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SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 09/07/2013 04:47 pm

Title: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/07/2013 04:47 pm
This is an UPDATE ONLY thread for the second launch of the F9 v1.1 with the SES-8 spacecraft from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral.

Per L2: NET November 12, since slipped to November 22 - pending Range approval. Range was approved. Slipped again to November 25.

Article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/spacex-realign-falcon-9-missions/

For those who wish to follow this flow as closely as is viable (non-proprietary, etc.), join L2 and click this link:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32768.0 (dedicated for F9 v1.1 SES-8 mission)

Resources:

SpaceX GENERAL Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=45.0 - please use this for general questions NOT specific to this mission.

SpaceX MISSIONS Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=55.0 - this section is for everything specific to SpaceX missions.

SpaceX SES-8 General Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.0

SpaceX SES-8 Update Thread:
You're in it.

SpaceX SES-8 Party Thread:
TBA.

SpaceX SES-8 Viewing Thread (Going to the launch)
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=33075.0

SES-8 Spacecraft thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32990.0

=--=

News Site Resources:

SpaceX News Articles from 2006 (Including numerous exclusive Elon interviews):
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=21862.0

SpaceX News Articles (Recent):
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/spacex/

=--=

L2 Members:

L2 SpaceX Section - now a dedicated full section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.0

One Stop Shop Update Area for L2 Level F9 v1.1/SES-8 Updates:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32768.0

=--=

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE FULLY EXPECT THE SITE TO BE VERY BUSY ON LAUNCH DAYS FOR SPACEX MISSIONS. WE WILL LIKELY RESTRICT IT TO FORUM MEMBERS ONLY - WITH NO ACCESS TO THE FORUM FOR GUESTS - WHEN THE SITE BECOMES TOO BUSY. READ THIS: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31697.0)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 1 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/02/2013 03:29 pm
So, per L2 yesterday morning:

SLC-40 – Falcon 9
Launch scheduled > 11/1, Window 1828-1932

That is very much a NET.

L2 also had SES-8 shipping today (Oct. 2), but we're waiting for confirmation if that sticks. If it does we'll write an article and we'll also have a spacecraft specific thread in the Orbital section, as they built it (we really should give more attention to the spacecraft).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 1 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/02/2013 05:43 pm
Confirmed via L2. SES-8 is now heading to Florida, as above, contrary to other media.

I'll write an article for today.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 1 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/02/2013 10:40 pm
SES-8 heads to Florida for next Falcon 9 v1.1 launch
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/ses-8-florida-next-falcon-9-v1-1-launch/

Have created a dedicated thread for the spacecraft in the Orbital section ( http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32990.0 ), as part of our increasing coveage of the payloads, not just the rockets.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 12 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/11/2013 06:30 pm
Via L2's SES-8 Coverage. Launch date now NET November 12.

Article later.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 12 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/15/2013 01:57 am
The article was posted in here, but moved to the new discussion thread, so reposting the link:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/spacex-realign-falcon-9-missions/

One Stop Shop Update Area for L2 Level F9 v1.1/SES-8 Updates:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32768.0
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 12 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 10/19/2013 03:30 pm
Our forum's padrat reports that the new erector at SLC-40 was vertical for the first time yesterday:

Quote
Padrat ‏@LH2Padrat
Here's some progress for ya. T/E vertical for the first time pic.twitter.com/dbceisJpIk (http://pic.twitter.com/dbceisJpIk)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/22/2013 09:26 am

Per L2: NET November 12 and now NET November due to another slip.


Working it in L2 for a set NET, but it's no longer November 12.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/23/2013 12:34 am
Per L2:

Requested Range Approval for November 22.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: guckyfan on 10/23/2013 05:44 am
Per L2:

Requested Range Approval for November 22.

Does requesting Range Approval mean they have high confidence to make that date or is it a minor thing, subject to change easilly?

Thanks.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: oldAtlas_Eguy on 10/23/2013 03:17 pm
Per L2:

Requested Range Approval for November 22.

Does requesting Range Approval mean they have high confidence to make that date or is it a minor thing, subject to change easilly?

Thanks.

Yes, it is a formal approval by SpaceX for the Range to spend SpaceX money. Every time you move the date it cost more.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 10/24/2013 07:38 am
@RyInSpace (https://twitter.com/RyInSpace/status/393187528582250496)

Quote
Some of @SpaceFlorida team w/ #SES8's @SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1. It can roll 360 on cradle! We touched it's rocket belly.

