Author Topic: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - CASSIOPE - NET Sept. 29 - PRE-LAUNCH UPDATES (Read 107557 times)

Chris Bergin · « **on:** 08/29/2013 03:04 am »

This is an UPDATE ONLY thread for the business end of launch processing.

A new thread has been created for launch day - continue here until Saturday evening.
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32946.0

For those who wish to follow this flow as closely as is viable (non-proprietary, etc.), join L2 and click this link:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32667.0

Resources:

SpaceX GENERAL Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=45.0 - please use this for general questions NOT specific to this mission.

SpaceX MISSIONS Forum Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?board=55.0 - this section is for everything specific to SpaceX missions.

SpaceX CASSIOPE General Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31429.0

SpaceX CASSIOPE Pre-Launch WDR onwards Update Thread:
You're in it.

SpaceX CASSIOPE Party Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32683.0

News Site Resources:

SpaceX News Articles from 2006 (Including numerous exclusive Elon interviews):
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=21862.0

SpaceX News Articles (Recent):
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/spacex/

Specific Falcon 9 v1.1 CASSIOPE News Articles:

Falcon 9 boost as Merlin 1D engine achieves major milestone:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/falcon-9-boost-merlin-1d-engine-achieves-milestone/

Testing times for SpaceX’s new Falcon 9 v.1.1:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/testing-times-spacexs-new-falcon-9-v-1-1/

Reducing risk via ground testing is a recipe for SpaceX success:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/06/reducing-risk-ground-testing-recipe-spacex-success/

SpaceX’s new Falcon 9 v1.1 begins to arrive in California:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/07/spacexs-falcon-9-v1-1-begins-arrive-california/

SpaceX: From Bothering Bovines to Revolutionizing Rockets (General Overview of SpaceX Status ahead of this launch)
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/08/spacex-bothering-bovines-revolutionizing-rockets/

Falcon 9 v1.1 conducts Hot Fire
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/falcon-9-v1-1-hot-fire-ahead-cassiope-mission/

=--=

L2 Members:

L2 SpaceX Section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=tags&tags=SpaceX

One Stop Shop Update Area for L2 Level F9 v1.1/Cassiope Updates:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32667.0

=--=

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE FULLY EXPECT THE SITE TO BE VERY BUSY ON LAUNCH DAY. WE WILL LIKELY RESTRICT IT TO FORUM MEMBERS ONLY - WITH NO ACCESS TO THE FORUM FOR GUESTS - WHEN THE SITE BECOMES TOO BUSY. READ THIS: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31697.0)

Robotbeat · « **Reply #1 on:** 08/29/2013 06:17 pm »

For what it's worth the F9 is/was vertical this morning. I would imagine that means the wet dress rehearsal.

Lurker Steve · « **Reply #2 on:** 08/29/2013 07:02 pm »

Quote from: Robotbeat on 08/29/2013 06:17 pm

For what it's worth the F9 is/was vertical this morning. I would imagine that means the wet dress rehearsal.

Or maybe just fit checks, right ?

Robotbeat · « **Reply #3 on:** 08/29/2013 07:07 pm »

Quote from: Lurker Steve on 08/29/2013 07:02 pm

Quote from: Robotbeat on 08/29/2013 06:17 pm
For what it's worth the F9 is/was vertical this morning. I would imagine that means the wet dress rehearsal.

Or maybe just fit checks, right ?

No, they already did that a while ago. More details on L2.

PahTo · « **Reply #4 on:** 08/29/2013 07:09 pm »

Quote from: Lurker Steve on 08/29/2013 07:02 pm

Quote from: Robotbeat on 08/29/2013 06:17 pm
For what it's worth the F9 is/was vertical this morning. I would imagine that means the wet dress rehearsal.

Or maybe just fit checks, right ?

Correct. There was a bit of conversation a few weeks ago about how this is the first time the vehicle is at the pad, and the attendant "issues" that may arise as GSE is validated with vehicle (and not just prop flowing, etc). Today and the subsequent WDR will go a long way to determining the actual launch date for the F91.1.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #5 on:** 08/29/2013 11:09 pm »

Per Ugordan's post on the Cassiope discussion thread, this is probably the first photo of the new Falcon 9 on the pad, via the photographer's link (provided below) showing the Delta IV-H's lift off.

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31429.msg1090049#msg1090049

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomcatphotography1/9625736164/

By the way, we (L2) understand the launch has slipped again and won't be able to target around September 9-10. Small slips at the moment, but no official date, just NETs, as expected until they complete testing.

Garrett · « **Reply #6 on:** 09/02/2013 09:19 am »

The attached photo was posted by Ugordon on the CASSIOPE General Discussion thread, but I think it deserves a place here too.
Ugordon's original post :http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31429.msg1090642#msg1090642

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #7 on:** 09/02/2013 12:23 pm »

Ah yes Garrett! I had that on my to-do list, but forgot about it, thanks!

