Author Topic: LIVE: SpaceX Falcon 1 Launch 5 (RazakSat) - July 13/14 (Read 361250 times)

lbiderman · « **Reply #120 on:** 04/14/2009 07:22 pm »

They seem to be on time for April 20 launch, no signs of slip.

Cretan126 · « **Reply #121 on:** 04/14/2009 08:37 pm »

Quote from: lbiderman on 04/14/2009 07:22 pm

They seem to be on time for April 20 launch, no signs of slip.

I'm surprised they don't have a photo of the vehicle on the pad at Omelek.

jabe · « **Reply #122 on:** 04/14/2009 08:49 pm »

Quote from: Cretan126 on 04/14/2009 08:37 pm

I'm surprised they don't have a photo of the vehicle on the pad at Omelek.

I'm sure that is the next update...which should be coming up in the day(s) ahead I hope.

I do hope they start a new update page though..is it only me or does the update page seem to take too long to load with all the info on that page...not that I'm complaining...
lets hope for a split F1 and F9 update page

jb

NUAETIUS · « **Reply #123 on:** 04/14/2009 10:50 pm »

Quote from: jabe on 04/14/2009 08:49 pm

I'm sure that is the next update...which should be coming up in the day(s) ahead I hope.
I do hope they start a new update page though..is it only me or does the update page seem to take too long to load with all the info on that page...not that I'm complaining...
lets hope for a split F1 and F9 update page
jb

Considering the imitate end of the Falcon 1 program, and startup of Falcon 1e program, there is not going to be much Falcon 1e news for a year. A Falon 1e update page would get maybe 3 updates before they are processing the 1e for the test flight.

Just starting a new Update page would be enough for me. The reason it is taking so long to load is all those F9 on the Pad photos, and the fact that they have started uploading higher quality photos into the update.

zaitcev · « **Reply #124 on:** 04/15/2009 02:33 am »

Quote from: Cretan126 on 04/14/2009 08:37 pm

I'm surprised they don't have a photo of the vehicle on the pad at Omelek.

I don't think they published a picture of F1 in the tent ever. I was always curious how they cart it over to the pad that's notably offset from the centerline of the tent. Maybe there's something they don't want to show. Once the rocket is on the pad, we may get a picture, included the dreaded pink plastic skirt.
-- Pete
{Edit: see links from ugordan a few messages down http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=16054.msg391316#msg391316 }

Comga · « **Reply #125 on:** 04/15/2009 05:56 am »

Quote from: jabe on 04/14/2009 06:01 pm

an update is here...
jb

There appears to be a port in the interstage that has not previously been so prominent. (See photo) Is that just an access port?

dunderwood · « **Reply #126 on:** 04/15/2009 06:28 am »

It looks like it's just above the line separating the 2nd stage from the interstage. Umbilical/propellant hookups perhaps?

MKremer · « **Reply #127 on:** 04/15/2009 08:27 am »

Quote from: Comga on 04/15/2009 05:56 am

There appears to be a port in the interstage that has not previously been so prominent. (See photo) Is that just an access port?

It's an access opening.

ugordan · « **Reply #128 on:** 04/15/2009 08:43 am »

Quote from: Cretan126 on 04/14/2009 08:37 pm

I'm surprised they don't have a photo of the vehicle on the pad at Omelek.

They don't have a photo of the vehicle at the pad because it's not scheduled to be on the pad yet. That's coming up at L-5 days.

Also, there are photos of the hangar/tent, although not official ones. CorrodedNut posted links to a few galleries a while ago here: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=9958.msg341963#msg341963

jabe · « **Reply #129 on:** 04/16/2009 05:23 pm »

I'm surprised Elon's Brother hasn't mentioned anything about the launch on his Kwajrockets Blog. He usually posts things as well.. Lets hope things go well for the preparation and we hear news soon.
jb

Cretan126 · « **Reply #130 on:** 04/16/2009 07:29 pm »

SpaceX has had a pattern of making big announcements just before also revealing negative news. Given the new announcement of two F9 launches for Argentina, stand by for the F1 launch slip announcement. I may be wrong, but I'm going on record here with my prediction.

ugordan · « **Reply #131 on:** 04/16/2009 07:39 pm »

Quote from: Cretan126 on 04/16/2009 07:29 pm

SpaceX has had a pattern of making big announcements just before also revealing negative news. Given the new announcement of two F9 launches for Argentina, stand by for the F1 launch slip announcement.