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jcc on 10/24/2013 10:03 am
@RyInSpace (https://twitter.com/RyInSpace/status/393187528582250496)

Quote
Some of @SpaceFlorida team w/ #SES8's @SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1. It can roll 360 on cradle! We touched it's rocket belly.

Nice view of the RCS pod (far right).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 10/24/2013 11:25 am
Is that just the core? I'm asking because if the U/S is already on site, then the hardware portion of the restart fix, whatever it is, is already done. If the U/S is either at Hawthorne or MacGreggor then it's still being tested.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: smoliarm on 10/24/2013 12:01 pm
Is that just the core? I'm asking because if the U/S is already on site, then the hardware portion of the restart fix, whatever it is, is already done. If the U/S is either at Hawthorne or MacGreggor then it's still being tested.
Yes, it is first stage + interstage (upper right).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Antares on 10/24/2013 02:20 pm
I'm asking because if the U/S is already on site, then the hardware portion of the restart fix, whatever it is, is already done. If the U/S is either at Hawthorne or MacGreggor then it's still being tested.

Disagree.  Rockets can be altered in the field.  Fixes don't need to be tested on the vehicle if it can be tested on other articles in flow or previous test assets.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: kevin-rf on 10/24/2013 03:54 pm
If the US is still at Hawthorne or MacGreggor the chances of them making a Nov. launch date are slim.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jason1701 on 10/24/2013 04:14 pm
The US is probably on two more roll rings to the right of the picture, which can slide on the rails to mate the stages. Anyone want to try tweeting those people to find what else was in the hangar?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 10/24/2013 04:17 pm
If the US is still at Hawthorne or MacGreggor the chances of them making a Nov. launch date are slim.

Um... http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/ses-8-florida-next-falcon-9-v1-1-launch/
Quote
All of the major launch vehicle components are currently in a processing flow at SpaceX’s Cape facility, following the first stage and second stage testing at the company’s Rocket Development and Test Facility in McGregor, Texas.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lurker Steve on 10/24/2013 04:45 pm
I'm asking because if the U/S is already on site, then the hardware portion of the restart fix, whatever it is, is already done. If the U/S is either at Hawthorne or MacGreggor then it's still being tested.

Disagree.  Rockets can be altered in the field.  Fixes don't need to be tested on the vehicle if it can be tested on other articles in flow or previous test assets.

I guess it depends on what the fix is, and how much assembly / disassembly is needed.
If they can test the fix on the ground, they will test a different stage first, then apply those changes to the SES-8 second stage. It's always easier to do things in the factory when you have all of the required tools and fixtures handy.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: AndyX on 10/25/2013 04:40 pm
Article from Chris updating things.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/spacex-press-abort-test-raptor-engine/
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 22 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: joek on 11/02/2013 06:57 pm
FAA launch license (LLS 13-086 (http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ast/licenses_permits/media/Space%20Ex_License.pdf)) for SES-8 and Thaicom-6 just showed up.  It was issued on Oct 25.  Otherwise little of note other than launch azimuth specified as 90 degrees.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/11/2013 10:58 pm
Per L2. NET November 25 now.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/12/2013 06:10 pm
CRS-3 article on L2 info on the EMU up and down tasks for Dragon and launch date considerations - including SES-8:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/11/spacex-crs-3-dragon-spacesuit-relay/
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Occupymars on 11/12/2013 08:19 pm
Others now going with the new date too.

Stephen Clark ‏@StephenClark1 49m tweeted
SES says the Falcon 9 launch of SES 8 is now scheduled for Nov. 25, but 3-day delay has nothing to do with rocket or spacecraft readiness.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Orbiter on 11/12/2013 11:08 pm
Any clue at what the launch window would be for a Nov. 25th attempt?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: WHAP on 11/13/2013 02:36 am
CRS-3 article on L2 info on the EMU up and down tasks for Dragon and launch date considerations - including SES-8:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/11/spacex-crs-3-dragon-spacesuit-relay/

