Author Topic: SCRUB: Astra – DARPA Challenge launch #1 – Kodiak – March 2, 2020 (Read 63055 times)

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #60 on:** 03/02/2020 07:19 pm »

Webcast has started. Launch delay due to COLA.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #61 on:** 03/02/2020 07:24 pm »

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

Comga · « **Reply #62 on:** 03/02/2020 07:25 pm »

"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 · « **Reply #63 on:** 03/02/2020 07:26 pm »

Launch vehicle views. Beautiful location!

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #64 on:** 03/02/2020 07:31 pm »

Currently in a T-15 minute hold.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #65 on:** 03/02/2020 07:32 pm »

Astra Mission Control in Alameda.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #66 on:** 03/02/2020 07:35 pm »

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

Mammutti · « **Reply #67 on:** 03/02/2020 07:37 pm »

New T-0: 20:55 UTC

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #68 on:** 03/02/2020 07:37 pm »

Raising vehicle previously. Launch in 20 minutes.

ugordan · « **Reply #69 on:** 03/02/2020 07:39 pm »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #70 on:** 03/02/2020 07:41 pm »

T-15 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #71 on:** 03/02/2020 07:44 pm »

T-12 minutes. FTS is enabled.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #72 on:** 03/02/2020 07:46 pm »

T-10 minutes.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #73 on:** 03/02/2020 07:47 pm »

twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1234578515917451265

Quote

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

Quote

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 · « **Reply #74 on:** 03/02/2020 07:48 pm »

T-8 minutes. Performing poll.

Go for launch.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #75 on:** 03/02/2020 07:50 pm »

T-6 minutes.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #76 on:** 03/02/2020 07:51 pm »

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

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #77 on:** 03/02/2020 07:52 pm »

T-4 minutes. Closing LOX and fuel machines.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #78 on:** 03/02/2020 07:53 pm »

T-3 minutes. Range is green.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #79 on:** 03/02/2020 07:54 pm »

T-2 minutes.