Launch News Orion EFT-1 Update thread

[Codz]

Most annoying launch I saw was the twin Van Allen probe launch, which was scrubbed at least three times while I was out at Canaveral. Ended up leaving before the launch because of a week plus long scrub.

 

[Prowler901]

Could the Hydrogen valves be frozen due to the multiple launch attempts?

 

[C3PO]

Could the Hydrogen valves be frozen due to the multiple launch attempts?

It's more likely that they failed to seat properly, possibly due to cryogenic temperatures. Cycling valves can solve that problem but it can't fix a frozen valve.

 

[N_Molson]

Come on, that rocket wants to fly ! I can almost feel it vibrating in anticipation ! :lol:

---------- Post added at 02:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:06 PM ----------

The 'recovery Predator' drone is airborne over Californian coast. I'd rather interpret that as a positive signal.

 

[agentgonzo]

Come on, that rocket wants to fly ! I can almost feel it vibrating in anticipation ! :lol:

---------- Post added at 02:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:06 PM ----------

The 'recovery Predator' drone is airborne over Californian coast. I'd rather interpret that as a positive signal.

I'd interpret that as normal procedure. If there is a chance that the rocket will launch then they want the drone inthe air. Even if it's a 1% chance.

 

[N_Molson]

Well, as we say over there, there's now like a soft pine tree odor about this launch...

 

[GLS]

While we're waiting, here's a quick quiz: anyone spot any interesting sites in this image?

 

[N_Molson]

Seems that troubleshooting attempts failed.

---------- Post added at 02:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 PM ----------

Also seems that in case of another launch attempt, they'll disable the auto-abort triggered by the winds sensors and monitor manually instead.

---------- Post added at 02:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:27 PM ----------

New T0 announced.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

Last attempt at end of window at 14:44 UTC (9:44 am Eastern).

 

[N_Molson]

9:44 AM EST, it will be the last one.

 

[Codz]

This will probably be the last attempt of the day.

---------- Post added at 02:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:32 PM ----------

Recommend scrub and 24 hour recycle.

 

[ADSWNJ]

Boo ... scrubbed

 

[N_Molson]

Scrub, 24 hours recycle.

 

[Codz]

Better luck next time, I guess.

 

[GLS]

Could all of this have been caused by a boat??? :facepalm:

 

[N_Molson]

I was afraid the next attempt would take place in March or April 2015 at the soonest to be honest.

For hardcore launch watchers, there's an Ariane 5 launch as a 'backup' before tomorrow :lol:

 

[fido_61]

What factors cause today's launch window to close, given that there is no moving target to hit and the flight is only 4.5 hours long?

 

[Urwumpe]

What factors cause today's launch window to close, given that there is no moving target to hit and the flight is only 4.5 hours long?

Likely technical issues. The cryogen fuel inside the rocket does slowly warm up to the point that its impossible to replenish it.

 

[MattBaker]

What factors cause today's launch window to close, given that there is no moving target to hit and the flight is only 4.5 hours long?

Also the recovery operation takes a few hours and they want to do it in daylight.

 

[C3PO]

Also the recovery operation takes a few hours and they want to do it in daylight.

That was reported as the main reason on Sky News.