Author Topic: SCRUB: SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 - CRS-3 Dragon - ATTEMPT 1 UPDATES (Read 67289 times)

Chris Bergin · « **on:** 04/14/2014 02:29 am »

LIVE LAUNCH DAY UPDATE THREAD FOR SPACEX'S FALCON 9 V1.1 LAUNCH OF CRS-3 Dragon.

THIS THREAD IS FOR UPDATES ONLY. ALL NON UPDATES WILL BE REMOVED.

Webcast: http://www.spacex.com/webcast/
http://www.spacex.com/webcast/

Window is instantaneous at 20:58 UTC (16:58 local time).

Resources:

Specific Articles for F9/CRS-3
Numerous articles on this page:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/tag/dragon/

Specific Launch Day Article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/04/spacex-crs-3-dragon-new-milestones/

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/

=--=

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 CRS-3 General Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31513.0

SpaceX CRS-3 LAUNCH UPDATE Thread:
You're in it.

SpaceX CRS-3 Party Thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=34006.0

=--=

L2 Members:

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

L2 Level F9 v1.1/CRS-3 Pre Launch:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=31562.0

L2 Level F9 v1.1/CRS-3 Launch Day:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=34475.0

=--=

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

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #1 on:** 04/14/2014 12:39 pm »

Ok, off we go, starting with another awesome overview article by William Graham:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/04/spacex-crs-3-dragon-new-milestones/

Remember to use the discussion threads. This is only for updates.

Artyom. · « **Reply #2 on:** 04/14/2014 01:34 pm »

SpaceX ‏@SpaceX
Falcon 9 and Dragon have gone vertical in advance of today’s launch to the ISS! Liftoff @ 4:58pm ET.

Zaran · « **Reply #3 on:** 04/14/2014 01:48 pm »

Looks like the strongback is retracted early for Dragon missions on the F9 v1.1, unlike on commercial missions with the fairing were it stays upright until T-6 minutes.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #4 on:** 04/14/2014 02:23 pm »

Press kit time:

Today, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft are set to launch the CRS-3 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA. Liftoff is targeted for 4:58pm EDT from SpaceX’s Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Dragon will be loaded with nearly 5,000 pounds of supplies and science experiments bound for the ISS, and if all goes according to plan, the spacecraft will berth with the station around 7:00am EDT on Wednesday April 16th. A full mission press kit is attached.

SpaceX’s live launch webcast will begin at 4:20pm EDT at www.spacex.com/webcast.

Photos are available at www.spacex.com/media, and videos will be made available after the launch at vimeo.com/spacexlaunch.

psloss · « **Reply #5 on:** 04/14/2014 02:34 pm »

Same feed on a couple of the one-frame-per-minute "channels"...didn't check for a full feed.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/

daveglo · « **Reply #6 on:** 04/14/2014 02:54 pm »

Launch forecast for today, courtesy of our servicemembers at Patrick AFB:

http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #7 on:** 04/14/2014 03:24 pm »

Quote from: daveglo on 04/14/2014 02:54 pm

Launch forecast for today, courtesy of our servicemembers at Patrick AFB:

http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

Thanks for that, unfortunately it's currently unavailable (too many NSF people trying to access?!)

Could someone who's already downloaded it attach here?

psloss · « **Reply #8 on:** 04/14/2014 03:31 pm »

Quote from: daveglo on 04/14/2014 02:54 pm

Launch forecast for today, courtesy of our servicemembers at Patrick AFB:

http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

Today's issued forecast attached; no major change from yesterday, 20% chance of a weather violation at liftoff time. Deeper into the count today the weather rules will be green/red.

InfraNut2 · « **Reply #9 on:** 04/14/2014 03:33 pm »

manboy · « **Reply #10 on:** 04/14/2014 04:25 pm »

A number of pictures have been/are being uploaded to the KSC gallery

http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=262

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #11 on:** 04/14/2014 05:33 pm »

RP-1 loading has begun.

TSomers · « **Reply #12 on:** 04/14/2014 05:37 pm »

SpaceX has just posted a video of the rocket being raised on the pad:

The_Ronin · « **Reply #13 on:** 04/14/2014 06:29 pm »

Did I just see the launch constraint forecast on the last weather briefing being raised to 60%?

psloss · « **Reply #14 on:** 04/14/2014 06:38 pm »

Quote from: The_Ronin on 04/14/2014 06:29 pm

Did I just see the launch constraint forecast on the last weather briefing being raised to 60%?

