Author Topic: SpaceX Falcon Heavy : USSF-67 : KSC LC-39A : 15 January 2023 (22:56 UTC)  (Read 132037 times)

Offline Jim

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The nitrogen rechargers would have been provided by KSC and operated by its KPLSS contractor.  If KSC had enough LN2 on site, then Air Liquide would not have to be involved.  If not, Air Liquide or another would just provide the LN2 and not supply GN2 to the pipeline.

Online GewoonLukas_

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Potential reason for the delay (Not confirmed!)

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It was noted that Air Liquide has been working against a shortfall of the needed amounts of nitrogen to fully support the USSF-67 launch.

In the review, sources note that a capacity problem at Air Liquide existed for Saturday’s launch attempt, with a solution to tie trailers filled with nitrogen into the overall nitrogen loop on base to augment the available supply.

The issue at Air Liquide is the second such occurrence with the nitrogen supply to the space center within a year. A very visible and notable issue in 2022 played a large role in the delay of the SLS rocket’s Wet Dress Rehearsal campaign.

The plan put in place for Saturday’s Falcon Heavy launch involves tying trailers of nitrogen into the main nitrogen loop – which runs up from the VAB out to the LC-39 pads before turning south to service Launch Complexes 41, 40, and 37.

In addition to tying in trailers, base operations also have the option to isolate specific portions of the loop to help provide the needed supply of nitrogen for Falcon Heavy.

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2023/01/ussf-67-launch/

The Air Liquide Nitrogen issue story continues...

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At a Space Mobility panel in Orlando, KSC director Janet Petro says Air Liquide, which supplies KSC with nitrogen, was nervous about supporting January's Falcon Heavy/USSF-67 on the heels of Artemis. SpaceX came up with a unique solution by bringing in nitrogen "rechargers."

https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1628045259811717121

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"SpaceX came up with a unique resolution where they brought in a couple of heavy-duty rechargers that would provide that gaseous nitrogen," Petro said.

https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1628045261506330624

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This is interesting. Air Liquide, via a legal firm, said this was false at the time (when we reported it).

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1628051902985302016

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Yeah, they denied that one too. This was about Falcon Heavy. It was part of the launch preview, but we pulled that section after their lawyers got involved. I've requested they respond with a statement to the notes in Emre's tweet.

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1628055689829527552

Air Liquide's Response:

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Given Air Liquide's lawyers told us to correct our article about LN2 rechargers being sought as an alternative solution for the USSF-67, which turned out to be true, per the KSC director (in Emre's tweet), I asked them for a statement.

Air Liquide provided this statement.

https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1628173412240658434

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Got a response from Air Liquide on this:

https://twitter.com/EmreKelly/status/1628393295947636739
Lukas C. H. • Hobbyist Mission Patch Artist 🎨 • May the force be with you my friend, Ad Astra Per Aspera ✨️

Offline Fmedici

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Digital version of the mission patch on the fairing

Online Targeteer

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https://breakingdefense.com/2023/12/space-forces-new-classified-threat-warning-sensors-now-delivering-intel-on-foreign-capabilities/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507

ORLANDO — Three novel sensor payloads launched by the Space Force in January are now up and running, collecting data on potential on-orbit threats, according to the director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO).

Edit--  I think the reference in the story to a January launch may be incorrect.  A "60 day checkout" and reference to 3 payloads seems a better fit to the Silentbarker launch in September by the Atlas 551...
« Last Edit: 12/15/2023 07:41 pm by Targeteer »
Best quote heard during an inspection, "I was unaware that I was the only one who was aware."

Offline catdlr

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Tony De La Rosa, ...I'm no Feline Dealer!! I move mountains.  but I'm better known for "I think it's highly sexual." Japanese to English Translation.

 

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