edkyle99 - 18/3/2007 7:21 PMQuoteeeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PMThe payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical.For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htmYes. It appears that AFSS will only be tested during the ascent phase, but LCT2 will communicate through TDRSS, perhaps for awhile. A low-inclination orbit might be better for low-power TDRSS communications. - Ed Kyle
eeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PMThe payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical.For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htm
Avron - 18/3/2007 7:44 PMWell it looks like Kimbal does not have the info yet.."I'll keep sending updates as I get them. Once we get close to launch, I'll get everyone the Webcast information. I will post as soon as I have it."ref:http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/Do we have confirmation that the launch is Monday?
Avron - 18/3/2007 8:47 AMQuoteedkyle99 - 18/3/2007 7:21 PMQuoteeeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PMThe payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical.For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htmYes. It appears that AFSS will only be tested during the ascent phase, but LCT2 will communicate through TDRSS, perhaps for awhile. A low-inclination orbit might be better for low-power TDRSS communications. - Ed KyleI see that SN -Space Network is noted for support - no mention of TDRSS ( maybe SN include TDRSS?)
edkyle99 - 18/3/2007 5:17 PMKwajalein is 17 hours ahead of Central Daylight Time (where I live) and 12 hours ahead of Universal Time. Right now (23:17 UTC) it is 11:17 AM Monday on Omelek. - Ed Kyle
CFE - 19/3/2007 12:38 AMA lot's riding on this launch. If there's a problem that forces a lengthy failure analysis and redesign, we won't see a Falcon IX fly on the current timetable, and no COTS flight by the time the shuttle retires (unless SpaceX wants to fly Dragon on an Atlas V.)
Jim - 18/3/2007 7:02 PM QuoteAvron - 18/3/2007 8:47 AM Quoteedkyle99 - 18/3/2007 7:21 PM Quoteeeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PM The payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical. For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htm Yes. It appears that AFSS will only be tested during the ascent phase, but LCT2 will communicate through TDRSS, perhaps for awhile. A low-inclination orbit might be better for low-power TDRSS communications. - Ed Kyle I see that SN -Space Network is noted for support - no mention of TDRSS ( maybe SN include TDRSS?) SN is TDRSS
Avron - 18/3/2007 8:47 AM Quoteedkyle99 - 18/3/2007 7:21 PM Quoteeeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PM The payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical. For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htm Yes. It appears that AFSS will only be tested during the ascent phase, but LCT2 will communicate through TDRSS, perhaps for awhile. A low-inclination orbit might be better for low-power TDRSS communications. - Ed Kyle I see that SN -Space Network is noted for support - no mention of TDRSS ( maybe SN include TDRSS?)
edkyle99 - 18/3/2007 7:21 PM Quoteeeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PM The payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical. For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htm Yes. It appears that AFSS will only be tested during the ascent phase, but LCT2 will communicate through TDRSS, perhaps for awhile. A low-inclination orbit might be better for low-power TDRSS communications. - Ed Kyle
eeergo - 18/3/2007 4:24 PM The payload isn't so "dummy", the second stage carries two small experiments for NASA, although they remain bolted to the second stage structure, so they mustn't be very complex, so I suppose the orbit they follow isn't critical. For some info about the payloads, LCT2 and AFSS: http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/demosat_falcon.htm
Actually, both of these experiment have flown previously. The Falcon I launch is a 'launch of opportunity' to get more flight history (and hopefully a bit longer than the last Falcon 1 attempt). The TDRSS unit was flown on a Minotaur I last year (http://www.orbital.com/NewsInfo/release.asp?prid=552) and the AFSS was flown on at least one sounding rocket at White Sands. Both of the these applications would actually be more stressing than the Falcon 1 because of the higher accelerations involved - at least in a nominal, successful mission. But, depending on how things go, the AFSS could get a more realistic test for its ultimate use. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallops_Flight_Facility)
