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SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 03/31/2017 12:15 pm

Title: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/31/2017 12:15 pm
UPDATES ONLY Thread for the launch of NROL-76 mission.

NSF Threads for NROL-76 : Discussion (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40328.0) / Updates (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42639.0) / L2 March/April 2017 (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42387.0) / ASDS (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=66.0) / Party (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42585.0)
NSF Articles for NROL-76 :
   SpaceX Static Fire spy sat rocket and prepare to test Falcon Heavy core (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/04/spacex-static-fire-tests-spy-sat-rocket-falcon-heavy-core/)
   SpaceX Falcon 9 launches first NRO mission with NROL-76 (https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/04/spacex-falcon-9-first-nro-mission-nrol-76/)
Successful launch on May 1, 2017 at 7:15am EDT (1115 UTC).  First stage, core 1032, landed at LZ-1.


Start here for attempt 2:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42639.140


Other SpaceX resources on NASASpaceflight:
   SpaceX News Articles (Recent) (http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/spacex/)  /   SpaceX News Articles from 2006 (Including numerous exclusive Elon interviews) (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=21862.0)
   SpaceX Dragon Articles (http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/dragon/)  /  SpaceX Missions Section (with Launch Manifest and info on past and future missions) (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=55.0)
   L2 SpaceX Section (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=60.0)

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 16, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 03/31/2017 12:16 pm
Update only thread.

Per L2, Static Fire NET is April 12. Pending 39A shakedown report on pad status/repairs required (been holding up great so far).

Launch date NET is April 16 with the window opening at 7am local, for around two hours.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 16, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: jacqmans on 04/07/2017 10:21 am
Air Force show the Atlas-V as the next launch, so looks like the Falcon is delayed.....
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/07/2017 01:44 pm
Yep, we've been waiting for the new date to become documented and now it is via L2 KSC/Cape scheduling.

NET April 30, same window.

Static Fire on April 26.

No reasons given, so likely the payload (which isn't talkative as we're talking about a NROL bird).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Flying Beaver on 04/13/2017 08:45 pm
Looks like we have rollback into the HIF for the Strongback and Launch Table, per Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS1lppZAYXU/?tagged=spacex (https://www.instagram.com/p/BS1lppZAYXU/?tagged=spacex)

Good progress given 1 1/2 weeks to Static Fire.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: stcks on 04/14/2017 07:59 pm
TEL back at the pad: https://www.instagram.com/p/BS37Bc1jxhp/

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Targeteer on 04/21/2017 03:50 pm
http://www.satobs.org/seesat/Apr-2017/0155.html

The launch hazard chart for the region near the launch site reveals that the trajectory will follow the northeast coast
of North America; therefore, the target orbit is a quasi-60 degree LEO, or a Molniya.

http://www.patrick.af.mil/Portals/14/documents/Launch%20Hazard%20Area%20Maps/4-30-2017%20LHA.pdf?ver=2017-04-20-154754-750

Per my earlier posts in this thread, since the return of the Falcon 9's first stage is targeting the launch site, the
payload is either headed for LEO, or is a fairly low in mass and headed for Molniya.

If LEO, I suspect it is a replacement or follow-on to the experimental USA 193, which was launched on NROL-21, and
failed upon reaching its 58.5 deg, 360 km orbit.

If Molniya, then I suspect it is a new generation of SDS Molniya, built on Boeing's BSS-702SP bus.

Molniya SDS seems more likely.

Ted Molczan
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/23/2017 01:48 pm
Static Fire is NET Tuesday.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: nisse on 04/24/2017 07:22 am
Next ship leaving port.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/25/2017 10:26 am
Article for the Static Fire (and FH testing).

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/04/spacex-static-fire-tests-spy-sat-rocket-falcon-heavy-core/
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: SmallKing on 04/25/2017 02:07 pm
F9 is vertical ;D
http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow

Better link added.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/25/2017 03:59 pm
Test window is now open, for six hours. No sign of venting yet, so may be a while off....but it's rare they fire up as the window opens during a Static Fire test.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/25/2017 05:53 pm
For those staring at the webcast and scanning for venting, L2's latest is a T-0 of 3pm local (7pm UTC), meaning prop load should be soon. They aren't understood to be working issues, just behind on the timeline.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: edkyle99 on 04/25/2017 06:33 pm
Venting visible as of around 2:30 PM EDT.  From the pad if not from the vehicle.  (The view is obstructed.)

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Orbiter on 04/25/2017 06:51 pm
Venting can be seen by the RSS. 9 minutes away from 3pm.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Flying Beaver on 04/25/2017 07:00 pm
One more big vent from S2 location.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/25/2017 07:02 pm
STATIC FIRE!!
http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow


Next: Quick look data review.
SpaceX usually tweet if that looked good.
Then preps to LRR.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/25/2017 07:08 pm
Quote
F9/NROL76: Hot-fire test conducted at ~3:02pm EDT; not as much smoke as usual, but that could be due to wind/direction

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/856947412505694208 (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/856947412505694208)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Flying Beaver on 04/25/2017 07:22 pm
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/856950895388401664?s=04

"Static fire test complete. Targeting Falcon 9 launch of NROL-76 on Sunday, April 30."
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/25/2017 07:41 pm
Bit higher-res shot
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/25/2017 09:02 pm
https://youtu.be/5DZFcWAz53Y (https://youtu.be/5DZFcWAz53Y)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: jacqmans on 04/25/2017 09:11 pm
HR photos in L2
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/25/2017 10:31 pm
NROL-76 heading to the 39A HIF tonight. Roadblocks in force.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: KaiFarrimond on 04/26/2017 03:58 pm
F9 horizontal again per SFN Livestream.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Raul on 04/26/2017 07:18 pm
And here we have NOTMAR Launch Hazard Area together with Second Stage Debris Area in Map for Mission1363 with NROL-76 payload planned on April 30, alternatively May 01.
https://goo.gl/umnY2Q

https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/lnms/lnm07172017.pdf
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Ilikeboosterrockets on 04/27/2017 12:33 pm
L-3 Launch forecast
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/27/2017 03:38 pm
Quote
NRO ‏Verified account @NatReconOfc 1m1 minute ago

