Launch News How A Trampoline Rocket Was Tempered - Angara rocket's maiden flight, July 9, 2014

[kamaz]

Seriusly, I don't understand what's the problem here. It would be more embarassing if the rocket blew up mid flight, wouldn't it?

Besides -- fear the designs which work on the first try. They will have a lot of childhood problems.

 

[boogabooga]

Yes, it would be more embarrassing.

Many rocket launches scrub, but usually the president of your country isn't watching you on live TV when you have to admit a technical problem.

 

[N_Molson]

Many rocket launches scrub, but usually the president of your country isn't watching you on live TV when you have to admit a technical problem.

Sure, but I wouldn't like to be chief engineer of the project and have the thing blowing up mid-air while Putin is watching, for sure. A rollback is way safer ! :shifty:

 

[boogabooga]

I don't think many are criticizing the decision to scrub.

Only that the situation were a scrub was required was somewhat embarrassing in the first place, given:

1) the PR attention placed on this launch
2) The company in question was already starting to develop a poor reputation based on past failures
3) Waiting longer for a launch that people have already been waiting 20 years for

 

[Urwumpe]

I don't think many are criticizing the decision to scrub.

Only that the situation were a scrub was required was somewhat embarrassing in the first place, given:

1) the PR attention placed on this launch
2) The company in question was already starting to develop a poor reputation based on past failures
3) Waiting longer for a launch that people have already been waiting 20 years for

Its a first launch attempt. You can't compare this to the opening of a factory or the roll-out of a new government homepage. There is no gradual transition to a new model, you can only decide to launch or to scrub and try later. Its much like the weather, you can't force the physics.

And yes, this means that the president might be watching a scrub during the first attempt. Or he might be seeing a glorious first launch. Or fireworks.

I would rather have him see a first launch with so much exhaust energy that he will need months to get this evil smile from his face... but well.

What is bad about the scrub: There is no launcher that had such a long development behind it like the Angara. Its overdue to launch.

 

[N_Molson]

What is bad about the scrub: There is no launcher that had such a long development behind it like the Angara. Its overdue to launch.

Yeah, but the argument can be reverted : a few more weeks won't change anything

 

[Urwumpe]

Yeah, but the argument can be reverted : a few more weeks won't change anything

Well... my experience in project management there: If the mood is already bad a few seconds more can change everything. :lol:

 

[SiberianTiger]

I bet the Angara will still fly till the end of this August. Possibly, Tuesday.

 

[statickid]

ugh, so what if the launch fails, just exit and reload the scenario, DUH!

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

Looks like the problem has been resolved and the next launch attempt will be on July 9! The rocket is scheduled to re-roll-out on Monday.

(it will be sandwiched between 2 Soyuz rocket launches on the day before and after, and the next Antares on 11th, all powered by Russian engines sharing lineage with that of Angara :hmm

In the meantime, enjoy these photos from the 1st launch attempt. :tiphat:

 

[PeterRoss]

In the meantime, enjoy these photos from the 1st launch attempt. :tiphat:

Watched the pictures.
I think it's priest's fault the rocket failed. If he would've done all the buffs correctly everything should have been alright. Maybe holy water wasn't that holy too.

 

[Eraser]

I think it's priest's fault the rocket failed.

Certainly this is a priest's fault. He apparently decided to save money and used an expired holy water and recited prayers at half spiritual strength.
I hope that the Russian Orthodox Church will address these observations from the State Commission and will allocate more skilled Christian experts to perform this important task.

 

[Artlav]

Seeing a priest at a rocket launch making me fear that the rocket will splatter against the firmament...

 

[Urwumpe]

(it will be sandwiched between 2 Soyuz rocket launches on the day before and after, and the next Antares on 11th, all powered by Russian engines sharing lineage with that of Angara :hmm

Thats no problem, Putin will grease it up and shove it right into the launch schedule tightly between the two launchers barechested. :lol:

And then make the water really holy for the next try. Didn't somebody tell the priest that Vodka is a spirit, but not holy enough.

 

[Scorpius]

Since this launcher configuration is slightly different from the serial Angara 1.2, here's new meshes and scenario for [ame="http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=5965"]Angara Launch Vehicle addon[/ame], if someone wants to recreate the launch: View attachment Angara Maiden Flight.zip

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

The rocket is being filled up right now. There are reports that the launch may happen around 12:00 UTC today.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

Zero updates at T-10 minutes. Ah the suspense.....

 

[Alfastar]

Zero updates at T-10 minutes. Ah the suspense.....

Thanks by our big friends called 'Putin'?

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

LIFTOFF!

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

It worked!