-
SCRUB: Orbital Antares A-ONE LAUNCH ATTEMPT 2 UPDATE THREAD
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 11:44
-
-
#1
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 13:41
-
Any confirmation of call-to-stations this morning? Thanx.
-
#2
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 13:43
-
Checklist was opened around 09:13, about the same time as Wed. Working minor issue with the PPOD reply loopbacks, was cleared before the checklist was opened.
-
#3
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 13:46
-
Early WX balloon run of the Overpressure safety criteria (which was marginal on Wed) was reported as "good." It's the last balloon before launch that counts, though...
-
#4
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 13:53
-
WX Briefing in 6 minutes
-
#5
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 14:04
-
Checklist was opened around 09:13, about the same time as Wed. Working minor issue with the PPOD reply loopbacks, was cleared before the checklist was opened.
Thank you, sir. Good luck today.
-
#6
by
yg1968
on 20 Apr, 2013 14:27
-
-
#7
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 14:27
-
Just got WX briefing. As far as basic constraints are concerned, the POV is 10% today and 35% tomorrow. Problem with upper level (35K-40K) winds - unusually strong jet stream. We are evaluating.
-
#8
by
Lee Jay
on 20 Apr, 2013 14:31
-
Antonio, your contributions are most gratefully appreciated!
-
#9
by
jsmjr
on 20 Apr, 2013 14:40
-
Just got WX briefing. As far as basic constraints are concerned, the POV is 10% today and 35% tomorrow. Problem with upper level (35K-40K) winds - unusually strong jet stream. We are evaluating.
Yes, very appreciated. POV is probability of violation [of constraints]?
-
#10
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 14:57
-
Yes. But that's only the "hard" range criteria (including some that come from us.) There are also the high-altitude winds, which are more of a qualitative call than hard values.
Our dilemma is the wind shear around 20K produced by the strong jet stream: the trajectory (we can choose from a small set sometime around T-45) that lowers the loads on the vehicle also bring us uncomfortably close to the North destruct line. Paul Baumgartner and Tracy Chisholm are running trajectories as we speak. They will have to make a judgement call on the traj, and then Mission Director will have to make a go/no go call from that.
Oh, well, TANSTAAFL...
-
#11
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 20 Apr, 2013 15:33
-
Recent reports from OSC at Twitter:
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1403Z)
#Antares The count pick up at T-8 hours has started. The team is targeting the
opening of the window at 5 PM local, 2100 UTC.
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1409Z)
#Antares update: Voice checks are currently underway.
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1447Z)
The Red Team is leaving the pad. Range and Facility setup continues. Range Checks are in work. #Antares
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1508Z)
The engineering team is reviewing telemetry displays with simulated data. ECS operations at the pad are being verified. #Antares
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1518Z)
#Antares T-6 hours: Wx 90% go for launch time. Upper level winds are marginal based on earlier balloon data.
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1527Z)
Pre-pwr checks are complete. MACH Ethernet testing completed. Poll for sequencer start and warm helium charging has been completed. #Antares
-
#12
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 20 Apr, 2013 15:47
-
Why a 7 minutes delay? COLA?
NASA Wallops @NASA_Wallops
#Antares Launch is now scheduled for 5:07pm EDT.
EDIT: that delay has disappeared! 
NASA Wallops @NASA_Wallops
Launch time correction. Launch time remains 5:00pm EDT.
-
#13
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:10
-
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1604Z)
#Antares T-5 hours. We see blue sky peeking through the clouds. Still targeting 5pm EDT launch. Live coverage begins at 4:30 on NASA TV.
NASA Wallops @NASA_Wallops (1605Z)
#Antares launch outlook is good with 90% chance of launch on time. Currently cloudy but expected to clear.
Satellite images showing the storm front almost clearing the East coast right now - should be bright and sunny at liftoff time.
-
#14
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:25
-
Satellite images showing the storm front almost clearing the East coast right now - should be bright and sunny at liftoff time.
antonioe's caveat three posts earlier still applies.
-
#15
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:37
-
Satellite images showing the storm front almost clearing the East coast right now - should be bright and sunny at liftoff time.
antonioe's caveat three posts earlier still applies.
Well it's not surprising that the jetstream is very strong behind such a big squall line (?) system... let's see what will happen by then.
-
#16
by
Jester
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:38
-
-
#17
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:48
-
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1646Z)
#Antares T-4:15 Warm helium is flowing to the vehicle. Vehicle avionics power up on external power is complete.
