SCRUB: Astra – DARPA Challenge launch #1 – Kodiak – March 2, 2020

[PM3]

This thread is only about the first Astra launch. Please refer to

* the Astra thread for general Astra topics
* the DARPA launch challenge thread for general infos on the challenge

Some more backbround info:

* DARPA Launch Challenge website
* German Wikipedia article I wrote a year ago about the challenge => Google Translation
* Spacenews Article by Jeff Foust about Astra and the Launch Challenge

Astra is the only contender left in the challenge, after Vector went bankrupt and Virgin bailed out.

First launch is currently scheduled for the time from February 25 to March 3, 2020, 20:30 to 24:00 UTC from Kodiak. An announcement by DARPA is expected around February 18. Astra should about now receive the payload from DARPA, and will fly the rocket ~ next week to Kodiak.

The original Challenge terms are: If the launch succeeds, Astra gets $ 2 million and the task to do a second launch within a few weeks from a TBA spaceport (reportedly either Vandenberg, Wallops or San Nicolas Island). On success of the second launch, Astra receives $ 10 million.

Let's see if these terms hold, or if they allow Astra to repeat a launch after failure. Astra expects high risk of failure for both launches.

[PM3]

Launch will be livestreamed!
https://twitter.com/Kemp/status/1228738806892781568

[PM3]

Website: https://www.darpalaunchchallenge.org/index.htm

Video of April 2019:

[PM3]

Here is the first rocket for the DARPA challenge, named "One of Three", before shipping to Kodiak:

https://twitter.com/astra/status/1229575401892007936

And in the comments:

GC: When is next launch attempt? Will it be live-streamed? Pretty please?
Astra: Next week. Yes. More details soon.

[gongora]

The existing DARPA Launch Challenge thread:
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=45508.0

[gongora]

https://twitter.com/SpcPlcyOnline/status/1229892455727849473

DARPA has updated its launch challenge website with lots of new info and will webcast the launch, whenever it happens, on its YouTube channel. https://darpalaunchchallenge.org
Astra has several days to do the launch. Will be about 11:30 am LOCAL TIME IN KODIAK. (GMT-9)

[russianhalo117]

Payloads:

P-POD:
The Poly Picosatellite Orbital Deployer (P-POD) is a standard deployment system built by Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The P-POD can deploy up to three unit CubeSats with a standard dimension of 10cm x 10cm x 10cm. The P-POD consists of a structural aluminum rectangular box that encapsulates the entire payload of CubeSats, a spring ejection mechanism, a door, and a non-explosive release mechanism.
Prometheus:
Prometheus satellites are Department of Defense CubeSats developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Prometheus CubeSat effort is one of a handful of initiatives that seeks to improve the responsiveness of space capabilities by reducing tasking and data dissemination timelines to provide military operators with tactically relevant information.
University of South Florida Articulated Reconnaissance and Communications Expedition – 1 (ARCE-1):
ARCE-1 is a research and technology demonstration mission consisting of three CubeSats, which will fly together in the same orbit and perform inter-satellite networked communications and a high degree of system autonomy. Through ARCE-1, the University of South Florida aims to demonstrate the algorithms and hardware systems necessary to support large constellations of LEO satellites that will intelligently reconfigure around different tasks, gracefully handle faulty and failed satellites, and operate with a minimum of oversight from Earth-based operators.
The Space Object Automated Reporting Systems (SOARS):
SOARS combines space-object beacons; automated, low-cost, ground collection sites; and a central control center which together provide near-real time 24/7 location data to support space situational awareness, space domain awareness and orbital safety activities. The SOARS beacon being launched will enable system performance testing under actual orbital conditions, allowing Tiger Innovations to refine and mature the beacon technology while supporting ground station operations and data integration utilizing real world data.
Payloads manifested on Launch 1 have favorably completed all interagency and flight safety reviews. Details about Launch 2 payloads will be shared with the team 30 days before the launch.

[abaddon]

Per SpaceNews, DARPA has modified the challenge rules to allow both launches to be conducted from the same spaceport.