Note, that image was captured from the public domain, as opposed to provided to NSF...

Still a way to go on the flow. Currently NET mid-September, but that is a NET and they are subject to change.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #8 on:** 09/03/2013 03:25 pm »

Per L2 - NET September 14. Date looks strong.

Hot fire next.

Garrett · « **Reply #9 on:** 09/05/2013 03:07 pm »

and from the General Discussion thread:

Quote from: AJW on 09/04/2013 11:37 pm

NASA has posted the new CASSIOPE launch date of the 14th
http://msdb.gsfc.nasa.gov/launches.php

Jim · « **Reply #10 on:** 09/05/2013 03:57 pm »

Quote from: Garrett on 09/05/2013 03:07 pm

and from the General Discussion thread:

Quote from: AJW on 09/04/2013 11:37 pm
NASA has posted the new CASSIOPE launch date of the 14th
http://msdb.gsfc.nasa.gov/launches.php

That is not a source

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31429.msg1092830#msg1092830

mr. mark · « **Reply #11 on:** 09/06/2013 04:15 pm »

SpaceX: Extremely Paranoid about upcoming launch. - (spacenews.com)
Great article with some new info. Musk says first stage landing/recover is 10% probability. Static test fire September 7-8.
http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37094musk-says-spacex-being-%E2%80%9Cextremely-paranoid%E2%80%9D-as-it-readies-for-falcon-9%E2%80%99s

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #12 on:** 09/06/2013 05:26 pm »

Out of date already. Static fire's been delayed to next week. Can't release the actual day per L2 source request.

Launch still aiming for the 14th at present, but now getting tighter.

Prober · « **Reply #13 on:** 09/07/2013 12:16 am »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/06/2013 05:26 pm

Out of date already. Static fire's been delayed to next week. Can't release the actual day per L2 source request.

Launch still aiming for the 14th at present, but now getting tighter.

Not sure of the direct weather near the launch site. The weather next door in Nevada for the up and coming week shows heavy rains from the tropical moisture that's moving up.

Kabloona · « **Reply #14 on:** 09/07/2013 01:03 am »

Quote from: Prober on 09/07/2013 12:16 am

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/06/2013 05:26 pm
Out of date already. Static fire's been delayed to next week. Can't release the actual day per L2 source request.

Launch still aiming for the 14th at present, but now getting tighter.

Not sure of the direct weather near the launch site. The weather next door in Nevada for the up and coming week shows heavy rains from the tropical moisture that's moving up.

And it should be kept in mind that the FAA waiver for the launch states that the probability of atmospheric conditions meeting the revised E_c criterion at any given time in September is around 40%.

rcaron · « **Reply #15 on:** 09/09/2013 03:35 am »

Saw this on FB:

Quote from: COSGC DANDE

Still looking like launch will be this upcoming Saturday!

"SpaceX conducted their Flight Readiness Review today! The more exciting news is that the conclusion was a GO for launch! The fairing has been integrated to the launch vehicle and no unplanned open work is planned. The last gate on the way to launch is the Static Fire planed for Tuesday and the Launch Readiness Review verifying its success." (from public sources)

GOOOO DANDE!!!

AndyX · « **Reply #16 on:** 09/09/2013 03:51 am »

Yes, all of that information was on L2 earlier today, without the strange wording. Not as big a milestone as the hot fire and LRR coming up.

Antares · « **Reply #17 on:** 09/09/2013 05:16 am »

I kind of wonder if that FB'er was getting his info from L2.

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #18 on:** 09/09/2013 12:57 pm »

Quote from: AndyX on 09/09/2013 03:51 am

Yes, all of that information was on L2 earlier today, without the strange wording. Not as big a milestone as the hot fire and LRR coming up.

Has it been confirmed that they will perform a hot-fire test? Other than the fact they did before every F-9 v.1.0 flight?

mr. mark · « **Reply #19 on:** 09/09/2013 01:14 pm »

Quote from: rcaron on 09/09/2013 03:35 am

Saw this on FB:

Quote from: COSGC DANDE
Still looking like launch will be this upcoming Saturday!

"SpaceX conducted their Flight Readiness Review today! The more exciting news is that the conclusion was a GO for launch! The fairing has been integrated to the launch vehicle and no unplanned open work is planned. The last gate on the way to launch is the Static Fire planed for Tuesday and the Launch Readiness Review verifying its success." (from public sources)

GOOOO DANDE!!!

Well according to this hotfire (static fire) will be tomorrow (tuesday).

Lee Jay · « **Reply #20 on:** 09/09/2013 01:16 pm »

Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 09/09/2013 12:57 pm

Has it been confirmed that they will perform a hot-fire test?

Yes. (See L2).

mgrusin · « **Reply #21 on:** 09/09/2013 06:12 pm »

Quote from: Antares on 09/09/2013 05:16 am

I kind of wonder if that FB'er was getting his info from L2.