So no separate WDR on this mission.  Pretty bold to go straight to hot fire if that includes the payload on top (I believe that's what's been done on all prior 1.0 and 1.1).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 11/13/2013 05:49 pm
SES-8 is a very different mission from CASSIOPE in many ways. Larger payload and very different target orbit and flight profile. Most importantly a very important customer whose satisfaction (or lack thereof) could make or break SpaceX's commercial launch ambitions. Consequently, I don't think that they'll take any risks whatsoever this time around.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 11/19/2013 02:48 am
The launch pad today before the MAVEN launch.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 11/19/2013 06:48 pm
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/20/2013 11:05 am
Morning at the Cape and the vehicle is vertical on the pad:

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Artyom. on 11/20/2013 01:18 pm
Live broadcast  :) !

http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/20/2013 03:02 pm
Remember, this is both a WDR and Static Fire test, T-0 at 17:37 Eastern, 22:37 UTC.

Also remember this is an UPDATE thread. There are many threads to post on, but this one has to be updates or we'll end up with a 50 page thread where people are trawling through for actual updates.

Resources:

Quote
Article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/spacex-realign-falcon-9-missions/

For those who wish to follow this flow as closely as is viable (non-proprietary, etc.), join L2 and click this link:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32768.0 (dedicated for F9 v1.1 SES-8 mission)

Resources:

SpaceX GENERAL Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=45.0 - please use this for general questions NOT specific to this mission.

SpaceX MISSIONS Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=55.0 - this section is for everything specific to SpaceX missions.

SpaceX SES-8 General Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.0

SpaceX SES-8 Update Thread:
You're in it.

SpaceX SES-8 Party Thread:
TBA.

SpaceX SES-8 Viewing Thread (Going to the launch)
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=33075.0

SES-8 Spacecraft thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32990.0

=--=

News Site Resources:

SpaceX News Articles from 2006 (Including numerous exclusive Elon interviews):
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=21862.0

SpaceX News Articles (Recent):
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/spacex/

=--=

L2 Members:

L2 SpaceX Section - now a dedicated full section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.0

One Stop Shop Update Area for L2 Level F9 v1.1/SES-8 Updates:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32768.0

PS That sight of the F9 V1.1 on the pad is confirmation pad work is complete, which was the reason for the recent slips.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: corrodedNut on 11/20/2013 03:16 pm
Sunset is at 5:28pm/17:28 local time, 22:28 UTC.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/20/2013 07:56 pm
Live broadcast  :) !
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1 (http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1)

Pardon me but is this the best link for live video of the WDR/Hot-fire?
All I see are some dots as if wind is shaking the camera after sunset, but it is still daylight in Florida.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/ (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/)
has a lot of MAVEN pages, now devoid of action, and LC-39 but not LC-40, at least in the titles.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/20/2013 07:59 pm
Via L2's coverage, they are having some issues, so this may not (or won't to be more accurate) be on time.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: edkyle99 on 11/20/2013 08:01 pm
Live broadcast  :) !
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1 (http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1)

Pardon me but is this the best link for live video of the WDR/Hot-fire?
All I see are some dots as if wind is shaking the camera after sunset, but it is still daylight in Florida.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/ (http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/)
has a lot of MAVEN pages, now devoid of action, and LC-39 but not LC-40, at least in the titles.
It is raining there, dark with stormy clouds, and this is a long shot looking toward the clouds, as winter dusk approaches.  I'm not seeing any signs of LOX loaded into the rocket itself at this point. 

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Orbiter on 11/20/2013 08:04 pm
Very stormy at CCAFS atm, but it shouldn't be a problem with a static firing (?).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/20/2013 08:45 pm
Per L2: Scrubbed for the day. Next attempt Thursday (forgot to add that!)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jacqmans on 11/20/2013 08:59 pm
The weather was to bad for a good photo, but here is what it looked like today....you have to look realy good to see a Falcon rocket  :P
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/21/2013 02:40 pm
Falcon 9 visible in online video (http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1).
Looks gloomy, with wind shaking the tower on which the camera is mounted.
LOX venting from second stage just started, then stopped.

edit: Another bit of second stage LOX venting at 11:17 AM EST, also lasting less than a minute
edit 2: Another episode of second stage LOX venting at 11:58 AM EST
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: edkyle99 on 11/21/2013 03:23 pm
 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 11/21/2013 03:23 pm
Falcon 9 visible in online video (http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1).
Looks gloomy, with wind shaking the tower on which the camera is mounted.
LOX venting from second stage just started, then stopped.

edit: Another bit of second stage LOX venting at 11:17 AM EST, also lasting less than a minute.

they did an engine chill down  but it cut off quickly.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 03:31 pm
Falcon 9 visible in online video (http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1).
Looks gloomy, with wind shaking the tower on which the camera is mounted.
LOX venting from second stage just started, then stopped.

edit: Another bit of second stage LOX venting at 11:17 AM EST, also lasting less than a minute.

they did an engine chill down  but it cut off quickly.

