutes.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 07:55 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 07:56 pm
Site's getting busy. Remember to be logged in, because if we get sluggish we'll pull the guests to protect the servers.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/17/2013 07:58 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 07:59 pm
I like these odds:

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 46s
#Antares update: 60% go for weather. First stage fueling is complete.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Space Pete on 04/17/2013 08:00 pm
L-1 hour!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:00 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:02 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:02 pm
Today's lucky passenger.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:03 pm
MCC-H FCR following along.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: russianhalo117 on 04/17/2013 08:03 pm
TEL Umbilical Mast pre-launch retraction underway.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:03 pm
NASA Wallops ‏@NASA_Wallops 1m
Range is go for launch. #Antares!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:04 pm
L-55 mins.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:05 pm
AJ-26 chilldown in 30 mins is the next major mileston.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:05 pm
Nice angle.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:08 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:09 pm
L-50 mins.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/17/2013 08:10 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:11 pm
We should have asked for Antonio to wave! ;D
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: manboy on 04/17/2013 08:12 pm
Slight tangent: did this link already get posted in another thread?  PDF with additional details:
http://www.orbital.com/Antares-Cygnus/files/Pre-Launch-Guest-Briefing.pdf

Orbital Tweeted earlier:
https://mobile.twitter.com/OrbitalSciences/status/324540075151065088

Linked from here, too:
http://www.orbital.com/Antares-Cygnus/

I'm uploading just in case the link goes bad
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/17/2013 08:12 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:13 pm
Looking good guys! :D
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/17/2013 08:13 pm
For reasons that are too complicated to explain, our 15-min window has shrunk to 10 minutes... considering our main concern (ceiling) that is not an issue...
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:15 pm
Baby Antares arrived on a ship, looking for a new life in America....
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:15 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:16 pm
AJ-26s...
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:17 pm
CASTOR 30A
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:18 pm
A-ONE (left) and ORB-D vehicles together.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:18 pm
Mass simulator
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:19 pm
Rollout.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:19 pm
Erector:
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:19 pm
L-40 mins.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:21 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:21 pm
Polling for chilldown in about four mins.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:22 pm
Quite a bit of venting. is that the vehicle, or ground support systems?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: bjornl on 04/17/2013 08:23 pm
Another last minute name change!

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 1m
#Anatres launch Window will be reduced because low flow chill down is starting early at T-30 Minute.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:26 pm
Poll to proceed with chilldown - GO.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:27 pm
Chilldown in three minutes.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/17/2013 08:28 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:28 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:28 pm
Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 17s
#Antares T-45 Minutes. No vehicle issues in work. High flow lox loading is underway. Still aiming for 1700
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:29 pm
Great view....although we could do with less clouds.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:30 pm
MES Chilldown (Low Flow Chilldown) has begun.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:31 pm
Temps decreasing - which is obviously relating to chilldown.

Launch window down to 10 mins.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:31 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:32 pm
Venting like the best of them....
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:32 pm
L-12 mins for the final poll.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:34 pm
Some archive footage
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:34 pm
Launch site tour.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:34 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:34 pm
Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 1m
Rocketcam video is powered up and transmitting signals to the control center. Chilled helium is flowing to the vehicle. #Antares nominal
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:35 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:35 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:36 pm
L-25 mins.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:36 pm
SIGI Alignment is underway
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:37 pm
frost really starting to cover up Antares' name
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:38 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:39 pm
ISS Crew expected to watch the launch if there's good KU.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:39 pm
Polling for FTS On.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:39 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:40 pm
Go for power on with the FTS. One controller noted he was watching something, but is go.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:40 pm
Report of an issue with 'toxics' during FTS poll
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:42 pm
Some talk about today's payload, Cygnus mass simulator.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:42 pm
Orbital's team have signed the Mass Simulator.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/17/2013 08:43 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:44 pm
The four Nanosats riding uphill are getting a mention.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:45 pm
T-15 mins.

Three minutes to the main poll.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:45 pm
Seconday payloads. actual tape measures sticking out of them!  :D
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:45 pm
Talking about 'anomoly 1'
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:46 pm
Come back from the feature to hear them talking about meeting on an anomaly net.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:47 pm
OrbitalSciences #Antares update. Delivering Helium to the vehicle at -287 F. Vehicle systems are nominal.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 08:47 pm
abort due to umbilical problem.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:48 pm
abort
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:48 pm
SCRUB
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:48 pm
Premature umbilical separation (second stage)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:48 pm
Umbilical disconnected accidentally.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kaputnik on 04/17/2013 08:48 pm
Scrub for today :(
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:49 pm
Anyone see what it was?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:49 pm
That's really unlucky.