That FB'er bolted our spacecraft to the rocket, so is privy to some process flow details, and is restricted from giving out other details. (No, I'm not in the need-to-know group

.)

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #22 on:** 09/10/2013 12:26 am »

Per L2, we're on TBD again, as it's no longer the 14th. Only small slips to the NET now it seems. Still need the hot fire and the LRR to set the date, with the range.

averagespacejoe · « **Reply #23 on:** 09/10/2013 05:37 am »

I just saw on spaceflightnow that the date moved ever so slightly to 9/15/2013 still scheduled for 9a PST. I know the L2ers probably got the memo so passing on what public info I can scrape together. Works for me I have Sunday off from my job

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #24 on:** 09/10/2013 07:01 am »

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
First of next gen Falcon 9 rockets rolls out to the launch pad at Vandenberg Air Force Base pic.twitter.com/hNl6zKodvr

smoliarm · « **Reply #25 on:** 09/10/2013 08:44 am »

Another tweet, the first-hand estimate of chances:

Quote

Elon Musk
@elonmusk

Upcoming Falcon 9 demo has a lot of new technology, so the probability of failure is significant
http://ow.ly/oJ0W1

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/377349811604709376

Garrett · « **Reply #26 on:** 09/10/2013 04:15 pm »

Launch window from an article linked to on the Cassiope General Discussion thread:

Quote

The Sept. 15 launch window is from noon to 2 p.m. EDT, but that could change due to weather

Source article:
CUSat launch now delayed until Sept. 15, by Blaine Friedlander | Sept. 10, 2013
http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2013/09/cusat-launch-now-delayed-until-sept-15

mr. mark · « **Reply #27 on:** 09/10/2013 05:19 pm »

Waiting on hot fire update from Elon, SpaceX or somebody.....keep an eye on those tweets.

ugordan · « **Reply #28 on:** 09/10/2013 05:33 pm »

@Jeff_Foust:

Quote

Adam Harris, SpaceX: planning a static fire of Falcon 9 at Vandenberg tomorrow; launch now planned for a week from today.

Orbiter · « **Reply #29 on:** 09/10/2013 05:37 pm »

~~That would put us on the 17th. Assuming the current launch window holds, that'll be right around the time ORB-D launches.~~

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #30 on:** 09/10/2013 05:40 pm »

There isn't a date set yet due to a lot of activity on the range.

Per L2 yesterday, aim is to hot fire tomorrow, LRR two days later and launch NET Sunday, but the Sunday isn't a set date. Set date should come at the LRR.

BrianNH · « **Reply #31 on:** 09/11/2013 02:08 am »

Adam Harris followed up with the following tweet.

Quote

@jeff_foust To clarify, I said we will attempt to launch within a week.

https://mobile.twitter.com/4adamharris/status/377577692763144192

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #32 on:** 09/11/2013 02:35 pm »

SpaceRef's Marc Boucher with an interesting article previewing the mission - and thus is worthy of the update thread.
http://spaceref.ca/missions-and-programs/canadian-space-agency/after-years-in-storage-cassiope-satellite-set-for-launch.html

I'm currently writing an article for the hot fire, but that'll be more about engines and stuff - you know me!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #33 on:** 09/11/2013 08:50 pm »

Per L2, no hot fire today.

Targeteer · « **Reply #34 on:** 09/12/2013 12:57 am »

From Facebook

Today, we look onward and upward, but #neverforget

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #35 on:** 09/12/2013 09:31 am »

According to Clark Lindsey at NewSpaceWatch:

Quote

The latest I hear from Charles about the SpaceX Falcon v1.1 hot fire test is that the scrub today was due to a ground pad LOX leak and nothing to do with the rocket.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #36 on:** 09/12/2013 05:51 pm »

Everyone standby!

(Remember, updates only in this thread - sorry, but I need my e-mail clear and all I was getting was report to mods for the posts that followed

)

mlindner · « **Reply #37 on:** 09/12/2013 07:34 pm »

Quote from: Helodriver on 09/12/2013 03:24 pm

Photos of the guest of honor, shared with permission of the source.

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVC_zps88a964b7.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVA_zpsfe602262.jpg

http://s1351.photobucket.com/user/spacecoaster1/media/LVB_zps36edcfef.jpg.html

Enjoy.

Re-link with direct links and embedded version of highest resolution.

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVC_zps88a964b7.jpg~original
http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVA_zpsfe602262.jpg~original
http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVB_zps36edcfef.jpg~original

sublimemarsupial · « **Reply #38 on:** 09/12/2013 07:38 pm »

Per Elon's twitter, they are "About to static fire Falcon 9"

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/378238912281341954

InfraNut2 · « **Reply #39 on:** 09/12/2013 10:05 pm »

Update from Stephen Clark of Spaceflight Now:

Quote

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 - 2200 GMT (6 p.m. EDT; 3 p.m. PDT)

Today's countdown has been halted two times in the final minutes before the Falcon 9 rocket's nine Merlin 1D engines were supposed to ignite. There is no word yet whether another attempt will be made today.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #40 on:** 09/12/2013 10:35 pm »

Confirmed in L2..... HOT FIRE!!!! Full power!