Who says it's an engine chilldown and not a tank purge before prop loading?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: butters on 11/21/2013 03:56 pm
It just did a heavy vent cycle. Testing the vent valve I suppose. Don't know if it's a normal part of the WDR procedures or an anomaly investigation.

EDIT: And again, another heavy vent cycle.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 04:00 pm
It could also be a vent on the T/E, for the 2nd stage umbilical, conditioning the lines for prop loading and such. The way it's spewing it out on video reminds me of the VAFB erector vent.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mike_1179 on 11/21/2013 04:24 pm
And again, another heavy vent cycle.

And now another
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rcoppola on 11/21/2013 04:31 pm
And again, another heavy vent cycle.

And now another
And another..
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: The_Ronin on 11/21/2013 04:35 pm
And again, another heavy vent cycle.

And now another
And another..

and another...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mike_1179 on 11/21/2013 04:35 pm
I don't remember seeing this sort of cyclic venting on the other F9 launches (which this WDR / hot fire is supposed to simulate) but I might be wrong.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rcoppola on 11/21/2013 04:39 pm
I don't remember seeing this sort of cyclic venting on the other F9 launches (which this WDR / hot fire is supposed to simulate) but I might be wrong.
I agree. They are working something. Lines. pumps, flow rate, connections...not sure. But it feels Pad - T/E related.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 04:50 pm
FWIW, it seems pretty periodic, vent periods starting every 220-ish seconds and lasting about 35 seconds.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 05:11 pm
Window for a hot fire opens at 2pm local, per L2.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 05:20 pm
It's hard to make anything out in that feed, but it looks to me like the 1st stage LOX tank is iced over which would indicate the tanking is well underway.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/21/2013 05:33 pm
Camera view adjusted, zoomed in, centerred.  Now adjusting gain and white balance.  Getting ready for the event (hopefuly WDR)
Vapor clouds around base are now gone.
ugordon: Do you say that because the lower third is slightly darker than the remainder of the rocket?

edit: faint venting from near top of first stage at 13:34 EST
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 05:34 pm
Someone just tweaked the WB and exposure settings on the camera - it is easier to see the ice on the S1 LOX tank now.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: sdsds on 11/21/2013 05:35 pm
Camera view adjusted, zoomed in, centerred.  Now adjusting gain and white balance.

Looks good! Can see the minor venting.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 05:36 pm
Really good page for it here:
http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/
Interesting all the launch info on the page.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 05:41 pm
ugordon: Do you say that because the lower third is slightly darker than the remainder of the rocket?

Yes. Here's a contrast-enhanced view.

BTW, the camera seems to be capturing a 16:9 aspect ratio, but it's squished to 4:3 for the webcast.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: sdsds on 11/21/2013 05:47 pm
BTW, the camera seems to be capturing a 16:9 aspect ratio, but it's squished to 4:3 for the webcast.

Thanks for that. Again with noticeable venting.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 05:50 pm
A big cloud was just vented.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 11/21/2013 05:51 pm
Getting a lot more venting now....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mike_1179 on 11/21/2013 05:55 pm
Some venting at the top now too.  S2 loading?

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 05:56 pm
T-5 mins if they got for the 2pm local! Venting strongly now!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 05:58 pm
Two minutes. (Again, they have a long window, so we're talking window open for this at 2pm).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 05:59 pm
Ahh... car in the way!

EDIT: gone now :D

S1 looks pretty much filled with LOX.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 05:59 pm
I don't think it'll be at the start of the window, the 1st stage tank was barely iced over just 20 minutes ago.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mheney on 11/21/2013 06:00 pm
Just backed up.  Must''ve been reading NSF ....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:01 pm
Ahh... car in the way!

EDIT: gone now :D

S1 looks pretty much filled with LOX.

