SpaceX Launch Update

[propforce]

I agree. I too was pleasantly suprised by the SpaceX's open-ness so far. <br /><br />Frankly, whatever the fustration you've experienced is nothing compare to their fustration of not able to launch the rocket. But it is far better to be safe and take your time to check everything out before you decide to push that buttom and risking a potential failure. <br /><br />The best thing to do is to leave them alone and let them do their job. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[spacefire]

sorry, my bad. I didn't check the date. They were supposed to do a firing test and the pictures looked new to me. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[edkyle98]

"It will be interesting to see if NASA's Pegasus gets the<br />range now."<br /><br />NASA's web site lists a firm 3/22 launch date for ST5 <br />Pegasus this morning, so my educated *guess* is that <br />Falcon won't fly before 3/24. This is only a guess, mind <br />you.<br /><br /> - Ed Kyle

 

[edkyle98]

New update at Cosmic Log.<br /><br />http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11912606/#060321a<br /><br />Another test is planned for today (3/21). Launch <br />won't happen until Thursday (3/23) at the earliest.<br /><br /> - Ed Kyle

 

[edkyle98]

I've read that some GSFC telemetry assets may be <br />required for both launches. In addition, the Falcon is <br />pretty much flying backward up the Pacific Range toward <br />Vandenberg, so some tracking may be shared.<br /><br />There is an ever-so-slight chance, BTW, that a failed <br />Falcon could drop on top of the Continental U.S., since <br />Falcon uses engine cutoff as its range safety system, <br />but the predicted impact zone will sweep across the <br />States quickly enough to make it very unlikely that <br />bits of Falcon will land in someone's back yard.<br /><br /> - Ed Kyle

 

[mlorrey]

From what I've read, Falcon1 first stage doesn't go far/fast enough to reach CONUS. They'd have to have a failure of the second stage to hit the US, and in that case it would be just the second stage and its payload. That is about 7,000 lbs of fuel and vehicle, at most. It will likely explode from reentry heating if it fails to make orbit, thus showering lots of little pieces over a large area like the Columbia reentry.<br /><br />The first stage should splash down somewhere short of the California coast.

 

[comga]

New info from Kimbal Musk at http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/ <br /><br />Two static firings accomplished. Launch 4PM EST-1PM PST on Thursday (maybe).<br /><br />If I said anything that sounded paranoid and skeptical, I take it back. Nice update. Good pictures. But why do they have to rely on Elon's brother (now really in Boulder, CO ) to do "press releases"?<br /><br />Fourth time's the charm?

 

[mikejz]

Of course if you think about it SpaceX really does not much of a PR effort for the general public, non of us are really potential customers after all! Seeing that a large part of his orders are for DoD stuff, (AKA not much publiciy wanted in the first place) I don't see the real need for better PR, even if it would be nice. Afterall, the coverage that Boeing/LockMart offer for launches is, if you think about it, of limited value to the paying customer.

 

[comga]

"non of us are really potential customers after all! "<br /><br />Speak for yourself. Some of us are in positions to start and become part of a team that could become a customer. If SpaceX can get a track record with the Falcon V or 9 within the next three years, I would risk ridicule and propose using it. It all depends on whether NASA would accept it. Of course, if NASA does, then SpaceX wouldn't need press releases to get my attention. So your point may be valid in that they don't need much press.

 

[mlorrey]

You don't need NASA to accept it. Compete for Bigelows "Americas Space Prize" and ferry tourists to the orbiting hotel he wants to build. With him as a customer, you will be able to bid to ferry to the ISS at rates below the CEV's operations costs. At that point, it would be relegated to lunar and Martian missions.

 

[propforce]

<font color="yellow"> If SpaceX can get a track record with the Falcon V or 9 within the next three years, I would risk ridicule and propose using it. </font><br /><br />If SpaceX can do that, you will need NOT risking ridicule as there will be none. There will be however; a long line waiting outside SpaceX door waiting to sign on as customers. <br /><br />Taking risk is when the outcome is uncertain. Going after a proven record is a conservative approach. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[subzero788]

"Nice update. Good pictures. But why do they have to rely on Elon's brother (now really in Boulder, CO ) to do "press releases"?"<br /><br />Space X now have an update on their website:<br /><br />"Falcon 1 Maiden Flight Update: Posted March 21, 2006 <br /><br />We had a great static fire today. Falcon was held down for almost three seconds of thrust (T+0.5s), part of which was under autonomous thrust vector control. All systems were green and no aborts were triggered. <br /><br />Unless we discover something negative after a detailed data analysis, launch will happen on Thursday at 1p.m. California time.<br /><br />---Elon "<br /><br />There's a nice pic and video of the static fire. Everything looks set for a perfect launch thursday or friday!<br /> <br />

 

[crix]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>...to ferry to the ISS at rates below the CEV's operations costs. At that point, it would be relegated to lunar and Martian missions.<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br />Which is what NASA and all of us should be hoping for.

 

[teije]

Finally some news! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br />It looks like they're ready to go this time. The only thing I'm worried about is that I won't be able to be home thursday evening to follow it all. <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /><br />Oh well, can't have it all I suppose... Fingers crossed for Elon and his team!

 

[alokmohan]

Do you mind if I ask what they are,apologies.

 

[j05h]

one hour to go, good luck SpaceX!<br /><br />Josh <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div align="center"><em>We need a first generation of pioneers.</em><br /></div> </div>

 

[mikejz]

The Launch date is Thursday

 

[shoogerbrugge]

better make that 25 hours to go then

 

[kdavis007]

Good luck to spacex...

 

[zappafrank]

I got my fingers crossed.<br /><br />BTW, you know me from FR

 

[comga]

"Compete for Bigelows "Americas Space Prize" and ferry tourists to the orbiting hotel"<br /><br />Ah, but that would not be the business in which I am established, however much I want to see people doing it.<br /><br />Thanks to all for your enthusiastic responses, but the ridicule will be there for many years, even if there are no delays from SpaceX's announced Falcon 5/9 scheduled. Confidence among the funding sources will not happen until after several launches, and my applications will need launch schedule assurance. <br /><br />I firmly believe that SpaceX will get there. Elon is already talking about applying lessons learned from the Falcon 1 to the larger rockets. However, that may not unfold while my opportunities remain open. I will keep hoping for it to happen, just as I have high hopes for a sucessful launch tomorrow, as scant 15 hours away.

 

[propforce]

<font color="yellow">Still 1 PM California time tomorrow? </font><br /><br />I'll have to eat a fast lunch <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[gofer]

I wish best of luck to SpaceX tomorrow, while hoping SpaceX doesn't give in to publicity pressure and ignore a problem if it arises, and proceed with a launch if there is a new known problem. So far they've been serious about their product, been learning fast, and if they keep track of their learning experience they'll get their praise and rewards in full whenever they are really ready. I personally would cut them slack even if they don't launch tomorrow, but rather discover and investigate a problem. (although, I do hope for a picture perfect launch)

 

[gofer]

Update...<br /><br />"Falcon 1 Maiden Flight Update: Posted March 22, 2006<br /><br />No major issues were discovered following the static fire, but, as a cautionary measure, we are going to take one more day to review data and verify system functionality. Launch is now scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m. California time.<br /><br /><br />---Elon<br />"<br /><br />spacex.com<br />

 

[spacefire]

Frrrrriday!<br />Today's Thursday <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>