SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - Thaicom-6 - NET Jan 6, 2014 - UPDATE THREAD

[Chris Bergin]

This is an UPDATE ONLY thread for the third launch of the F9 v1.1 with the Thaicom-6 spacecraft from SLC-40, Cape Canaveral.

Article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/10/spacex-realign-falcon-9-missions/

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=33072.0 (dedicated for F9 v1.1 Thaicom-6 mission)

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 Thaicom-6 General Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32449.0

SpaceX Thaicom-6 Update Thread:
You're in it.

SpaceX Thaicom-6 Party Thread:
TBA.

SpaceX Thaicom-6 Viewing Thread (Going to the launch)
TBA.

Thaicom-6 Spacecraft Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=33049.0

=--=

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/

=--=

L2 Members:

L2 SpaceX Section - now a dedicated full section:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=24469.0

One Stop Shop Update Area for L2 Level F9 v1.1/Thaicom-6 Updates:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=32768.0

=--=

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE FULLY EXPECT THE SITE TO BE VERY BUSY ON LAUNCH DAYS FOR SPACEX MISSIONS. 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)

[Chris Bergin]

CRS-3 article on L2 info on the EMU up and down tasks for Dragon and launch date considerations - including Thaicom-6:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/11/spacex-crs-3-dragon-spacesuit-relay/

[input~2]

Per Thaicom financial statement published to-day:

The launch of Thaicom 6 is now set for December[/]

[QuantumG]

Yah to SpaceX working through December.. maybe they'll even do less than one month turnaround of the pad?

[savuporo]

“The elements [of Falcon 9] are ready and we’re going to start shipping them to the Cape right after a static fire test on Nov. 19,” Shotwell said. “And we will continue to hold the Thaicom 6 launch date of Dec. 20.”

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/38144spacex%E2%80%99s-1st-commercial-comsat-launch-slips-three-days

[ugordan]

I'm guessing this is F9-08 1st stage arriving at CCAFS as per the above plan:

Source

[Prober]

wow, Talk about a large load 

[mlindner]

I'm guessing this is F9-08 1st stage arriving at CCAFS as per the above plan:

Source

Did they tear it and have to patch it up with some tape near the end there?

[Avron]

wow, Talk about a large load 

Engines and thrust structure attached.. now that's long

[smoliarm]

I'm guessing this is F9-08 1st stage arriving at CCAFS as per the above plan:

Source

Nov 23
27 days to go...

[Roy_H]

I'm guessing this is F9-08 1st stage arriving at CCAFS as per the above plan:

Source

Did they tear it and have to patch it up with some tape near the end there?

Probably a sign saying "Long Load".

[Orbiter]

I'm guessing this is F9-08 1st stage arriving at CCAFS as per the above plan:

Source

Hearing it actually might be CRS3's 1st stage, but no one's certain.

[mlindner]

I'm guessing this is F9-08 1st stage arriving at CCAFS as per the above plan:

Source

Hearing it actually might be CRS3's 1st stage, but no one's certain.

That wouldn't make sense, highly doubtful. That would mean they're storing two lower stages at the cape in addition to SES-8 vehicle.

[TrevorMonty]

If thaicom6 is at pad, can they still launch on 20th Dec?. Assuming SES8 flys next week (3rd time lucky).

[Jarnis]

If thaicom6 is at pad, can they still launch on 20th Dec?. Assuming SES8 flys next week (3rd time lucky).

20 days is cutting it probably too close. I'm not saying it is impossible, I'm just saying it is unlikely. They can't start the integration work as long as the previous guy is hogging the hangar space waiting for engine inspections 

[Comga]

This is an update thread, friends.
Please hold your post until you have news to share.

[Jakusb]

Pad has just been cleared.
Go Thaicom6, Go Falcon9, Go SpaceX!
Little OT, but an update nonetheless.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

I guess the satellite is already at the Cape if they have any chance of launching before the new year?

(Well if they can't make 2013 they might shoot for the first launch of 2014 worldwide - which might be difficult since the Indians have moved their long-delayed GSLV launch to January 5!)

[ww2planes1]

I guess the satellite is already at the Cape if they have any chance of launching before the new year?

(Well if they can't make 2013 they might shoot for the first launch of 2014 worldwide - which might be difficult since the Indians have moved their long-delayed GSLV launch to January 5!)

Thaicom-6 is shipped to the launchsite:
http://www.orbital.com/SatellitesSpace/Communications/Thaicom6/

[ChefPat]

Do we know if the Thiacom-6 rocket is, or is not at the launch site?