And something drove by behind it meanwhile. I think that was a camera block attempt to hide what was on the truck lol.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:02 pm
Whoa.....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mheney on 11/21/2013 06:02 pm
My thought exactly ....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:02 pm
Whoa.....

That's a lot of venting...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 06:03 pm
That didn't look good.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:03 pm
Smoke just came from the bottom? Was that it?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:04 pm
Calming down a bit now, but that was a LOT of venting.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: sdsds on 11/21/2013 06:04 pm
Some gas released near the base of the vehicle as well.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:04 pm
Looks like they are cycling valves.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:06 pm
What the heck is she doing!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Zaran on 11/21/2013 06:06 pm
That doesn't look good...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mr. mark on 11/21/2013 06:06 pm
Here we go again...That can't be good can it?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: smoliarm on 11/21/2013 06:07 pm
This does not look like venting, it's more like overflow.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: sdsds on 11/21/2013 06:07 pm
That's just got to be a rupture. Let's hope it is in ground support equipment, not the vehicle itself.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/21/2013 06:07 pm
Almost look like liquid coming out
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:07 pm
Suppose that's one way to detank! ;)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mheney on 11/21/2013 06:07 pm
Venting from the top, too ...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:07 pm
It looks like its venting along a vertical line along the rocket... How can that happen?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:08 pm
Almost look like liquid coming out

What do you make of it Jim from your experience?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 06:08 pm
It could be coming from the lines in the T/E behind the rocket.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 06:08 pm
Almost look like liquid coming out

I thought the tank ruptured when I saw that. If LOX is spilling along the tank walls that could explain the huge cloud.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Elvis in Space on 11/21/2013 06:08 pm
What the heck is she doing!

Could the cloud be exacerbated by a light rain? We normally don't have that when fueling is taking place. I noticed the truck that passed earlier had it's wipers on.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:09 pm
Still going.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 06:10 pm
What the heck is she doing!

Could the cloud be exacerbated by a light rain? We normally don't have that when fueling is taking place. I noticed the truck that passed earlier had it's wipers on.

The odd thing is that it seems to come and go (it was like this before, and ceased) - so it doesn't appear to be an uncontrollable leak.

EDIT: S2 looks to be filled now.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/21/2013 06:10 pm
Almost look like liquid coming out

What do you make of it Jim from your experience?

If there was liquid there would be comet trails as each glob of liquid drops to the ground.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rcoppola on 11/21/2013 06:10 pm
That's got to be a ruptured line.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: smoliarm on 11/21/2013 06:10 pm
It looks like its venting along a vertical line along the rocket... How can that happen?
It is LOX flowing down on the outer side of the tank and evaporating.
Overflow or rapture.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mheney on 11/21/2013 06:11 pm
Assuming that's a LOX leak/dump - I'm surprised there hasn't been a fire or a "boom" yet ...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:11 pm
Increasing a bit if anything.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 06:12 pm
S2 looks filled, venting in a more normal fashion.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Step55 on 11/21/2013 06:12 pm
Scary to watch
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mike_1179 on 11/21/2013 06:12 pm
Strange - the vapor cloud seems to be coming from the same region that is a different color (ice?)

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:12 pm
Assuming that's a LOX leak/dump - I'm surprised there hasn't been a fire or a "boom" yet ...

Air doesn't combust with LOX by itself AFAIK. Would have to be a spark on the rocket itself to catch the metal on fire.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/21/2013 06:13 pm
Usually on vehicle vents, the gas shoot out horizontally.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:14 pm
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/21/2013 06:14 pm
The second stage is venting GOX
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: WHAP on 11/21/2013 06:14 pm
Assuming that's a LOX leak/dump - I'm surprised there hasn't been a fire or a "boom" yet ...

Ignition source and fuel required.  If it's evaporating before it hits the ground, it's unlikely to be an issue.  Even if it hits the ground, there have been a lot of lessons learned with respect to preventing LOX from contacting hydrocarbons or other potential hazards.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/21/2013 06:15 pm
The second stage is venting like a typical rocket
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jeff Lerner on 11/21/2013 06:15 pm
Venting from the top now..