Looking at 48 hour recycle.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: wolfpack on 04/17/2013 08:50 pm
Abort. Loose umbilical.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/17/2013 08:50 pm
Umbilical disconnected accidentally.

not surprised you can see a slight rocking of the strongback.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: meekGee on 04/17/2013 08:51 pm
Umbilical disconnected accidentally.
Does that mean a command was issued by mistake (wasn't that covered in the dry run?!) or does it mean that equipment malfunctioned?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Targeteer on 04/17/2013 08:51 pm
ISS crew informed of scrub by CAPCOM--they had not heard the scrub on the streaming feed.  Time to go to bed.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 08:52 pm
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:53 pm
Here it is:
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ineedalife999 on 04/17/2013 08:53 pm
Umbilical disconnected accidentally.
Does that mean a command was issued by mistake (wasn't that covered in the dry run?!) or does it mean that equipment malfunctioned?


There was no second stage installed for the hot fire a few weeks ago, so it wouldn't have been tested then.  Maybe there just wasn't enough wind last week during the dry for the failure to happen.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 08:55 pm
Larger res.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:55 pm
Umbilical disconnected accidentally.

not surprised you can see a slight rocking of the strongback.

I think you're just seeing camera sway. Both the vehicle & strongback are moving in sync
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lee Jay on 04/17/2013 08:56 pm
It did rock back, slightly.  Click for animation.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 08:57 pm
It did rock back, slightly.  Click for animation.

wow, you're right - and I would consider that more than slightly.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: edkyle99 on 04/17/2013 08:59 pm
It did rock back, slightly.  Click for animation.
Nice catch!  Someone let the control room know!   :)

Also note that the umbilical mast moved, but not the strongback.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Dappa on 04/17/2013 09:01 pm
It did rock back, slightly.  Click for animation.
Also cool to see how much shorter the vehicle has become after LOX tanking. :D
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lar on 04/17/2013 09:02 pm
It did rock back, slightly.  Click for animation.
Nice catch!  Someone let the control room know!   :)

Also note that the umbilical mast moved, but not the strongback.

 - Ed Kyle

I think the strongback moved too, compare against the rocks on the beach. just not as far?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 09:02 pm
OrbitalSciences The #Antares team is gathering more information and will make the call on when we will make our next attempt.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mapperuo on 04/17/2013 09:03 pm
It did rock back, slightly.  Click for animation.
Nice catch!  Someone let the control room know!   :)

Also note that the umbilical mast moved, but not the strongback.

 - Ed Kyle

Looks to me like it did, the entire thing seems to twist. The side we can't see moved back.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: edkyle99 on 04/17/2013 09:06 pm
Looks to me like it did, the entire thing seems to twist. The side we can't see moved back.
Yes, a twist.  The nearest part did not move.  The furthest part did.  Interesting.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lee Jay on 04/17/2013 09:06 pm
Since Antonio had nothing to do (aside from kick shins), I wonder if he was playing the "what's this button do?" game.   ;D

Kidding aside, best of luck to the team for the coming diagnosis, and please keep us informed if time allows!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Garrett on 04/17/2013 09:11 pm
Looks to me like it did, the entire thing seems to twist. The side we can't see moved back.
Yes, a twist.  The nearest part did not move.  The furthest part did.  Interesting.

 - Ed Kyle
You can see part of the structure on the near side, just above the "Orbital" tag on the first stage, move.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Big Al on 04/17/2013 09:14 pm
Was the first stage trying to vent? Too much force?
Something slipped out of place.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: bastro on 04/17/2013 09:15 pm
I may hope that any motion is normal.
But anyway, a good moment to show that they have control over the proces.
Time to go to sleep (like the ISS crew) and see you in 48 hours!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: king1999 on 04/17/2013 09:17 pm
One part in the middle was moving away from the rocket. You can see it between the letters A and N.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/17/2013 09:21 pm
Was the first stage trying to vent? Too much force?
Something slipped out of place.