Here's the article I've been sitting on.

Yes, there were two aborts. The first abort was after I posted "standby!" I had to hold our coverage of the attempts to L2 coverage. But now we have a hot fire, we can run with an article.

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/falcon-9-v1-1-hot-fire-ahead-cassiope-mission/

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #41 on:** 09/13/2013 06:07 am »

Hmm....

Quote

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Full thrust achieved on 2 sec static fire. Some anomalies to be investigated, so launch date tbd.

uko · « **Reply #42 on:** 09/13/2013 02:48 pm »

CSA sent out media advisory about launch on Sunday at 12:00 EDT
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/advisories/2013/0913.asp

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #43 on:** 09/13/2013 04:17 pm »

Per L2, there will be a second hot fire test early on Saturday.

===

(Per a question on twitter, which I can't respond to in 140 characters!

- no one respond to this as it's just a response linking this post)

Right, so the way this site works is we have the news site and this open forum, which everyone can access. Because the site is massive, we have L2 where most of our heavy content is. That content is additional - as opposed to removed or diluted from - the open forum. Members can support the site and in return they gain a subscription to L2 by way of thanks for their support....which we really need as this site costs a small fortune in servers.

We also work our source information in there, to the point it's organic rolling coverage for flows like this one, given there's a lot of space industry in there and because only a very, very small percentage (0.1 or less) of the site's visitation have L2 access (sadly!), so it's reasonably ring-fenced.

I turnaround as much of it as viable by way of news articles, posts like above, based on source permissions and tagging it as from L2 by way of accreditation. There are numerous considerations, so even if I won the lottery and didn't need L2 to pay for the servers, I still wouldn't be able to open up L2 to everyone.

If there wasn't an L2 section, I'd be - like all other writers - working source information off line before posting. So it's win-win for all concerned, from the L2 members, through to visitors to this site as what we push from L2 into the open threads seems to be a lot faster than anywhere else most of the time.

There's other items, but I'm pushed for time to type it all down, but we have big videos in there, which if we pushed on to the open forum would be a bandwidth drain, increase server costs and then we risk the site. We have the balance about right and hopefully people will support the site, help us to continue to improve it and that'll benefit all visitors.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #44 on:** 09/13/2013 06:09 pm »

Looks like they are going to slip it, which would make sense as it was really tight to get everything done for Sunday:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31429.msg1096469#msg1096469

Nickolai · « **Reply #45 on:** 09/13/2013 06:37 pm »

Over at Fox business Elon states the launch will be in 1-2 weeks, although he states it in an oddly matter of fact way as if that was the plan the whole time? Did someone not tell him launch was on Sunday??

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/2668012061001/elon-musk-trying-to-advance-the-state-of-space-technology/

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #46 on:** 09/13/2013 06:41 pm »

That one to two weeks comment fits with what we've heard about the lack of near-term launch opportunities. So that part is likely true.

mheney · « **Reply #47 on:** 09/13/2013 07:09 pm »

Quote from: Nickolai on 09/13/2013 06:37 pm

Over at Fox business Elon states the launch will be in 1-2 weeks, although he states it in an oddly matter of fact way as if that was the plan the whole time? Did someone not tell him launch was on Sunday??

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/2668012061001/elon-musk-trying-to-advance-the-state-of-space-technology/

Note that that Fox business interview was yesterday (Sep 12) shortly after the static fire test. This seems more a case of Elon being conservative for the news media than it is a firm(-ish) launch date prediction.

yg1968 · « **Reply #48 on:** 09/13/2013 08:07 pm »

Official confirmation by the Canadian Space Agency:

Quote

The launch of Canadian satellite CASSIOPE, previously scheduled on September 15th, is delayed to a later date.

https://twitter.com/csa_asc/status/378608399531134976

oldAtlas_Eguy · « **Reply #49 on:** 09/13/2013 08:47 pm »

With another Hot-Fire on Sunday the LRR is also probably delayed until Tuesday 17th and Launch NET Wednesday 18th probably 19th. BTW that fits Elon's comment on the 12th of 1 week to 2 weeks. Depending on range availability it is definitely TBD at this point. Has anyone heard if the LRR is still on for Saturday?

mlindner · « **Reply #50 on:** 09/13/2013 09:25 pm »

Quote from: oldAtlas_Eguy on 09/13/2013 08:47 pm

With another Hot-Fire on Sunday the LRR is also probably delayed until Tuesday 17th and Launch NET Wednesday 18th probably 19th. BTW that fits Elon's comment on the 12th of 1 week to 2 weeks. Depending on range availability it is definitely TBD at this point. Has anyone heard if the LRR is still on for Saturday?