That was probably for later in the week (anybody get an image/images from the most recent Wx briefing?)...there will be at least one weather briefing during live coverage...attaching a cap from earlier of the weather loop showing the launch (and landing) areas...

daveglo · « **Reply #15 on:** 04/14/2014 06:44 pm »

Patrick AFB Launch Hazard Area attached.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #16 on:** 04/14/2014 06:44 pm »

Prop loading complete.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #17 on:** 04/14/2014 07:06 pm »

Under two hours to launch. No issues that we know of being worked.

Site's getting busy (remember, *if* we get too busy, we will remove guests, so make sure you're logged in).

mikes · « **Reply #18 on:** 04/14/2014 07:13 pm »

There's an ISS pass in the UK at 2151BST (2051UTC) and the Dragon is expected to go over 20 minutes later. Do you think the second stage will be visible? If so, roughly what time? If I've missed this already posted, apologies and please point.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #19 on:** 04/14/2014 07:38 pm »

And of course, this is a CRS mission, so NASA TV is covering too. Coverage begining shortly. I'll stay on NASA TV, if others want to add the SpaceX coverage when it begins, so as to give the Occupy Mars T-shirt kids some smiley exposure!

Rocket Science · « **Reply #20 on:** 04/14/2014 07:41 pm »

5 min till webcast...

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #21 on:** 04/14/2014 07:41 pm »

Here we go, boys and girls!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #22 on:** 04/14/2014 07:46 pm »

Live....

Targeteer · « **Reply #23 on:** 04/14/2014 07:46 pm »

launch scrubbed

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #24 on:** 04/14/2014 07:46 pm »

SCRUB!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #25 on:** 04/14/2014 07:47 pm »

Well that was an anti-climax. Will be asking sources what happened.

Targeteer · « **Reply #26 on:** 04/14/2014 07:47 pm »

NASA TV signed off--that was quick

psloss · « **Reply #27 on:** 04/14/2014 07:48 pm »

Quote from: Targeteer on 04/14/2014 07:47 pm

NASA TV signed off--that was quick

Likely to be a little bit before there's much to report on...wonder if SpaceX will do an webcast announcement or not.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #28 on:** 04/14/2014 07:52 pm »

That came late too, as I had a "no issues" not long after prop loading was complete. Working it.

Go4TLI · « **Reply #29 on:** 04/14/2014 07:56 pm »

Reports of a helium leak on 1st stage

The_Ronin · « **Reply #30 on:** 04/14/2014 08:00 pm »

they use helium for turbopump spin up, right? Or was this for the helium tanks for the legs?

WindyCity · « **Reply #31 on:** 04/14/2014 08:01 pm »

CRS-3 Update
Today’s launch has been scrubbed due to a Helium leak on Falcon 9’s first stage. A fix will be implemented by the next launch opportunity on Friday April 18, though weather on that date isn’t ideal. Check back here for updates.

yg1968 · « **Reply #32 on:** 04/14/2014 08:03 pm »

What's the next launch date if Friday is scrubbed because of the weather?

The_Ronin · « **Reply #33 on:** 04/14/2014 08:06 pm »

It's every 4 days, isn't it? So 4/22?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #34 on:** 04/14/2014 08:10 pm »

Quote from: The_Ronin on 04/14/2014 08:06 pm

It's every 4 days, isn't it? So 4/22?

I believe so too. Will check.

Ok, so this thread is no longer a live thread. We'll set up a new one for the next attempt. However, posts must be specific to this scrub. If not, use the discussion threads.

Jim · « **Reply #35 on:** 04/14/2014 08:14 pm »

Quote from: The_Ronin on 04/14/2014 08:00 pm

they use helium for turbopump spin up, right? Or was this for the helium tanks for the legs?

Fuel pressurization. Secondary function is leg deployment.

Kim Keller · « **Reply #36 on:** 04/14/2014 08:17 pm »

Quote from: Jim on 04/14/2014 08:14 pm

Quote from: The_Ronin on 04/14/2014 08:00 pm
they use helium for turbopump spin up, right? Or was this for the helium tanks for the legs?

Fuel pressurization. Secondary function is leg deployment.

And stage separation, which happens to be today's culprit, I'm hearing.

Lar · « **Reply #37 on:** 04/14/2014 09:50 pm »

Update thread, people.

