SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch, June 4, 2010

[MeteorWayne]

I thought I'd start a thread dedicated to the upcoming launch. This is being discussed scattered in other threads, so let's discuss it here! Wayne But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id. I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function 

 

[rybanis]

I'm really excited! Is there any word on a firm launch date? Looking at the SpaceX site I see that the maiden flight was supposed to be in Q4 2008. I can't find anything else. Hmmm. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>I'm really excited! Is there any word on a firm launch date? Looking at the SpaceX site I see that the maiden flight was supposed to be in Q4 2008. I can't find anything else. Hmmm. <br />Posted by rybanis</DIV><br /><br />I doubt there is a defined date. SpaceX doesn't seem to work that way, when the beast is ready, it will fly. They don't tend to commit to a date more than a few days in advance.</p><p>Here's the latest, posted by job1207 (I think) in another thread.</p><p>"The New Year got off to a great start for SpaceX with integration of Falcon 9 being completed a day ahead of schedule. Focus then shifted to the launch mount and erector and over the weekend, our team has made incredible progress.</p><p>Over the last few days, we flipped the launch mount base and installed it to the launch mount. We also installed the forward cradle and assembled the strongback in preparation for mating to the launch table base. Machining on the forward rail car assemblies was completed, with work on the aft rail car assembly quickly nearing completion, and a significant portion of the hydraulic systems were also installed.</p><p>Our next major milestone is rotation of the Launch Deck to vertical in order to initiate mating to the strongback, scheduled for Thursday, January 8th."</p><p>http://www.spacex.com/updates.php</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[tanstaafl76]

<p>I've been following that update page of theirs, seeing all those pictures of how it all comes together is really amazing. &nbsp;I can't help but feel excited for them! &nbsp;I hope Falcon 9 has a successful maiden flight!</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[job1207]

<p>Lifting a private rocket at the Cape should be a proud day for Elon. Congrats to all concerned. Today being Wed, that means they are planning to move it to vertical tomorrow. How about that!!!</p><p>Also, that strongback and what not look pretty simple. I like that a lot. Keep it simple. I would bet that the modications to the Cape did not cost $130 million or so, the approx cost of mods to the Cape for Ares I </p>

 

[nimbus]

I dont want to jinx it but... There's going to be losses on the way to a viable Falcon 9.. With some luck it won't cost SpaceX, investors, and customers too much. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[docm]

The losses they've suffered with Falcon I should mitigate the loss rate a bit.&nbsp; The Merlin seems solid as it's worked quite well.&nbsp; The other things; wrong software loads, poor separation timing etc., should lessen the likelihood of their being repeated with F9. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[tanstaafl76]

<p>I'm kind of surprised they're going to leave Falcon 9 sitting there for 6 months prior to launch, but I can understand they want to make sure everything is in order to give them the best chance at a successful maiden flight. &nbsp;It's clear that a lot will be riding on this, even moreso than when they first designed it.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Edit: &nbsp;Ooo another update today!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[ThereIWas2]

<p>Yeah, especially since the first F1 launch failed after sitting exposed to salt spray.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Maybe they will build the integration shed right over the F9. &nbsp; Nooo, that sounds dangerous.&nbsp;</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><span class="postbody"><span style="font-style:italic"><br /></span></span></p> </div>

 

[job1207]

<p>http://www.spacex.com/updates.php</p><p>Cool pics. Seven years from start up to this pic. Pretty impressive.&nbsp; </p>

 

[Zipi]

Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Yeah, especially since the first F1 launch failed after sitting exposed to salt spray.&nbsp;Maybe they will build the integration shed right over the F9. &nbsp; Nooo, that sounds dangerous.&nbsp; <br />Posted by ThereIWas2</DIV><br /><br />While I was reading SPACEX web pages I got an impression that this F9 is only for mount test and it is not an actual flying rocket even they are using pretty much flight worthy parts. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[lensman01]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>While I was reading SPACEX web pages I got an impression that this F9 is only for mount test and it is not an actual flying rocket even they are using pretty much flight worthy parts. <br />Posted by Zipi</DIV><br /><br />Having followed SpaceX's developement and their regular updates I have to agree, I seem to remember a quote about 90% flight hardware.</p><p>&nbsp;Still they're doing well and are to be congratulated.</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>Moses said 'And so it shall come to pass'</p><p>Little Billy said 'The Food you ate 24 Hours ago.'</p> </div>

 

[job1207]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Having followed SpaceX's developement and their regular updates I have to agree, I seem to remember a quote about 90% flight hardware.&nbsp;Still they're doing well and are to be congratulated. <br /> Posted by lensman01</DIV></p><p>http://www.spacex.com/updates.php</p><p>The rocket, the one that is going to launch is now vertical.&nbsp; </p><p>They are NOT going to keep it up. This was a test. They are now going to take it down and test it.&nbsp; </p>

 

[shuttle_guy]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>http://www.spacex.com/updates.phpThe rocket, the one that is going to launch is now vertical.&nbsp; They are NOT going to keep it up. This was a test. They are now going to take it down and test it.&nbsp; <br />Posted by job1207</DIV></p><p>No, the vehicle here at KSC has some flight components and some qualfication components. The interstage second stage and fairing are qualification units not flight units. Inaddation the facility still needs a few months of work. The hanger has not even been built yet.</p><p>&nbsp;http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon/090112f9vertical/<br /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>No, the vehicle here at KSC has some flight components and some qualfication components. The interstage second stage and fairing are qualification units not flight units. Inaddation the facility still needs a few months of work. The hanger has not even been built yet.&nbsp;http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon/090112f9vertical/ <br />Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV><br /><br />That was an interesting point in the note above, that it will be stored in a hanger most of the time, then set up and launched. S it will not be exposed to the elements for long periods (well except for this one, I guess, since the hanger isn't built yet, although some these parts will be disassembled and retested)</p><p>BTW, the spaceflightnow article that s_g linked to is very good. I urge everyone who is interested to read it. Some great pix too!</p><p>MW</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[tanstaafl76]

