Author Topic: SpaceX Falcon 9 - Iridium NEXT - Jan 14, 2017 (17:54 UTC)- UPDATES (Read 224204 times)

ZachS09 · « **Reply #120 on:** 01/14/2017 04:51 pm »

T-4 minutes. The strongback cradles are opening. Awaiting retraction momentarily.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #121 on:** 01/14/2017 04:51 pm »

Strongback retract coming up. This was a bit naughty during the static fire, the first time around.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #122 on:** 01/14/2017 04:51 pm »

T-4 minutes. Valves are open.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #123 on:** 01/14/2017 04:51 pm »

T-3 minutes, 30 seconds. Strongback retraction in work. Its final position will be 20 degrees away from the Falcon 9.

The Flight Termination System is now internal.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #124 on:** 01/14/2017 04:52 pm »

T-3 minutes. Stage 2 TVC gimbal checks are complete.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #125 on:** 01/14/2017 04:52 pm »

T-2 minutes, 40 seconds. The strongback is now fully retracted.

Now arming the Niagara water deluge system. This will be activated at T-7 seconds to help absorb the shock of the 1,710,212 pounds of thrust produced by the Falcon 9.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #126 on:** 01/14/2017 04:52 pm »

T-3 minutes. FTS is armed and ready for launch.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #127 on:** 01/14/2017 04:53 pm »

T-120 seconds. Range GREEN.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #128 on:** 01/14/2017 04:53 pm »

T-2 minutes. Stage 2 LOX is at flight level.

The Range Operations Controller has confirmed that the Western Range is GO for launch.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #129 on:** 01/14/2017 04:53 pm »

T-90 seconds. The SpaceX Launch Director has given his GO for launch.

T-80 seconds. The helium loading has stopped and a final purge of the Stage 1 engines is underway.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #130 on:** 01/14/2017 04:53 pm »

T-2 minutes. Range is green.

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #131 on:** 01/14/2017 04:53 pm »

Go for launch

ZachS09 · « **Reply #132 on:** 01/14/2017 04:54 pm »

T-1 minute. Falcon 9 is in start-up mode. Now pressurizing the stage tanks for about 30 seconds.

Also beginning final prelaunch checks.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #133 on:** 01/14/2017 04:54 pm »

T-30 seconds. Status check. Go Falcon, Go Iridium.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #134 on:** 01/14/2017 04:54 pm »

T-1 minute. Vehicle is in startup.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #135 on:** 01/14/2017 04:54 pm »

T-20 seconds. Falcon 9 is secure at flight pressures and is configured for flight.

T-15 seconds. Launch igniters and pyrotechnics are armed.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #136 on:** 01/14/2017 04:55 pm »

T-10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, we have Merlin 1D+ ignition, and liftoff! Liftoff of the Return to Flight for Falcon 9, carrying ten new and improved Iridium-NEXT satellites to ensure better cell phone coverage than ever before!

ZachS09 · « **Reply #137 on:** 01/14/2017 04:55 pm »

T+15 seconds. Stage 1 propulsion is nominal and pad securing is underway.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #138 on:** 01/14/2017 04:55 pm »

Liftoff!

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #139 on:** 01/14/2017 04:55 pm »

LAUNCH!!