SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon CRS SpX-1 PROCESSING/Pre-LAUNCH UPDATES

[KSC Sage]

We're going with October 6 NET for this one at the moment (bottom of the article)

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/08/nasa-safety-panel-satisfied-spacex-anomaly-resolution-team/

Now NET October 8th per the Range.  Bumped due to an ULA launch in early October.

[Chris Bergin]

Copy that sir. Good news is the date movement is in days, so that's hopeful.

[Rocket Guy]

Oct. 8 translates into a late evening launch time I estimate (night launch).

[Chris Bergin]

Bolden's just announced SpaceX are now GO for CRS ops.

[ugordan]

Bolden's just announced SpaceX are now GO for CRS ops.

Was this taken just now? https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy/status/238672300965240834/photo/1/large

[Chris Bergin]

Bolden's just announced SpaceX are now GO for CRS ops.

Was this taken just now? https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy/status/238672300965240834/photo/1/large

The photo and the announcement, yes. And the decision too, it seems (or held back to this announcement, as I asked for an update on Monday and was told "not yet" on CRS approval).

[Chris Bergin]

I'll throw in some additional details via the L2 SpaceX Section: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=tags&tags=SpaceX

The Oct 8 launch date is documented as an 8:12pm T-0, with a WDR as early as August 31 (documented).

[oldAtlas_Eguy]

I'll throw in some additional details via the L2 SpaceX Section: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=tags&tags=SpaceX

The Oct 8 launch date is documented as an 8:12pm T-0, with a WDR as early as August 31 (documented).

WDR's have historically done without the Dragon. But that also means, if the August 31 date is correct, that the F9 is nearly fully assembled and in final checkout.

[Lurker Steve]

I assume the Dragon for this mission is also in it's final stages of checkout / integration testing, right ?

When does the actual cargo for the mission arrive, and get loaded into the Dragon ? I assume that all has to happen in the next 2 or 3 weeks, right ?

[Jason1701]

Good to see the hangar picture. The first stage is there, and it looks like closeout work has been done. (Installing the engine fairings and the paint job.)

[Lars_J]

Another (better) picture: https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/238726379817017344/photo/1/large

[manboy]

Another (better) picture: https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/238726379817017344/photo/1/large

Higher res

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/commercial/gallery/commercial-milestones-20120823.html

[Prober]

Someone sure went nutz with the Yellow tape.

[Thunderbird5]

Video of the first part of Bolden's speech. He intimates at the end of the clip that the Dragon is also in the processing facility.

[dcporter]

"Those guys on the crane are in the Dragon capsule."

I'm not actually sure how to read that.  The Dragon capsule is apparently not visible from where they're standing.  They're on the Dragon capsule team?  Anyway, tea leaves.

Also, would the world please please please learn to turn its phones sideways when taking video??

[manboy]

Better video (I hope its okay with Chris)

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012120823026

[Prober]

Better video (I hope its okay with Chris)

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012120823026

or as the video shows......Bolden makes a good tour guide...heheh

[Thunderbird5]

Better video (I hope its okay with Chris)

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012120823026

His speech in the SpaceX processing facility is heavily edited though, and notably excludes the mention of Dragon.

[Ben the Space Brit]

Is it another instantaneous launch window?

[Chris Bergin]

Is it another instantaneous launch window?

Currently is. The L2 launch time is specific. Other manifested launched on the same document shows the window, so it suggests instantaneous.