From what I see in the animation, the twist in the strongback added tension to the lanyards attached to the umbilicals to the second stage. It's possible that the force was great enough on one of them was enough to dislodge its connector from the socket, breaking electrical contact.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 04/17/2013 09:25 pm
Was the strongback twisting back and forth or was this just a gradual thing that eventually pulled the QD out?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: meekGee on 04/17/2013 09:26 pm
Did anyone confirm it was the wind-induced motion?  For what we know it was acceptable behavior.  After all, the thing stood in wind for many hours, and popped out only 10 minutes before launch.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 09:30 pm
The team is viewing video replays of a specific camera now.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: docmordrid on 04/17/2013 09:32 pm
Are we looking at a wind limitation pending a strengthening or redesign?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Confusador on 04/17/2013 09:34 pm
Can we take the questions/analysis to the Discussion Thread, and just have official statements actual updates here?
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31662

Edit: Point taken, I didn't mean to exclude any new information.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mtakala24 on 04/17/2013 09:37 pm
I think any new finds (even by amateurs) constitute as an update, as this thread is bound to be less hectic now that the scrub has been called. But of course its up to the mods to move posts if they decide to do so.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 09:44 pm
Still going with 48 hours at the moment:

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 2m
The teams are still gathering data. Most probable next attempt will be Friday, April 19 at 1700 EDT. We will provide confirmation soon.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/17/2013 10:37 pm
Just before I left I heard net discussion about what I believe was one of two hydraulic cylinders being lower than the other. Something tells me that would cause the strong back to twist as we saw (I'm an electrical, not a mechanical).

I'm also hearing that mgmt will abide by the wx forecast and not try on Friday (if they even could, system-wise).
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 10:40 pm
Just before I left I heard net discussion about what I believe was one of two hydraulic cylinders being lower than the other. Something tells me that would cause the strong back to twist as we saw (I'm an electrical, not a mechanical).

I'm also hearing that mgmt will abide by the wx forecast and not try on Friday (if they even could, system-wise).

Another interesting note, thanks!

And an update:

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 11m
The mission management team will meet again at 8am EDT to review all known data. We are expecting a weather briefing at 4pm tomorrow.

NASA Wallops ‏@NASA_Wallops 56s
The MARS (the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport) here @NASA_Wallops is available for #Antares up to and including April 29
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 11:05 pm
Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences

We may know by 5pm tmrw if we will continue toward a 5pm launch attempt on Friday. Evaluating weather and data.

De-fueling will conclude this evening. Then it will be safe for the team to go in and start working on the turnaround.

The team was phenomenal, especially the way the team worked together. Big thanks to all who worked today's #Antares launch attempt.

The umbilical was a data cable connected to the upper stage. The #Antares team recorded the disconnect at 4:44:20 EDT.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 11:11 pm
Right, so the plan is we'll keep this thread going for updates through tonight and tomorrow (at least). When we get a new launch target, we'll have a new thread started for that day's attempt.

Full article with updated scrub info:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/orbital-antares-debut-launch-attempt/
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jsmjr on 04/17/2013 11:11 pm
Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences

We may know by 5pm tmrw if we will continue toward a 5pm launch attempt on Friday. Evaluating weather and data.

De-fueling will conclude this evening. Then it will be safe for the team to go in and start working on the turnaround.

The team was phenomenal, especially the way the team worked together. Big thanks to all who worked today's #Antares launch attempt.

The umbilical was a data cable connected to the upper stage. The #Antares team recorded the disconnect at 4:44:20 EDT.

On a side note, Orbital's Twitter feed really has been a great resource for this launch attempt.  Informative and current, as it should be.  Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/17/2013 11:39 pm
Yep. PAO Barry (I assume) did very well with the twitter feed today.

Statement:

Orbital announced that a premature separation of a launch pad umbilical connection to the Antares upper stage used for data communications halted today's countdown of the Antares test launch at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va. Engineers are currently analyzing what occurred to determine what measures will be taken to resolve the issue.

During a launch countdown, safeguards are put in place to periodically verify that all systems are functioning as planned. With twelve minutes left in the count, the launch team identified the anomaly and called a scrub of today's test launch attempt.

The next launch attempt is tentatively set for no earlier than Friday, April 19, pending final resolution of the issue and acceptable weather conditions.

