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

[corrodedNut]

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

We have a photo of the 1st stage arriving at CCAFS: http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=33074.msg1123111#msg1123111

Orbital reports that Thaicom-6 has shipped. As for the interstage, 2nd stage and fairing; we have word-of-mouth reports that they are are there, but nothing that I'm able to verify.

[Ben the Space Brit]

So now, it's simply a matter of scheduling. Everything will be there in the very near future. How long will take to integrate, test and prep the LV and spacecraft and also to turn around SLC-40? Upon that depends the launch date of Thaicom-6.

[Mike_1179]

So now, it's simply a matter of scheduling. Everything will be there in the very near future. How long will take to integrate, test and prep the LV and spacecraft and also to turn around SLC-40? Upon that depends the launch date of Thaicom-6.

And how much work was done to the stages before they left Texas.  I remember a post a few months back stating that some work can get done at McGregor or that work can be deferred to the launch site and they were wondering if the Texas guys will keep up that amount of preparation.

[Ben the Space Brit]

FWIW, some sites I've seen are throwing around a date of 12/20/13 for Thaicom-6 but I don't know how credible that is. Certainly, if the were able to achieve a 2 1/2-week turn-around of the pad it would be nothing short of remarkable.

[guckyfan]

And how much work was done to the stages before they left Texas.  I remember a post a few months back stating that some work can get done at McGregor or that work can be deferred to the launch site and they were wondering if the Texas guys will keep up that amount of preparation.

They should have had enough time on this one. If they can keep it up when they test and deliver a first stage every few weeks is another thing.

The 20th was the date given before the delays of SES-8. äGreat work if they can keep it.

[Silmfeanor]

http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/joe_science/spacex-satellite-launch-set-for-dec/article_b31d65b4-6822-11e3-9f40-001a4bcf887a.html

SpaceX's next Falcon 9 rocket flight, launching a Thai communications satellite into orbit, is now set for Dec. 31, according to a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force's Eastern Range launch support team.

The window for the launch from SpaceX's complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., would begin at 4:57 p.m. CST.

[Chris Bergin]

That's the requested date, but I'm not too sure the Range has been approved, otherwise SpaceX would have put something out there (as much as they are increasingly not doing that). I'd still wait for confirmation (and then if the date sticks, which it may not).

[Ben the Space Brit]

Seriously, Chris, I think you'd be better off asking someone at the Eastern Range. As they are clearly already talking to the press, I think you can be sure that they, at least, are not embargoing the date.

[StealerofSuns]

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/12/19/spacex-launch-rescheduled-jan-31/

Title is a typo? Anyway, December 31st hopefully.

[Comga]

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/12/19/spacex-launch-rescheduled-jan-31/

Title is a typo? Anyway, December 31st hopefully.

This references the same source, Joe Abbott at the Waco Tribune-Herald. Therefore it is not independent confirmation.

Edit. The title has been corrected to Dec 31.

[Chris Bergin]

Seriously, Chris, I think you'd be better off asking someone at the Eastern Range. As they are clearly already talking to the press, I think you can be sure that they, at least, are not embargoing the date.

You assume I don't know the status. I do, but I'm not publishing in the open site, it's for SpaceX to announce to the public.

The above reports are wrong, however.

[Prober]

Seriously, Chris, I think you'd be better off asking someone at the Eastern Range. As they are clearly already talking to the press, I think you can be sure that they, at least, are not embargoing the date.

You assume I don't know the status. I do, but I'm not publishing in the open site, it's for SpaceX to announce to the public.

The above reports are wrong, however.

Chris enjoys playing the tease on this I see 

[mlindner]

Seriously, Chris, I think you'd be better off asking someone at the Eastern Range. As they are clearly already talking to the press, I think you can be sure that they, at least, are not embargoing the date.

You assume I don't know the status. I do, but I'm not publishing in the open site, it's for SpaceX to announce to the public.

The above reports are wrong, however.

Chris enjoys playing the tease on this I see 

No, he enjoys posting correct information and not rumor milling...

[Ben the Space Brit]

The above reports are wrong, however.

So, is Joseph Abbott knowingly publishing incorrect information or does he have a bad source? Inquiring minds would like to know.

[Chris Bergin]

The above reports are wrong, however.

So, is Joseph Abbott knowingly publishing incorrect information or does he have a bad source? Inquiring minds would like to know.

No, he's just behind the loop. It was the 31st for a bit, as a planning date. Remember, there's no such thing as a firm launch date until it's planned, range approved, and the flow can make that date. That's why I'm not going to annoy SpaceX by posting dates on the open forum every other day, cause it will keep moving around. That's why I'm not posting any other current planning dates. They'd only get tweeted out and misrepresented anyway.

(And for those concerned about the lack of updates in an update thread, I'll tidy it up tomorrow by split and merging with the discussion thread).

[Chris Bergin]

Ok, now public about the date we've had in L2....but it's still fluid, so don't go booking trips just yet.

http://www.patrick.af.mil/

Launch Vehicle/Mission: Falcon 9/Thaicom 6
Date: Jan. 3, 2014 (Their site says 2013, but that's a typo that can happen a lot this time of year!)
Launch Window: 5:57 p.m. - 7:23 p.m. EST
Pad: SLC-40
Launch Hazard Area period
Airspace Closure Areas

[sdsds]

A usually reliable source mentions a static test scheduled for December 27 and launch readiness review scheduled for January 2.

[Galactic Penguin SST]

According to Ben Cooper's Launch Photography launch viewing page, the launch time has shifted slightly earlier to 5:50 - 7:17 pm EST (22:50 - 00:17 UTC).

(and as usual this change was recorded on L2 first  )

[ChefPat]

Has there been any word on the static fire?

[Chris Bergin]

There's the Static Fire complete on Saturday:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/12/spacex-falcon-9-v1-1-static-fire-test-thaicom-6-launch/