Author Topic: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon CRS-1 (SpX-1) LAUNCH UPDATES (Read 167428 times)

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #220 on:** 10/08/2012 12:50 am »

Might have to rechristen Dragon as Progress, first time to launch on time!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #221 on:** 10/08/2012 12:51 am »

Good arrays.

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #222 on:** 10/08/2012 12:51 am »

SpaceX coverage ended

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #223 on:** 10/08/2012 12:52 am »

There is President Shotwell

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #224 on:** 10/08/2012 12:52 am »

SpaceX PAO hit the send button

SPACEX LAUNCHES FIRST OFFICIAL CARGO RESUPPLY MISSION TO SPACE STATION

Cape Canaveral, FL — Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) today successfully launched its Dragon spacecraft aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on the first official cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station. The launch went off on schedule at 8:35 p.m. ET from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The SpaceX CRS-1 mission marks the first of at least 12 SpaceX missions to the space station under the company’s cargo resupply contract with NASA. On board the Dragon spacecraft are materials to support investigations planned for the station’s Expedition 33 crew, as well as crew supplies and space station hardware.

Dragon – the only space station cargo craft capable of returning a significant amount of supplies back to Earth -- will return with scientific materials and space station hardware.

The Falcon 9 rocket, powered by nine Merlin engines, performed nominally today during every phase of its approach to orbit, including two stage separations, solar array deployment, and the final push of Dragon into its intended orbit. Dragon will now chase the space station before beginning a series of burns that will bring it into close proximity to the station. If all goes well, Dragon will attach to the complex on October 10 and spend over two weeks there before an expected return to Earth on October 28.

“We are right where we need to be at this stage in the mission,” said Elon Musk, CEO and Chief Technical Officer, SpaceX. “We still have a lot of work to do, of course, as we guide Dragon’s approach to the space station. But the launch was an unqualified success.”

The CRS-1 mission follows a historic demonstration flight last May when SpaceX’s Dragon became the first commercial spacecraft to attach to the space station, exchange cargo, and return safely to Earth. The flight signaled restoration of American capability to resupply the space station, not possible since the retirement of the space shuttle in 2011.

Silmfeanor · « **Reply #225 on:** 10/08/2012 12:54 am »

Think we will get confirmation of the 2nd burn / burp of the Mvac for the orbcomm satellite?

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #226 on:** 10/08/2012 12:54 am »

https://twitter.com/SpaceX

Ronsmytheiii · « **Reply #227 on:** 10/08/2012 12:54 am »

NASA 928 going home, hope they got a good view of the launch

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/NASA928

Prober · « **Reply #228 on:** 10/08/2012 12:55 am »

Congrats on the launch SpaceX

winkhomewinkhome · « **Reply #229 on:** 10/08/2012 12:57 am »

Is there a post launch press conference this time around??

Space Pete · « **Reply #230 on:** 10/08/2012 12:59 am »

Remember, there's still another critical event to go - the GNC door still has to come open - Dragon can't rendezvous with the ISS with it closed.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #231 on:** 10/08/2012 12:59 am »

William's article updated:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/10/falcon-9loft-dragon-crs-1-mission-iss-attempt1/

Everyone keep an eye on a presser that may be coming up. I've got to bail.

(That all felt very normal and routine, congrats to all involved and thanks to Ron and others for the help with the coverage).