Author Topic: SpaceX COTS Demo 2/3 Updates (THREAD 2) (Read 787825 times)

ugordan · « **Reply #1420 on:** 03/01/2012 03:23 pm »

NASA KSC: T-0 set for 11:23 AM? If that's the case, it's already over but I haven't seen vehicle tank press at all.

mr. mark · « **Reply #1421 on:** 03/01/2012 03:23 pm »

Another....

mr. mark · « **Reply #1422 on:** 03/01/2012 03:25 pm »

Looks like the capsule has been wrapped in some material.

ugordan · « **Reply #1423 on:** 03/01/2012 03:27 pm »

Quote from: Robotbeat on 03/01/2012 03:22 pm

Closer

Nice one!

robertross · « **Reply #1424 on:** 03/01/2012 03:30 pm »

Quote from: ugordan on 03/01/2012 03:27 pm

Quote from: Robotbeat on 03/01/2012 03:22 pm
Closer

Nice one!

Yes, you can really make out the detail on the shroud

stockman · « **Reply #1425 on:** 03/01/2012 03:33 pm »

I wonder if the guy in the boat in the background here is an NSF member and can upload some closer pic's..

ugordan · « **Reply #1426 on:** 03/01/2012 03:34 pm »

So I guess this is over? Venting from the strongback as well. Perhaps it was 16:23 UTC after all.

Robotbeat · « **Reply #1427 on:** 03/01/2012 03:36 pm »

Quote from: ugordan on 03/01/2012 03:34 pm

So I guess this is over? Venting from the strongback as well. Perhaps it was 14:23 UTC after all.

Yeah, I believe the voiceover on NASA TV said it was over.

ugordan · « **Reply #1428 on:** 03/01/2012 03:39 pm »

Quote from: Robotbeat on 03/01/2012 03:36 pm

Yeah, I believe the voiceover on NASA TV said it was over.

I couldn't watch Ustream, did they really cover the last minutes with commentary, etc? Anyone recorded it?

I'm loving the digital quality of those HD camera shots, no analog noise present. Hopefully no video dropouts this time, either.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #1429 on:** 03/01/2012 03:40 pm »

Quote from: Robotbeat on 03/01/2012 03:20 pm

Nice one Chris. That'll be the one for the article!

Mapperuo · « **Reply #1430 on:** 03/01/2012 03:40 pm »

I haven't seen anything on NTV but a repeat of ISS coverage?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #1431 on:** 03/01/2012 03:41 pm »

PS I'll ask SpaceX if they are going to release a presser/have any comments on how it went.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #1432 on:** 03/01/2012 03:43 pm »

NASA KSC:

"The SpaceX test countdown for its Falcon 9 rocket entered its final phase, with a T-0 set for 11:23 a.m."

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #1433 on:** 03/01/2012 04:19 pm »

NASA KSC:

"Today's practice countdown was recycled and is now at T-10 minutes and counting. The count will proceed to a planned end at T-5 seconds."

ugordan · « **Reply #1434 on:** 03/01/2012 04:24 pm »

Well, that explains the lack of 1st stage pressurization visible previously.

stockman · « **Reply #1435 on:** 03/01/2012 04:28 pm »

much better lighting now at least

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #1436 on:** 03/01/2012 04:33 pm »

And.....

NASA KSC:

"The SpaceX launch team reached the planned cutoff point at T-5 seconds. The fuel tanks will begin draining shortly."

ugordan · « **Reply #1437 on:** 03/01/2012 04:37 pm »

OK, something just happened at 17:37:00 UTC. Either another abort or end of countdown. 1st stage venting stopped some 40-ish seconds before that and then rapidly released just like in an abort.

Space Pete · « **Reply #1438 on:** 03/01/2012 05:11 pm »

Wow, seeing the F9 all fuelled up on the pad is getting me all excited for C2/C3.

mr. mark · « **Reply #1439 on:** 03/01/2012 05:22 pm »

We got a couple of good shots of the trunk and the solar pontoons (if that is actually the correct designation). Any thoughts on the design of the trunk? It also seems that the Dragon Capsule was wrapped in something after viewing the HD pics. Any comments?