[eeergo]

Range track:

https://twitter.com/LaunchStuff/status/1230393813971193856

[Mammutti]

L-7: DARPA Launch Challenge/Launch 1 Preparation

In preparation for Launch 1 in the DARPA Launch Challenge, Astra vehicle "1 of 3" travels from the company's facility in Alameda, California, to Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska in Kodiak, Feb. 18, 2020.

[Mammutti]

DARPA Launch Challenge: What is the Payload?

DARPA Launch Challenge seeks to demonstrate “just in time” payload integration as part of the overall goal for rapid and responsive use of space. In contrast with typical launch campaigns where payload data is given to the launch provider months prior, details of the payloads for Launch 1 were shared with the launch team on January 22, 2020 (L-30 days). The Launch 1 payload manifest consists of four CubeSats and one hosted payload. The team received the payloads at the launch site, where integration with the rocket is being finalized.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/launchstuff/status/1231203507165941760

Updated notams for Astra Rocket 3.0

25Feb 2030-2359 UTC

26th and 27th also reserved.

[john smith 19]

L-7: DARPA Launch Challenge/Launch 1 Preparation

In preparation for Launch 1 in the DARPA Launch Challenge, Astra vehicle "1 of 3" travels from the company's facility in Alameda, California, to Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska in Kodiak, Feb. 18, 2020.

While I've long thought it possible to put a full LV in an ISO shipping container it's still impressive to actually see it being done.

I wish the team the very best of luck in their attempt.

[brussell]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyVmhDkVMNs&feature=youtu.be

[Steven Pietrobon]

Interesting seeing them integrate the payloads inside the shipping container the rocket is in.

[FlattestEarth]

https://twitter.com/LaunchStuff/status/1231598693595385862

[input~2]

EASTERN NORTH PACIFIC.
GULF OF ALASKA.
ALASKA.
1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING
252030Z TO 252359Z FEB,
ALTERNATE 2030Z TO 2359Z
DAILY 26 FEB THRU 03 MAR
IN AREAS BOUND BY:
A. 57-24.91N 152-11.05W, 57-27.62N 152-18.13W,
57-26.03N 152-27.94W, 57-24.19N 153-10.60W,
54-35.69N 153-41.60W, 54-34.44N 153-33.71W.
B. 43-45.27N 158-30.71W, 43-28.14N 156-51.07W,
41-48.65N 157-21.32W, 42-07.57N 159-03.62W.
2. CANCEL THIS MSG 040059Z MAR 20.//

Authority: AKAEROSPACE 122251Z FEB 20.

[PM3]

New NOTAMs for 27 Feb. 20:30 to 28 Feb. 00:01

!CARF 02/172 ZAK AIRSPACE DCC PSCA-DARPA LAUNCH STNR ALT RESERVATION
WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 5738N15222W TO 5737N15217W TO 5736N15210W TO
5734N15204W TO 5730N15159W TO 5725N15157W TO 5719N15157W TO
5710N15202W TO 5704N15204W TO 5640N15215W TO 5506N15255W TO
5336N15336W TO 5222N15407W TO 5220N15407W TO 5054N15444W TO
5053N15444W TO 5052N15444W TO 4329N15656W TO 4205N15722W TO
4221N15855W TO 4345N15827W TO 5721N15247W TO 5729N15244W TO
5732N15241W TO 5735N15237W TO 5737N15229W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL
2002272030-2002280001

!CARF 02/173 ZAN AIRSPACE DCC PSCA-DARPA LAUNCH STNR ALT
RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 5738N15222W TO 5737N15217W TO
5736N15210W TO 5734N15204W TO 5730N15159W TO 5725N15157W TO
5719N15157W TO 5710N15202W TO 5704N15204W TO 5640N15215W TO
5506N15255W TO 5336N15336W TO 5222N15407W TO 5220N15407W TO
5054N15444W TO 5053N15444W TO 5052N15444W TO 4329N15656W TO
4205N15722W TO 4221N15855W TO 4345N15827W TO 5721N15247W TO
5729N15244W TO 5732N15241W TO 5735N15237W TO 5737N15229W TO POINT OF
ORIGIN SFC-UNL 2002272030-2002280001

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/astra/status/1232068679220641793

1of3 Arriving in Kodiak

[Steven Pietrobon]

Ready to be raised to vertical.

