DAWN mission to orbit 1 Ceres & 4 Vesta.

3488 · Jun 24, 2007

The second stage of the Delta II launch vehicle for the Dawn spacecraft is lowered into the hole toward the Delta first stage below. Credit: NASA, Jim Grossman. Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

3488 · Jun 24, 2007

Thanks Comga. Very interesting. Thanks too to Emily Lakdawalla, for creating this movie. Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

MeteorWayne · Jun 28, 2007

06.27.07 George H. Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 STATUS REPORT: ELV-062707 EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT Mission: Dawn Location: Astrotech Space Operations Facility Launch Pad: 17-B Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925-H Launch Date: July 7, 2007 Launch Time: 4:09:31 - 4:36:22 p.m. EDT In preparation for the upcoming July 3 Flight Readiness Review, the mission team is working to resolve several issues. These include engineering checkouts and analysis on solid rocket motor attachment points strength; cork insulation repair; battery replacement; and additional technical checkouts of the launch vehicle. Managers also are ensuring that all tracking elements will be in place to support the July 7-11 launch window. The Dawn spacecraft arrived at Pad 17-B this morning and was hoisted atop the Delta II launch vehicle. The Flight Program Verification, an integrated test to verify that the launch vehicle and the spacecraft are working together, is scheduled for June 29. The fairing will be installed around the Dawn spacecraft atop the rocket on July 1. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

bobblebob · Jul 5, 2007

Launch delayed by 24 hours due to weather. 60% chance of "No Go" on Sunday aswell

deapfreeze · Jul 5, 2007

Hope the weather holds off tomorrow. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> William ( deapfreeze ) Hooperhttp://deapfreeze-amateur-astronomy.tk/ </div>

3488 · Jul 5, 2007

I do not know, but I have a bad feeling about this. First cancelled, then the fight (which I was personally involved in) to get DAWN back & now crap weather. I am really scared about this launch. I will probably not post again on this thread till DAWN is safely on her way. From a very nervous Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

MeteorWayne · Jul 5, 2007

Saw an interesting point in the NYT article on the mission. If for some reason it doesn't launch until November, Ceres will have to be dropped, as she and Vesta won't be close enough to do both. Hoepfully, with 4 months to spare, that won't be an issue <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Jul 5, 2007

I know this is two days old, but for continuity.. 07.03.07 George H. Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 STATUS REPORT: ELV-070307 EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT Mission: Dawn Launch Pad: 17-B Launch Vehicle: Delta II 7925-H Launch Date: July 7, 2007 Launch Time: 4:09:31 - 4:36:22 p.m. EDT The flight readiness review was completed on Tuesday. All technical issues were cleared. Mission managers will hold a teleconference on Wednesday to discuss the availability of telemetry assets. If it is determined there are sufficient aircraft and ship assets available, the team will proceed with propellant loading on Thursday. Previous status reports are available on the Web at: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/status/2007 <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Jul 5, 2007

And here's the latest official release.... 07.05.07 George Diller Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 MEDIA ADVISORY: 35-07 LAUNCH OF DAWN POSTPONED 24 HOURS TO SUNDAY, JULY 8 The launch of NASA's Dawn spacecraft aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II rocket has been postponed 24 hours. A lightning advisory this morning precluded the start of the Delta II second stage fueling as scheduled. If weather remains unacceptable this afternoon, fueling will be performed on Friday. Also this morning, the temperature within the fairing caused the required temperature of the second stage to be too warm for fueling to begin. The fairing temperature is being lowered by 10 degrees so that oxidizer loading can begin this afternoon if weather is acceptable. The countdown dress rehearsal scheduled for today has also been postponed until Friday. The launch window on Sunday, July 8, extends from 4:04 to 4:33 p.m. EDT. The chance of not meeting the launch weather criteria on Sunday is 60 percent. Required launch telemetry assets downrange will be in place to support the launch. The Dawn mission science briefing scheduled for Friday, July 6, will be held as scheduled starting at 1 p.m. EDT. The prelaunch press conference will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. following the launch readiness review. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

bobblebob · Jul 6, 2007

I signed up to the KSC newletter. Such a good thing, now dont have to keep checking the website for the latest launch news. Thanks again for telling me about it <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

jimfromnsf · Jul 6, 2007

Add another 24 hr slip

MeteorWayne · Jul 6, 2007

No problem, that's a good thing! I'll still post it here, broken down by mission for those who want to keep track that way. MW <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

MeteorWayne · Jul 6, 2007

What's the reason? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

bpcooper · Jul 6, 2007

Range aircraft problems: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d325/status.html <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> -Ben </div>