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1648Z)
#Antares launch is still taregeted for 5pm EDT. LN2 flow to the subcooler has begun. Payload ECS set temperature has been adjust up to 80F
My note: This is just amazing coverage provided by the Orbital PR team - never heard of such little details in the pre-launch timeline in any launch I have ever seen - not even Shuttle launches! 
-
#18
by
BillyJoeBob
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:54
-
Satellite images showing the storm front almost clearing the East coast right now - should be bright and sunny at liftoff time.
antonioe's caveat three posts earlier still applies.
Well it's not surprising that the jetstream is very strong behind such a big squall line (?) system... let's see what will happen by then.
Newbie warning alert!
The Jet Stream looks strong over the launch site now.
http://images.intellicast.com/WxImages/JetStream/conus.jpgThe surface winds map is here.
http://hint.fm/wind/What are the limits on both surface winds and winds aloft that would prevent launch? I know there are probably aircraft aloft giving ground controllers weather information up to say 40k ft...Are they also launching balloon after balloon to get upper atmosphere data?
Edit - Oh, another question:
I cannot find (yet) information on the weather briefing for this mission and a percentage given towards launch probability based upon weather, etc... Does anyone have that info?
Getting ready to drive up there in an hour!
Thanks
-
#19
by
Orbiter
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:54
-
Satellite images showing the storm front almost clearing the East coast right now - should be bright and sunny at liftoff time.
antonioe's caveat three posts earlier still applies.
Well it's not surprising that the jetstream is very strong behind such a big squall line (?) system... let's see what will happen by then.
Cold front.
-
#20
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 20 Apr, 2013 16:57
-
Orbital Sciences @OrbitalSciences (1652Z)
The #Antares Red Team has completed adjustments at the pad and are on the way back to the stand by location.
-
#21
by
Antares
on 20 Apr, 2013 17:05
-
Winds aloft are never discrete limits for any vehicle. There are day-of-launch calculations done to determine if a vehicle can steer through the wind shears without tumbling and without exceeding structural limits. Theoretically, a strong-enough headwind could create enough additional drag that the vehicle could not make its performance targets. That would be a very marginal case with a payload that needs every last pound of performance, or where another factor contributing to low performance would compound the problem and cause the mission to come up short.
-
#22
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 17:16
-
L-5:30 balloon data showed us red on debris field (strong mid-alt southwesterlies) I wonder if we shouldn't delay to the latter part of the 2-hour window to let the mid-alt winds settle a bit... that could help the other issue, too.
-
#23
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 17:22
-
Heh, sorry about the mod getting stressed. All posts are great in this thread. Many thanks to Antonio for his updates!
Weather is very related to the live launch thread.
Carry on
-
#24
by
mtakala24
on 20 Apr, 2013 17:29
-
Yep, this isn't like the shuttle launches where the weather was far more complex, with RTLS, TAL and AOA conditions to contend with. And our own weather reporter.
-
#25
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 17:48
-
Beginning LOX loading system (line, etc.) chilldown.
-
#26
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 18:07
-
Orbital:
T-3 hours: SIGI Alignment is complete. The poll to chill down the LOX commodity delivery system has been completed.
Antares System RF checks completed. Wking an issue w/payload S-Band link. All other links successfully completed range interface testing.
-
#27
by
jsmjr
on 20 Apr, 2013 18:16
-
L-5:30 balloon data showed us red on debris field (strong mid-alt southwesterlies) I wonder if we shouldn't delay to the latter part of the 2-hour window to let the mid-alt winds settle a bit... that could help the other issue, too.
Am I right to recall that a decision to delay into the later part of the window must occur prior to LOX load (T-90)? Or is it at commencement of pre-chill (T-180)?
How is it implemented? Extending a built-in hold?
-
#28
by
jnc
on 20 Apr, 2013 18:27
-
Beginning LOX loading system (line, etc.) chilldown.
Thanks ever so much for taking the time, during what must be a busy period, to update us all! It is really appreciated.
Noel
-
#29
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 18:32
-
Decision to launch at a nominal time other than the beginning of window must be made before beginning of propellant (RP and LOX) loading or L-1h30m. After than, the variability is limited to +15m - 0m
No "built-in hold" - simply delay beginning of loading phase - everything else can wait with no adverse consequences.
-
#30
by
robertross
on 20 Apr, 2013 18:36
-
-
#31
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:04
-
Range is trying to relocate some 40 or so people from the extreme south end of Assateague to clear additional people-free space because of the strong southwesterly winds... if they are successful, AND the FAA approves the new debris limit lines, we MIGHT be able to launch today...