Hot fire is scheduled for Saturday.

yg1968 · « **Reply #51 on:** 09/14/2013 10:34 pm »

Quote

The Falcon 9 static fire at VAFB is now off until Wednesday. Likely puts launch no sooner than next weekend, but still TBD.

https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/379008850914848769

Garrett · « **Reply #52 on:** 09/15/2013 09:45 am »

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/379171375732105218

Quote

Elon Musk @elonmusk 10:14 AM GMT - 15 Sep 13
Will do another static fire of rocket to make sure all is good & AF needs to test ICBMs, so probable launch Sept 29/30

phred · « **Reply #53 on:** 09/15/2013 03:00 pm »

What are ICBMs? Pretty sure I know what it DOESN'T stand for.

mr. mark · « **Reply #54 on:** 09/15/2013 03:08 pm »

As someone old enough to remember my duck and cover exercises in grammar school, I find your lack of knowledge "disturbing". ICBM = Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. Remember it and remember if you are a US citizen many are still pointed in your direction. Here's to a saner world without those things, where rockets can be used for space travel and research.

dante2308 · « **Reply #55 on:** 09/15/2013 03:08 pm »

Quote from: phred on 09/15/2013 03:00 pm

What are ICBMs? Pretty sure I know what it DOESN'T stand for.

I don't know what this comment means, but Elon is saying that the Air Force is going to be testing Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles and therefore the launch will be at the end of the month... hopefully.

kch · « **Reply #56 on:** 09/15/2013 03:09 pm »

Quote from: phred on 09/15/2013 03:00 pm

What are ICBMs? Pretty sure I know what it DOESN'T stand for.

Those would be InterContinental Ballistic Missiles, of course -- but you knew *that* already, right?

edkyle99 · « **Reply #57 on:** 09/15/2013 03:12 pm »

Quote from: dante2308 on 09/15/2013 03:08 pm

Quote from: phred on 09/15/2013 03:00 pm
What are ICBMs? Pretty sure I know what it DOESN'T stand for.

I don't know what this comment means, but Elon is saying that the Air Force is going to be testing Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles and therefore the launch will be at the end of the month... hopefully.

Two Minuteman 3 launches planned this month, including one on September 22, according to:
http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/falcon-rocket-debut-delayed/article_4c3aa22e-1d10-11e3-932e-001a4bcf887a.html

- Ed Kyle

Prober · « **Reply #58 on:** 09/15/2013 11:39 pm »

Quote from: edkyle99 on 09/15/2013 03:12 pm

Quote from: dante2308 on 09/15/2013 03:08 pm
Quote from: phred on 09/15/2013 03:00 pm
What are ICBMs? Pretty sure I know what it DOESN'T stand for.

I don't know what this comment means, but Elon is saying that the Air Force is going to be testing Inter-continental Ballistic Missiles and therefore the launch will be at the end of the month... hopefully.
Two Minuteman 3 launches planned this month, including one on September 22, according to:
http://santamariatimes.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/falcon-rocket-debut-delayed/article_4c3aa22e-1d10-11e3-932e-001a4bcf887a.html

- Ed Kyle

The explosive parts were recently tested in Northern Nevada.

phred · « **Reply #59 on:** 09/16/2013 12:14 am »

Oh, good grief, I didn't even read AF as "Air Force." So of course he DID mean the Minuteman tests. I thought he was talking about testing some part of the Falcon.

Helodriver · « **Reply #60 on:** 09/16/2013 04:54 am »

More current pad imagery. Shared with permission of the source.

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVD_zpsdb8891fa.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVE_zps057b7e38.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVF_zps0ef2b8fb.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVG_zpsb0302aca.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVH_zps1964adc4.jpg

QuantumG · « **Reply #61 on:** 09/16/2013 07:01 pm »

Awesome, thanks Helodriver.

Jason1701 · « **Reply #62 on:** 09/16/2013 07:33 pm »

Your picture LVD gives a good idea of what v1.0 would have looked like with a fairing!

InfraNut2 · « **Reply #63 on:** 09/16/2013 08:57 pm »

Dan Leone of SpaceNews wheedled a less un-specific answer out of SpaceX about the hot-fire anomalies:

Quote

... Following the hot-fire test, “we saw some anomalies stemming from how the pad interfaces with the vehicle,” SpaceX spokeswoman Emily Shanklin wrote in a Sept. 16 email. “These are the kinds of things you can only find out when you static fire” ...

From this article: http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/37251pad-interface-anomalies-range-conflicts-push-falcon-9-11-launch-to-late

Helodriver · « **Reply #64 on:** 09/18/2013 04:03 pm »

Vehicle and erector were back in the horizontal position as of last night.

Images shared with permission of the source.