#NROL76 Mission Patch depicts Lewis & Clark heading into the great unknown to discover and explore the newly purchased Louisiana Territory.

https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/857619425373167618 (https://twitter.com/NatReconOfc/status/857619425373167618)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Scylla on 04/27/2017 08:40 pm
Press Kit
http://www.spacex.com/press/2017/04/27/nrol-76-mission
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/27/2017 09:10 pm
Press kit provides the SpaceX patch for this mission:
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Ilikeboosterrockets on 04/27/2017 09:29 pm
Looks like somebody on Reddit leaked the unlisted webcast link. Note it currently says "Launch webcast" and not "hosted" or "technical". EDIT: It's linked from the SpaceX website, not leaked. Still unlisted on youtube, though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xvs4tJ3qegM

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: cwr on 04/27/2017 10:29 pm
Looks like somebody on Reddit leaked the unlisted webcast link. Note it currently says "Launch webcast" and not "hosted" or "technical".



If you look at http://www.spacex.com/webcast (http://www.spacex.com/webcast) then you'll see only that one link.
Based on prior experience that means there will only be the one webcast stream.
If I had to guess, it will be of the "hosted" variety.
Recent norms have been that there would be two links [hosted and technical] appearing a couple of days before a scheduled launch.

Carl

Mods: not certain if this qualifies for Updates or if I should have put it in Discussion for NROL-79 - move as appropriate.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Ilikeboosterrockets on 04/28/2017 12:17 pm
L-2 Launch Weather Forecast. No change from yesterday, I think.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/28/2017 05:29 pm
Only just tweeted but presumably from earlier this week?

Quote
#NROL76 will carry a classified payload designed, built and operated by @NatReconOfc. @SpaceX @45thSpaceWing

https://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/858007929252974592 (https://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/858007929252974592)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: KaiFarrimond on 04/29/2017 12:10 pm
Falcon 9 now going vertical per SFN Stream.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: MarekCyzio on 04/29/2017 12:19 pm
Nearly vertical
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: KaiFarrimond on 04/29/2017 12:23 pm
Falcon now fully vertical.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Orbiter on 04/29/2017 12:36 pm
http://original.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/29/2017 01:26 pm
Today's forecast attached, no real change:

Quote
Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 20%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds, Cumulus Cloud Rule
   
Delay day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 30%
Primary concern(s): Liftoff Winds, Thick Cloud Layer Rule
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/29/2017 03:31 pm
Quote
Stephen C. Smith‏ @SpaceKSCBlog 4m4 minutes ago

I spy with my @SpaceX eye ...

https://twitter.com/SpaceKSCBlog/status/858341492615729152 (https://twitter.com/SpaceKSCBlog/status/858341492615729152)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/29/2017 09:59 pm
Hmm, who is spying on who?

Quote
#Falcon9 caught vertical on #LC39A at @NASAKennedy today by #DEIMOS2! Good luck @SpaceX & @elonmusk for tomorrow’s launch with #NROL76!

https://twitter.com/deimosimaging/status/858430335146749952 (https://twitter.com/deimosimaging/status/858430335146749952)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/29/2017 10:37 pm
Clearest shots yet

Quote
Visiting the @SpaceX Falcon 9 before tomorrow's @NatReconOfc mission. 2-hr Launch window opens at 7AM ET. Booster landing will occur at LZ-1

https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858448732387454976 (https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858448732387454976)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Flying Beaver on 04/29/2017 10:54 pm
@SpaceX on Twitter

Falcon 9 and NROL-76 vertical on Pad 39-A. Launch window opens tomorrow at 7:00 a.m. EDT, 11:00 UTC.

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/29/2017 11:12 pm
William Graham with the launch preview overview - and with his amazing NROL info per his ULA features, so a combination of both of his skills here! Heck of a read:

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/04/spacex-falcon-9-first-nro-mission-nrol-76/
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: KaiFarrimond on 04/30/2017 09:10 am
Launch seems to have been pushed 15 minutes into the window at 11:15 UTC
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 09:28 am
Source:

Quote
@SpaceX #Falcon9 will launch @NatReconOfc #NROL76 in just under two hours. Shooting for a T-0 of 7:15 a.m.!

https://twitter.com/45thspacewing/status/858611257271824384 (https://twitter.com/45thspacewing/status/858611257271824384)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 09:58 am
I will hopefully have the Launch Director loop soon.... but you know, NRO and all.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:09 am
NRO PAO.  NRO did not directly contract with SpaceX.  They contracted with a private company who secured the contract to launch NROL-76 on a Falcon 9.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:10 am
Also, webcast would confirm if this is the first flight of the new Block upgrade Falcon 9.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:11 am
We have signs the fueling is underway!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:15 am
I will have Launch Director loop in a few minutes -- which will help us confirm where we are with activities.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: vanoord on 04/30/2017 10:16 am
Twitter:

Quote
SpaceX:
1 hour until Falcon 9 launch of NROL-76. Updated launch window opens at 7:15 a.m. EDT, 11:15 UTC.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:17 am
Twitter:

Quote
SpaceX:
1 hour until Falcon 9 launch of NROL-76. Updated launch window opens at 7:15 a.m. EDT, 11:15 UTC.

That confirms that fueling began on time at 6:05a this morning.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:31 am
Launch Director loop connection being made now. Should have confirmation of what's going on in the next few minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: jacqmans on 04/30/2017 10:33 am
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10155053563945937&id=83300095936

Live video from Florida Today
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 10:33 am
NRO PAO.  NRO did not directly contract with SpaceX.  They contracted with a private company who secured the contract to launch NROL-76 on a Falcon 9.

