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Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
This just in from Spacex launch director commenting on yesterday's fueling and system checks....... http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index ... emid=18997
This just in from Spacex launch director commenting on yesterday's fueling and system checks....... http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index ... emid=18997
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Falcon 9 is now horizontal.
Maybe they want to repaint it :lol:
Falcon 9 is now horizontal.
Maybe they want to repaint it :lol:
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
I love their launch pad system. Integrate in the hanger, check everything out. And then essentially in one day, roll to the pad, lift it, fuel it and light it. Doesn't get more streamlined than that without a runway.
I love their launch pad system. Integrate in the hanger, check everything out. And then essentially in one day, roll to the pad, lift it, fuel it and light it. Doesn't get more streamlined than that without a runway.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
More like re-tile it: according to posters at NSF the outer skin is painted cork squares fitted to the tank with adhesive. Most likely fell off due to thermal contraction exceeding the capability of the adhesive they used to stay stuck.Swampcat":349txzan said:
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Since the test was completely successful and was reported as one of the most easiest stand up tests done at the cape in awhile, I consider the loss of paint or cork tile a minor one. Lets hope that this is an easy fix and they can get on to the ignition test. I for one am not laughing.
Since the test was completely successful and was reported as one of the most easiest stand up tests done at the cape in awhile, I consider the loss of paint or cork tile a minor one. Lets hope that this is an easy fix and they can get on to the ignition test. I for one am not laughing.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Yeah, I saw the "large paint chips" coming off in the video at NSF before I posted. :lol:
Still have to repaint after the cork is replaced.
docm":2p5t0m9a said:
Yeah, I saw the "large paint chips" coming off in the video at NSF before I posted. :lol:
Still have to repaint after the cork is replaced.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Musk said tonight that they hadn't left enough contraction joints between the tiles. Easy enough to fix.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/001/status.html
Musk said tonight that they hadn't left enough contraction joints between the tiles. Easy enough to fix.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/001/status.html
Re: SpaceX Updates
From
http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index ... emid=18997
Falcon Launch Report | Falcon countdown dress rehearsal a "great success" - Spaceflight Now.
I was given a message sent out within SpaceX by launch director Tim Buzza that said,
From my years on Delta, Falcon 1 at VAFB and Kwaj this was by far the smoothest test we have conducted to date. For a brand new launch pad to interact with a brand new launch vehicle without any major anomalies was a pleasant surprise. The launch team both on the pad and in the Launch Control Center acted professionally and with confidence throughout the day. It shows how extensive training and preparation pays off. We are excited to comb thru the data and begin preparations for Static Fire.
Below is a list he gave of highlights from Friday and some remaining tasks:
1. The team down on the launch pad had everything ready to go to start the day at 7am. Everything was setup perfectly to begin operations
2. Powered up the rocket, completed the 1st and 2nd Vehicle Integrity Tests (tests all sensor, valves, and misc functions on the rocket)
3. We loaded Helium checkout and the ASC bottle on the 2nd stage to 2500psia (50% MEOP) until pad clear
4. Preloaded Helium to the arde bottles to 1,000 psi
5. Pad Air Conditioning to the Avionics suite hummed along at 70 deg F and 50% RH keeping all the equipment happy and dry (changed to GN2 and 90 deg F before cryo load)
6. Performed Engine Purge Checks (76 lb/s at startup) – nominal
7. Cleared the launch pad to the fallback area.
8. Started the countdown clock at T-2.5 hrs
9. Simulated Range checks for MLO, holdfire, and launch inhibit
10. Ramped ACS bottle fill (we cryo load) and He Checkout to 4950 psig
11. Lowered the strongback nominally
12. Loaded Lox on both stages to 98%, entered topping mode and held liftoff levels thru to T-zero
13. Loaded Fuel in 20 minutes on both stages. Load within .15% of target (will confirm with data review)
14. Eagle Eye proved valuable w/Launch Commit Criteria (LCC;s) at pad preps, countdown, and terminal all nominal
15. Global warnings worked well keeping an eye on everything and letting us know when things were off nominal
16. Started Terminal Count at T-10 min
__a. Completed self align
__b. TVC2 wiggles
__c. Went internal
__d. Lox closeout
__e. Entered vehicle startup at T-60 seconds
__f. TVC1 wiggles
__g. Pressed the tanks at T-40 seconds
__h. Aborted at T-10 seconds using pad abort system
17. Completed automated Terminal Count Abort to safe vehicle and pad
18. Detanked and raised strongback
19. Safed Pad
20. Powered down on Rocket
So what’s left:
1. Lot’s of data to scrub thru
2. Spin start valve timing checks
3. Tea-Teb cold flows (planned)
Posted 02/27/10 | 03:12:56 by TopSpacer | Filed under: Transport Companies
Comments
Nice to hear the WDR went well. Looks like the 1st stage paint job wasn't stellar, though. There are substantial bits of paint that have visibly fallen/peeled off, presumably some time after detanking.