That wouldn't be negative news. Slips happen all the time.

Launch FAILURE would be negative news.

Cretan126 · « **Reply #132 on:** 04/16/2009 08:58 pm »

Quote from: ugordan on 04/16/2009 07:39 pm

Quote from: Cretan126 on 04/16/2009 07:29 pm
SpaceX has had a pattern of making big announcements just before also revealing negative news. Given the new announcement of two F9 launches for Argentina, stand by for the F1 launch slip announcement.

That wouldn't be negative news. Slips happen all the time.

Launch FAILURE would be negative news.

Launch failure would be CATASTROPHIC news for SpaceX. Slips do happen all the time, but that doesn't make them positive or even neutral - unless it is from uncontrollable factors (i.e. weather, spacecraft, etc.). If, after many months of delay and four prior launches, the rocket is not ready, I see that as negative news.

stockman · « **Reply #133 on:** 04/16/2009 09:01 pm »

Well since we are all predicting things let me be the first to predict an on time launch on the 20th (within the given window) and a perfect flight to orbit. If I am wrong then so be it... If I am right then remember - you heard it from me first!

Cretan126 · « **Reply #134 on:** 04/16/2009 09:05 pm »

Quote from: stockman on 04/16/2009 09:01 pm

Well since we are all predicting things let me be the first to predict an on time launch on the 20th (within the given window) and a perfect flight to orbit. If I am wrong then so be it... If I am right then remember - you heard it from me first!

I'll take that bet! (Bragging rights on the table)

ugordan · « **Reply #135 on:** 04/17/2009 08:31 am »

Lo and behold: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20090417161214/Article/index_html

"The launch of the RazakSAT, Malaysia's second remote sensing satellite has been postponed until further notice due to "technical problems"."

"Abdul Hanan said SpaceX will be doing the repairs which will take at least six weeks."

Looks like someone just lost a bet...

stockman · « **Reply #136 on:** 04/17/2009 11:07 am »

Quote from: ugordan on 04/17/2009 08:31 am

Lo and behold: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Friday/Frontpage/20090417161214/Article/index_html

"The launch of the RazakSAT, Malaysia's second remote sensing satellite has been postponed until further notice due to "technical problems"."

"Abdul Hanan said SpaceX will be doing the repairs which will take at least six weeks."

Looks like someone just lost a bet...

which is why I am not a millionaire in the local lottery.... at least my record is still 100% ... lol

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #137 on:** 04/17/2009 11:09 am »

Quote from: ugordan on 04/17/2009 08:31 am

"The launch of the RazakSAT, Malaysia's second remote sensing satellite has been postponed until further notice due to "technical problems"."

Does anyone know what broke? Was it the F1 or the payload? Could it even be problems with the launch infrastructure on the atoll?

ugordan · « **Reply #138 on:** 04/17/2009 11:13 am »

Yeah, but six weeks? Did they crush a stage or damage an engine or something?

This is one update from Elon I particularly look forward to. I have a stinking feeling it might be an embarrassing one at that.

jabe · « **Reply #139 on:** 04/17/2009 11:19 am »

Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 04/17/2009 11:09 am

Does anyone know what broke? Was it the F1 or the payload? Could it even be problems with the launch infrastructure on the atoll?

as per the article

Quote

Due for lift-off on April 21, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Hanan Alang Endut said the delay was because of problems with the launching vehicle.

will be interesting to hear what the problem is, 6 weeks seems a while to fix a "simple" problem..lets hope for a quicker fix..I'm itching for a successful launch ..sooner the better.. yeah I'm greedy but I need a Spacex launch fix

jb