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

[Kim Keller]

The FTS end-to-end test was done with the vehicle horizontal in it's hangar, undoubtedly using antenna hats. That could have masked a reception problem when the vehicle is vertical with the strongback in place. I'm wondering if one or both receivers has low AGC or cannot lock up on tone 4.

[Robotbeat]

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

Right. That's not what I'm talking about, though. I was mistaken in thinking that loss-of-signal means the rocket would automatically self-destruct. That doesn't seem to be the case at all.

[Nick L.]

Weather still OK.

[Ronsmytheiii]

well, the weather is still good for launch

[Ben the Space Brit]

If the strongarm is blocking the FTS signal, then I'm assuming that the problem will resolve itself when the Falcon-9 is above it.  Is there a rule that the FTS signal has to be strong before launch because a signal lock after launch is problematic or something?

[Ronsmytheiii]

Small fishing vessel near the restricted zone

[Norm Hartnett]

"We are still waiting for our new T-0 time."

Sounds like the FTS issue is resolved.

[amon]

If it is the strongback, is this an issue the RSO can make the call on for the waiver?

[blueguitarbob]

Something about a sport fisherman in the area, also.

Hard to make out, but I think the sport fisherman's boat is having engine trouble north of the exclusion zone and wants to return to Fort Pierce (south of the Cape). I think he wants to traverse the zone. Sounds like the Coast Guard is communicating with him.

EDIT: Boat's name is the Reel Insanity. Does not have clearance to traverse the zone.

[Antares]

The FTS end-to-end test was done with the vehicle horizontal in it's hangar, undoubtedly using antenna hats. That could have masked a reception problem when the vehicle is vertical with the strongback in place. I'm wondering if one or both receivers has low AGC or cannot lock up on tone 4.

But there was a complete Range RF check done during that second WDR.

[Ronsmytheiii]

security helicopter heading back to KSC, will return in an hour

[ugordan]

"We are still waiting for our new T-0 time."

Sounds like the FTS issue is resolved.

Don't think so. It's a generic statement.

[Halidon]

Looking like 1pm EDT or thereabouts.

[Chris Bergin]

Yeah, I agree with UGordon, as I'm *expecting* we'll hear the FTS clearance first, then the new T-0.

[Silmfeanor]

SpaceX says they have a "path forward" for launching at 1 p.m. EDT, and possibly earlier if they can resolve the flight termination system connectivity issues soon.

[HIPAR]

If it's a signal obscuration problem, how do you fix that?  Seems you need either move the obstacle out of the way or change the transmitter/receiver antenna geometry.

One would think line of sight for various radio links would be a major consideration when the pad layout was designed.

---  CHAS

[Ronsmytheiii]

strong back moving back to rocket:

[amon]

From what I heard there was a great deal of time spent over the last two months getting the FTS system certified. That and the Delta launch were the big hold backs on this launch.

[Chris Bergin]

strong back moving back to rocket:

Seeing if they can resolve the interference (my phrase) with the strongback movement.

[ugordan]

strong back moving back to rocket:

Looks like they're trying to verify if the strongback is the cause of interference? The vehicle is still fully fueled, normally they'd detank and then move the tower back if it was a scrub.