Sporadic flakes can be seen falling off even now in the live LC-40 feed. F9 is transforming from a "sleek white booster" into one sick-looking puppy. Curious, considering how many cryo cycles they had on a run tank in Texas previously and this flight stage. One too many?
Also a live feed of the Pad from http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%201
From
http://www.hobbyspace.com/nucleus/index ... emid=18997
Falcon Launch Report | Falcon countdown dress rehearsal a "great success" - Spaceflight Now.
I was given a message sent out within SpaceX by launch director Tim Buzza that said,
From my years on Delta, Falcon 1 at VAFB and Kwaj this was by far the smoothest test we have conducted to date. For a brand new launch pad to interact with a brand new launch vehicle without any major anomalies was a pleasant surprise. The launch team both on the pad and in the Launch Control Center acted professionally and with confidence throughout the day. It shows how extensive training and preparation pays off. We are excited to comb thru the data and begin preparations for Static Fire.
Below is a list he gave of highlights from Friday and some remaining tasks:
1. The team down on the launch pad had everything ready to go to start the day at 7am. Everything was setup perfectly to begin operations
2. Powered up the rocket, completed the 1st and 2nd Vehicle Integrity Tests (tests all sensor, valves, and misc functions on the rocket)
3. We loaded Helium checkout and the ASC bottle on the 2nd stage to 2500psia (50% MEOP) until pad clear
4. Preloaded Helium to the arde bottles to 1,000 psi
5. Pad Air Conditioning to the Avionics suite hummed along at 70 deg F and 50% RH keeping all the equipment happy and dry (changed to GN2 and 90 deg F before cryo load)
6. Performed Engine Purge Checks (76 lb/s at startup) – nominal
7. Cleared the launch pad to the fallback area.
8. Started the countdown clock at T-2.5 hrs
9. Simulated Range checks for MLO, holdfire, and launch inhibit
10. Ramped ACS bottle fill (we cryo load) and He Checkout to 4950 psig
11. Lowered the strongback nominally
12. Loaded Lox on both stages to 98%, entered topping mode and held liftoff levels thru to T-zero
13. Loaded Fuel in 20 minutes on both stages. Load within .15% of target (will confirm with data review)
14. Eagle Eye proved valuable w/Launch Commit Criteria (LCC;s) at pad preps, countdown, and terminal all nominal
15. Global warnings worked well keeping an eye on everything and letting us know when things were off nominal
16. Started Terminal Count at T-10 min
__a. Completed self align
__b. TVC2 wiggles
__c. Went internal
__d. Lox closeout
__e. Entered vehicle startup at T-60 seconds
__f. TVC1 wiggles
__g. Pressed the tanks at T-40 seconds
__h. Aborted at T-10 seconds using pad abort system
17. Completed automated Terminal Count Abort to safe vehicle and pad
18. Detanked and raised strongback
19. Safed Pad
20. Powered down on Rocket
So what’s left:
1. Lot’s of data to scrub thru
2. Spin start valve timing checks
3. Tea-Teb cold flows (planned)
Posted 02/27/10 | 03:12:56 by TopSpacer | Filed under: Transport Companies
Comments
Nice to hear the WDR went well. Looks like the 1st stage paint job wasn't stellar, though. There are substantial bits of paint that have visibly fallen/peeled off, presumably some time after detanking.
Sporadic flakes can be seen falling off even now in the live LC-40 feed. F9 is transforming from a "sleek white booster" into one sick-looking puppy. Curious, considering how many cryo cycles they had on a run tank in Texas previously and this flight stage. One too many?