[Steven Pietrobon]

New NOTAMs for 27 Feb. 20:30 to 28 Feb. 00:01

Has the 26 Feb. NOTAM been cancelled?

[PM3]

New NOTAMs for 27 Feb. 20:30 to 28 Feb. 00:01

Has the 26 Feb. NOTAM been cancelled?

Yes. They are waiting for better weather.

https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1232003048110727168

[input~2]

Countdown reset for T0 on Feb 27 at 20:30 (UTC I presume)
https://www.darpalaunchchallenge.org/index.html

[Mammutti]

A few screenshots from the first video:

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1232332315344490496

Here are a few great shots of Rocket 3.0 on the pad in Kodiak Alaska ahead of the DARPA launch challenge.

@Astra's first orbital launch attempt is scheduled for no earlier than Feb. 27 at 3:30 pm Eastern, per DARPA's website.

Updates: forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topi…

📸@DARPA

[Chris Bergin]

ARTICLE: Astra, DARPA prepare for upcoming launch challenge -

- By Ian Atkinson

https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/02/astra-darpa-launch-challenge/


https://twitter.com/NASASpaceflight/status/1232385618749149184

[tehwkd]

NET 28th

!CARF 02/174 ZAN AIRSPACE DCC PSCA-DARPA LAUNCH STNR ALT RESERVATIONWI AN AREA DEFINED AS 5738N15222W TO 5737N15217W TO 5736N15210W TO5734N15204W TO 5730N15159W TO 5725N15157W TO 5719N15157W TO5710N15202W TO 5704N15204W TO 5640N15215W TO 5506N15255W TO5336N15336W TO 5222N15407W TO 5220N15407W TO 5054N15444W TO5053N15444W TO 5052N15444W TO 4329N15656W TO 4205N15722W TO4221N15855W TO 4345N15827W TO 5721N15247W TO 5729N15244W TO5732N15241W TO 5735N15237W TO 5737N15229W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL2002282030-2002290001

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1232745769091944448

Update on @DARPA #LaunchChallenge countdown: Rehearsal now scheduled for Thursday 2/27; first launch opportunity on Friday, 2/28. Stay tuned to all updates on #LaunchChallenge. Watch at: darpalaunchchallenge.org

[Mammutti]

https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1233114285196414976

@Astra's rocket "1 of 3" is moved into vertical position at the Pacific Spaceport Complex - Alaska. Today the team is going through "wet dress rehearsal" in which the liquid propellant will be added to the rocket, but not fired. See updates at http://darpalaunchchallenge.org

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1233165266252685312

.@DARPA is doing a prelaunch livestream for @Astra's first launch of the DARPA launch challenge, currently scheduled for no earlier than Feb. 29.

https://twitter.com/nextspaceflight/status/1233165641479270405

Mike Curie says that today's planned wet dress rehearsal was postponed due to a technical issue. Teams are now hoping to conduct the wet dress tomorrow after new hardware arrives.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1233218850428248064

Astra’s Rocket 3.0 launch vehicle, nicknamed “One of Three,” is seen at the Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska ahead of Astra’s first orbital mission, which will be the first launch of the DARPA Launch Challenge. (Photo: Astra)

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1233224038786355202

Astra’s Rocket 3.0 launch vehicle, nicknamed “One of Three,” is raised vertical at the Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska ahead of Astra’s first orbital mission, which will be the first launch of the DARPA Launch Challenge. (Photo: Astra)

[Mammutti]

https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1233456779922636801

Today is wet dress for Team @ASTRA at the DARPA #LaunchChallenge. An update on how things are progressing will take place on our daily webcast at 2:00pm Alaska/3:00pm PT on http://darpalaunchallenge.org

There is a typo in the link. It should be https://www.darpalaunchchallenge.org/ .