Quote
The SpaceX NROL-76 launch was not contracted to SpaceX directly by the NRO but through Ball Aerospace.

https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858629314341896192 (https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858629314341896192)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - NET April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:33 am
T-43 minutes. The Sun is coming up.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:35 am
T-40 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:40 am
So far, all is quiet (which is good).
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:40 am
T-35 minutes. Sky is now blue. Seeing puffs of LOX venting every few minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 10:44 am
Quote
Also, the NRO public affairs team is super cool about answering questions. They are stoked to be launching with SpaceX. We're having donuts

https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858630395860054016 (https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858630395860054016)

Quote
NRO: "we can't talk about the satellite" .... So it's a satellite then.

https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858631034455326720 (https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/858631034455326720)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:44 am
T-31 minutes. Big vent.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:45 am
T-30 minutes. Big vent still going.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:48 am
On the LD loop.  All is quiet.  No issues.  On track for 715a EDT launch.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:50 am
T-25 minutes. Five minutes to start of SpaceX webcast.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:51 am
SpaceX has started streaming.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 10:52 am
Quote
Pretty cloudy for #NROL76 launch

https://twitter.com/marekcyzio/status/858634321875398656 (https://twitter.com/marekcyzio/status/858634321875398656)
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 10:54 am
All still very quiet on the LD loop.  Fueling is going well.  No issues are being worked.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:55 am
T-20 minutes. Another big vent.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:57 am
T-18 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 10:59 am
T-16 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:00 am
T-15mins and COUNTING.  Launch Director's loop is still very quiet.  No issues.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:01 am
T-14 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:03 am
Good morning Falcon 9 and your secretive passenger. Remember, coverage won't be to S/C Sep. SpaceX or NRO will confirm good launch. So no notes of congrats until then. SpaceX or NRO will be the first to say anything. No one else will hear in advance.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:04 am
T-12 minutes. Coverage has started!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:04 am
Spacecraft is on internal power.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:05 am
T-10 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:06 am
T-9mins.  All is good to go.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:06 am
T-9 minutes. Giving description of vehicle.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:07 am
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:07 am
T-8 minutes.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:08 am
LZ-1
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Craftyatom on 04/30/2017 11:08 am
Webcast host just said the Falcon 9 was "12 meters in diameter, about 36 feet"...

As someone in pretty much the same timezone (since the webcasts are hosted from Hawthorne), let me remind you that it's 4 in the morning here.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:08 am
Engine bleed started.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:08 am
T-7 minutes. Engine bleed started.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:09 am
SpaceX say all is Go. Topping RP-1 complete.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:09 am
Stage 1 fuel "closed out."
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:09 am
T-6 minutes. All systems are go.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:09 am
Vehicle in "Self-alignment"
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 11:10 am
Weather is green
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:10 am
T-5 minutes. Weather is go.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 11:10 am
Vehicle "pressing for strongback" retract sequence.

Strongback retract has started.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:11 am
Strongback into retract operations.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:11 am
T-4 minutes. Pressing for strongback retract.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:12 am
T-3 minutes. TVC checks.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:13 am
T-2 minutes. Strongback at 88.5 degrees.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:13 am
T-60 seconds!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 11:14 am
Hold hold hold
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:14 am
Issue with toto? sensor on first stage!
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:15 am
HOLD

Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:15 am
Hold called at T-52 seconds.
Title: Re: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: docmordrid on 04/30/2017 11:15 am
Heard 24 hour reset.
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:16 am
Launch is scrubbed!
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 11:16 am
Yep, Scrub called. Not going to use the window. 24 hours.
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:17 am
End of webcast.
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 04/30/2017 11:20 am
Closing out with live picture. Big vent happening now.

See you same SpaceX-Time and same SpaceX-channel tomorrow!
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: vaporcobra on 04/30/2017 11:21 am
Heard "fire-ex ready" after the TOTO sensor hold. Not the best thing to hear 😐
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 11:35 am
Quote
Standing down today due to a sensor issue; backup launch opportunity tomorrow morning.

https://twitter.com/spacex/status/858642945884303360 (https://twitter.com/spacex/status/858642945884303360)
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: LouScheffer on 04/30/2017 12:31 pm
Without a payload attached to the second stage, the Falcon 9 launch vehicle weighs 553,600 kilograms, contains 526,950 kilograms of propellant...
What is the source of these (quite precise) figures?  Pre-densification, there was an Environmental Impact Report that quites the exact capacities, but as far as I know that was not updated.  Also the empty mass of each stage has been the subject of much speculation.  If we knew the sum exactly that would be very helpful.

So where did these figures come from?
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 04/30/2017 12:35 pm
Per L2 naughty "out of family" sensor that scrubbed the SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-76 launch was a TOTO (Temperature Ox Tank Outlet) sensor. They had redundancy, but didn't want to risk losing another one, so the "abundance of caution" was as presented. Important to note, as some people see SpaceX as a bit "gung ho", they are as cautious as required, as proven.

24 hours is the current plan, but the access (depending which TOTO sensor on the first stage) for R&R will determine turnaround.
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 04/30/2017 01:25 pm
Updated launch weather forecast for tomorrow.

