Author Topic: SpaceX F9 : Bangabandhu-1 : KSC 39A : May 11, 2018 : Updates (Read 182481 times)

ZachS09 · « **Reply #240 on:** 05/11/2018 08:01 pm »

Welcome, everyone, to the second launch attempt coverage of SpaceX's maiden Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket, carrying Bangladesh's first geostationary communications satellite: Bangabandhu 1.

Yesterday's attempt was called off at T-58 seconds due to ground computer problems, but those issues have been worked out and we're proceeding towards a T0 at 20:14 UTC.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #241 on:** 05/11/2018 08:01 pm »

Tom Praderio back with fellow co-host Michael Hammersley.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #242 on:** 05/11/2018 08:02 pm »

Web cast has started.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #243 on:** 05/11/2018 08:03 pm »

Recapping the last-minute abort and its cause.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #244 on:** 05/11/2018 08:03 pm »

T-11 minutes. Abort yesterday from ground sequence relay.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #245 on:** 05/11/2018 08:04 pm »

T-10 minutes. Prop loading still in progress. This will be finished about a few minutes before launch.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #246 on:** 05/11/2018 08:04 pm »

T-10 minutes.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #247 on:** 05/11/2018 08:05 pm »

95% full in Stage 1 fuel tank while 100% full in Stage 1 oxidizer tank.

From the drone ship camera view, the weather in the recovery area is a lot better. It was pouring rain there yesterday.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #248 on:** 05/11/2018 08:05 pm »

T-9 minutes. 95% full on stage 1 fuel.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #249 on:** 05/11/2018 08:05 pm »

Watching upper-level winds as well as cumulus clouds.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #250 on:** 05/11/2018 08:06 pm »

Restating changes to Block 5.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #251 on:** 05/11/2018 08:06 pm »

T-8 minutes. Stage 1 and 2 TVC pressure levels coming up.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #252 on:** 05/11/2018 08:07 pm »

T-7 minutes. Stage 1 engine chilldown has started. Liquid oxygen now flowing through the first stage engine nozzles as part of a pre-ignition process.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #253 on:** 05/11/2018 08:07 pm »

T-7 minutes. Engine chill should be starting now.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #254 on:** 05/11/2018 08:08 pm »

T-6 minutes. Bangabandhu 1 should be on internal power at this time.

Not attempting to recover the fairings.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #255 on:** 05/11/2018 08:08 pm »

T-6 minutes. Stage 1 and 2 almost fully loaded.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #256 on:** 05/11/2018 08:08 pm »

Both stages' fuel tanks are at 100%.

Stage 2 oxidizer tank is at 90%.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #257 on:** 05/11/2018 08:09 pm »

T-5 minutes. Tanks are pressing for strongback retraction.

Steven Pietrobon · « **Reply #258 on:** 05/11/2018 08:09 pm »

T-5 minutes. Vehicle is in self align.

ZachS09 · « **Reply #259 on:** 05/11/2018 08:10 pm »

T-4 minutes. The strongback lowering sequence has started with the clamps beneath the fairing opening.

Initially moving 1.8 degrees away from the Falcon 9, the strongback will be thrown back rapidly at T0.