"We are still examining all of the data, but it appears that the issue is fairly straightforward," said Mr. Frank Culbertson, Orbital's Executive Vice President and Mission Director for the Antares Test Flight. "With this being the first launch of the new system from a new launch facility we have taken prudent steps to ensure a safe and successful outcome. Today, our scrub procedures were exercised and worked as planned. We are looking forward to a successful launch on Friday."
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: yg1968 on 04/18/2013 03:10 am
Here is the archived video of the scrubbed launch:

Part I:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/31591017
Part II:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/31596289
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 01:20 pm
Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences 50m
The #Antares missions management team meeting began at 8am EDT this morning at #NASA_Wallops.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 04:31 pm
Orbital:

The Antares team has identified the cause of the early disconnect and developed a go-forward plan. Keeping a close watch on Fri. weather.

We are going to get an update on Wx 4 pm EDT, and expect to make a final decision on a Friday launch attempt before 5 pm today.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lar on 04/18/2013 04:38 pm
Orbital:

The Antares team has identified the cause of the early disconnect and developed a go-forward plan. Keeping a close watch on Fri. weather.

We are going to get an update on Wx 4 pm EDT, and expect to make a final decision on a Friday launch attempt before 5 pm today.

Any news on what the cause was? Anything to do with strongback/umbilical tower movement? or decals peeling off? (per the speculation posted here) ?

Might be proprietary I guess. :)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lurker Steve on 04/18/2013 05:08 pm
Orbital:

The Antares team has identified the cause of the early disconnect and developed a go-forward plan. Keeping a close watch on Fri. weather.

We are going to get an update on Wx 4 pm EDT, and expect to make a final decision on a Friday launch attempt before 5 pm today.

I assume the same t-storms that just dumped on the midwest last night and this morning will be showing up on the east coast late on Friday. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate over the weekend, but that's some pretty serious weather headed east.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 06:01 pm
Orbital:
Update: it wasn't the wind that disconnected the umbilical. We are making two small preventative adjustments to address the anomaly. We will be posting a more detailed update reagarding the next launch attempt and the umbilical work on http://www.orbital.com/Antares-Cygnus/ soon.

----

So I wonder if it's the hydraulic cylinders?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kabloona on 04/18/2013 06:14 pm
excerpt from Orbital's statement on Antares/Cygnus web page:

"During the initial countdown on April 17, with 12 minutes left in the count, flight controllers saw that an umbilical providing data, which connects the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) to the upper stage of the Antares rocket, became disconnected prior to the planned disconnect time. The team determined the cause was a combination of slight hydraulic movement of the TEL and not enough slack left in the umbilical to allow for any additional or unplanned movement. Neither issue alone would have caused the umbilical disconnect, however, the combination resulted in the anomaly. Small adjustments are being made early today to both the hydraulics on the TEL and to the umbilical.

“The good news is that this is a simple adjustment to the external support systems,” said Mr. Frank Culbertson, Orbital’s Executive Vice President and Mission Director for the Antares Test Flight. “Given that this is a first run for the rocket and the first time use of a new launch facility, the fact that all systems were performing as planned while the team proceeded through the pre-launch checklists is very encouraging. It speaks volumes about the quality of the work done by this team and our partners.”
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 06:34 pm
That sounds very much like what Kim heard before leaving last night!

Here's the full release:

ORBITAL’S ANTARES ROCKET LAUNCH UPDATE

 

– A-1 Mission Team Working Launch Turnaround Actions –

 

(Dulles, VA 18 April 2013) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that the Antares team has developed a go-forward plan to address the umbilical disconnect issue that resulted in the April 17 launch scrub. The program is currently working toward the next launch attempt on Friday, April 19 at 5 p.m. EDT, weather permitting.

 

During the initial countdown on April 17, with 12 minutes left in the count, flight controllers saw that an umbilical providing data, which connects the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) to the upper stage of the Antares rocket, became disconnected prior to the planned disconnect time. The team determined the cause was a combination of slight hydraulic movement of the TEL and not enough slack left in the umbilical to allow for any additional or unplanned movement. Neither issue alone would have caused the umbilical disconnect, however, the combination resulted in the anomaly. Small adjustments are being made early today to both the hydraulics on the TEL and to the umbilical.

 

“The good news is that this is a simple adjustment to the external support systems,” said Mr. Frank Culbertson, Orbital’s Executive Vice President and Mission Director for the Antares Test Flight. “Given that this is a first run for the rocket and the first time use of a new launch facility, the fact that all systems were performing as planned while the team proceeded through the pre-launch checklists is very encouraging. It speaks volumes about the quality of the work done by this team and our partners.”

