SpaceX COTS Demo 2/3 Updates (THREAD 2)

[Ronsmytheiii]

You can't do a WDR without rolling out the vehicle.

And in the SpaceX model (compared to e.g. Atlas), you don't roll out the vehicle until right before you intend to do something with it at the pad.

How is that different than what Atlas does right now? The biggest difference I can see is that SpaceX does an engine firing, while Atlas does not.

[sdsds]

in the SpaceX model (compared to e.g. Atlas), you don't roll out the vehicle until right before you intend to do something with it at the pad.

How is that different than what Atlas does right now? The biggest difference I can see is that SpaceX does an engine firing, while Atlas does not.

Doesn't Atlas V roll out at least 24 hours prior to launch?  That model means you absolutely have to provide ground support at the pad to some kinds of payloads.  The SpaceX model more assumes the payload can maintain itself during the entire roll out to launch interval, without support from launch system GSE.

[Robotbeat]

You can't do a WDR without rolling out the vehicle.

And in the SpaceX model (compared to e.g. Atlas), you don't roll out the vehicle until right before you intend to do something with it at the pad.

Is there a camera from NASA that can show a rollout "in real time"?  Perhaps we could be able to watch from farther away?  Any ideas about the schedule?

You forget SpaceX doesn't care for live feeds, unless under their control.

Past SpaceX WDRs for previous flights could be seen here:
http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/
or
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/

[Ronsmytheiii]

Doesn't Atlas V roll out at least 24 hours prior to launch?  That model means you absolutely have to provide ground support at the pad to some kinds of payloads.  The SpaceX model more assumes the payload can maintain itself during the entire roll out to launch interval, without support from launch system GSE.

Atlas V undergoes all stage and payload integration activities off the pad in a vertical integration facility and is moved to the launch pad eight and a half hours before the scheduled launch

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA445279

But this atlas talk is getting off topic, this is SpaceX COTS 2/3 updates so lets concentrate on that.

[jacqmans]

The WDR won't be Monday.

Any reason why not... and when will it take place ?  And has it any effect on the launch date ??

[ras391]

I am hearing a delay from the Feb. 7th target date. Can anyone confirm?

[ChefPat]

I am hearing a delay from the Feb. 7th target date. Can anyone confirm?

I can't find anything. Can you provide your source?

[docmordrid]

Feb. 8 on this schedule

http://www.satelliteonthenet.co.uk/index.php/launch-schedule

[Rocket Guy]

That's GMT, read back a few pages.

It's safe to say that Feb 7 is not remotely concrete.

[mr. mark]

If the past is any indication, Spacex has grown the schedule about or over a month away from every previous launch. We are now 3 weeks away and  inside the zone so to speak. It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the next few weeks.

[ugordan]

I am hearing a delay from the Feb. 7th target date.

Yeah, something seems to be cooking.

[Antares]

That model means you absolutely have to provide ground support at the pad to some kinds of payloads.  The SpaceX model more assumes the payload can maintain itself during the entire roll out to launch interval, without support from launch system GSE.

Every payload requires some sort of ECS and battery charging, even on a shorter timeline.  A payload provider would be dumb to take that risk (e.g. What if the erector gets stuck and can't tilt the vehicle down?).  One can't launch in an oceanside (corrosive) environment and expect anything else.

[Halidon]

 As we talking hours, days, months, years? Animal, vegetable, or mineral?

[Comga]

I am hearing a delay from the Feb. 7th target date.

Yeah, something seems to be cooking.

Perhaps cooking but not yet "baked in".  anik's ISS schedule was updated two days ago but still has the launch on the 8th.  Of course, it still has berthing on the 10th, which is hard to imagine.

It seems like they have until March 16th before there is other traffic around the ISS with which Dragon operations might conflict.

[Ben the Space Brit]

Any update yet on the possible launch date slip?

[rdale]

Ben - keep an eye on this thread, when something comes up it'll be posted here.

[Rocket Guy]

SpaceX just formally announced a delay, with a new date TBD.

[kevin-rf]

source?

[Chris Bergin]

Yep, now official.  Sorry we (well I didn't know anything) couldn't say anything. Wasn't solid enought with reason or a new date.

SpaceX PAO e-mail to media:


Update on Next SpaceX Launch

 

In preparation for the upcoming launch, SpaceX continues to conduct extensive testing and analysis.
 

We believe that there are a few areas that will benefit from additional work and will optimize the safety and success of this mission. 


We are now working with NASA to establish a new target launch date, but note that we will continue to test and review data.  We will launch when the vehicle is ready.

[Chris Bergin]

By the way, well done to SpaceX for turning it around they were slipping with a good amount of speed!