Expressions of dismay, questioning people's sources, refuting reports, etc... all off topic.

mlindner · « **Reply #38 on:** 04/14/2014 10:12 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/14/2014 08:10 pm

Quote from: The_Ronin on 04/14/2014 08:06 pm
It's every 4 days, isn't it? So 4/22?

I believe so too. Will check.

Ok, so this thread is no longer a live thread. We'll set up a new one for the next attempt. However, posts must be specific to this scrub. If not, use the discussion threads.

Do we have any updates on whether the leak was on GSE side or in/on the rocket itself?

psloss · « **Reply #39 on:** 04/14/2014 10:46 pm »

Long look ahead to Friday weather posted by the 45th Weather Squadron:
http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

Quote

Synoptic Discussion:Weather will begin to deteriorate Tuesday as a cold frontal system moves into the area with widespread clouds, rain and isolated thunderstorms. There is also a slight chance for hail and severe winds. The front should clear south of the Spaceport on Wednesday, allowing clouds to diminish. Temperatures will struggle to reach the mid 70’s as strong northeasterly surface winds remain through Thursday. On Friday, models indicate a wave developing in the Gulf of Mexico and moving over Central Florida. Thick cloud cover and periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms are typical with these systems. Maximum upper level winds will be 70 knots from the west-northwest at 43,000 feet.

Quote

Launch day probability of violating launch weather constraints: 60%
Primary concern(s): Thick Cloud Rule, Lightning Rule, Flight Through Precipitation

yg1968 · « **Reply #40 on:** 04/15/2014 01:17 am »

Here is a replay of the NASA TV coverage of the scrub:

jacqmans · « **Reply #41 on:** 04/15/2014 06:38 pm »

Forecast 40 Percent 'Go' if SpaceX-3 Aims for Friday Launch

April 15, 2014 - 9:20 AM EDT

If NASA and SpaceX officials decide to attempt to launch SpaceX-3 to the International Space Station on Friday, April 18, there is a 40 percent chance of favorable weather. The U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron issued its L-3 forecast, which predicts a chance of showers and thunderstorms that could result in violating the Thick Cloud, Lightning and Flight Through Precipitation rules.

Monday's launch attempt was scrubbed because of a helium leak in the first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket. The next possible launch opportunity would be April 18 at 3:25 p.m. EDT, pending resolution of the issue and a decision by NASA space station and SpaceX managers.

beancounter · « **Reply #42 on:** 04/16/2014 02:34 am »

Quote from: Kim Keller on 04/14/2014 08:17 pm

Quote from: Jim on 04/14/2014 08:14 pm
Quote from: The_Ronin on 04/14/2014 08:00 pm
they use helium for turbopump spin up, right? Or was this for the helium tanks for the legs?

Fuel pressurization. Secondary function is leg deployment.

And stage separation, which happens to be today's culprit, I'm hearing.

Do the pneumatic pushers utilise helium?

beancounter · « **Reply #43 on:** 04/16/2014 02:37 am »

Quote from: Jim on 04/16/2014 02:36 am

Quote from: beancounter on 04/16/2014 02:34 am

No, F9 uses pneumatic pushers, not helium.

Huh? The pneumatic pushers use helium

Yes sorry just realised my error and asked the question.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #44 on:** 04/16/2014 02:06 pm »

New article today to update where we are, and I'll use William's article for the Friday attempt.

....

SpaceX:

NASA and SpaceX have confirmed Friday, April 18 for the next launch attempt for the Falcon 9 rocket to send the Dragon spacecraft on the company's third commercial resupply mission and fourth visit to the space station. Launch is targeted for 3:25 p.m. ET. The launch will be webcast live at www.spacex.com/webcast beginning at 2:45 p.m. ET.

A launch on Friday results in a rendezvous with the space station on Sunday, April 20 and a grapple at 7:14 a.m ET.

During Monday’s launch attempt, preflight checks detected that a helium valve in the stage separation pneumatic system was not holding the right pressure. This meant that the stage separation pistons would be reliant on a backup check valve.