Any guesses as to what damage if any to rocket resulting from  a long duration  venting exposure ??.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Zaran on 11/21/2013 06:16 pm
They cut the feed. Something pretty bad then?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:16 pm
Oh they turned off the cameras!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Wetmelon on 11/21/2013 06:16 pm
Uhhhhhhhh... What?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/21/2013 06:16 pm
somebody made a phone call
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:16 pm
Whoa! Screen went full grey and then this!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: WHAP on 11/21/2013 06:17 pm
The second stage is venting like a typical rocket

Is that a suggestion that the first stage is NOT venting like a typical first stage?  Certainly doesn't seem to be normal to me, but I didn't watch the Cassiope launch to see what the v1.1 looks like "normally".
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mr. mark on 11/21/2013 06:17 pm
Seems that the PR spin will be in......
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:17 pm
I still have two feeds still going though. The camera is pointing at a white tarp though.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rcoppola on 11/21/2013 06:18 pm
What's the fault tolerance for that much LOX against the skin?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Zaran on 11/21/2013 06:18 pm
If it was a tank rupture, would you expect it to vent that heavily for as long as it has been?

Looked to me, not that I have any in depth knowledge of the systems in place here, that the plume was originating near were I believe the umbilical are connected to the first stage, might be a bad connection there perhaps?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 06:18 pm
Hmmm, this was the last shot before they cut the feed:

(Copy all below on tarp...good!)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: sdsds on 11/21/2013 06:18 pm
Nice of the camera operator to first pan away, then cut the feed. Thus assuring us the camera was not damaged....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:18 pm
NVM they switched it to the weather camera now.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mheney on 11/21/2013 06:18 pm
I'm still seeing a close-up view of a tarp  - oops, just cut to KSC weather

 
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Elvis in Space on 11/21/2013 06:19 pm
I think this tells us that something "not good" was happening. However major or minor that might be.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/21/2013 06:20 pm
Hmmm, this - not to scare anyone - was the last shot before they cut the feed:


That is just a tarp the camera was pointing to before the feed was cut.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Prober on 11/21/2013 06:20 pm
a screen cap...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/21/2013 06:20 pm
There is a separate thread for discussions.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.msg708950#msg708950 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.msg708950#msg708950)
This is for updates.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rcoppola on 11/21/2013 06:22 pm
Ok, to me it seemed there was a rupture in the umbilical connection and they couldn't turn off the pumps. Is that even feasible?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mapperuo on 11/21/2013 06:23 pm
Hmmm, this - not to scare anyone - was the last shot before they cut the feed:

Could just be the tarp that covers the cameras, Maybe the OP was told the hot fire was cancelled so packed up to go home.  ;D
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: WHAP on 11/21/2013 06:24 pm
What's the fault tolerance for that much LOX against the skin?

You mean the same skin that has LOX up against the other side for hours at a time?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rcoppola on 11/21/2013 06:37 pm
What's the fault tolerance for that much LOX against the skin?

You mean the same skin that has LOX up against the other side for hours at a time?
Ok, be nice. But yes, the other side. Now it's getting drastically exposed on both sides. So I was wondering if at some point that becomes a materials issue. That's fine if no, was just curious.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: yatpay on 11/21/2013 06:39 pm
Looks like there's video available now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYCVZonwRig&feature=youtu.be

(Thanks to @SPACEFLIGHT101 for pointing me towards this)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: mlindner on 11/21/2013 06:58 pm
better video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz9gDsGI_0c
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 08:35 pm
Well...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: yatpay on 11/21/2013 08:36 pm
Well...

What feed is that from?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 08:37 pm
Well...

Well what? Explain your post please.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/21/2013 08:39 pm
Well...
Well what?  What is this image?  Is it current?  Is it from a previous WDR? Where are you seeing a countdown clock?

edit: Chris and yatpay beat me to it, with the same, if obvious, questions.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 08:41 pm
Whoa, word is they are about to go ahead with the hot fire!!! Source info just now.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/21/2013 08:49 pm
As far as I can see, a shot of the current vehicle, posted minutes ago. The erector has been retracted so it's obviously past the point we all saw big problems in the feed.

I would normally post the source, but this sort of stuff looks like it wasn't supposed to go out in the first place and I'm not going to be the one that gets someone in trouble.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/21/2013 08:50 pm
Still no video on http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 08:51 pm
As far as I can see, a shot of the current vehicle, posted minutes ago. The erector has been retracted so it's obviously past the point we all saw big problems in the feed.

I would normally post the source, but this sort of stuff looks like it wasn't supposed to go out in the first place and I'm not going to be the one that gets someone in trouble.