[Skyrocket]

Bisons and a rocket.
An interesting point is the Text overlay in the lower left corner: Apparently it is Launch Pad D,  not Launch Pad B

https://twitter.com/MasterActual/status/1233146448989999104

[anik]

An interesting point is the Text overlay in the lower left corner: Apparently it is Launch Pad D,  not Launch Pad B

DARPA calls it Pad B or Area 3. Camera with Pad D designation is at area near B. If I understand correctly.

[input~2]

02/183 (A0789/20) - AIRSPACE DCC PSCA-DARPA LAUNCH STNR ALT
RESERVATION WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 5738N15222W TO 5737N15217W TO
5736N15210W TO 5734N15204W TO 5730N15159W TO 5725N15157W TO
5719N15157W TO 5710N15202W TO 5704N15204W TO 5640N15215W TO
5506N15255W TO 5336N15336W TO 5222N15407W TO 5220N15407W TO
5054N15444W TO 5053N15444W TO 5052N15444W TO 4329N15656W TO
4205N15722W TO 4221N15855W TO 4345N15827W TO 5721N15247W TO
5729N15244W TO 5732N15241W TO 5735N15237W TO 5737N15229W TO POINT OF
ORIGIN SFC-UNL. 29 FEB 20:30 2020 UNTIL 01 MAR 00:01 2020. CREATED: 27 FEB 00:06
2020

[FutureSpaceTourist]

DARPA’s live stream for today starts in 1 hour

[Chris Bergin]

https://twitter.com/Astra/status/1233843984721596416

[thirtyone]

Was there an update on the WDR? It looked like there was just some pre-recorded segment when I tuned in the other day.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/darpa/status/1233860575098286081

Due to high winds and triggered lightening, today's launch was scrubbed. The next launch opportunity will be tomorrow at 11:00am AKT/Noon PST. (The weather gods, however, may have other ideas.)  Tune into darpalaunchchallenge.org for the latest information.

[Skyrocket]

An interesting point is the Text overlay in the lower left corner: Apparently it is Launch Pad D,  not Launch Pad B

DARPA calls it Pad B or Area 3. Camera with Pad D designation is at area near B. If I understand correctly.

Was Pad D the launch site of the Arrow missile tests?

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/spcplcyonline/status/1233859651613134849

Strictly speaking, tomorrow (Mar 1) is the last day of the window w/in which Astra must launch to win the $2M, but DARPA's @MasterActual said last wk that could be relaxed if there were not 4 "green" weather days w/in the launch window. https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/astra-ready-for-darpa-launch-challenge/

[tehwkd]

NET 2nd

!CARF 02/192 ZAN AIRSPACE DCC PSCA-DARPA LAUNCH STNR ALT RESERVATIONWI AN AREA DEFINED AS 5738N15222W TO 5737N15217W TO 5736N15210W TO5734N15204W TO 5730N15159W TO 5725N15157W TO 5719N15157W TO5710N15202W TO 5704N15204W TO 5640N15215W TO 5506N15255W TO5336N15336W TO 5222N15407W TO 5220N15407W TO 5054N15444W TO5053N15444W TO 5052N15444W TO 4329N15656W TO 4205N15722W TO4221N15855W TO 4345N15827W TO 5721N15247W TO 5729N15244W TO5732N15241W TO 5735N15237W TO 5737N15229W TO POINT OF ORIGIN SFC-UNL2003022030-2003030001

!FDC 0/9680 ZAN AK..AIRSPACE KODIAK, AK..TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS PURSUANT TO 14 CFR SECTION 91.143 TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT WI AREA DEFINED AS: 572122.24N/1524637.20W TO 572858.94N/1524348.00W TO573146.97N/1524124.00W TO 573450.91N/1523646.80W TO573700.00N/1522927.60W TO 573741.70N/1522204.80W TO573725.60N/1521651.60W TO 573605.05N/1520946.80W TO573330.27N/1520339.60W TO 572931.27N/1515851.60W TO572502.69N/1515638.40W TO 571908.13N/1515714.40W TO571434.10N/1515906.25W TO 571050.49N/1520912.21W TO570950.41N/1522314.19W TO 570617.22N/1523109.71W TO565853.51N/1523958.43W TO 565520.95N/1525348.72W TO564924.23N/1530435.01W TO POINT OF ORIGIN.SFC-FL600 DUE TO ROCKET LAUNCH ACTIVITY. ANCHORAGE ARTCC TELEPHONE (907-269-1103) IS THE FAA COORDINATION FACILITY. 02 MAR 20:30 2020 UNTIL 02 MAR 23:59 2020.2003022030-2003022359

