LIVE: Falcon 9 Flight 1 Maiden Flight - June 4, 2010

[Nick L.]

I'm sure it is here somewhere, but what is the FTS signal?

FTS=Flight Termination System - in case something goes wrong they can send a signal to destroy the vehicle.

[Takalok]

I'm sure it is here somewhere, but what is the FTS signal?

I think it's the antenna they use to blow up the rocket if there's trouble.  Flight Termination. 

[Robotbeat]

...

But if its a technical problem and the FTS isn't producing a strong enough signal, I'd be surprised if the range lets them go without fixing it.

Ross.

Neither would SpaceX want to necessarily launch, either. If the signal is lost, rocket blows up, correct?

[Ronsmytheiii]

If there is a specific LOS issue regarding the strongback now in between the transmitter and receiver, they might still be able to get permission to proceed, because the issue would be expected to go away the minute the vehicle gets off the ground.

But if its a technical problem and the FTS isn't producing a strong enough signal, I'd be surprised if the range lets them go without fixing it.

Ross.

I would imagine that is what the range and SpaceX are looking at right now

[Chris Bergin]

UPDATE:
Last estimate, nine minutes ago, was we are least 45 minutes before a viable T-zero.

[simonth]

...

But if its a technical problem and the FTS isn't producing a strong enough signal, I'd be surprised if the range lets them go without fixing it.

Ross.

Neither would SpaceX want to necessarily launch, either. If the signal is lost, rocket blows up, correct?

That would be a rather hazardous FTS system and lead to some unexpected destructions on pad for sure... no, you sufficient FTS signal strength to send the flight termination command.

[Kim Keller]

Neither would SpaceX want to necessarily launch, either. If the signal is lost, rocket blows up, correct?

No. If the signal is lost, the rocket can't be destroyed.

[Garrett]

I can just imagine some SpaceX engineers kicking themselves over this weak FTS signal issue. In hindsight it'll probably seem such an obvious issue. Hopefully they can mitigate it during this launch window!

[Antares]

What if it's not SpaceX's fault?

[Robotbeat]

Neither would SpaceX want to necessarily launch, either. If the signal is lost, rocket blows up, correct?

No. If the signal is lost, the rocket can't be destroyed.

Okay, that's good. Good for the rocket, at least! (Maybe not so good for everyone else if the rocket goes off somewhere...)

[vt_hokie]

I can just imagine some SpaceX engineers kicking themselves over this weak FTS signal issue. In hindsight it'll probably seem such an obvious issue. Hopefully they can mitigate it during this launch window!

This seems like an item that would be tested easily prior to the countdown, no?  I sort of assumed it was a new issue that just came up.

[Nick L.]

SpaceX thanks us for our continued patience...

[Kim Keller]

I've heard the problem is with one of the range's FTS transmitters, but that's not official.

[bad_astra]

If the strongback is interfering with the FTS transciever, they need to put one of those coat-hangers-and-Reynolds Wrap-rabbit ears on it.

[Ronsmytheiii]

Okay, that's good. Good for the rocket, at least! (Maybe not so good for everyone else if the rocket goes off somewhere...)

If the rocket is off course, then it is already a bad day for SpaceX

[WHAP]

What if it's not SpaceX's fault?

Range checks in the flight configuration are SOP for most vehicles.  Verification of this link is the responsibility of the LV.

[ugordan]

Verification of this link is the responsibility of the LV.

Even if the problem is with the Range's transmitter? Wow.

[WHAP]

If that's the case, then I would agree it's not a SpaceX issue.  But if the problem is, as was previously mentioned, that it's the current configuration (strongback in the launch position), that isn't necessarily a transmitter "problem".

[Nick L.]

"FST signal", huh? 

[bad_astra]

Something about a sport fisherman in the area, also.