Good call. And it looks like it was live (the note about going for the hot fire came in shortly after) so it all fits.

Now to see if we get confirmation, as it would have already occurred by now, if that clock was still ticking.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: psloss on 11/21/2013 08:56 pm
Still no video on http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/MAVEN-1
It's streaming correctly, but as it says the camera feed was cut.  Given the camera was panned away earlier, it probably wasn't intended to be for public consumption.  Pad 41 ops for MAVEN yes, Pad 40 maybe not.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/21/2013 09:15 pm
Confirmed in L2. Hot Fire completed!

Now into review.

Article later.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/22/2013 02:54 am
Article for the hot fire. We are looking into a GSE issue per the venting in L2, along with the humidity, etc as contributors, but they are looking good for Nov 25 still....so nothing major.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/11/spacex-falcon-9-v1-1-hot-fire-slc-40/

PS I know the lead image is from the Cassiope mission. No usable lead images from the Cape yet (resolution and dimension).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/22/2013 04:06 am
SpaceX have now responded to us confirming it was a successful test and the venting wasn't a leak or hardware issue, so that's all good.

(And nice how responsive SpaceX are these days! :))
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Martin FL on 11/22/2013 12:47 pm
Great coverage with the firing. When will the launch thread begin?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/22/2013 02:54 pm
Current launch weather forecast has been published by the 45th Space Wing: http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

80% GO for Monday, 30% GO Tuesday
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/22/2013 03:20 pm
Image of the F9 and a crane. Source (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=602129296491365&set=a.564357936935168.1073741835.264445490259749&type=1&theater).

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Roy_H on 11/22/2013 03:40 pm
So what are they doing with that crane? And when was the picture taken? Picture posted late last night at latest.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: robertross on 11/22/2013 03:54 pm
So what are they doing with that crane? And when was the picture taken? Picture posted late last night at latest.

Looks like a man basket.
So presumably someone is up for a ride!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/22/2013 03:59 pm
And when was the picture taken?

Based on the webcast feeds, I would guess Wednesday.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: raczkri on 11/22/2013 05:27 pm
livestream announced:)

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/2565780 (http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/2565780)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/22/2013 05:42 pm
livestream announced:)

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/2565780 (http://new.livestream.com/spacex/events/2565780)

Super! And that answers the question on the launch day thread. Aim will be to go with it (transfer from this thread to the new one) either on Sunday evening or very early Monday.

Will link everything up.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Lars_J on 11/22/2013 07:12 pm
A clearer version of the mission patch:
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: yg1968 on 11/23/2013 12:33 am
Quote from: Musk
Headed to Cape Canaveral tomorrow for first @SpaceX geostationary satellite launch.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/404059376652005377
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: jketch on 11/23/2013 04:00 am
Quote
Will be toughest mission to date. Requires coast + upper stage restart + going to 80,000 km altitude (~1/4 way to moon).

Looks like the apogee is going to be 80,000 km. I'd known that SES-8 was being sent to a super-GTO orbit, but was the apogee known before this?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/23/2013 09:52 am
Quote
Will be toughest mission to date. Requires coast + upper stage restart + going to 80,000 km altitude (~1/4 way to moon).

Looks like the apogee is going to be 80,000 km. I'd known that SES-8 was being sent to a super-GTO orbit, but was the apogee known before this?

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32990.msg1105331#msg1105331

"For the SES-8 mission, most of the Falcon 9's performance will go into putting the spacecraft in an orbit over 80,000 km altitude at apogee. Some of the rocket's performance will also lower the orbit inclination from about 28 degrees (the lattitude of Cape Canaveral) to a little under 21 degrees, also reducing the amount of fuel that the satellite will require to get to its final orbital slot."
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/23/2013 05:41 pm
SES posted a few pictures of the satellite arriving at the Cape: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.677725285592988.1073741840.257596920939162&type=1
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: woods170 on 11/23/2013 06:20 pm
SES posted a few pictures of the satellite arriving at the Cape: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.677725285592988.1073741840.257596920939162&type=1

Anyone recognize the facility in those photos?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/23/2013 06:24 pm
I assume the new high bay of the SLC-40 hangar.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Comga on 11/23/2013 07:02 pm
SES posted a few pictures of the satellite arriving at the Cape: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.677725285592988.1073741840.257596920939162&type=1

Anyone recognize the facility in those photos?