[Steven Pietrobon]

https://twitter.com/DARPA/status/1233877987935825921

"Due to high winds and triggered lightning, today's launch was scrubbed. The next launch opportunity will be tomorrow at 11:00am AKT/Noon PST. (The weather gods, however, may have other ideas.) Tune into http://darpalaunchchallenge.org for the latest information."

[FutureSpaceTourist]

No launch today

https://twitter.com/darpa/status/1234116381370654720

Although the weather wasn't ideal, @Astra met launch criteria yesterday by resolving a few tech items, including fueling and loading cryogens. The next launch oppty will be on 3/2 at 11am AK/12pm PT. For an explanation of the scrub:

[input~2]

Is that 11am (AK) or 11:30am (AK) according to following NOTAM:

02/191 (A0808/20) - AIRSPACE DCC PSCA-DARPA LAUNCH STNR ALT RESERVATION
WI AN AREA DEFINED AS 5738N15222W TO 5737N15217W TO 5736N15210W TO
5734N15204W TO 5730N15159W TO 5725N15157W TO 5719N15157W TO
5710N15202W TO 5704N15204W TO 5640N15215W TO 5506N15255W TO
5336N15336W TO 5222N15407W TO 5220N15407W TO 5054N15444W TO
5053N15444W TO 5052N15444W TO 4329N15656W TO 4205N15722W TO
4221N15855W TO 4345N15827W TO 5721N15247W TO 5729N15244W TO
5732N15241W TO 5735N15237W TO 5737N15229W TO POINT OF ORIGIN
SFC-UNL. 02 MAR 20:30 2020 UNTIL 03 MAR 00:01 2020. CREATED: 28 FEB 13:06 2020

[zubenelgenubi]

Although the weather wasn't ideal, @Astra met launch criteria yesterday [February 29] by resolving a few tech items, including fueling and loading cryogens. The next launch oppty will be on 3/2 at 11am AK/12pm PT.

The Wet Dress Rehearsal was successfully completed on February 29?

[Scylla]

Although the weather wasn't ideal, @Astra met launch criteria yesterday [February 29] by resolving a few tech items, including fueling and loading cryogens. The next launch oppty will be on 3/2 at 11am AK/12pm PT.

The Wet Dress Rehearsal was successfully completed on February 29?

Leap Year

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Kodiak Ariel view / plan

https://twitter.com/planet4589/status/1234207737405493251

Here is my revised attempt. Best of luck to Todd and crew for tomorrow's launch attempt.

[Mammutti]

New webcast for March 2 launch attempt.

[zubenelgenubi]

Although the weather wasn't ideal, @Astra met launch criteria yesterday [February 29] by resolving a few tech items, including fueling and loading cryogens. The next launch oppty will be on 3/2 at 11am AK/12pm PT.

The Wet Dress Rehearsal was successfully completed on February 29?

Leap Year

Clarifying: Not a calendar question.

See up-thread.  The Wet Dress Rehearsal was delayed from Feb. 27 to 28 to 29.  "Fueling and loading cryogens" is part of a WDR, but the tweets or other notices thus far don't say "WDR successfully completed."

Therefore, my question--does the tweet statement of Feb. 29 = WDR successfully completed on Feb. 29?  I think so, but I don't know so.

[Mammutti]

See up-thread.  The Wet Dress Rehearsal was delayed from Feb. 27 to 28 to 29.  "Fueling and loading cryogens" is part of a WDR, but the tweets or other notices thus far don't say "WDR successfully completed."

