Author Topic: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19  (Read 73823 times)

Offline braddock

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #20 on: 12/19/2005 11:28 am »
Elon's brother is blogging this launch attempt again live from SpaceX control on the atoll.  He was an excellent source of information at the last launch, and also has some great background about life in Kwajalein.

http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/

Offline braddock

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #21 on: 12/19/2005 11:36 am »
The scattered showers that were promised have moved over the island.  Forcast for tomorrow remains the same as the current conditions: Variably cloudy with 30% chance of showers, high 87F, ENE-ESE 12-18 knots with higher gusts near showers.  By the looks of the radar ( http://www.rts-wx.com/ ), there may be some waiting for a clear window.

Offline braddock

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #22 on: 12/19/2005 11:40 am »
Update from SpaceX late last night:

All systems have passed their prelaunch checkout and we are go for launch
tomorrow at 11 a.m. California time (7 p.m. GMT).

Over the past month, we have also improved and upgraded the countdown sequence
in several ways:

*  More computer controlled operations vs manual
*  Improved ground support equipment to load propellant/pressurant faster
*  Worked with range safety to speed up checkout of the thrust termination system
*  Changed to simultaneous load of LOX and fuel on both stages

The Vandenberg hold down firing countdown was 5 hours, the first Kwaj countdown
was 4 hours and now we are at 3 hours. Having a responsive launch capability is
important to DARPA and the Air Force (and us for cost reasons), so we've put a
lot of effort into streamlining the countdown.

A C-17 buzzes Falcon for good luck:
http://www.spacex.com/graphics/content_v2/C-17.jpg

Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #23 on: 12/19/2005 12:01 pm »
Quote
braddock - 19/12/2005  12:28 PM

Elon's brother is blogging this launch attempt again live from SpaceX control on the atoll.  He was an excellent source of information at the last launch, and also has some great background about life in Kwajalein.

http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/

Looks like he's be warned off.

"Note: this blog is for entertainment purposes only and intended only for viewing by my friends. This is not endorsed by SpaceX, or part of SpaceX's official communications. Please don't trust a word I say. Really. For all you know, I'm making it all up and I'm actually sitting in my basement somewhere in Boulder."

Of course, it's his brother - but he may be gagged a bit this time :(
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Offline British NASA

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #24 on: 12/19/2005 12:24 pm »
All the best SpaceX.  5 and a half hours before first attempt, right?

Offline UK Shuttle Clan

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #25 on: 12/19/2005 01:59 pm »
Four hours to go now. I'm still a bit lost on the interest in this, especially when there was like a 1000 people on here during the balls up of the last attempt to launch. But hey, it's a launch, so it's all good!

Offline FransonUK

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #26 on: 12/19/2005 02:19 pm »
Because it's more options if this one works. The more companies able to launch like this and like they plan to, the more chances there's availability to go exploring.
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Offline Launch Fan

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #27 on: 12/19/2005 02:40 pm »
Quote
braddock - 19/12/2005  6:36 AM

The scattered showers that were promised have moved over the island.  Forcast for tomorrow remains the same as the current conditions: Variably cloudy with 30% chance of showers, high 87F, ENE-ESE 12-18 knots with higher gusts near showers.  By the looks of the radar ( http://www.rts-wx.com/ ), there may be some waiting for a clear window.

I'm happy with the weather. There should be ops if the rocket is ready to go. They can top up boil off as much as they want now with so much LOX at hand.

Offline Rob in KC

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #28 on: 12/19/2005 03:14 pm »
The wind is up to 20 MPH ENE and currently light showers.

Pretty awful images from the Sats, but at least this is getting blown away.


Offline Avron

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #29 on: 12/19/2005 04:09 pm »
Current Conditions
Temp: 79.7 deg;F (26.5 deg;C
Humidity: 86%
Dew Point: 75.4deg;F (24.1deg;C)
Wind: ENE at 20 MPH
Sky: overcast
Weather: light rain showers

Are we still good to go?

Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #30 on: 12/19/2005 04:18 pm »
Ok, less than 2hrs to go until the opening of the window. As with last time, they might go for an attempt right at the start of the window.

We'll start coverage proper in about an hour (information being the deciding factor on this).

The way it'll work is I'll post literally everything relevant I'm hearing, posting it. Braddock (and we hope to have one more) will also post regardless - with the last launch attempt working this way as instant info was uploaded, plus more clarified information alongside.
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Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #31 on: 12/19/2005 04:20 pm »
Quote
Avron - 19/12/2005  5:09 PM

Current Conditions
Temp: 79.7 deg;F (26.5 deg;C
Humidity: 86%
Dew Point: 75.4deg;F (24.1deg;C)
Wind: ENE at 20 MPH
Sky: overcast
Weather: light rain showers

Are we still good to go?

Just checking on predicted weather at the opening of the window. Right now it's a no go.
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Offline Super George

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #32 on: 12/19/2005 04:55 pm »
What time are you looking to start full coverage?

Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #33 on: 12/19/2005 05:02 pm »
Quote
Super George - 19/12/2005  5:55 PM

What time are you looking to start full coverage?

In about 10 minutes (one hour to go).
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Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #34 on: 12/19/2005 05:09 pm »
Ok people. Let's hope this goes off to plan.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=4152 - launch preview.

T-60 mins and counting (just got that back - they are preparing for a 2pm EST, 7pm UK launch).
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Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #35 on: 12/19/2005 05:11 pm »
Stage One fueling in progress. Second Stage is fueled.
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Offline Andy L

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #36 on: 12/19/2005 05:19 pm »
Come on weather, Clear!!!

Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #37 on: 12/19/2005 05:21 pm »
Weather update on the radar due in a few minutes.
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Offline DaveS

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RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #38 on: 12/19/2005 05:22 pm »
According to spaceflightnow.com, 1st stage LOX tanks are about 82% full at this time. Coming up later is loading of the RP-1 fuel into both stages.
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Offline Chris Bergin

RE: LIVE UPDATES SpaceX Falcon 1, Launch Dec 19
« Reply #39 on: 12/19/2005 05:26 pm »
SpaceX (phone line doesn't start for 15 mins) are saying they are going for the top of the hour launch attempt. Waiting on weather.

T-43 mins and counting.
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