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVI_zpsed4297f0.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVJ_zps2e4c5741.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVK_zpse6f3022a.jpg

http://i1351.photobucket.com/albums/p783/spacecoaster1/LVL_zps45ef0230.jpg

Enjoy.

mr. mark · « **Reply #65 on:** 09/18/2013 04:09 pm »

Is the second Hotfire still scheduled for sometime today?

woods170 · « **Reply #66 on:** 09/18/2013 06:38 pm »

Quote from: mr. mark on 09/18/2013 04:09 pm

Is the second Hotfire still scheduled for sometime today?

No. Thursday, per L2.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #67 on:** 09/19/2013 05:54 am »

Finally a photo of the rocket on the pad by Musk:

Quote

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Falcon 9 at sunset pic.twitter.com/CeXSwqjVHP

kirghizstan · « **Reply #68 on:** 09/20/2013 01:35 am »

Elon "Completed rocket static fire with all systems green this time. Launch window opens in 10 days http://t.co/rKVBLIk6yq "

yg1968 · « **Reply #69 on:** 09/20/2013 01:46 am »

Quote from: kirghizstan on 09/20/2013 01:35 am

Elon "Completed rocket static fire with all systems green this time. Launch window opens in 10 days http://t.co/rKVBLIk6yq "

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/380866647575126016

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX4LH0wn9Rs&feature=youtu.be

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #70 on:** 09/20/2013 03:34 am »

Well that's good news!

Revised the previous article to reflect the second test was successful:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/09/falcon-9-v1-1-hot-fire-ahead-cassiope-mission/

Placed it as a second story as it's an article revision, not a "new" article, and it'd be unfair to knock down Philip's great article on Cygnus.

Changed the thread title to reflect the NET.

Targeteer · « **Reply #71 on:** 09/22/2013 03:41 pm »

At least one MM-III launch out of the way...

A test launch of a #Minuteman-3 #ICBM was successfully conducted from #Vandenberg AFB (on 22 Sep).

http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau_det/minuteman-3.htm

Full disclosure, JCM linked this on Facebook

oldAtlas_Eguy · « **Reply #72 on:** 09/22/2013 06:34 pm »

The next ICBM launch is scheduled for 26th Thursday.

http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/two-icbm-tests-planned-within-four-days/article_08f3474c-21ba-11e3-a557-0019bb2963f4.html

This gives 3 days for the Range setup for the F9 launch on 29th.

Targeteer · « **Reply #73 on:** 09/25/2013 12:46 am »

Quote from: oldAtlas_Eguy on 09/22/2013 06:34 pm

The next ICBM launch is scheduled for 26th Thursday.

http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/military/vandenberg/two-icbm-tests-planned-within-four-days/article_08f3474c-21ba-11e3-a557-0019bb2963f4.html

This gives 3 days for the Range setup for the F9 launch on 29th.

30th Space Wing (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.)
SECOND MINUTEMAN III LAUNCH SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – An operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled for Thursday between 3:01 and 9:01 a.m. from Launch Facility-9 here on north Vandenberg.

Col. Brent McArthur, 30th Space Wing vice commander, is the launch decision authority.

“We are excited to support another launch here Thursday,” said McArthur. “Although this week may seem challenging with the number of launches, we are eager and ready to continue to support our customers and achieve another safe and successful launch for the Western Range.”

For more information about the flight test, call Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs at (318) 456-1305 or after hours at (318) 456-2151.

plank · « **Reply #74 on:** 09/25/2013 01:38 am »

Um sorry if I missed something but what does this ICBM launch has to do with Space X? $:-\$

catdlr · « **Reply #75 on:** 09/25/2013 01:41 am »

Quote from: plank on 09/25/2013 01:38 am

Um sorry if I missed something but what does this ICBM launch has to do with Space X? $:-\$

Range Assets need to be re-configured.

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32685.msg1099885#msg1099885

ChrisWilson68 · « **Reply #76 on:** 09/25/2013 02:06 am »

Quote from: plank on 09/25/2013 01:38 am

Um sorry if I missed something but what does this ICBM launch has to do with Space X? :-\

The reason SpaceX was unable to launch between September 15 and September 28 was the ICBM launches. The sooner the ICBM launches are completed, the sooner SpaceX will be given another launch window.

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #77 on:** 09/25/2013 02:08 am »

Quote from: plank on 09/25/2013 01:38 am

Um sorry if I missed something but what does this ICBM launch has to do with Space X? $:-\$

This one has to go before the Falcon 9 can be cleared for launch on Sunday.

plank · « **Reply #78 on:** 09/25/2013 02:09 am »

Ok thank I get it now.

Lars_J · « **Reply #79 on:** 09/25/2013 04:48 pm »

Elon tweeted: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/382901196509294592

Quote

Elon Musk
‏@elonmusk
Falcon 9 launch window is Sunday and Monday, assuming good weather at Vandenberg Air Force Base

docmordrid · « **Reply #80 on:** 09/25/2013 04:52 pm »

Sundays launch will be Livestreamed

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/F9-6

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #81 on:** 09/25/2013 05:03 pm »

Good. There would be a riot if it wasn't!