 

The next launch attempt is pending completion of the work at the pad and acceptable weather conditions. Mission managers will meet again later today to review weather and range conditions. At that time they will determine if the team will move forward with beginning the countdown tomorrow morning.

Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jsmjr on 04/18/2013 06:43 pm
One of the range radar aircraft had to declare an emergency and land in NY - range is trying to make up with a large USCG Cutter's surveillance radar, but it's another threat.

Any further info on what happened here?  What are the air and sea assets being used?  I heard about land based tracking / telemetry sites in Bermuda, Coquina Beach NC, and Antigua.  (I guess maybe Ascension is beyond the range where instrumented flight will occur?) 
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Maverick on 04/18/2013 06:43 pm
That sounds very much like what Kim heard before leaving last night!


That's one of the reason this site rocks!

So if they go with Friday, do we get a new live launch day thread?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 06:51 pm


So if they go with Friday, do we get a new live launch day thread?

Yep. This one runs until the next launch day attempt. Then we move to a brand new thread.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 04/18/2013 06:55 pm
That sounds very much like what Kim heard before leaving last night!

Here's the full release:

...
During the initial countdown on April 17, with 12 minutes left in the count, flight controllers saw that an umbilical providing data, which connects the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL) to the upper stage of the Antares rocket, became disconnected prior to the planned disconnect time. The team determined the cause was a combination of slight hydraulic movement of the TEL and not enough slack left in the umbilical to allow for any additional or unplanned movement. Neither issue alone would have caused the umbilical disconnect, however, the combination resulted in the anomaly. Small adjustments are being made early today to both the hydraulics on the TEL and to the umbilical.


I'd be interested to know, based on this note, if the cylinders were being constantly powered to maintain a vertical position, or if load holding valves were at play and one leaked due to insufficient holding pressure?

If the mast is designed to angle away at/just prior to launch (for clearance to the vehicle), you would likely need to provide constant pressure to both cylinder ends and then create a sufficient differential to allow the cylinder to move.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/18/2013 07:03 pm
I'm hearing Friday's weather carries a 90% POV, so look for a Saturday attempt, I'd think.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 07:07 pm
I'm hearing Friday's weather carries a 90% POV, so look for a Saturday attempt, I'd think.

That would be handy for my fingers, given there's a Russian launch and a Russian Stage EVA on the ISS through tomorrow! :o

(Disclaimer: I wouldn't care if there were 50 events tomorrow, so long as Antares gets of to a successful debut).

Orbital noting they will be making a call in around one hour's time on Friday.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 10:02 pm
Just trimming the thread as we've got several people posting different dates here.

Wait for the official news.

(We are hearing Saturday - NOT official).
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: smith5se on 04/18/2013 10:06 pm
 Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences now

The next launch attempt for #Antares will be no earlier than Saturday, April 20, at 5 p.m.

There is it...
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 10:10 pm
There we go.

Orbital Sciences ‏@OrbitalSciences
The next launch attempt for #Antares will be no earlier than Saturday, April 20, at 5 p.m.

New thread on Saturday.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 10:14 pm
Updated article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/04/orbital-antares-debut-launch-attempt/
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lee Jay on 04/18/2013 10:32 pm
The team determined the cause was a combination of slight hydraulic movement of the TEL and not enough slack left in the umbilical to allow for any additional or unplanned movement. Neither issue alone would have caused the umbilical disconnect, however, the combination resulted in the anomaly. Small adjustments are being made early today to both the hydraulics on the TEL and to the umbilical.

Does anyone "in the know" (Kim?  Antonio?) know if this was a leak-down issue (pump off, oil bleeding by a valve) or a control issue (pump on, servo commanded to zero flow, but actually not quite perfectly zeroed)?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/18/2013 11:02 pm
ORBITAL SCHEDULES NEW ANTARES ROCKET LAUNCH WINDOW

 

– A-1 Mission Team Working Toward an Attempt on Saturday, April 20 –

 

(Dulles, VA 18 April 2013) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that the next launch attempt for the new Antares rocket will be no earlier than Saturday, April 20, at 5 p.m. The mission management team met this afternoon to evaluate weather forecasts and optimum crew work schedules to provide two back-to-back opportunities for a launch attempt.