Therefore, my question--does the tweet statement of Feb. 29 = WDR successfully completed on Feb. 29?  I think so, but I don't know so.

I don't know if the Wet Dress Rehearsal was successfully completed, but according to this webcast (at 5h 2m 58s) from February 28 they were in the process of conducting a WDR at that time. There was a visible venting so they fueled the rocket to some degree.

[zubenelgenubi]

From the SFN live launch coverage, dated February 29:

Astra completed a wet dress rehearsal Friday [February 28] at the Alaska spaceport...

[anik]

Was Pad D the launch site of the Arrow missile tests?

LP-3D for THAAD launches, LP-2 for Arrow launches.

[tyrred]

Was Pad D the launch site of the Arrow missile tests?

LP-3D for THAAD launches, LP-2 for Arrow launches.

Which one will be Astra's second launch site for this DARPA challenge?

[anik]

Which one will be Astra's second launch site for this DARPA challenge?

LP-3C:

https://twitter.com/MasterActual/status/1234229695501090816

(Thanks for fresh photo to https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=44689.msg2052987#msg2052987)

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/darpa/status/1234474327845851136

Today marks the final launch window for the DARPA #LaunchChallenge competitor @Astra. Live webcast starts at 11am AK/3:00pm ET at darpalaunchchallenge.org.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Starts in less than half an hour



Edit to add:

They put the wrong time on the feed. I believe start t8me is in another 93 minutes, or 20:00 UTC, 15:00 Eastern

[edkyle99]

"Final launch window"?  If scrubbed again, then what?

 - Ed Kyle

[brussell]

"Final launch window"?  If scrubbed again, then what?

 - Ed Kyle

The DARPA launch challenge ends unclaimed. Astra continues the launch campaign but not for the challenge.

[Comga]

Starts in less than half an hour



Edit to add:

They put the wrong time on the feed. I believe start t8me is in another 93 minutes, or 20:00 UTC, 15:00 Eastern

And they are live!
Launch time pushed back "slightly" for collision avoidance

[Steven Pietrobon]

Webcast has started. Launch delay due to COLA.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Concern is upper level winds which is only 30% go.

[Comga]

"Unusually uncooperative weather in Alaska"?
They were expecting sunny skies and warm breezes in the Aleutians in February/March?

Live video of the frosty rocket venting.
Still no launch time to announce.

edit: 700 lbf upper stage named 'Ether' or 'Aether'.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Launch vehicle views. Beautiful location!

[Steven Pietrobon]

Currently in a T-15 minute hold.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Astra Mission Control in Alameda.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Sent it! Looks like they are using Soyuz style ignition system.

[Mammutti]

New T-0: 20:55 UTC

[Steven Pietrobon]

Raising vehicle previously. Launch in 20 minutes.

[ugordan]

I thought I recognized that voice. The webcast host is Mike Curie, is he not with NASA any more?

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-15 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-12 minutes. FTS is enabled.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-10 minutes.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1234578515917451265

Chris Thompson, who is the launch director for today's Astra mission, was also the launch conductor for the Falcon 1 rocket's first flight back in March, 2006.

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1234579206916493313

Ironically, Astra is looking at Kwajalein Atoll as a site for equatorial launches. Among the islets they have surveyed is Omelek Island, where the Falcon 1 launched from five times. I asked Chris if he was looking forward to returning to Kwaj. His response: "Not really."

 

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-8 minutes. Performing poll.

Go for launch.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-6 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-5 minutes. GNC igniter system ready for launch.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-4 minutes. Closing LOX and fuel machines.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-3 minutes. Range is green.

[Steven Pietrobon]

T-2 minutes.

[brussell]

T-5 minutes. GNC igniter system ready for launch.

GSE, not GNC

[Steven Pietrobon]

Hold!

[zubenelgenubi]

HOLD HOLD HOLD

Hold at T-53 seconds

Called by GNC officer--reason as yet unannounced.  GNC = Guidance, Navigation, and Control

If another launch attempt is made during today's launch window, the countdown would recycle to T-15 minutes.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Hold called by GNC officer at T-53 seconds.

