SpaceX COTS Demo 2/3 Updates (THREAD 2)

[stockman]

Current view from the KSC webcam at the SpaceX launch site .. the erector currently out..

[MediumFidelity]

This doesn't fit into the technical discussion of the flight, but what are the options for viewing the launch (as a member of the public)?

Thanks,
-MF

[FinalFrontier]

Seems like we may be getting closer to a launch here.


Did they resolve the software issues or is that still be worked on?

[Chris Bergin]

NASA: If NASA's Flight Readiness Review approves April 30 as SpaceX's launch date, the launch window will be instantaneous at 12:22 p.m. EDT.

[Namechange User]

This doesn't fit into the technical discussion of the flight, but what are the options for viewing the launch (as a member of the public)?

Thanks,
-MF

Assuming you will be in Florida, somewhere along the 528 causeway (the Beeline) toward the town of Cape Canaveral or at Port Canaveral will give the best viewing options. 

[MediumFidelity]

This doesn't fit into the technical discussion of the flight, but what are the options for viewing the launch (as a member of the public)?

Thanks,
-MF

Assuming you will be in Florida, somewhere along the 528 causeway (the Beeline) toward the town of Cape Canaveral or at Port Canaveral will give the best viewing options. 

I plan on making the trip to Florida, always nice to visit KSC.  I assume KSC VC won't be opening the causeway for viewing...

-MF

[corrodedNut]

I plan on making the trip to Florida, always nice to visit KSC.  I assume KSC VC won't be opening the causeway for viewing...

-MF

Probably not, but the Saturn V center might be open, at a little over six miles from the pad (SLC-40).

[robertross]

I plan on making the trip to Florida, always nice to visit KSC.  I assume KSC VC won't be opening the causeway for viewing...

-MF

Probably not, but the Saturn V center might be open, at a little over six miles from the pad (SLC-40).

link to newly formed viewing thread:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28388.msg619105#new

(thanks Orbiter)

[Fuji]

Next fight? is SpX-1

"Sensor: ISS SERVIR Environmental Research and
Visualization System, internal (WORF).
Manifested on SpaceX flight, 2012"

Today's ISS Program and Science Overview Briefing information.
It seems like ISERV is manifested HTV3.

[manboy]

Update around 45 minutes

[Comga]

Update around 45 minutes

Summary of comments by Michael Suffredini @ 45:15

Simulations taking place, SpaceX was working on a "trajectory tool" , NASA evaluating it with them, work is done, tool is working in simulations

SpaceX painted the "service module part" to take care of thermal issue with tanks, issue is "behind us", SpaceX did not have to paint the spacecraft

SpaceX nspected the engines, doesn't know of any issues there

Doesn't know of big drivers between now and launch date, Still work to be done.  Schedule supports April 30 launch.


What tanks could he be referring to?  Are there any tanks in the Trunk, which is my interpretation of "service module"?  Could this be painting the thermal radiator?

Is the inspection of the engines related to a comment a while back about "delamination"?

[corrodedNut]

Summary of comments by Michael Suffredini @ 45:15

Simulations taking place, SpaceX was working on a "trajectory tool" , NASA evaluating it with them, work is done, tool is working in simulations

SpaceX painted the "service module part" to take care of thermal issue with tanks, issue is "behind us", SpaceX did not have to paint the spacecraft

SpaceX nspected the engines, doesn't know of any issues there

Doesn't know of big drivers between now and launch date, Still work to be done.  Schedule supports April 30 launch.


What tanks could he be referring to?  Are there any tanks in the Trunk, which is my interpretation of "service module"?  Could this be painting the thermal radiator?

Is the inspection of the engines related to a comment a while back about "delamination"?

He means "service section" not module. That's why SpaceX calls the trunk a trunk, and not a service module, because it performs almost none of the functions that a traditional service module does. The trunk is little more than a spacecraft adapter that provides a location to mount solar arrays, radiators and stores unpressurized cargo.

[Kabloona]

If you listen carefully, it appears that Suffredini said they did NOT end up applying thermal paint to the service section.

Previously it was reported that there was a thermal issue with the Draco prop tanks that would be solved by applying thermal paint. Apparently they did further analysis and reached the conclusion that tank temps would remain within limits, thus no paint needed.

Someone sharpened his/her pencil, and put away the paint brush.

[jacqmans]

MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-049

UPDATED MEDIA ACCREDITATION DEADLINES FOR NASA/SPACEX LAUNCH

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- NASA is updating media accreditation deadlines
for the agency's second Commercial Orbital Transportation Services
(COTS) demonstration flight launch. A Space Exploration Technologies
(SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to launch at 12:22 p.m. EDT on
April 30 from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force
Station, Fla.

During the flight, SpaceX's Dragon capsule will conduct a series of
checkout procedures that will test and prove its systems. These tests
include rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station.
The demonstration flight is intended to lead to regular resupply
missions to the space station.

International media representatives must apply for credentials by
Friday, March 23, to cover the launch activities. For U.S. reporters,
the deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 25. All media accreditation
requests must be submitted online at:

https://media.ksc.nasa.gov

For questions about accreditation or additional information, contact
NASA's Kennedy Space Center Press Site at 321-867-2468.

For more information on NASA's COTS program, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/cots

       

[Dappa]

MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-049
[...]
 and docking with the International Space Station.
[...]

Docking? Seriously? 

[Ben the Space Brit]

MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-049
[...]
 and docking with the International Space Station.
[...]

Docking? Seriously? 

To the lay journalist berthing = docking.

As I said over on NASAWatch, we need to accept that 'docking' is a generic term for two spacecraft connecting in any way.  Let those who know better console themslves with the fact they know better.

[kch]

MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-049
[...]
 and docking with the International Space Station.
[...]

Docking? Seriously? 

To the lay journalist berthing = docking.

As I said over on NASAWatch, we need to accept that 'docking' is a generic term for two spacecraft connecting in any way.  Let those who know better console themslves with the fact they know better.

Yeah, I suppose so.  It's a pity, though -- "Happy Dockday" and "dockday cake" just don't sound right ...

[sdsds]

Summary of comments by Michael Suffredini @ 45:15
[...]
Doesn't know of big drivers between now and launch date, Still work to be done.  Schedule supports April 30 launch.

This was good to hear.  If I got the quote right, he said: "There's a lot of work to do between now and April 30 but their schedule supports it as we see it today."  That seems like a pretty solid expression of NASA confidence in the date!  Maybe this is indication the flight will now follow a NASA-standard time stretch, rather than a SpaceX time stretch?

[Antares]

For them to call it docking immediately indicates that KSC not JSC PAO wrote the release.  KSC PAO is in charge for SpaceX COTS missions.

[Chris Bergin]

This mission is big enough to be our first post-Shuttle Mission Special on L2. Section now open to L2 members.