(Sorry, not an update post! I'll send myself a warning

)

Targeteer · « **Reply #82 on:** 09/25/2013 09:31 pm »

From Facebook

30th Space Wing (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.)
FIRST SPACEX LAUNCH FROM VANDENBERG SCHEDULED

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch its first-ever SpaceX launch from Space Launch Complex-4 here Sunday with a targeted launch window beginning at 9 a.m. PDT.
Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander, is the launch decision authority.
“Our mission is to provide unique capabilities for assured access to and from space for our nation,” said Balts. “This is a huge stepping stone for Vandenberg and our SpaceX mission partners and I am impressed with the amount of innovation, dedication and professionalism that was put into making this historic event happen.”
30th Space Wing’s 1st Air and Space Test Squadron is the lead for all launch site certification activities at Vandenberg for SpaceX as an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle New Entrant. Under the authority of the Space and Missile Systems Center, the Squadron is evaluating SpaceX’s flight and ground systems, processes and procedures for this inaugural space launch campaign for the upgraded Falcon 9 rocket.
“This is historic event for Vandenberg AFB and we are excited to be a part of it,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Imwalle, 1ASTS commander. “The Squadron is committed to making the new process of EELV certification successful and to achieving the vision of more affordable operational spacelift capabilities for the Department of Defense without compromising reliability.”

Helodriver · « **Reply #83 on:** 09/26/2013 11:53 am »

The second ICBM launched successfully from Vandenberg a little over an hour ago. Now awaiting the second rollout of the Falcon 9, which was off the pad and in the hangar this morning.

woods170 · « **Reply #84 on:** 09/26/2013 12:11 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/25/2013 05:03 pm

Good. There would be a riot if it wasn't!

(Sorry, not an update post! I'll send myself a warning )

No no no no. Send one to the off-topic sherrif.

(Btw: is he still around?)

Targeteer · « **Reply #85 on:** 09/26/2013 02:04 pm »

Quote from: Helodriver on 09/26/2013 11:53 am

The second ICBM launched successfully from Vandenberg a little over an hour ago. Now awaiting the second rollout of the Falcon 9, which was off the pad and in the hangar this morning.

Great shot of the launch, next up SpaceX

30th Space Wing (Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.)
Sept. 26, 2013

VANDENBERG LAUNCHES ANOTHER MINUTEMAN III TEST MISSILE
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched during an operational test at 3:33 a.m. here Thursday from Launch Facility-9 on north Vandenberg.

Col. Brent McArthur, 30th Space Wing vice commander, was the launch decision
authority.

"It is so exciting to see our mission in action," said McArthur. "We have
the potential to launch three times this week, and the last time we did that was back in July of 2004. I am proud of this team. Everyone came together despite the challenges thrown our way to support a second safe and successful launch this week, and nine so far for the year."

Prober · « **Reply #86 on:** 09/26/2013 03:51 pm »

Quote from: docmordrid on 09/25/2013 04:52 pm

Sundays launch will be Livestreamed

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/F9-6

Looking good a countdown clock

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #87 on:** 09/27/2013 10:59 am »

Per L2. SpaceX LRR is this morning local time to set the launch date (NET Sunday).

Targeteer · « **Reply #88 on:** 09/27/2013 12:03 pm »

Canadian satellite CASSIOPE Ready to Launch

Longueuil, Quebec, September 27, 2013 – The Canadian satellite CASSIOPE (Cascade SmallSat and Ionospheric Polar Explorer) is ready for its second attempt to launch. The event is planned on September 29 with a launch window opening at noon (12 p.m. EDT). CASSIOPE will lift off from Vandenberg, California aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. With CASSIOPE, Canada is looking to make a significant contribution to unravelling the mysteries of space weather.

The launch will be broadcast live on the SpaceX Website.

CASSIOPE is a multi-purpose mission designed to conduct space environment research and telecommunications technology demonstration. Its scientific payload ePOP (enhanced polar outflow probe) will observe the ionosphere and enable scientists to collect new data on space storms in Earth's upper atmosphere and assess their potential impacts. CASSIOPE also includes the Cascade technology demonstrator for high speed store and forward information delivery.

This science mission was developed as a result of a close collaboration between several key partners including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), 10 Canadian universities led by the University of Calgary and 2 research organizations, amongst others.

AnjaZoe · « **Reply #89 on:** 09/27/2013 12:41 pm »

Is the statement that the launch will be viewable via the Space-X website originating from Space-X or from the Canadian space agency? I can't find anything about Cassiope and the upcoming launch on the Space-X website (or maybe I'm just too blind to notice).

Zoe

Garrett · « **Reply #90 on:** 09/27/2013 01:42 pm »

Quote from: AnjaZoe on 09/27/2013 12:41 pm

Is the statement that the launch will be viewable via the Space-X website originating from Space-X or from the Canadian space agency? I can't find anything about Cassiope and the upcoming launch on the Space-X website (or maybe I'm just too blind to notice).