No issue was detected with the backup valve and a flight would likely have been successful, but SpaceX policy is not to launch with any known anomalies. We have brought the vehicle back to horizontal and are replacing the faulty valve, as well as inspecting the whole system for anything that may have contributed to the valve not working as designed.

yg1968 · « **Reply #45 on:** 04/16/2014 02:10 pm »

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/launch/index.html

SpaceX Launch Reset for Friday
April 16, 2014 - 8:28 AM EDT

The International Space Station Program and SpaceX have selected Friday, April 18 for the next launch attempt for the Falcon 9 rocket to send the Dragon cargo craft on the company's third commercial resupply mission to the space station. Launch is scheduled for 3:25 p.m. EDT. NASA TV coverage will begin at 2:15 p.m.

A launch on Friday results in a rendezvous with the space station on Sunday, April 20 and a grapple at 7:14 a.m. NASA TV coverage will begin at 5:45 a.m. with berthing coverage beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The U.S. Air Force 45th Weather Squadron forecast predicts a 40 percent chance of favorable weather, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms that could result in violating the Thick Cloud, Lightning and Flight Through Precipitation rules.

SpaceX has settled on a backup launch date of Saturday, April 19 for the best pair of launch dates for the science payloads being delivered to the station. If needed, a Saturday launch would occur at 3:02 p.m. NASA TV coverage would begin at 2 p.m. This would be a three-day transit to the station instead of two days with grapple on Tuesday, April 22.

If SpaceX launches Friday, a contingency spacewalk to replace a failed multiplexer-demultiplexer will be conducted on Wednesday, April 23. If SpaceX scrubs Friday and attempts to launch Saturday, the contingency spacewalk moves earlier to Sunday, April 20.

yg1968 · « **Reply #46 on:** 04/16/2014 02:23 pm »

If Friday doesn't work out, the backup date is Saturday according to the press release above. Is the weather more favourable on Saturday?

Lurker Steve · « **Reply #47 on:** 04/16/2014 02:25 pm »

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/16/2014 02:06 pm

No issue was detected with the backup valve and a flight would likely have been successful, but SpaceX policy is not to launch with any known anomalies. We have brought the vehicle back to horizontal and are replacing the faulty valve, as well as inspecting the whole system for anything that may have contributed to the valve not working as designed.

Sure, the backup value worked. But if there was a helium leak, would there be enough gas remaining in the system ? Is it just a backup value, or an entire duplicate set of helium lines that are able to maintain pressure when the primary lines have low pressure due to the leak ?

Space Pete · « **Reply #48 on:** 04/16/2014 02:29 pm »

So, two scenarios then:

Scenario 1:
SpX-3 launch: Friday 18/04 @ 3:25 PM EDT / 7:25 PM GMT
SpX-3 capture: Sunday 20/04 @ 7:14 AM EDT / 11:14 AM GMT
MDM R&R EVA: Wednesday 23/04

Scenario 2:
SpX-3 launch: Saturday 19/04 @ 3:02 PM EDT / 7:02 PM GMT
SpX-3 capture: Tuesday 22/04
MDM R&R EVA: Sunday 20/04

dsmillman · « **Reply #49 on:** 04/16/2014 02:35 pm »

Quote from: Space Pete on 04/16/2014 02:29 pm

So, two scenarios then:

Scenario 1:
SpX-3 launch: Friday 18/04 @ 3:25 PM EDT / 8:25 PM GMT
SpX-3 capture: Sunday 20/04 @ 7:14 AM EDT / 12:14 PM GMT
MDM R&R EVA: Wednesday 23/04

Scenario 2:
SpX-3 launch: Saturday 19/04 @ 3:02 PM EDT / 8:02 PM GMT
SpX-3 capture: Tuesday 22/04
MDM R&R EVA: Sunday 20/04

GMT is four hours later than EDT not five. Please adjust the times.

Space Pete · « **Reply #50 on:** 04/16/2014 02:37 pm »

Quote from: dsmillman on 04/16/2014 02:35 pm

GMT is four hours later than EDT not five. Please adjust the times.

Oops, right you are! I accidentally adjusted them for British time, forgetting that the UK is now on BST, now GMT. Post adjusted.

yg1968 · « **Reply #51 on:** 04/16/2014 02:38 pm »

Quote from: Space Pete on 04/16/2014 02:29 pm

So, two scenarios then:

Scenario 1:
Scenario 2:

I thought that there was parts that needed to be delivered on the CRS-3 flight in order for the EVA to be done. But under scenario 2, the EVA is done prior to capture. So I imagine that they will do without these parts if the launch is on Saturday.