LCC wind limit for Falcon 9 is 30kts.  So we're predicted to be under that for tomorrow, too.
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 01:55 pm
Quote
#CCAFS Inbound traffic 2moro 3-9:30a.m. will b stopped @ Phillips Parkway, Flight Control Road & NASA Causeway west of the Industrial Area

https://twitter.com/45thspacewing/status/858677131584385024 (https://twitter.com/45thspacewing/status/858677131584385024)
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/30/2017 06:31 pm
Hi-res pad photos from SpaceX
Title: Re: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - April 30, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: CameronD on 05/01/2017 12:06 am
From http://www.spacex.com/webcast:

Quote
SpaceX is targeting launch of NROL-76 from historic Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Following scrub of the initial attempt due to a sensor issue, the two hour launch window now opens on Monday, May 1, at 7:00 a.m. EDT, or 11:00 UTC.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Orbiter on 05/01/2017 01:27 am
F9 still vertical on the launch pad as of 21:27L.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: docmordrid on 05/01/2017 03:48 am
https://youtu.be/EzQpkQ1etdA
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 09:31 am
T-1 hour 30 minutes. Early morning at KSC.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 09:32 am
If all is on track, fueling will begin @ 5:50am ET (20mins from now) to support launch @ opening of window at 7a.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: KaiFarrimond on 05/01/2017 09:38 am
A few minutes seem to have been added to the clock.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Galactic Penguin SST on 05/01/2017 09:39 am
William Harwood‏ @cbs_spacenews

F9/NROL76: Launch is again targeted for 7:15am

https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/858978994263384064 (https://twitter.com/cbs_spacenews/status/858978994263384064)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 09:44 am
With adjusted launch time to 0715 EDT, fielding ops should now pick up at 0605 EDT.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 09:45 am
OK, now its T-1 hour 30 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 09:54 am
The fueling poll should be picking up in just a few minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 09:55 am
T-1 hour 20 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 09:59 am
Fueling poll should be underway at this time.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:02 am
T-1 hour 13 minutes. Launch readiness poll should be occurring now.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:04 am
6:05a.  To make a 7:15a launch target, fueling of RP-1 Kerosene into the Falcon 9 should have just begun.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:05 am
T-1 hour 10 minutes. Fuel loading should be starting now.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:05 am
Vapors at the Falcon 9.  Fueling is UNDERWAY!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:15 am
T-1 hour. Seeing some vapour coming off near the launch tower.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: DatUser14 on 05/01/2017 10:18 am
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/858988280511045638 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/858988280511045638)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:18 am
Weather here is about the same a yesterday. Ground winds are well within limits.  Clouds are about the same.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:20 am
T-55 minutes. Dawn at KSC!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:25 am
T-50 minutes. Sky is getting brighter.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:26 am
Launch Director loop is very quiet right now.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:30 am
LOX load has started!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:30 am
T-45 minutes. LOX loading should be starting now.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:35 am
T-40 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:36 am
All remains quiet on the net.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:40 am
T-35mins.  All remains on track from a technical standpoint at this time.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:40 am
T-35 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:44 am
First big vent for the day!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:45 am
T-30 minutes. Still venting.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:45 am
LOX load on Stage 2 has started.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:50 am
T-25 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 10:52 am
Well, I can see the sun today... so that's an improvement.  Upper level wind data coming in soon.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:55 am
T-20 minutes. Vapour coming off second stage and another big vent.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:57 am
T-18 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:58 am
Funky music has started.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 10:59 am
T-16 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:00 am
All is still very quiet.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:01 am
T-14 minutes. Webcast should be starting in a couple of minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:02 am
According to SpaceX PAO here, "we are on track for 7:15am"
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:02 am
Quote
Another beautiful morning here at KSC. Falcon launch set for 7:15am EDT (1115 GMT).

https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/858994890608345091 (https://twitter.com/stephenclark1/status/858994890608345091)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:04 am
T-12 minutes. Webcast has started.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:04 am
Venty...
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:05 am
T-10mins.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:05 am
Webcast is 8secs behind real-time.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:05 am
T-10 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:06 am
T-9 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:07 am
Engine Chill "ready"
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:07 am
LZ-1
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:07 am
T-7 minutes 47 seconds.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:08 am
Engine chill has started.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:08 am
T-7 minutes. Engine chill has started.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:08 am
Stage 1 fuel load closeout.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:09 am
In topping.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:09 am
T-6 minutes. Stage 1 fuel closeout.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:09 am
Vehicle in self-align.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:10 am
T-5mins
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:10 am
Pressing for strongback retract.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Roy_H on 05/01/2017 11:10 am
link to webcast ?
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:10 am
T-5 minutes. Topping off LOX. Faulty sensor was replaced.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:11 am
Still GO on upper level winds
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:11 am
Strongback cradle released.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:11 am
T-4 minutes. Weather is go.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Ilikeboosterrockets on 05/01/2017 11:12 am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzQpkQ1etdA

(New webcast link for today, in case anybody can't find it)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:12 am
Good TVC checks on Upper Stage.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:12 am
T-3 minutes. Stage 1 LOX load closeout.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:13 am
T-2 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:13 am
Quote
Winds aloft are unusually high (still within structural safety bounds). Worrying, but not a showstopper.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/859002489730994176 (https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/859002489730994176)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:14 am
Nice big Strongback vent.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:14 am
T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in startup.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:15 am
LAUNCH!!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:15 am
Liftoff!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:16 am
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:16 am
MCC-X
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:16 am
T+1 minute. Speed in m/s. Yay!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:16 am
Good first stage.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:17 am
T+2 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:18 am
MECO.

T+3 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:18 am
Wow!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:19 am
Wow....first stage tally ho already!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:19 am
T+4 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:21 am
T+5 minutes. Past apogee.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:22 am
T+6 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:22 am
Wow again. Entry burn.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:23 am
Fairing separation was called on webcast a bit after 1st stage separation
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:23 am
T+7 minutes.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:25 am
They will relaunch this first stage
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:25 am
Touchdown!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:25 am
Amazing!!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:25 am
On the pad.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:25 am
End of coverage. But HOLD congrats until confirmation of good S/C Sep!!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:26 am
End of SpaceX coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:27 am
End of coverage. But HOLD congrats until confirmation of good S/C Sep!!

Hold the congrats...or post on the other threads. Still waiting for NRO or SpaceX to confirm successful mission.


No one's listening, so I'm locking the thread ;D Will unlock at S/C sep.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:35 am
Checking on payload fairing recovery.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ChrisGebhardt on 05/01/2017 11:37 am
Upper level winds were at 98.6% of structural allowed loads.... and Falcon 9 did PERFECTLY!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/01/2017 11:37 am
Elon's called it.

