SpaceX COTS Demo 2/3 Updates (THREAD 2)

[Mapperuo]

Will NASA webcast the launch? Previous experiences with SpaceX webcasts have been poor.

The NASA TV schedule says that there will be coverage, so yes.

Orbiter

Judging from the wet dress that was on NASA TV, they have access to some closeup HD pad cameras this time around. I seem to remember NASA TV just using distant cameras last time.

[ugordan]

I seem to remember NASA TV just using distant cameras last time.

Not true, they had access to a feed from at least one HD camera inside the pad perimeter, but they didn't use it after T-1 minute or so.

[Mapperuo]

I seem to remember NASA TV just using distant cameras last time.

Not true, they had access to a feed from at least one HD camera inside the pad perimeter, but they didn't use it after T-1 minute or so.

Rewatched it on YT and aye they did. Terrible memory, Apologies. It has been a while.. 

[Fred M]

Thanks guys. I hope NTV do cover it. We don't want to go through the buffering nightmare of previous SpaceXcasts. Too important a mission.

[A_M_Swallow]

Can we get any of the (inter)national news networks to cover the launch?
Possible as a recording, if they do not want to do it live.

[QuantumG]

Thanks guys. I hope NTV do cover it. We don't want to go through the buffering nightmare of previous SpaceXcasts. Too important a mission.

I expect major improvements.. SpaceX has Ben Higginbotham on staff now.

[beancounter]

Thanks guys. I hope NTV do cover it. We don't want to go through the buffering nightmare of previous SpaceXcasts. Too important a mission.

I expect major improvements.. SpaceX has Ben Higginbotham on staff now.

Another enthusiastic individual.

[Lars_J]

New image of preparation, from the SpaceX twitter account: https://twitter.com/#!/SpaceX/status/185470587043446785/photo/1

SpaceX:

Completed another key step on the road to our upcoming launch: Crew Equipment Interface Test at the Cape with @NASA http://t.co/aizNQ5vi

[Lars_J]

The image above also shows a bot of the interior of the CBM hatch, and its sliding rails.

[ugordan]

Several, much higher res images are available at the KSC Media gallery:

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=225

[manboy]

Several, much higher res images are available at the KSC Media gallery:

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=225

Thanks.

[psloss]

NASA.gov overview on this CEIT:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_ceit.html

[robertross]

NASA.gov overview on this CEIT:
http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/cargo/spacex_ceit.html

"In preparation for the upcoming SpaceX demonstration flight, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur performed a crew equipment interface test March 28 in Florida"

Megan in a bunny suit, just before Easter. How cute is that. HAHA.

[mr. mark]

Isn't this test coming a little late in the game if they are to launch April 30th? I'm beginning to wonder, I guess we will see come the middle of the month if NASA gives them the ok to fly. I guess I thought the exterior of the capsule would be finished along with the gap filler that they used on the exterior on the previous capsule.

[Confusador]

Isn't this test coming a little late in the game if they are to launch April 30th?

No.  As the press release says:

This was the final opportunity for the astronauts... and spacecraft engineers for the upcoming flight to check the capsule's equipment and its associated interfaces.

They've been checking this stuff all along, but you want the last test to be as close to launch as reasonably possible.

[beancounter]

I note that Congress is getting concerned about slippage on the program.  I wonder if they've viewed these photos or thought about taking a site visit.  Guess not.  Bit hard to accept reality when your confronted with actual flight hardware as opposed to just talking about it in a meeting room.

Love the pics.  Thanks.  Hoping April 30th is a good day.

[Jim]

They've been checking this stuff all along, but you want the last test to be as close to launch as reasonably possible.

Actually, it is not close to launch but close to  flight configuration

[mr. mark]

Thanks Jim.  Maybe you could flesh out your answer a bit. From a standpoint of readiness, where is this mission and can they realistically make April 30th.

[Jim]

Thanks Jim.  Maybe you could flesh out your answer a bit. From a standpoint of readiness, where is this mission and can they realistically make April 30th.

I was just referring to when CEIT should be done.

[Chris Bergin]

I forgot to post a redirect on this thread for the new one (L-30 days mark).

Apologies (to at least one person) for thinking there wasn't any updates on this bookmarked thread.

New thread is here:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28486.0