 

Weather conditions deteriorate on Friday, April 19, but improve significantly over the next two days increasing the chances for acceptable conditions at launch time. This also allows the Antares launch team a day of rest before back-to-back opportunities on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Kim Keller on 04/19/2013 12:39 am
Does anyone "in the know" (Kim?  Antonio?) know if this was a leak-down issue (pump off, oil bleeding by a valve) or a control issue (pump on, servo commanded to zero flow, but actually not quite perfectly zeroed)?

No, not a leak-down issue. I don't want to get into specifics (I'll leave that for Orbital to explain, if they choose), but the issue won't recur.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/19/2013 12:43 am
Does anyone "in the know" (Kim?  Antonio?) know if this was a leak-down issue (pump off, oil bleeding by a valve) or a control issue (pump on, servo commanded to zero flow, but actually not quite perfectly zeroed)?

No, not a leak-down issue. I don't want to get into specifics (I'll leave that for Orbital to explain, if they choose), but the issue won't recur.

it was handled very professionaly by Orbital.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/19/2013 12:53 am
As usual, a combination of several "ingredients"... some related to the hydraulics of the strongback, some to the horizontal integration, others to the lanyards, etc. etc. - even the actual timing of the pre-retract had a hand in "conspiring" for the event.  Kim K. is right: it won't happen again. (Did I just said "never"?  Tsk, tsk...)  It was not trivial to predict, either...
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/19/2013 01:20 am
In this world, you can't keep your sanity unless you have a good sense of humor, and unless you try to find humor even under the most stressful circumstances.  This launch attempt was no exception, and I am thankful to a certain cyber-journalist and a certain space-oriented website for two priceless gems:

The first (I thank my son, a Legislative Aid for a State Delegate in Richmond for texting me the link) identified Frank Culbertson as "Orbital's CEO."  I mentioned it to Dave Thompson and he laughed so hard he almost got the hiccups: "Yesss... Disneyworld, here I come!" was his reaction.

Well, what do you know: the said journalist was having breakfast at the Comfort Suites this morning at the table next to the one where Dave and I were having breakfast; when I whispered to him that this was the cat who had "fired" him, he wanted to get up and thank him, but I grabbed him in time.  Of course, said journalist didn't recognize Dave - not even eye contact!  ::)

The second one, from the said journalist's web site:

"Orbital Sciences' Antares rocket will not launch today. A premature separation of one of the tethers holding the rocket in place on the pad caused the abort."  :D

I know Antares has a low Thrust to Weight ratio, but that's ridiculous...
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lee Jay on 04/19/2013 01:34 am
"Orbital Sciences' Antares rocket will not launch today. A premature separation of one of the tethers holding the rocket in place on the pad caused the abort."  :D

I know Antares has a low Thrust to Weight ratio, but that's ridiculous...

Well, that explains the premature separation - you guys were using data cables to keep your rocket in place.  Sheesh!   :D
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Peter NASA on 04/19/2013 01:43 am
It might sound patronizing if I said the guys in our office were praiseful of Orbital's handling of Wednesday's events, because you're Orbital, you know what you're doing. But they were.


The second one, from the said journalist's web site:

"Orbital Sciences' Antares rocket will not launch today. A premature separation of one of the tethers holding the rocket in place on the pad caused the abort."  :D

I know Antares has a low Thrust to Weight ratio, but that's ridiculous...

It's shoddy reporting like that which makes me grateful for a site like this one.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/19/2013 01:49 am
... the guys in our office were praiseful of Orbital's handling of Wednesday's events ...

I cannot think of a more satisfying praise than that coming from one's peers.  I am proud to count people like you as my peers.  Thank you.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: SoCalEric on 04/19/2013 02:00 am
Not to be any smart alec, but I was just wondering, looking at the nice photos in the article, what does it mean to simulate mass?  (vs, you kind of either have it or you don't). "Payload simulator" or "Cygnus simulator" I could relate to. Just wondering if there was any technical history or meaning behind the term "mass simulator", which I presume is not to be interpreted literally. Thanks.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: QuantumG on 04/19/2013 02:03 am
what does it mean to simulate mass?  (vs, you kind of either have it or you don't).

It's where you have the mass that counts.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: antonioe on 04/19/2013 02:14 am
Well, trying to take your question seriously (I guess you DO mean to ask it...) I would say that a REAL payload, like Cygnus, has many properties: it carries a functioning solar/ battery power system, communications system, propulsion, etc. etc.  Mass - not only the TOTAL mass, but also the mass distribution - is one of those properties.