Elon Musk‏Verified account @elonmusk  1m1 minute ago
More
 Launch and landing of the NRO spy satellite was good. Tough call, as high altitude wind shear was at 98.6% of the theoretical load limit.

Congrats to all involved. Thanks to Chris and Steven - and others - for the coverage!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: AncientU on 05/01/2017 11:39 am
Wow!

Ditto.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Lar on 05/01/2017 11:39 am
Congrats to SpaceX, NRO, NASA, FAA, KSC Ops and of course our dauntless NSF reporters.

The footage of the first stage, from sep, all the way to return to LZ-1 was amazing, so super shout out to the crews on the ground who really improved the optics for this mission...
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Darga on 05/01/2017 11:40 am
Great job NRO, SpaceX and the camera operators, Wow!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: haywoodfloyd on 05/01/2017 11:40 am
Congrats to SpaceX and a big thanks to NSF!
Unbelievable video of all stages of boostback and landing.
They make it look so easy.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Moskit on 05/01/2017 11:40 am
The best kind of ballet!
Wonderful footage from Earth to Earth, couldn't get my eyes off the screen.

Carry on SpaceX!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ZachS09 on 05/01/2017 11:40 am
Congrats to SpaceX and the National Reconnaissance Office on the NROL-76 mission as well as returning the first stage booster safely.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: KaiFarrimond on 05/01/2017 11:40 am
Congrats SpaceX and the NRO on a successful launch!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Perchlorate on 05/01/2017 11:41 am
Many words could be written, and are being.  I will just echo Boss Bergin:


Wow!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: ehb on 05/01/2017 11:41 am
Congrats to all involved.
Amazing footage ...
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/01/2017 11:42 am
I said 'wow'  out loud. Such amazing footage.
Congrats to SpaceX as well as their costumer.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Jarnis on 05/01/2017 11:42 am
Congrats to SpaceX and everyone else involved on a "boring" launch and an epic landing. Special thanks go to the balky TOTO sensor - yesterday was more cloudy, so we can probably thank the epic views of the booster return on that.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/01/2017 11:42 am
I say this a lot but, in the end, what else can be said? "And that is how we do that."
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:43 am
Wow! F9 is a beast, but a nimble one!

The most amazing shoots on the live coverage, I could hardly believe what I was seeing. I'm with Eric Berger:

Quote
And *that* is how you do spaceflight in the 21st century.
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/859005639963627521 (https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/859005639963627521)

Many congratulations to all involved and especially to SpaceX for one amazing feat after another. Just wow!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: jgoldader on 05/01/2017 11:43 am
Congrats to all at SpaceX for once again making the "impossible" look easy.  That S1 video coverage was way better than we (or at least, *I*) deserved to get; there aren't words adequate to describe how amazing it was.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Shanuson on 05/01/2017 11:43 am
Elon's called it.

Elon Musk‏Verified account @elonmusk  1m1 minute ago
More
 Launch and landing of the NRO spy satellite was good. Tough call, as high altitude wind shear was at 98.6% of the theoretical load limit.

Congrats to all involved. Thanks to Chris and Steven - and others - for the coverage!

I did not know they were also landing the satellite. ;)
Anyways, congratulations on the amazing launch and landing, and thank you, SpaceX and NSF for the coverage and being there in person.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: EspenU on 05/01/2017 11:43 am
Congratulations to SpaceX and NRO, and thanks to NSF for excellent coverage. Great launch, and those visuals during the landing burn... just wow...
Note to self: I have to stop drinking red bull just before launch, I don't think my heart can take it..
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: WindnWar on 05/01/2017 11:43 am
Congrats to all the hard working folks from SpaceX and the government that made this a success.

That return footage was spectacular! Wow!!!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: DJPledger on 05/01/2017 11:44 am
Congrats to SpaceX and NRO for the successful launch and great work from the camera operators to deliver the amazing footage of the S1 return and landing.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Joffan on 05/01/2017 11:45 am
Very impressive webcast coverage of a launch that puts SpaceX in a strong position for future missions of this nature. Clearly improved techniques in use for the flip and boostback as Spacex benefit from experience and their unique post-use knowledge of their launch stage.

And great work on the NSF coverage as usual. Congratulations to all!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Craftyatom on 05/01/2017 11:46 am
I wonder when SpaceX is going to stop introducing improvements to the footage of their webcasts - live landings, then following the first stage through descent, then 100% uptime tracking cameras?  I'm loving all this wonderful footage.  Anyways.

Huge congrats to everyone involved in this launch, doing a brilliant job as always.  Sounds like there were two tight calls in a row - sensor malfunction yesterday and upper-altitude winds today.  Even with all the pressure, there's now a payload in orbit and a first stage upright at LZ-1, so all the constituent teams deserve a serious pat on the back.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Aussie_Space_Nut on 05/01/2017 11:47 am
Magnificent!

LOVED watching those thrusters fire so often which was such a surprise to me! :-)

Congrats!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: NASAGeek on 05/01/2017 11:48 am
Amazing S1 return footage. Another launch and another core back. Congrats to SpaceX and NRO. Got to watch that landing footage several more times. That was jaw dropping awesome!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Graham on 05/01/2017 11:49 am
Wow. Well that's probably in my top five of spaceflight related things I've seen...

I say it all the time and I'll say it again: congrats to all the SpaceX, USAF, and NRO personnel that made this happen.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Steven Pietrobon on 05/01/2017 11:49 am
Congratulations to SpaceX and NRO for the successful launch and SpaceX for the successful landing! Also thanks to those involved in providing the fantastic landing footage! Now to watch the launch again. :-)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: macpacheco on 05/01/2017 11:49 am
Congratulations. Again WOW !!!!
Now I wanna see that on a FH launch, with 2 boosters RTLS and the center core landing on ASDS !
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 11:50 am
New shot from SpaceX overnight.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: deruch on 05/01/2017 11:52 am
Congratulations SpaceX, NRO, and Ball Aerospace on your beautiful launch!  Wonderful.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: montyrmanley on 05/01/2017 11:52 am
Congratulations to SpaceX on another successful launch and landing! That video of MECO/SEP was amazing!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Michael Baylor on 05/01/2017 11:53 am
That was one boring launch.  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: CorvusCorax on 05/01/2017 11:55 am
Congrats to SpaceX!!!! What an amazing show!!!!

