Launch News SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 with 6 Orbcomm generation 2 satellites, July 14, 2014

[Thunder Chicken]

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/05/spacex-falcon-9-static-fire-test/

They say that static fire was scheduled from 1600 to 2000 UTC (12PM - 4PM ET) but may have been delayed due to an umbilical issue. I believe the time is for today but the article never actually says today or tomorrow. I haven't heard if they got it off or not.

Launch is scheduled for 9:47 AM EST Saturday.

 

[Kyle]

Doesn't look like there was a static firing, no idea how it'll impact the launch date if so.

 

[Thunder Chicken]

Weather forecasted to be 80% GO for a launch on Saturday.

You can assume that'll mean technical problems.

Thanks for jinxing the launch Kyle

 

[Kyle]

Thanks for jinxing the launch Kyle

The fact I said I might be in attendance was a jinx as it was. Every SpaceX launch I've wanted to go has scrubbed either at T-1 seconds or before I even got out the door. :lol:

---------- Post added at 01:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 AM ----------

Today's static firing has been scrubbed and launch likely to be delayed also, at least NET May 11.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

From Orbcomm...

OG2 Mission 1 Update: May 9, 2014
Today’s attempt to perform the static firing test was stopped while the rocket was being fueled. Both the OG2 satellites and the rocket are in safe condition and will be rotated horizontal and rolled back into the integration facility. This will prevent us from launching this weekend. We will keep you posted on when the next launch attempt will take place but it’s likely to be later this month.

Chance for PhantomCruiser? :hmm: (especially with a Delta IV launch with the next GPS satellite in the way right on sunset on May 15 and an Atlas V launch with an NRO cargo on May 22)

 

[PhantomCruiser]

Lookin' better and better!

I think the wife is OK for the daughter 'cruiser, her boyfriend, and me to visit the center next Saturday. I really really really really really want to see the Atlantis exhibit. And see the Saturn V, and the LEM, and Apollo, and the rover, and the spacesuits. Chicks dig spacesuits. Spacesuits are cool. Like a fez and bow ties, they're cool.

Now if a SpaceX Falcon 9 just so happens to launch while we are there looking around, well, that'd be awesome, right?

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

...or maybe the chance still isn't there? SpaceX saying that next attempt is "most likely in late May".....

From: SpaceX Media Relations
Date: May 9, 2014 at 12:03 PM
Subject: SpaceX ORBCOMM Launch Update

A static fire test in advance of SpaceX’s ORBCOMM OG2 Mission 1 was scrubbed this morning during fueling. Both the Falcon 9 rocket and ORBCOMM satellites are in good condition but as a result of schedule constraints, launch will be postponed past this weekend with the next opportunity most likely in late May. Today’s pad visit will also be rescheduled. Additional information will be provided as available via www.spacex.com.

Late May may turn out to be even more hectic than the "launches after launches week" late November-early December last year! (at least 6 launches already and counting, plus crew Dragon revealing, maybe another unplanned ISS EVA..........) Luckily I am off-duty by then but still...... :blink:

 

[Kyle]

Looking at a TBD late-May date, so at least a two week delay.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

Looking at a TBD late-May date, so at least a two week delay.

Possibly May 26, and maybe that's more because of the next two launches out of the Cape (Delta IV/GPS IIF-6 May 15 and Atlas V/NROL-33 May 22):

"During a conference call on Thursday with investors, Orbcomm CEO Marc Eisenberg said he believed May 26 would be the next potential launch opportunity if the mission was unable to launch this weekend."

http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/05/09/spacex-postpones-planned-saturday-launch/8895307/

Unfortunately for you guys, the launch time would be 3:45-ish am EDT....

 

[Kyle]

Ooh, a night launch then. I'll be able to telescope track it from my backyard if so!

 

[Thunder Chicken]

Bah, 3:45 am is no good - we won't get good imagery of the 1st stage flyback!

They should put lights down all sides of the stage for good visibility. A large, cigar shaped flying object with lights and landing legs shouldn't draw too much attention, right? :lol:

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

Looks like there was a rupturing of a composite helium bottle on the rocket's first stage (check the comments section - there are several who reported the same thing, including one engineer working at KSC). If so, ouch............. :uhh:

 

[Hlynkacg]

Obviously SpaceX has no buisiness working in a field as demanding as space flight this whole project should be scrapped and the funding redirected to more worthy goals like Orion/SLS.

:lol:

 

[Donamy]

sarcasm ?:huh:

 

[MaverickSawyer]

sarcasm ?:huh:

Yes.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

This launch has apparently been re-scheduled for May 27 at 3:27-4:21 am EDT (07:27-08:21 UTC)!

 

[Kyle]

Looks like an all-nighter for me!

 

[Kyle]

No longer a May launch, moved into June, no date given.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

No longer a May launch, moved into June, no date given.

According to Orbcomm:

OG2 Mission 1 Update: May 19, 2014
Our OG2 Mission 1 launch is now targeted for June 11 with a back-up date of June 12. We will be sending the satellite launch teams from both ORBCOMM and Sierra Nevada Corporation to the Cape the first week of June for fairing encapsulation followed by a static fire test to be conducted two to three days prior to launch.

Just in time to open the FIFA World Cup.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

According to Orbcomm:



Just in time to open the FIFA World Cup.

From NASASpaceflight, with launch window on June 11: SpaceX targets June 11 for Falcon 9 ORBCOMM OG2 mission

Watching launches at 9:30 pm is definitely better than 3:30 am......