Also a live feed of the Pad from http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/
http://kscwmserv1.ksc.nasa.gov/ae%20video%20channel%201
Re: SpaceX Updates
This really belongs in the thread in Missions and Launches... I'll move it later.
This really belongs in the thread in Missions and Launches... I'll move it later.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
I'm hoping that they paint and recork the whole first stage. The rocket needs to look good especially for the first flight since it will get so much coverage in the media. I'm very happy that all systems have checked out. Now after repainting and applying new cork, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, Spacex can run a test firing of the first stage.
I'm hoping that they paint and recork the whole first stage. The rocket needs to look good especially for the first flight since it will get so much coverage in the media. I'm very happy that all systems have checked out. Now after repainting and applying new cork, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, Spacex can run a test firing of the first stage.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
What's wrong with the paint scheme? I think it looks as good as any other rocket's.
What's wrong with the paint scheme? I think it looks as good as any other rocket's.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Some of the paint peeled of the first stage due to extreme temperature changes due to fuel loading. They will need to reapply cork and repaint before the maiden launch.
Some of the paint peeled of the first stage due to extreme temperature changes due to fuel loading. They will need to reapply cork and repaint before the maiden launch.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
I'd rather it fly good and look bad, than vice versa. Seriously, the paint job is the absolute bottom of the checklist.
mr_mark":2fdx54do said:
I'd rather it fly good and look bad, than vice versa. Seriously, the paint job is the absolute bottom of the checklist.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
If only the first shuttle External Tank was painted because of weight, would this not apply to the F9?
JohnB
If only the first shuttle External Tank was painted because of weight, would this not apply to the F9?
JohnB
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
The cork tiles are what fell off, not the paint per se. Those tiles protect the stage during its return and parachute landing, which is important if you want to re-use any parts of it.
The cork tiles are what fell off, not the paint per se. Those tiles protect the stage during its return and parachute landing, which is important if you want to re-use any parts of it.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Falcon 9 f-1 is vertical again at LC-40, so perhaps that hot-fire test is due soon.
Live 24/7 webcam feed.....
Falcon 9 f-1 is vertical again at LC-40, so perhaps that hot-fire test is due soon.
Live 24/7 webcam feed.....
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Looks like they have reapplied new cork and painted. Can't wait for the test firing. A photo op opportunity as the shuttle is on the pad in the distance. It's good news that they are back on track.
Looks like they have reapplied new cork and painted. Can't wait for the test firing. A photo op opportunity as the shuttle is on the pad in the distance. It's good news that they are back on track.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
A Delta IV is going up tomorrow so maybe Friday/Saturday?
A Delta IV is going up tomorrow so maybe Friday/Saturday?
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
No, that picture was taken during the tanking test. The LOX tanks were covered in frost. The vehicle was lowered to the transported after the test and moved to the hanger to do the cork rework.
mr_mark":3sbdo4ta said:
No, that picture was taken during the tanking test. The LOX tanks were covered in frost. The vehicle was lowered to the transported after the test and moved to the hanger to do the cork rework.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
For the launch? No Way the earliest is March 22nd. After the 3.5 sec engine firing (possibly next week) the only things holding the launch up are; test data review, fix any issues from the data review, get a launch slot on the range, and the BIGGEST issue: The FAA and the Air Force must complete their review of the launch procedures and the vehicle systems (especially the destruct system).
Note that the destruct system is new. The Falcon 1 did not have a destruct system. If there was a problem the vehicle engines were just shutdown. This is because their Pacific launch site does not have any town or facilities that are in danger if the vehicle fails.
docm":2ptahzf9 said:
For the launch? No Way the earliest is March 22nd. After the 3.5 sec engine firing (possibly next week) the only things holding the launch up are; test data review, fix any issues from the data review, get a launch slot on the range, and the BIGGEST issue: The FAA and the Air Force must complete their review of the launch procedures and the vehicle systems (especially the destruct system).