3488 · Jul 6, 2007

Thank you very much MeteorWayne & BPCooper. These ongoing delays are making me very jumpy. I just hope that NASA does not use these as an excuse to make a last minute cancellation. AFAIK, if the launch is delayed till November, then 1 Ceres is out of the plan. Please launch on Monday. From a very apprehensive Andrew Brown. Below a nice photo of the DAWN Spacecraft just pior to encapsulation. Credit: Amanda Diller / NASA. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

MeteorWayne · Jul 6, 2007

Relax Andrew. There are opportunities every day coming up, getting earlier each day. from Spaceflight now: link July 7 4:09:31 p.m. 4:36:22 p.m. July 8 4:04:49 p.m. 4:33:02 p.m. July 9 3:56:15 p.m. 4:25:23 p.m. July 10 3:53:32 p.m. 4:22:25 p.m. July 11 3:45:13 p.m. 4:14:44 p.m. July 12 3:42:35 p.m. 4:11:51 p.m. July 13 3:34:03 p.m. 4:03:46 p.m. July 14 3:25:40 p.m. 3:57:22 p.m. July 15 3:22:50 p.m. 3:54:40 p.m. July 16 3:14:09 p.m. 3:44:50 p.m. July 17 3:12:37 p.m. 3:42:42 p.m. July 18 3:01:58 p.m. 3:33:34 p.m. July 19 2:52:53 p.m. 3:28:02 p.m. Wayne, waiting semi patiently <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

3488 · Jul 6, 2007

Thanks MeteorWayne, Its just that the DAWN mission along with MPL are very important & mean a lot to those who were part of the campaign to get them reinstated (DAWN) & going (Mars Phoenix Lander). So I am pretty NERVOUS about this. Once again, thanks for your ongoing support MeteorWayne. I know that you want this to succeed as much as me, so we are in the same boat. And we both know how fickle NASA can be these days. Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before". Linda Morabito on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.http://www.launchphotography.com/ http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearthhttp://web.me.com/meridianijournal </div>

jimfromnsf · Jul 6, 2007

"And we both know how fickle NASA can be these days. " What do you mean?

bpcooper · Jul 6, 2007

NET July 15. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> -Ben </div>

bobblebob · Jul 6, 2007

"These ongoing delays are making me very jumpy. I just hope that NASA does not use these as an excuse to make a last minute cancellation" Cant imagine that happening. NASA have spend millions on getting the spacecraft ready for launch, would be silly to cancel now

JonClarke · Jul 6, 2007

I am guessing that with a major slip the mission could go to either Ceres or Vesta, but not both. In such a case I imagine that some minor asteroids could be targeted as alternative follow up bodies. Disapointing, but still a very good mission. Jon <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> Whether we become a multi-planet species with unlimited horizons, or are forever confined to Earth will be decided in the twenty-first century amid the vast plains, rugged canyons and lofty mountains of Mars Arthur Clarke </div>

Boris_Badenov · Jul 7, 2007

I've heard that if the slip happens, it will go to Vesta. Personally I'd like to see it visit Ceres instead. Do you have any insight on the decision process? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div align="center">. </div><div align="center">Never roll in the mud with a pig. You'll both get dirty & the pig likes it.</div> </div>

MeteorWayne · Jul 7, 2007

ANOTHER DELAY. The Dawn asteroid exploration mission won't be launching before Sunday, July 15, NASA officials announced Friday evening after extensive discussions about the availability of downrange tracking assets and the overall readiness to go fly. Problems with the tracking plane and delays getting a substitute ship into the Atlantic Ocean region has been a source of headaches for the launch officials. Either the aircraft or the instrumented ship is required to receive telemetry from the rocket during the second and third stage firings off the west-central coast of Africa. Without a mobile tracking asset in place, engineers would have no insight or data while those critical events of the launch occur. NASA is racing against the calendar because Dawn's current launch opportunity closes July 19, giving just a few days left to get the spacecraft on the required trajectory to fly past Mars for a sling-shot maneuver and then into the asteroid belt for its rendezvous with Vesta and Ceres over the next eight years. If this period is missed, another one opens in September and extends through late October. <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /> spaceflight now MW <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function </div>

bpcooper · Jul 7, 2007

It's off till September officially. Stay tuned. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> -Ben </div>

mithridates · Jul 8, 2007

Whaaaat..... Okay, let's talk about something else to pass the time. Two questions: 1) What improved images of Ceres and Vesta are we going to have through other means before Dawn arrives? and 2) If another country decided to make a quicker and easier probe to simply use chemical rockets to get to Ceres and enter into orbit, how much would that cost? Which countries could afford a mission like this? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> ----- http://mithridates.blogspot.com </div>

DAWN mission to orbit 1 Ceres & 4 Vesta.

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