A "mass simulator" of a spacecraft is a device that only attempts to simulate the mass properties - again, not just total mass, but moments of inertia.  The next step would be for the STIFFNESS to be similar to that of the real spacecraft: that would be a DYNAMICS SIMULATOR and the coupled modes - launch vehicle and spacecraft - would be similar to that of the complete, much more expensive spacecraft.  You could go on perhaps radiating the same RF, and so on until you end up spending as much money as for a real spacecraft...

SO you have to be careful when you say "payload simulator" or "Cygnus simulator": how functional is it?

For the Antares test launch, we have a chunk of metal that has the same mass and moments of inertia as a loaded Cygnus... oh, wait!  I forgot!  It also has APPROXIMATELY the same outside shape ("outer mold line") as the real Cygnus... again, approximately...

Now for some GOOD NEWS: I didn't realize we have a THIRD rocket cam on this flight: in addition to the two inside the fairing, there's one on the outside, looking down!!!  Unfortunately, we only have enough bandwidth to downlink a single camera stream, and to boot the switching gear is a bit ratty...
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: SoCalEric on 04/19/2013 03:04 am
....attempts to simulate the mass properties - again, not just total mass, but moments of inertia. 

Ahh. k. that makes sense.
On the heels of SpaceX's cheese payload on its first dragon flight I was half expecting some inside joke.

In this case "This module only PRETENDING to be baryonically endowed" would have been an odd thing to see painted on the side.

Thanks.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 04/19/2013 07:12 am
Not to be any smart alec, but I was just wondering, looking at the nice photos in the article, what does it mean to simulate mass?  (vs, you kind of either have it or you don't). "Payload simulator" or "Cygnus simulator" I could relate to. Just wondering if there was any technical history or meaning behind the term "mass simulator", which I presume is not to be interpreted literally. Thanks.

It is a common term and not unique to this mission.   First Delta IV Heavy had one, the last Delta III.  Spacecraft use them to represent experiments/payloads/systems that are not available for spacecraft level testing like modal surveys, random vibe testing, thermal vac, etc.   Sometimes the simulators fly if the experiments/payloads/systems is unavailable to be launched.  This is help the spacecraft to maintain its mass properties. 
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mmeijeri on 04/19/2013 07:16 am
This is help the spacecraft to maintain its mass properties. 

Do such simulators also contain liquids if necessary?
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/19/2013 07:21 am
This is help the spacecraft to maintain its mass properties. 

Do such simulators also contain liquids if necessary?

I have never heard of liquid mass simulators except for those intended experiments on the early Saturn Is.....
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 04/19/2013 07:35 am
This is help the spacecraft to maintain its mass properties. 

Do such simulators also contain liquids if necessary?

I have never heard of liquid mass simulators except for those intended experiments on the early Saturn Is.....

I agree
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/19/2013 05:26 pm
NASA TV - during the RS-32 coverage - go to a live view of Antares, sat patiently for Saturday's attempt.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 04/19/2013 05:27 pm
NASA feed today
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 04/19/2013 05:27 pm
Apparently tomorrow's launch window can be either 5-7 pm or 6-8 pm EDT  - weather brief in 2.5 hours will decide that.
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/19/2013 08:47 pm
Orbital:

Today's weather briefing result - looks good for Sat. Antares launch attempt.  T-0 time still 5:00 p.m. Window from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

New launch day thread late tonight or early tomorrow (depending on where you are in the world ;D)
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: russianhalo117 on 04/19/2013 09:28 pm
Orbital:

Today's weather briefing result - looks good for Sat. Antares launch attempt.  T-0 time still 5:00 p.m. Window from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

New launch day thread late tonight or early tomorrow (depending on where you are in the world ;D)
Antares Launch Update
Thu, 18 Apr 2013 05:34:56 PM CDT

Orbital has confirmed the next opportunity to test launch its Antares
rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia will be no earlier
than 5 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 20.

NASA TV coverage of the launch will begin at 4:30 p.m. By the time
coverage starts, the launch window will likely have been reduced to 10-15
minutes.

An attempt Friday was called off after review of the weather forecast.
The forecast for Saturday indicates an 85 percent chance of favorable
conditions. If needed, a back-up launch opportunity is available on Sunday.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/orbitalsciences-index.html
Title: Re: SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1 UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/20/2013 11:45 am
New thread for the second attempt:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=46.0

Locking this one.