Kabloona · « **Reply #52 on:** 04/16/2014 03:37 pm »

Quote from: Lurker Steve on 04/16/2014 02:25 pm

Quote from: Chris Bergin on 04/16/2014 02:06 pm

No issue was detected with the backup valve and a flight would likely have been successful, but SpaceX policy is not to launch with any known anomalies. We have brought the vehicle back to horizontal and are replacing the faulty valve, as well as inspecting the whole system for anything that may have contributed to the valve not working as designed.

Sure, the backup value worked. But if there was a helium leak, would there be enough gas remaining in the system ? Is it just a backup value, or an entire duplicate set of helium lines that are able to maintain pressure when the primary lines have low pressure due to the leak ?

It sounds like a leaking check valve that wasn't "checking" sufficiently to hold pressure...ie an internal leak, not an external leak. In which case it was not a question of losing helium to the atmosphere, and thus running out of helium, but of potentially not having adequate helium pressure in one branch of the pusher plumbing.

Check valves are often placed in series for redundancy in case of a leak like this. Don't know, but I'm guessing there are two check valves in series on one high pressure line supplying a pusher, and one of those two valves leaked internally. In that case, the backup valve would have maintained adequate pressure on that line.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #53 on:** 04/16/2014 03:55 pm »

Here's an article I've thrown together:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/04/spacex-nasa-realign-launch-eva-scenarios/

Prober · « **Reply #54 on:** 04/16/2014 04:33 pm »

? what's changed

Thought Dragon could only be launched every 4 days?

psloss · « **Reply #55 on:** 04/16/2014 04:40 pm »

Quote from: Prober on 04/16/2014 04:33 pm

? what's changed

The phasing would be different for a Saturday launch attempt; three days instead of two for Friday. (See the NASA update that yg1968 posted.)

psloss · « **Reply #56 on:** 04/16/2014 04:42 pm »

Quote from: yg1968 on 04/16/2014 02:23 pm

If Friday doesn't work out, the backup date is Saturday according to the press release above. Is the weather more favourable on Saturday?

The 45th Weather Squadron didn't post a specific forecast for Saturday in this morning's update; however, we may see that going forward given the decision to target Saturday for a backup launch opportunity.

(Which isn't to say that Friday might not work out.)

Edit, here's the synopsis from the 45th from this morning...I don't see much of a change from Monday evening:

Quote

Synoptic Discussion: The front that passed through Central Florida yesterday has stalled in Southern
Florida. The front will remain to the south today and Thursday bringing partly cloudy skies and a chance
of isolated rain showers. In addition, an upper-level feature move through Central Florida on Thursday
and will bring a slight chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Winds will be strong and gusty from the
northeast both days. On Friday, the frontal boundary will move back to the north into Northern Florida as
a wave develops in the Gulf of Mexico. This wave will move through the Florida Peninsula and off to the
northeast by Saturday morning. Thick cloud cover, with periods of rain and isolated thunderstorms are
expected as this system transits through Florida on Friday.
Maximum upper level winds will be 70 knots from the west-northwest at 43,000 feet.

Norm38 · « **Reply #57 on:** 04/16/2014 05:38 pm »

The Weather Channel forecast for the Cape is thunderstorms on Friday, 80% chance of rain, and showers on Sat, 40% chance of rain. That's all the resolution there is right now.

yg1968 · « **Reply #58 on:** 04/16/2014 05:45 pm »

Quote from: yg1968 on 04/16/2014 02:23 pm

If Friday doesn't work out, the backup date is Saturday according to the press release above. Is the weather more favourable on Saturday?

It would be 70% go on Saturday (if Friday is scrubbed).

https://twitter.com/flatoday_jdean/status/456487028633260032

GalacticIntruder · « **Reply #59 on:** 04/16/2014 05:49 pm »

But there was this tweet.

Quote

Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust 1h
Gerst: if Dragon doesn't launch on Friday, go with Cygnus launch on May 6.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust

Ultimatum?

yg1968 · « **Reply #60 on:** 04/16/2014 05:52 pm »

Quote from: GalacticIntruder on 04/16/2014 05:49 pm

But there was this tweet.

Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust 1h
Gerst: if Dragon doesn't launch on Friday, go with Cygnus launch on May 6.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust

Ultimatum?

I think that Gerst said this weekend (not this Friday).

Prober · « **Reply #61 on:** 04/16/2014 06:36 pm »

Quote from: yg1968 on 04/16/2014 05:52 pm

Quote from: GalacticIntruder on 04/16/2014 05:49 pm
But there was this tweet.

Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust 1h
Gerst: if Dragon doesn't launch on Friday, go with Cygnus launch on May 6.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust

Ultimatum?

I think that Gerst said this weekend (not this Friday).

Ok I just got this sorted out...
From the AP
"If SpaceX isn't flying by Saturday, then Orbital Sciences will move to the front of the launch line, with a shipment in early May, officials said. That would push SpaceX into June."

So do I have this right......If no launch by Sat. then Dragon gets unloaded and some stuff moved to Orbital? Parts like the stuff for the EVA?

psloss · « **Reply #62 on:** 04/16/2014 07:02 pm »

Quote from: yg1968 on 04/16/2014 05:52 pm

Quote from: GalacticIntruder on 04/16/2014 05:49 pm
But there was this tweet.

Quote
Jeff Foust ‏@jeff_foust 1h
Gerst: if Dragon doesn't launch on Friday, go with Cygnus launch on May 6.

https://twitter.com/jeff_foust

Ultimatum?

I think that Gerst said this weekend (not this Friday).

Yes, there are the launch opportunities noted on Friday and Saturday; it does sound now like there's only room for one of them to fly a full mission before the high Beta angle cutout (30 May - 9 June) and the other will fly on the other side of that. (Perhaps complicated by the EXT MDM failure.)

jacqmans · « **Reply #63 on:** 04/16/2014 07:51 pm »

April 16, 2014

SpaceX Launch of NASA Cargo to Space Station Set for Friday, Spacewalk Wednesday

NASA and SpaceX are targeting a 3:25 p.m. EDT launch on Friday, April 18, of SpaceX's third cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. NASA Television coverage will begin at 2:15 p.m.
The company's April 14 launch to the orbiting laboratory was scrubbed due to a helium leak in the Falcon 9 rocket that will launch the Dragon spacecraft to the space station.

Dragon is carrying to the space station almost 5,000 pounds of science and research, crew supplies, vehicle hardware and spacewalk tools -- all to support the crew and more than 150 scientific investigations planned for Expeditions 39 and 40. If needed, another launch attempt will take place at 3:02 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

NASA Television coverage of Dragon’s arrival at the space station will begin at 5:45 a.m. Sunday, April 20. Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will use the space station's robotic arm to capture the spacecraft at approximately 7 a.m. NASA's Rick Mastracchio will support Wakata during the rendezvous. NASA Television coverage will resume at 9:30 a.m., as the Dragon is attached to the Earth-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module.

An April 18 launch will allow the space station program to plan for a spacewalk on Wednesday, April 23, to replace a failed multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) relay system. The prime MDM, which is operating normally, and the failed backup computer provide commands to some space station systems, including the external cooling system, Solar Alpha Rotary joints and Mobile Transporter rail car.

A separate media advisory providing NASA TV coverage times for the April 23 spacewalk will be issued at a later date.

For the latest information on the SpaceX mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spacex

For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv

psloss · « **Reply #64 on:** 04/17/2014 03:11 pm »

I don't see the full forecast posted online yet, but NASA has Tweeted an update to the Saturday forecast (no change the % for Friday):
https://twitter.com/NASA/status/456795164841746432

Quote

Weather for tmw's @SpaceX launch to #ISS is 40% "go." The forecast improves for a Saturday launch attempt to 60% "go" http://www.nasa.gov/spacex

tobi453 · « **Reply #65 on:** 04/17/2014 03:41 pm »

Here is the update:
http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

SpaceX have now 3 launch opportunities! On April 22 the weather is looking good at 80%.

ugordan · « **Reply #66 on:** 04/17/2014 03:47 pm »

Quote from: tobi453 on 04/17/2014 03:41 pm

Here is the update:
http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

SpaceX have now 3 launch opportunities! On April 22 the weather is looking good at 80%.

Maybe the Range was requested to support that one, doesn't mean NASA will want to go with the 22nd given the shedule juggling involved. So far only 18 and 19 dates were announced.

psloss · « **Reply #67 on:** 04/17/2014 04:54 pm »

Quote from: tobi453 on 04/17/2014 03:41 pm

Here is the update:
http://www.patrick.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070716-028.pdf

Thanks; attached today's release.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #68 on:** 04/17/2014 06:21 pm »

New thread in the morning for attempt 2.

Now live:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=34502.0