And of course to NRO for having another eye in the sky. I guess whatever they wanted to see from SpaceX in that first NRO launch, SpaceX definitely has delivered :)

Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: pb2000 on 05/01/2017 11:57 am
Beautiful. Congrats to the team at SpaceX. Anyone taking bets on how long before the orbit and general purpose of the bird is deciphered?
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Herb Schaltegger on 05/01/2017 11:57 am
Congratulations to all involved. That was a beautiful launch and the coverage of S1 returning was incredible.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: malu5531 on 05/01/2017 11:58 am
Congratulations! Amazing footage from stage separation all the way to landing.  8)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: StuffOfInterest on 05/01/2017 11:59 am
Congratulations to the camera operator who gave us the most impressive video yet of a launch and landing.

A side congratulations for whatever weather deity made the skies that clear for the camera operator.

And of course, congratulations to all involved with the operation.  It is getting to be old hat but still very impressive.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: daveglo on 05/01/2017 11:59 am
Congrats, I guess.  Missed it commuting to work.  Replays?  :P
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: cartman on 05/01/2017 11:59 am
Congrats to SpaceX for the successful mission and for giving us this epic footage! Lets hope they have enough tracking cameras for the Falcon Heavy mission  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: northenarc on 05/01/2017 12:00 pm
 That's definitely not getting old yet, that was truly amazing, cinematic. Congrats to SpaceX once again, what they're making routine is astonishing.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: dawei on 05/01/2017 12:00 pm
I normally try to keep my exhilaration at seeing a launch internal to my brain so as to not disturb the rest of the house and remove the last remaining doubts that I am certifiably crazy .... But this time I couldn't contain myself and was cheering loudly as the return unfolded.  Congrats to all involved!  Simply awesome to watch.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: chad1011 on 05/01/2017 12:01 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX, NRO, USAF, the range, FAA, and definitely the tracking camera guy!  Nice and smooth on the countdown and an incredibly routine landing!  ;D
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Star One on 05/01/2017 12:05 pm
Congratulations to all concerned and the outstanding landing coverage.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Michael Baylor on 05/01/2017 12:11 pm
Amazing new camera angles today.  :)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Digitalchromakey on 05/01/2017 12:13 pm
Congratulations to all.

I cannot remember how many wows I uttered aloud after MECO, but as others have written, it was truly amazing footage, showing just how special what SpaceX are doing really is.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: dmc6960 on 05/01/2017 12:31 pm
Typical SpaceX.  Just look how lame their first stage is, it just cuts tail and runs after letting go of the second stage.  Must be afraid of the ocean or something.  Pffft.

Congrats!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/01/2017 12:46 pm
Congrats to all, well done! Better than a cup of coffee to wake up to! :)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Elmar Moelzer on 05/01/2017 12:53 pm
Congrats to all involved! Awesome launch!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 12:57 pm
Quote
Beautiful sunrise liftoff of Falcon 9.

https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/859025644260397056 (https://twitter.com/launchphoto/status/859025644260397056)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: sevenperforce on 05/01/2017 01:00 pm
Gorgeous, truly gorgeous. Most magnificent launch/landing footage I've seen. Being able to watch MECO, separation, and boostback ignition from the same tracking camera more than makes up for not having an interstage or upper stage camera. Congrats!

Also, a big thanks to SpaceX for giving us telemetry on the way up AND the way down. People are going to be analyzing the hell out of the EDL telemetry for ages.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: tleski on 05/01/2017 01:01 pm
The best morning TV show ever!

Congratulations to all involved!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Llian Rhydderch on 05/01/2017 01:01 pm
Congrats to all, and thanks again for the awesome coverage of events by NSF's intrepid team of citizen journalist reporters!

What SpaceX has done here is really quite an entrepreneurial and engineering accomplishment.  Notably, all of the reusable technology development was done by private market incentives! 

It was the entrepreneurial vision and very large private investment of Elon Musk, as well as the execution of 100s of people at SpaceX over years, that developed this this reusable technology over the past 7+years, that are now beginning to make this all look routine.
 
Silicon Valley software iterative and incremental development culture applied to the rocket launch industry!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Phil Stooke on 05/01/2017 01:05 pm
"...the execution of 100s of people at SpaceX "

I had heard that this approach was used in North Korea to encourage hard work among the survivors, but I didn't expect it to be used in the USA as well.  Still, these days, who knows?

edit/Lar: (party thread people, use it!)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/01/2017 01:07 pm
Wow...great visuals!

Congrats to SpaceX for a successful launch and landing!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Oersted on 05/01/2017 01:13 pm
"...the execution of 100s of people at SpaceX "

I had heard that this approach was used in North Korea to encourage hard work among the survivors, but I didn't expect it to be used in the USA as well.  Still, these days, who knows?

Haha, I lol'ed...  :-)

Amazing footage indeed. Would have loved a closer ground-to-booster view on landing but that's my only quibble.

Congrats to the NRO on being able to snoop even more on all of us
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/01/2017 01:23 pm
Great way to start the month! Congratulations to SpaceX and the NRO. Best tracking camera footage ever.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: abaddon on 05/01/2017 01:35 pm
Missed the launch live, but what a spectacular replay.  Congratulations to SpaceX, the range, Ball aerospace, and the NRO on a successful launch.

That brief view (darn the clouds!) of the stage oriented roughly vertically on the camera frame looked very cinematic due to the relative motions of the stage and camera.  Really quite spectacular.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Rebel44 on 05/01/2017 01:41 pm
Congratulations to all involved for a successful mission.

