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#560
by
Roy_H
on 24 Jan, 2019 18:33
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So, would a static fire require that the strongback + crew accessway be pulled back from the stack before the fire?
The purpose of the static fire is to simulate all steps in a real launch. I think it would be a major error if they fail to retract the crew arm.
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#561
by
butters
on 24 Jan, 2019 18:38
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So, would a static fire require that the strongback + crew accessway be pulled back from the stack before the fire?
The purpose of the static fire is to simulate all steps in a real launch. I think it would be a major error if they fail to retract the crew arm.
With load-and-go, wouldn't we expect the crew access arm to be retracted, and the SuperDraco abort system activated, before tanking begins at T-35m? Pad abort is definitely a no-go with the access arm extended.
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#562
by
Joffan
on 24 Jan, 2019 18:53
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So, would a static fire require that the strongback + crew accessway be pulled back from the stack before the fire?
The purpose of the static fire is to simulate all steps in a real launch. I think it would be a major error if they fail to retract the crew arm.
With load-and-go, wouldn't we expect the crew access arm to be retracted, and the SuperDraco abort system activated, before tanking begins at T-35m? Pad abort is definitely a no-go with the access arm extended.
Pad abort is probably a "go" any time the system is activated. The reason to retract either the TE or the access arm earlier than normal would be to avoid the damage to those items that an abort might inflict. I 'd see the access arm as being far more vulnerable; the Dragon is above most of the TE.
So yes, I too would expect the access arm to be moved a little out of the way once the abort is armed. But perhaps not a full retraction until late in the count; an interesting point to watch.
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#563
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:26
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IF they are on a normal timeline, LOX load should be starting now.
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#564
by
Comga
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:26
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Separate question:
From memory, for all recent Falcon launches, the strongback is retracted at T-4:00.
For Crew Dragon, including DM-1, will the strongback be retracted before fueling, at T-35:00 so that the capsule has a clear escape path?
Particularly if the umbilical retractors are designed to work from the retracted position, it seems logical that it be retracted any time the LAS is primed to pull the capsule away from a dangerous situation.
"Dangerous situations" includes failures during fueling.
Responding to my own question, it just passed T-35:00 for a 1600 local static fire time.
Fueling should have started if they are still on that schedule.
The CAA is retracted but the strongback has not yet leaned back.
edit:
LOX loading has started
It is not clear how jjyach knows this.
The strongback is still not retracted at 3:30 local (T-30:00 for 4:00 SF)
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#565
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:31
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With all of that wind, venting might not be too obvious until later in the count then normal.
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#566
by
HelixSpiral
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:35
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Looks like there's frost forming on the first stage, so I'd say loading has started yes.
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#567
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:35
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Again, IF normal timing, Second stage LOX loading should be starting now.
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#568
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:40
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Venting!
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#569
by
Craftyatom
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:41
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Heck of a lot of venting from the TE.
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#570
by
Comga
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:41
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Venting!
So SpaceX did NOT retract the strongback before LOX loading.
Interesting
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#571
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:44
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Venting stopped. 1st stage LOX load in Pre-topping.
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#572
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:50
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2nd stage venting visible.
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#573
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:53
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Main engine chill down should have started.
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#574
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:56
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Strongback should start to retract soon.
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#575
by
Lars-J
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:57
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Strongback is retracting
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#576
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 19:59
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Let's light this candle.
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#577
by
ejb749
on 24 Jan, 2019 20:00
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Ignition!
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#578
by
Craftyatom
on 24 Jan, 2019 20:01
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4:00pm Eastern on the dot!
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#579
by
Comga
on 24 Jan, 2019 20:01
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Strongback should start to retract soon.
Nope!
It looks like they did the static fire without retracting the strongback