Are the grey squares on the wall airflow outputs?  They look kind of skimpy even for a class 8 (100,000) cleanroom.  (Note that I don't usually work with spacecraft buses, although I do get to a week from Monday!)

edit:small correction
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: russianhalo117 on 11/23/2013 07:43 pm
the buildings colour scheme and design of the building in some of the pictures look more like the newest building at Astrotech than the outside of the SpaceX facility. I think i remember SpaceX posting something about the transfer of the encapsulated payload to the New SpaceX SC Payload Processing Facility from another facility the day before the WDR occurred in preparation for mating in the near future with the launcher.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/23/2013 10:54 pm
Press kit now e-mailed out via SpaceX PAO.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: psloss on 11/23/2013 11:14 pm
Press kit now e-mailed out via SpaceX PAO.
Thanks, Chris.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jim on 11/24/2013 04:15 am
the buildings colour scheme and design of the building in some of the pictures look more like the newest building at Astrotech than the outside of the SpaceX facility. I think i remember SpaceX posting something about the transfer of the encapsulated payload to the New SpaceX SC Payload Processing Facility from another facility the day before the WDR occurred in preparation for mating in the near future with the launcher.

Those are not Astrotech facilities.  They are from SLC-40, except the last two which are from OSC's Dulles facility
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: hrissan on 11/24/2013 10:53 am
Press kit now e-mailed out via SpaceX PAO.
From Press Kit: "For maximum reliability, the second stage has redundant igniter systems."

So both systems froze during the first F9 1.1 flight?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Jcc on 11/24/2013 12:01 pm
Press kit now e-mailed out via SpaceX PAO.
From Press Kit: "For maximum reliability, the second stage has redundant igniter systems."

So both systems froze during the first F9 1.1 flight?

Or else they just added the redundant system for this flight.
Or else the previous redundant systems shared the same TEA-TEB feed lines, rendering them both inoperable.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Mader Levap on 11/24/2013 12:15 pm
From Press Kit: "For maximum reliability, the second stage has redundant igniter systems."
So both systems froze during the first F9 1.1 flight?
AFAIK problem was with frozen fluid lines, not any problem with igniters...
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: corrodedNut on 11/24/2013 12:29 pm
What we know is that the TEA-TEB igniter line or lines became too cold, it is unknown if they "froze" or the fluids inside simply became too viscous to function properly.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: input~2 on 11/24/2013 02:46 pm
Quote
WESTERN NORTH ATLANTIC.
ROCKETS.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS 252237Z TO 260011Z NOV,
   ALTERNATE 262238Z TO 270011Z NOV
   IN AREAS BOUND BY:
   A. 28-48N 080-34W, 28-49N 080-22W,
      28-38N 080-08W, 28-20N 077-03W,
      28-00N 073-36W, 27-59N 072-45W,
      27-26N 069-45W, 27-17N 069-45W,
      27-39N 072-48W, 27-50N 073-40W,
      28-01N 075-14W, 28-14N 077-03W,
      28-29N 080-36W.
   B. 28-04N 072-33W, 28-01N 071-38W,
      27-24N 069-20W, 27-13N 069-18W,
      27-15N 071-33W, 27-22N 072-29W,
      27-50N 073-40W, 27-59N 073-40W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 270111Z NOV 13.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: rickl on 11/24/2013 08:34 pm
Maybe I missed it, but has the vehicle been moved to the pad yet?
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: ugordan on 11/24/2013 08:49 pm
Maybe I missed it, but has the vehicle been moved to the pad yet?

https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/404708701791330304

"SES8 was mated to Falcon 9 yesterday. Rollout to the pad this evening"
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/24/2013 09:48 pm
L-1 LRR was passed per L2, so new thread for the launch shortly.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: tigerade on 11/24/2013 10:41 pm
Jonathan Amos ‏@BBCAmos

Falcon-9 telecon tonight with SES CTO Martin Halliwell: Entry of @SpaceX to commercial launch market will "shake industry to its roots".

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - SES-8 - November 25 - UPDATE THREAD
Post by: Chris Bergin on 11/25/2013 12:11 am
OK, live launch thread time!

Thread locked, head over to this one:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=33338.0 (remember it's an update thread, so don't get carried away and post in there when you meant to post in one of the other threads).