LIVE: SpaceX/Falcon 1 - 23rd March: launch coverage thread

[Chris Bergin]

Here we go again with another attempt to launch the Falcon 1. Those who are regulars here will know how we cover this as an interactive feature...with the last attempt even including video captures.

Always hugely popular - as the site gets very busy, with all information making the updates, from both myself and Braddock transcribing the mission control coverage from the special audio feed provided to the media, plus updates from Elon's brother's blog at the launch site.

No need to sit there hopefully refreshing text updates, this is your one-stop update page, where you can get involved and feel part of the launch event.

Launch preview article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=4384

[UK Shuttle Clan]

Looking forward to it and at 9pm UK time this will work out very well. Hopefully they are successful this time. How long is the window open for this time?

[Hotol]

Well they've taken a different approach this time with two static fireings. I just hope they have enough LOX on the Island after this, in case they are delayed through the window and lose out on the replenish.

[Chris Bergin]

Potential of a webcast for this launch attempt. More later.

[braddock]

Everyone cross your fingers, because SpaceX just told me they may be making a live webcast of the launch available.
It wasn't clear whether it will be for the public or just for the press...

[Chris Bergin]

Got the impression she meant media, but we can see about bumping it into a stream, on various levels of capability (such as L2 members for sure, then maybe members of the forum).

[James Lowe1]

If they go with a public webcast, they'll need some serious bandwidth. A lot of demand for this.

If it's media only, it might be visual only, with the occasional updates from SpaceX PR.

[STS Tony]

That would be great, please keep us informed!

[braddock]

James Lowe - 22/3/2006  6:36 PM
If it's media only, it might be visual only, with the occasional updates from SpaceX PR.

On the last press call, they put us directly on the command loop; I would guess that a media-only webcast will be the real deal.  That call was fantastic, until they lost the voice connection to kwaj after about ten minutes.  But they may have export control concerns; they made us all submit our social security numbers and citizenships for that call.

I'm not sure that the founder of PayPal is going to have bandwidth issues...

[nacnud]

Is there not someone who would be able to help out with future web casts, along the lines of yahoo sponsoring nasa tv. Any road it's a bit off topic for now.

Is coverage to start at nine or is the launch at nine.

[braddock]

nacnud - 22/3/2006  8:31 PM
Is coverage to start at nine or is the launch at nine.

They are aiming for the LAUNCH to be at 9pm UTC (1pm California time, 9am Friday morning at the Kwajalein launch site).  In the past they've started the press call between a half-hour to an hour before the expected launch time, so start checking in around 8-8:30pm UTC.

[nacnud]

Thanks

[astropl]

braddock - 23/3/2006  2:51 AM
They are aiming for the LAUNCH to be at 9pm UTC (1pm California time, 9am Friday morning at the Kwajalein launch site).  In the past they've started the press call between a half-hour to an hour before the expected launch time, so start checking in around 8-8:30pm UTC.

"Falcon 1 Maiden Flight Update: Posted March 22, 2006

No major issues were discovered following the static fire, but, as a cautionary measure, we are going to take one more day to review data and verify system functionality.  Launch is now scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. California time."

So one day later...

[Chris Bergin]

Thanks - updating previous article.

[SimonShuttle]

So much for thinking about going out of Friday. This is way too important to miss.