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Fantastic pics, I'm sure Elon is going to have one of the night pictures on his wall.&nbsp; But while a picture is worth a thousand words, it means little unless they can successfully launch the thing.&nbsp; Can't wait to see them fire that thing up in a few months!</p><p>I like these SpaceX guys.&nbsp; They have a goal, they have good logistics, and they just GET TO IT.&nbsp; For instance: "Metal for the hangar structure is already at the Cape, and fabrication is expected to begin next week"&nbsp; No sitting around, no long term construction horizons.&nbsp; They get the rocket there, do a few tests, and a week later they begin building the hangar.&nbsp; It almost sounds like they are fabricating it themselves?&nbsp; Rockets, hangars, these guys can build anything! </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[StrandedonEarthsince1970]

<p>Very impressive looking pics, I can't wait to see the bird launch. Kerosene makes such a nice bright flame. </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I'm guessing the 4 towers flanking the launch pad are lightning rods?</p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><em><strong>Now where on Earth did I park my UFO?</strong></em></p> </div>

 

[shuttle_guy]

Replying to:Very impressive looking pics, I can't wait to see the bird launch. Kerosene makes such a nice bright flame.  I'm guessing the 4 towers flanking the launch pad are lightning rods?
Posted by StrandedonEarthsince1970 Yes. the towers are part of the lightening protection system

 

[lensman01]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>&nbsp;Yes. the twowers are part of the lightening protection system <br />Posted by shuttle_guy</DIV><br /><br />Im sorry I've waited and waited but finally I've snapped.</p><p>The Two Towers is actually a Tolkien Book <img src="http://sitelife.space.com/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif" border="0" alt="Foot in mouth" title="Foot in mouth" /></p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>Moses said 'And so it shall come to pass'</p><p>Little Billy said 'The Food you ate 24 Hours ago.'</p> </div>

 

[rocketscientist327]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>This is the most interesting quote from that article linked above.&nbsp; " John Insprucker, the Falcon 9 product manager, formerly worked in the Air Force overseeing Titan, Delta and Atlas rocket programs. The comparison is striking, he said. "Changing a design can be measured, in the extreme, as taking hours at SpaceX and potentially years in the Air Force," Insprucker said. "SpaceX can control the pace and priorities of Falcon 9 development and can be more firmly in control of its destiny."" <br />Posted by job1207</DIV><br />This is what I love most about SpaceX...&nbsp; I absolutely know the big boys in this game work on that principle and this is why all the "old skoolers" dispise SpaceX.&nbsp; I plan to fly out when they do give a launch date.&nbsp; I hope to see some people there.</p><p>RocketScientist327 will bring and supply all "test articles"</p><p>VR<br />RS327</p>

 

[bpcooper]

<p><BR/>Replying to:<BR/><DIV CLASS='Discussion_PostQuote'>Very impressive looking pics, I can't wait to see the bird launch. Kerosene makes such a nice bright flame. &nbsp;I'm guessing the 4 towers flanking the launch pad are lightning rods? <br /> Posted by StrandedonEarthsince1970</DIV></p><p>Yes. They are the same towers that were in place for Titan 4, so they are not new. </p> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>-Ben</p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch

Hawthorne, CA (March 30, 2009) – Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announces that the launch window for ATSB's RazakSAT on Falcon 1 Flight 5, is currently scheduled to open Monday, April 20th at 4:00 p.m. (PDT) / 7:00 p.m. (EDT).

SpaceX's Falcon 1 launch site is located approximately 2500 miles southwest of Hawaii on Omelek Island, part of the Reagan Test Site (RTS) at United States Army Kwajalein Atoll (USAKA) in the Central Pacific. Due to the location of the launch site, the Kwajalein local date at the opening of the launch window will be April 21st.

RazakSAT was designed and built by Astronautic Technology (M) Sdn Bhd (ATSB), a pioneer and leader in the design and manufacture of satellites in Malaysia. The satellite will be launched aboard the Falcon 1, a two-stage, liquid oxygen/rocket-grade kerosene vehicle, designed from the ground up by SpaceX.

Falcon 1 will place RazakSAT, equipped with a high resolution Medium-Sized Aperture Camera (MAC), into a near equatorial orbit. The payload is expected to provide high resolution images of Malaysia that can be applied to land management, resource development and conservation, forestry and fish migration.

SpaceX will provide live coverage of the Falcon 1 Flight 5/RazakSAT mission via webcast at: www.SpaceX.com. The webcast will begin 20 minutes prior to launch and will include mission briefings, live feeds and launch coverage from the launch site. Post-launch, video footage and photos will be available for download on the Web site.

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch

{bump}

 

[mr_mark]

Spacex Falcon 9 Flight 1

Ok, it's time to get this rolling, post any comments you like on this upcoming flight or just about the Falcon 9 program.

 

[MeteorWayne]

Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon9 Flight 1 Launch

I merged your post into the existing thread.

MW