Here's the link to the press statement:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/media/advisories/2013/0927.asp

Galactic Penguin SST · « **Reply #91 on:** 09/27/2013 02:16 pm »

NOTAMs for air-space closure for the launch:

!CARF 09/183 (KZLA A2319/13) ZLA AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1307 STAGE 1 AND DEBRIS AREA STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 3133N/11934W 2848N/11910W 2809N/12000W 2300N/12000W 2300N/12005W 2622N/12104W 3007N/12119W 3133N/12113W SFC-UNL WEF 1309291600-1309291953 !CARF 09/181 (KZLA A2318/13) ZLA AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1307 DEBRIS DISPERTION AREA STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 3445N/12100W 3445N/12034W 3236N/11947W 3133N/11934W 3133N/12113W SFC-UNL WEF 1309291600-1309291930

Kabloona · « **Reply #92 on:** 09/27/2013 02:30 pm »

Quote from: AnjaZoe on 09/27/2013 12:41 pm

Is the statement that the launch will be viewable via the Space-X website originating from Space-X or from the Canadian space agency? I can't find anything about Cassiope and the upcoming launch on the Space-X website (or maybe I'm just too blind to notice).

Zoe

You can also see it here:
http://new.livestream.com/spacex/F9-6

StephenB · « **Reply #93 on:** 09/27/2013 02:55 pm »

Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 09/27/2013 02:16 pm

NOTAMs for air-space closure for the launch:

!CARF 09/183 (KZLA A2319/13) ZLA AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1307 STAGE 1 AND DEBRIS AREA STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 3133N/11934W 2848N/11910W 2809N/12000W 2300N/12000W 2300N/12005W 2622N/12104W 3007N/12119W 3133N/12113W SFC-UNL WEF 1309291600-1309291953 !CARF 09/181 (KZLA A2318/13) ZLA AIRSPACE DCC 2 ROPS AIROP DO-1307 DEBRIS DISPERTION AREA STATIONARY RESERVATION WITHIN AN AREA BNDD BY 3445N/12100W 3445N/12034W 3236N/11947W 3133N/11934W 3133N/12113W SFC-UNL WEF 1309291600-1309291930

Nice. Someone want to plot that on a map?

I suppose they need to call out a big area due to the possibility of LOM, but the intended landing zone would be much smaller.

JBF · « **Reply #94 on:** 09/27/2013 03:15 pm »

Here is what I get for the first sage. Seems like an odd shape.

JBF · « **Reply #95 on:** 09/27/2013 03:20 pm »

and here is the recovery zone.

Crispy · « **Reply #96 on:** 09/27/2013 03:41 pm »

EDIT: Update thread not the place for chatter and speculation

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #97 on:** 09/27/2013 03:43 pm »

Quote from: Crispy on 09/27/2013 03:41 pm

EDIT: Update thread not the place for chatter and speculation

Well said.

Speaking of which, we will have a live update thread for Sunday. Pending LRR approval for launch (coming up in a matter of hours).

Ben the Space Brit · « **Reply #98 on:** 09/27/2013 04:16 pm »

What's the weather forecast for the launch window right now? I understood that September/October in California is a bit of a dodgy time for meteorological limit violations.

dodo · « **Reply #99 on:** 09/27/2013 07:36 pm »

KML file with coordinates from the NOTAMs. Drag&drop into Google Earth, for instance.

Lars_J · « **Reply #100 on:** 09/27/2013 08:41 pm »

Quote from: dodo on 09/27/2013 07:36 pm

KML file with coordinates from the NOTAMs. Drag&drop into Google Earth, for instance.

Thanks! Here is a screencap from Google Earth:

(EDIT: moved speculation to discussion thread)

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #101 on:** 09/28/2013 02:14 am »

Per L2: Launch Readiness Review (LRR) concluded with a GO for the Sunday attempt, pending weather.

LIVE LAUNCH DAY THREAD (A Placeholder until use late Saturday):
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32946.0

bjornl · « **Reply #102 on:** 09/28/2013 06:24 am »

Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 09/27/2013 04:16 pm

What's the weather forecast for the launch window right now? I understood that September/October in California is a bit of a dodgy time for meteorological limit violations.

From the party thread:

Quote from: Kabloona on 09/27/2013 11:57 pm

SFN reports the Air Force meteorologist as predicting 80-90 % probability of favorable weather on Sunday, reducing to 70% probability on Monday.

ChefPat · « **Reply #103 on:** 09/28/2013 03:14 pm »

Vandenberg has the launch on their Staight Talk Line now too. 805-606-8263

modemeagle · « **Reply #104 on:** 09/28/2013 09:53 pm »

American Islander is heading toward recovery zone.

Helodriver · « **Reply #105 on:** 09/29/2013 06:53 am »

woods170 · « **Reply #106 on:** 09/29/2013 06:38 pm »

Repeating myself: Helodriver does it again. Thanks!!