If they do it, it would be the most awesome real-time reprogramming I've ever seen a range do...
I guess they will tell them that either they move back or the will NOT see a launch...
-
#32
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:09
-
Orbital:
Working w/the range to determine times that optimize our ability to get additional balloon data to resolve wx issues.
T-0 now 5:10EDT
-
#33
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:11
-
So to be clear, the T-0 is 21:10 ZULU (17:10 Eastern. 22:10 UK time).
-
#34
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:15
-
FAA won't approve a new range limit line today - not enough time to evaluate change ... maybe for tomorrow. Nice try by Bill Wrobel and the Wallops range...
-
#35
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:16
-
Range is trying to relocate some 40 or so people from the extreme south end of Assateague to clear additional people-free space because of the strong southwesterly winds...
Everyone tweet this. The chance anyone is there who see it is small, but worth trying. You never know if it might help.
-
#36
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:17
-
FAA won't approve a new range limit line today - not enough time to evaluate change ... maybe for tomorrow. Nice try by Bill Wrobel and the Wallops range...
Is that a scrub?
-
#37
by
Prober
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:17
-
-
#38
by
jsmjr
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:17
-
FAA won't approve a new range limit line today - not enough time to evaluate change ... maybe for tomorrow. Nice try by Bill Wrobel and the Wallops range...
Is that a scrub?
Wondered same. Maybe use up more of that 2 hour window?
-
#39
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:25
-
Here's plan: we moved T0 by 10 minutes (5:10 EDT) to allow us to evaluate the 3:30 EDT balloon debris field data - if OK we'll proceed to fueling. If not, we will delay to 6:10 launch and repeat the eval at 4:30 for a 7:10 launch or scrub. We're in the process of coordinating this with the balloon guys...
-
#40
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:25
-
Here's plan: we moved T0 by 10 minutes (5:10 EDT) to allow us to evaluate the 3:30 EDT balloon debris field data - if OK we'll proceed to fueling. If not, we will delay to 6:10 launch and repeat the eval at 4:30 for a 7:10 launch or scrub. We're in the process of coordinating this with the balloon guys...
Very good sir. Good luck!!
-
#41
by
block51
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:37
-
Just heard 6:10 as new T0 from wallops plot on marine band 12.
-
#42
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:41
-
Yup - red on debris. Try for 6:10, make a decision around 4:40. Altitude winds for tomorrow 20-25 knots lower than today... today was an extraordinary day for the 15K to 35K altitude range (105 to 120 knots - normal is more like 65 to 80 knots, and much fuirther from the pure west)
-
#43
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 19:44
-
And official note on the above:
Via NASA Wallops @NASA_Wallops
After weather review, the Antares launch has been moved to 6:10pm EDT. We will remain in hold until one hour before launch.
T-0 now 22:10 ZULU (18:10 Eastern. 23:10 UK time).
NASA TV move their coverage to a 17:30pm Eastern start.
-
#44
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:02
-
Orbital:
Payload S-Band transmitter issue with the range has been resolved - all telemetry links are nominal
-
#45
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:27
-
Folks: not looking too good - winds are NOT trending (last few balloons right on top of each other) PLUS as we go into the window we use our LOX ... if we go to the 7:10 opportunity we may not have enough LOX to use the full two-hour window tomorrow ... Frank C. chewing on it... since tomorrow's challenge will be surface winds, we probably want the ENTIRE window tomorrow ...
Just got the Overpressure and Toxic evals from the last balloon - both green ... debris in a few minutes ...
-
#46
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:29
-
Debris red ... discussing ... we may scrub for the day
-
#47
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:31
-
Cleaning up ... see you tomorrow ... announcing scrub right now
-
#48
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:34
-
Unlucky! Thanks for the updates!
-
#49
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:34
-
Cleaning up ... see you tomorrow ... announcing scrub right now
Appreciate the updates through the count...definitely will be tuning in tomorrow.
NASA TV ran a live shot for a few minutes...they may do an announcement soon.
-
#50
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:35
-
-
#51
by
Prober
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:35
-
-
#52
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:38
-
Thread is now open for specific discussion relating to this attempt, because we'll have a new thread on Sunday.
-
#53
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:43
-
Tomorrow POV 25% overall ... dominated by surface winds now forecasted for 12 to 17 knots form the SE ... altitude winds 20 tp 25 knots lower than today
-
#54
by
antonioe
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:44
-
Culbertson headed for press conference at 17:15 EDT
-
#55
by
Space Pete
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:52
-
Booo! These are the first launches (well, attempts) I've ever watched from Wallops...and both times winds were creating issues. I'm no weather expert, so does Wallops being further North than KSC generally increase the chances of high winds (or bad weather in general)?