Note that the destruct system is new. The Falcon 1 did not have a destruct system. If there was a problem the vehicle engines were just shutdown. This is because their Pacific launch site does not have any town or facilities that are in danger if the vehicle fails.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
shuttle guy you are a liitle behind on things. We were talking about the test firing being on Saturday or Sunday. Also the picture we were refering to is not the picture of the previous test that you were looking at we are talking about the live feed from the cape as posted here and at NSF.com. The rocket is now again verticle after being horizontal after the last test. The rocket has been repainted already. You can tell by looking at the live feed. It's too late now though, It's dark on the east coast.
shuttle guy you are a liitle behind on things. We were talking about the test firing being on Saturday or Sunday. Also the picture we were refering to is not the picture of the previous test that you were looking at we are talking about the live feed from the cape as posted here and at NSF.com. The rocket is now again verticle after being horizontal after the last test. The rocket has been repainted already. You can tell by looking at the live feed. It's too late now though, It's dark on the east coast.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
Robotbeat posted this time lapse video of today's LC-40 activity on NSF....thankfully a YouTube instead of embedded this time...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s5jqAlm4oU[/youtube]
Robotbeat posted this time lapse video of today's LC-40 activity on NSF....thankfully a YouTube instead of embedded this time...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9s5jqAlm4oU[/youtube]
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
From Spaceflightnow.com update.......WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
A preflight test of the Falcon 9 rocket's nine Merlin engines could occur as early as this weekend.
SpaceX hoisted the 15-story rocket back vertical on its launch mount at Complex 40 late Wednesday afternoon. The next step in ground testing will be a hotfire of the Falcon 9's first stage engines. The launch team will ignite the nine Merlin 1C engines for three-and-a-half seconds during the test.
The hotfire is booked for Saturday on the Eastern Range, the military-run network of communications and tracking assets responsible for every launch from Cape Canaveral.
The timing of the countdown and engine test is expected to mirror a real Falcon 9 countdown.
Engineers loaded about 75,000 gallons of kerosene and liquid oxygen propellants into the Falcon 9 rocket Friday, successfully simulating a countdown and pad abort. Officials said some ablative cork material coating the outside of the first stage became debonded during the wet dress rehearsal, and the cork will be replaced after the static fire, according to Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder and CEO.
From Spaceflightnow.com update.......WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
A preflight test of the Falcon 9 rocket's nine Merlin engines could occur as early as this weekend.
SpaceX hoisted the 15-story rocket back vertical on its launch mount at Complex 40 late Wednesday afternoon. The next step in ground testing will be a hotfire of the Falcon 9's first stage engines. The launch team will ignite the nine Merlin 1C engines for three-and-a-half seconds during the test.
The hotfire is booked for Saturday on the Eastern Range, the military-run network of communications and tracking assets responsible for every launch from Cape Canaveral.
The timing of the countdown and engine test is expected to mirror a real Falcon 9 countdown.
Engineers loaded about 75,000 gallons of kerosene and liquid oxygen propellants into the Falcon 9 rocket Friday, successfully simulating a countdown and pad abort. Officials said some ablative cork material coating the outside of the first stage became debonded during the wet dress rehearsal, and the cork will be replaced after the static fire, according to Elon Musk, SpaceX's founder and CEO.
Re: Upcoming SpaceX Falcon 9 Flight 1 Launch
SpaceX Falcon 9 Page: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php
Falcon 9 User's Guide: http://www.spacex.com/Falcon9UsersGuide_2009.pdf
First Stage:
Falcon 9 first stage is powered by nine Merlin 1C engines burning LOX/RP-1
SpaceX F9 First Stage Info: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#first_stage
SpaceX Merlin Engine Specs: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#merlin_engine
Merlin Engine Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_(rocket_engine)
Second Stage:
Falcon 9 second stage is powered by one Merlin Vacuum engine burning LOX/RP-1. Vacuum version of Merlin is basically the same except larger expansion nozzle.
SpaceX F9 Second Stage Info: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#second_stage
SpaceX Falcon 9 Page: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php
Falcon 9 User's Guide: http://www.spacex.com/Falcon9UsersGuide_2009.pdf
First Stage:
Falcon 9 first stage is powered by nine Merlin 1C engines burning LOX/RP-1
SpaceX F9 First Stage Info: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#first_stage
SpaceX Merlin Engine Specs: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#merlin_engine
Merlin Engine Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_(rocket_engine)
Second Stage:
Falcon 9 second stage is powered by one Merlin Vacuum engine burning LOX/RP-1. Vacuum version of Merlin is basically the same except larger expansion nozzle.
SpaceX F9 Second Stage Info: http://www.spacex.com/falcon9.php#second_stage
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