It was awesome to see both launch and landing in person.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: punder on 05/01/2017 01:48 pm
Lucky you, Rebel44!

Incredible tracking footage. Awesome. Congrats to SpaceX and everyone involved.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Norm38 on 05/01/2017 01:58 pm
Congrats SpaceX for another satisfied customer and another 1st stage back on the ground.

My favorite shot from the flight.  The turn n burn!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Scylla on 05/01/2017 01:59 pm
Close-up of rocket stage separation, fast flip, boostback burn in a ring of fire and then landing burn
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjVdLVB1bO/
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: baldusi on 05/01/2017 02:07 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX, NRO, Ball Aerospace, the Range and all person involved. I find it more than ironic that the NRO launch gave us the best public views ever of the Falcon 9 launch. Those optics were amazing. Being able to watch the separation and first stage maneuvering from the side on real time was priceless.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/01/2017 02:23 pm
Enjoy the "grid-fin goodness"! 8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98VK0tXJTik
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: PahTo on 05/01/2017 02:25 pm

Congrats to all teams involved, and special thanks to NSF for the replays and commentary!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: mn on 05/01/2017 02:30 pm
Congratulations, unbelievable footage, oh will this ever get old? (no way, SpaceX will keep on making it even more amazing).
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Kaputnik on 05/01/2017 02:57 pm
Just caught up with the NSF coverage, thanks to Chris, Steven, et al. Congrats to SpaceX and their partners on keeping the cadence up.
I was at the in-laws for this one so whilst I couldn't stay glued to the laptop, I did persuade them to stick the webcast on the big telly. First one they had watched. Think I picked a good one :D
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Ronpur50 on 05/01/2017 03:30 pm
WOW!

Once again, SpaceX makes it look spectacular!!  What will they do next time to make a launch look this beautiful!!

Congrats to all involved!  What a show!



Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: AJW on 05/01/2017 03:36 pm
As someone who would pick up a sandwich and drive to the local airport during lunch and watch planes take off and land, I can say that I will never tire of watching rockets do the same.  Just amazing.  Congrats to all involved.   Launches may become routine, but they will always be amazing.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Comga on 05/01/2017 03:39 pm
Most hearty congratulations to all involved
To NRO:  It is your "party".  Thanks for inviting us to it.
To SpaceX:  Gorgeous launch and landing.  Another bulls eye, and astounding onboard video
To Ball Aerospace: Wonder what it was you built, but it flew nicely
To the Range: Well done.   
To the camera operators: Spectacular tracking  Loved seeing all those RCS firings, and the view of the braking burn!
To NSF: Great coverage  (Steve!) 
So worth it to be up in the early early morning.  Great show
32 days from the last launch.  Now about hitting the alluded to pace of every other week.....
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Davp99 on 05/01/2017 04:29 pm
Congrats SpaceX,  Your Flights Never get Old  ;)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: NX-0 on 05/01/2017 04:34 pm
I have confirmation that one-half of the fairing was recovered via parachute. My message said it was recovered from the water, intact.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Toastmastern on 05/01/2017 04:41 pm
Big congratulations to everyone involved! and thanks for the great show with the first stage coming down!

//Toastmastern
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 04:47 pm
SpaceX launch photos
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: bjornl on 05/01/2017 04:54 pm
So worth it to be up in the early early morning.
Lunch Launch for me :-)

Beautiful! To see the flip like this was really special, as was the extreme closeup during landing burn, which really drove home how big this thing actually is!

Congratulations once again, SpaceX! Well done!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 05:09 pm
https://youtu.be/hmgeBsTVgq0 (https://youtu.be/hmgeBsTVgq0)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: BruceM on 05/01/2017 05:31 pm
Congratulations to everyone involved in this fabulous launch including all the great coverage!
-
Seems like every launch is the best ever and this was no exception.  Seeing the live ground camera coverage of the S1 separation followed immediately by those N2 jets flipping the sage around (seemed almost to be too quick -- I was on the edge of my seat!!!).  But of course those SX engineers know all about this stuff (now) and they had it perfectly timed.  The live video of flipping the S1 was superb!!!  Then to be able to watch the boost back burn and  the whole return flight all the way back to sticking the landing in the center of the bulls eye.
-
All I can say is...  It can't get any better than this... but I'll tune in again next launch and find out how it somehow always does.   Wow.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Jdeshetler on 05/01/2017 05:48 pm
Here is stabilized shot of Stage 1 turning around. (Download large mov. file for best result)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: CyclerPilot on 05/01/2017 06:01 pm
Best footage yet.  Just fantasic.  Congratz SpaceX and all involved.
Final payload orbit confirmed at -.---**- <Transmission lost> :)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: cscott on 05/01/2017 06:28 pm
Congrats SpaceX!

Loved how you could see the stage flying nose first at a steep AoA to extend the glide back to the landing site.

It also appeared that the engine shutdown are primarily responsible for the dirt on the stage. Smoky!

Too bad the onboard camera got a bit smudgy just before the final landing burn.

My four year old loved watching this with me.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Scylla on 05/01/2017 06:40 pm
SpaceX Landing Photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/spacex/33578359423/in/photostream/

Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Star One on 05/01/2017 07:56 pm
The payload has now been catalogued as USA 276.

Quote
USSTRATCOM has catalogued the following objects from NROL-76.

2017-022A  42689  USA 276
2017-022B  42690  FALCON 9 R/B

 http://satobs.org/seesat/May-2017/0010.html
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: manoweb on 05/01/2017 08:06 pm
Congratulations to Mr. E. Musk, your vision is a dream.

As for the camera operators that taped the 1st stage coming back, I believe they are robotic ones, that can track the stage automatically or with minimal human input.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 09:07 pm
Don't think this has been posted, NRO press release attached confirming successful launch.