-
#56
by
SoCalEric
on 20 Apr, 2013 20:53
-
wait.... Scrub just because 40 people were too close? Not homes / wildlife sanctuaries,etc, but human tourists too close? If so, wouldn't the initial allowed observation range have been set further out from the get go?
-
#57
by
jsmjr
on 20 Apr, 2013 21:03
-
wait.... Scrub just because 40 people were too close? Not homes / wildlife sanctuaries,etc, but human tourists too close? If so, wouldn't the initial allowed observation range have been set further out from the get go?
It would be nice to have some clarification whether these were people who went closer than the perimeter set by the USFWS at Chincoteague NWR. See
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31517.msg1039079#msg1039079
-
#58
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 21:04
-
wait.... Scrub just because 40 people were too close? Not homes / wildlife sanctuaries,etc, but human tourists too close? If so, wouldn't the initial allowed observation range have been set further out from the get go?
No, that had to do with an attempt to
extend the range area based specifically on today's conditions.
-
#59
by
psloss
on 20 Apr, 2013 21:08
-
Booo! These are the first launches (well, attempts) I've ever watched from Wallops...and both times winds were creating issues. I'm no weather expert, so does Wallops being further North than KSC generally increase the chances of high winds (or bad weather in general)?
No, just an unseasonable Winter cold front one month into (Northern Hemisphere) Spring. Don't worry, lawyers here are already taking it up with Punxsutawney Phil.
-
#60
by
SoCalEric
on 20 Apr, 2013 21:10
-
wait.... Scrub just because 40 people were too close? Not homes / wildlife sanctuaries,etc, but human tourists too close? If so, wouldn't the initial allowed observation range have been set further out from the get go?
No, that had to do with an attempt to extend the range area based specifically on today's conditions.
Right, but, probably just (understanably) simple lack of tourist history that _initial_ allowed observation range wasn't _already_ initailly set at the " 99.9% chance no problem" level vs, say merely some "99% chance no problem level", or such?
And, I guess FAA proper is official entity that decides. ?
-
#61
by
Jim
on 20 Apr, 2013 21:18
-
wait.... Scrub just because 40 people were too close? Not homes / wildlife sanctuaries,etc, but human tourists too close? If so, wouldn't the initial allowed observation range have been set further out from the get go?
No, that had to do with an attempt to extend the range area based specifically on today's conditions.
Right, but, probably just (understanably) simple lack of tourist history that _initial_ allowed observation range wasn't _already_ initailly set at the " 99.9% chance no problem" level vs, say merely some "99% chance no problem level", or such?
And, I guess FAA proper is official entity that decides. ?
The range does.
-
#62
by
rdale
on 20 Apr, 2013 22:30
-
so does Wallops being further North than KSC generally increase the chances of high winds (or bad weather in general)?
Well, not bad weather in general. Florida likes lightning
But yes the jet stream is generally near if not overhead the Mid-Atlantic states, and the subtropical jet stream closer to Florida is not nearly as strong.
-
#63
by
Chris Bergin
on 20 Apr, 2013 22:58
-
ORBITAL RESCHEDULES NEW ANTARES ROCKET LAUNCH WINDOW
– A-ONE Mission Team Working Toward an Attempt on Sunday, April 21 –
(Dulles, VA 20 April 2013) – Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB), one of the world’s leading space technology companies, today announced that excessive, high-altitude wind speeds prevented the planned April 20 launch attempt of the Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) launch pad at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va.
“Given the winds and wind direction, the debris requirement for the Range and Federal Aviation Administration could not be achieved today,” said Mr. Frank Culbertson, Orbital’s Executive Vice President and Mission Director for the Antares Test Flight. “This requirement keeps any potential debris from falling outside of a predefined area in the event of an anomaly. Flight requirements dictate that we stop the countdown and pick it up when the conditions improve.”
The next launch attempt is scheduled to take place no earlier than Sunday, April 21, with a window extending from 5 - 8 p.m. EDT. NASA TV and webcast launch coverage will begin at 4:30 p.m. EDT on
www.NASA.gov.
###
-
#64
by
Lar
on 20 Apr, 2013 23:09
-
Hard luck but a valiant effort! Thanks to OSC folk for the great updates, and good luck tomorrow.
edit: moved crazy question to party thread
-
#65
by
Chris Bergin
on 21 Apr, 2013 12:33
-