[JEF_300]

There it is. I don't think I've ever seen a first-time launch get all the way through terminal count on the first try.

[lrk]

Hot mike - something about a sensor giving bad data.

[zubenelgenubi]

Earlier comment from Mike Curie that the countdown net was quiet, as the launch team was discussing options off-line.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Mike Curie is the Launch Challenge Analyst.

[Steven Pietrobon]

"DARPA
@DARPA
·
1m
The range is currently "red" and live broadcast will resume after a roughly 30-minute break ~1650 EST. Reminder: the launch window today is open till 18:30 EST."

twitter.com/DARPA/status/1234589945077096448

[ejb749]

The rocket looks awfully close to that building.  Optical illusion?

[Steven Pietrobon]

In a 30 minute hold.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Now 25 minute hold.

[zubenelgenubi]

In a 30 minute hold.

Hold music.  Was there a mention of the provenance of the "hold" music (example: SpaceX web casts)?

[Steven Pietrobon]

15 minute hold.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Heard something about bringing up some power to test the issue. 10 minute hold.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Five minutes left in the hold.

[Steven Pietrobon]

They're back. Talking about problem. Little slow in fuelling, but not a problem. COLA was for ISS. Hold due to data that GNC saw that was off-nominal. Lot of systems working during the hold. Saw drop in voltage in FTS transmitter, which was replaced during the hold. Reconfigured helium pressurisation system to allow another launch attempt. Team went back in using a safe procedure.

Team still looking at data. If problem can be resolved then go back to T-15 minutes, otherwise its a scrub.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Back to the pad while we wait.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Mike is back. Summarising today's events. Screen in background still shows a lot of red. Would need to resolve problem by 23:15 UTC, 15 minutes before the end of the window so as to resume the 15 minute count.

[Slothman]

Does the frost on a rocket ever become so solid and attached to the vehicle due to prolonged holds/delays that it doesn't immediately fall off at lift off? How much would it weigh down the rocket?

[Steven Pietrobon]

Great view of the launch vehicle with mountains in the background. Looks a lot like Middle Earth from The Lord of the Rings! :-)

[QuantumG]

https://twitter.com/wikkit/status/1234602758155538432

 

Also kinda wondering why this thread wasn't moved to Live Events section.

[FlattestEarth]

$2mil scrub would be rough.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Another update from Mike. Not much to report.

[Comga]

Launch window extended to 2:30 Alaska time, 3:30 PM Pacific Standard Time

edit: spelling
edit 2: Still no explanation of the hold.
They have to poll GO at least 15 minutes before the end of the launch window to resume countdown at T-15 minutes.
The pressure must be intense.

[daedalus1]

It amazes me how a launcher developed in the fifties can launch through snowstorms yet a small launcher developed in the 21st century by the most technological advanced nation on earth struggles to even fly.

[brussell]

It amazes me how a launcher developed in the fifties can launch through snowstorms yet a small launcher developed in the 21st century by the most technological advanced nation on earth struggles to even fly.

Eh. It's the first attempt of this one. Plus look at the size, and how few people it takes to develop. That launcher you are talking about is huge and had armies of people behind.

[QuantumG]

$2mil scrub would be rough.

Plus the rest of the prize that they won't have the chance to win.

[lrk]

Scrubbed. 

[Steven Pietrobon]

Scrubbing for the day!

[thirtyone]

$2mil scrub would be rough.

Plus the rest of the prize that they won't have the chance to win.

Wasn't there some weather exemption for their deadline? Would seem reasonable, kind of sounds like they didn't exactly have a lot of days of good weather.

[Comga]

Scrubbing for the day
And the competition

$2mil scrub would be rough.

Plus the rest of the prize that they won't have the chance to win.

Do you think that they could launch this outside of the DARPA Launch Challenge and still go for the other $8M by launching the second flight within a week of that?

[Steven Pietrobon]

Mike will be having some interviews with Astra about today's events.