Release includes:

Quote
“Thanks to the SpaceX team for the great ride, and for the terrific teamwork and commitment they demonstrated throughout. They were an integral part of our government/industry team for this mission, and proved themselves to be a great partner,” said Betty Sapp, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Tass on 05/01/2017 09:09 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX for once again making it look easy. Unfortunately I was at work during the launch, but fortunately that job was teaching physics, so I figured this was relevant enough, and put it on the projector.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 09:59 pm
More SpaceX launch photos.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: FutureSpaceTourist on 05/01/2017 10:01 pm
Congratulations from the USAF Chief of Staff:

Quote
Glad I could see this in person. Congrats to all involved! @NatReconOfc @SpaceX @45thSpaceWing @NASAKennedy @AFSpace patrick.af.mil/News/Article-D…

https://twitter.com/gendavegoldfein/status/859065684671815684 (https://twitter.com/gendavegoldfein/status/859065684671815684)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Alastor on 05/01/2017 11:00 pm
Congrats to all the teams involved !

The footage of the separation, boostback and reentry from the ground was just breathtaking !
How can a landing become boring if you continue to provide stuff like that ?!?
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: bunker9603 on 05/02/2017 02:11 am
Incredible! That looked more sc-fi than an actual sci-fi movie!
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Lars-J on 05/02/2017 04:25 am
Elon posted an instagram video containing a few new angles (and better views of other angles)  :o

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTjVdLVB1bO/

(Mp4 video attached)
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: MattMason on 05/02/2017 07:52 am
We've come a long way from reconstructing the landing footage of CRS-3, haven't we? :)

Congratulations to SpaceX on their first DoD flight and for a spectacular depiction of how our robot overlords will soon invade us. I, for one, welcome more simulations.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/03/2017 02:55 pm
Post launch article, looking to the next launches - includes an "Easter Egg" on a demo conducted after NROL-76 release.

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/05/spacex-launch-cadence-new-goals/
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: gongora on 05/24/2017 03:53 am
Tweet from Jonathan McDowell (https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/867225945727434752)
Quote
Congrats to Leo Barhorst for locating the secret NRO sat launched by SpaceX on May 1 in a 400 km, 50 deg orbit (http://satobs.org )
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/24/2017 09:58 am
Btw. Seesat archive http://www.satobs.org/seesat/May-2017/index.html

Leo Barhorst's announcement: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/May-2017/0108.html

Ted Molczan's derived TLE: http://www.satobs.org/seesat/May-2017/0112.html

Quote
The following elements are derived from Leo Barhorst's observations of early 2017 May 24 UTC:

USA 276                                                  398 X 401 km
1 42689U 17022A   17144.06548369  .00000000  00000-0  00000-0 0    02
2 42689  49.9572 164.5366 0001907 186.7642 173.3300 15.56136012    06
Arc 20170524.02-0524.08 WRMS resid 0.044 totl 0.009 xtrk

The arc is short, so this solution is approximate, but it should be adequate to reacquire the object tonight and
tomorrow.

Ted Molczan
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: woods170 on 05/24/2017 01:38 pm
And what does this tell us as regards Mr Molczan's prior predictions?
This is the UPDATES thread. Take your question to the DISCUSSION (https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=40328.0) thread please. Thank you.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: BruceM on 05/25/2017 04:34 pm
Interesting article on how Ted Molczan & Leo Barhorst tracked down NROL-76 and resulting additional thoughts on it's purpose from SFN:

https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/05/24/observers-spot-top-secret-satellite-launched-by-spacex-earlier-this-month/

Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/26/2017 02:27 pm
Marco Langbroek has an excellent write-up on his blog.

https://sattrackcam.blogspot.nl/2017/05/observing-usa-276-odd-nrol-76-payload.html

Several items are most likely worth discussing in the discussion thread.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: Targeteer on 02/27/2018 10:32 pm
https://www.insaonline.org/insa-announces-2018-achievement-award-recipients/

SMSgt Timothy G. Favreau, USAF
Operations Superintendent
National Reconnaissance Office

SMSgt Favreau has demonstrated tremendous leadership and team building in support of both launch operations and emergency readiness at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS).

As day-of-launch payload recovery director, Sergeant Favreau was instrumental to the inaugural NRO SpaceX Falcon 9 mission and the first East Coast landing of the X-37B Space Plane. He trained dozens of personnel in preparation for the X-37B landing and was integral to the Kennedy Space Center Emergency Operations Center during the successful landing. Additionally, Sergeant Favreau’s training and guidance to personnel from five government agencies facilitated day-of-launch operations for a $1 billion-plus intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission. He and his 36-member team resolved numerous tasks flawlessly, ensuring a critical intelligence space asset reached orbit in a timely manner.

Sergeant Favreau also led the preparation, evacuation, and recovery effort related to Hurricane Matthew and subsequent severe weather events to impact CCAFS. Leading a team of 27 government and contractor personnel, Sergeant Favreau’s efforts resulted in the successful safeguarding of over $1 billion in satellite assets and the safety of 300 NRO CCAFS personnel and family members.
Title: Re: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 9 - NROL-76 - May 1, 2017 - UPDATES
Post by: mgeagon on 02/28/2018 07:08 am
https://www.insaonline.org/insa-announces-2018-achievement-award-recipients/

SMSgt Timothy G. Favreau, USAF
Operations Superintendent
National Reconnaissance Office

Sergeant Favreau’s training and guidance to personnel from five government agencies facilitated day-of-launch operations for a $1 billion-plus intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission. He and his 36-member team resolved numerous tasks flawlessly, ensuring a critical intelligence space asset reached orbit in a timely manner.
Congratulations to SMSgt Favreau on his well deserved award.

NROL 76 was a textbook launch and it is welcome news to hear the spacecraft is currently in orbit and operational. The pricetag for these reconnaissance satellites is staggering. It is good to find lower cost solutions, such as SpaceX provides, to defray at least some of the impact to taxpayers.