[whitelancer64]

It amazes me how a launcher developed in the fifties can launch through snowstorms yet a small launcher developed in the 21st century by the most technological advanced nation on earth struggles to even fly.

For the record, Soyuz has similar weather restrictions wrt precipitation and wind as the Shuttle / Falcon 9. They can launch in light rain, Soyuz can launch in light snow. The big difference is in the allowable temperatures.

Baikonur is horrible in terms of temperature extremes, so Soyuz has to withstand a very wide temperature range. Florida is much more temperate, so vehicles launched there can be designed with that in mind. 

Space is hard. Just as true now as it was in the 50s. Rolling the dice on a sensor reading is just as risky now as it was back then.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Interview with Astra co-founder and CEO. The problem could have affected the flight so had to scrub.

[Steven Pietrobon]

DARPA program manager. A lot of objectives were met, but it was a hard challenge.

[Steven Pietrobon]

End of coverage.

[zubenelgenubi]

Interview with Astra co-founder and CEO, [Chris Kemp]. The problem could have affected the flight so had to scrub.

Mention that the manufacture of "2 of 3" and "3 of 3" is well underway.

Particulars not given re: decision to hold countdown/scrub other than to say the data made it clear that it was unsafe to continue the launch.
***

DARPA program manager, [Todd Master]. A lot of objectives were met, but it was a hard challenge.

No more chances to win (this $2,000,000) DARPA Launch Challenge.
***

No mention made of when this launch will be rescheduled.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

ROCKET 1 OF 3, LAUNCH ATTEMPT 1
MARCH 2, 2020

Today, Astra began countdown of the first orbital launch as the final remaining competitor in the DARPA launch challenge. Our team decided to hold the launch at T-53 seconds after a sensor reported unexpected data that could have impacted the success of the flight. Out of our commitment to safety, and to increase the probability of overall success of the three-launch campaign, we have decided to prioritize fully investigating the issue over attempting to win the DARPA challenge today.

We are incredibly grateful to our team who have worked many late nights and weekends for the past few months to prepare our launch system for our first launch. We would also like to thank the team at DARPA, the FAA, and the team at Pacific Spaceport Complex for making an orbital launch attempt possible within a few days.

We remain determined to reach orbit and plan to attempt another launch attempt as soon as possible.  Thank you for the continued support as we move forward in our mission to observe, connect and improve life on earth.

https://astra.com/blog/launch-attempt-1/

[FutureSpaceTourist]

https://twitter.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1234625589799055360

Astra’s Rocket 3.0 launch vehicle is seen at the Pacific Spaceport Complex — Alaska at sunrise this morning ahead of a scrubbed launch attempt this afternoon.
(Photo: Astra)

[PM3]

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1234634165859102720

Also, DARPA says the cubesat payloads will be removed from the rocket and given back to owners.

Astra says they will “root-cause” the anomaly and try again likely in a  week or two, not in days but also not in months.

So this DARPA launch is finally scrubbed.

[Kosmos2001]

Better luck next time!

[ZachS09]

Since the cubesats are being recalled, I'm guessing they MIGHT be launched on another vehicle. Possibly PSLV.

[Bean Kenobi]

Since the cubesats are being recalled, I'm guessing they MIGHT be launched on another vehicle. Possibly PSLV.

Very doubtful for Prometheus since it'a a US military cubesat funded by DoD.

[Comga]

Also, DARPA says the cubesat payloads will be removed from the rocket and given back to owners.

Astra says they will “root-cause” the anomaly and try again likely in a  week or two, not in days but also not in months.

The removal and return of the payloads is surprising.
The $2M prize money pales in comparison to the investment Astra has received, and that investment comes with the expectation of building a business, not winning a few prizes.
They say they will try again soon, which makes sense.
But Astra isn’t going to find other payloads immediately.
The DoD payloads aren’t going to find alternative launch opportunities right away either.
I would have expected the payloads to stay integrated while Astra keeps trying. 
It doesn’t bode well.

[Steven Pietrobon]

This was a test flight like the first flight of Electron, which did not have a paying customer on board. Winning the $2M prize would have been a bonus.