Beittil Posted May 16, 2014 Share Posted May 16, 2014 Now that the lousy KSC area weather is improving the Atlas V, Delta IV and Falcon 9 launches can commence. Everyone stock up on JOLT SLC-40 Falcon 9 / ORBCOMM Launch: May 27 2014 Launch window: 0327-0421 Local Yup, the landing attempt will be at night. Should be visible for a considerable distance. Aaw sweet... thats right after workhours commence for me... what an awesome way to start the day :D Also, ideal situation would be to have like 3-4 1st and 3-4 2nd stages stored @ or very near to CC AFS... problem somewhere? Roll rocket back to hanger, replace stage, roll out again! Examine and repair the damaged stage later! Now, this would of course be much easier for just the 1st stage... since replacing a 2nd stage would require more decoupling and recoupling actions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 16, 2014 Author Share Posted May 16, 2014 We KNOW they had at least 2 sets of stages at KSC; one for next months AsiaSat launch and another for Dragon CRS-4, though there may have been another. Their production rate has really acceletated the last few weeks, up to 2 shifts now, and we KNOW they're hiring another 1,000 people. That'll put them at ~4,500 staffers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 The schedule has changed, they needed a few more days to analyze the part and get ready. No window yet. Note: ORBCOMM lay be talking an early AM GMT launch, which would translate to -1 day at KSC; June 10 with a June 11 backup.. 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. http://www.orbcomm.com/networks/og2-launch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImUtrecht Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I saw on the SpaceX website that the amount of job's has increased a lot the last week, i almost get the impression that they want to go three shifts... We know that they are hiring another 1000 people, i would say, at least a 1000 people. At this moment SpaceX is the only relyable launch provider for the US gov politically speaking. Now SpX is National Interest. There is this other company that has 18 engines stockpiled for 36 launches..... but since the last senate hearing a lot has changed..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 The ULA situation is evolving. they are planning to ramp up Delta IV production to help with the Atlas V situation, but that'll cost more. Meanwhile the govt. needs to decide which new engine to built, or if they should just replace Atlas V. Another situation is that the USAF procurment officer who signed off on the ULA block buy then retired has reappeared. He's now a VP and govt liason for Aerojet Rocketdyne (AJR), half owner of RD AMROSS - the company that imports Russian RD-180 engines for sale to ULA. AJR itself imports Russian NK-33's. This new job of his may not be illegal, but it smells to High Heaven of a revolving door "reward job." bguy_1986 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloatingFatMan Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 This new job of his may not be illegal, but it smells to High Heaven of a revolving door "reward job." I don't see how anyone could possible see it as anything different than that. Clearly he took this as a payoff for awarding the contract, and should face legal action for that. ImUtrecht and bguy_1986 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 SpaceX has officially applied for a launch date. Launch target: NET June 11 Backup: June 12 Window: 2130-2224 Local Waiting for range approval. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyingskippy Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 I saw that one coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImUtrecht Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 Another situation is that the USAF procurment officer who signed off on the ULA block buy then retired has reappeared. He's now a VP and govt liason for Aerojet Rocketdyne (AJR), half owner of RD AMROSS - the company that imports Russian RD-180 engines for sale to ULA. AJR itself imports Russian NK-33's. This new job of his may not be illegal, but it smells to High Heaven of a revolving door "reward job." There should be a senate hearing and this USAF procurment officer as a witness, like ollie north... This is a scandal and there is only one word for it "corruption". ULA is now spreading false figures about their launch prizes. Funny thing is that they are making themselves more and more rediculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 22, 2014 Author Share Posted May 22, 2014 That's the sum of it, and some of the independent media is catching on because none of this passes the smell test. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geertd Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 That's the sum of it, and some of the independent media is catching on because none of this passes the smell test. smells like rotten fish to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geertd Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 oh boy Elon Musk ?@elonmusk 1 dag V likely AF official Correll was told by ULA/Rocketdyne that a rich VP job was his if he gave them a sole source contract Elon Musk ?@elonmusk 1 dag Reason I believe this is likely is that Correll first tried to work at SpaceX, but we turned him down. Our competitor, it seems, did not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsItPluggedIn Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Wow big claims, I hope this does not back fire for for SpaceX/Musk. But if it is true then there will be a big fall out from this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 23, 2014 Author Share Posted May 23, 2014 SpaceX said as much in an amendment to their lawsuit this week, and a watchdog group also noted the smell test problem with Correll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 23, 2014 Author Share Posted May 23, 2014 Elon Musk ?@elonmusk Either way, this case certainly deserves close examination by the DoD Inspector General per @SenJohnMcCain's request http://t.co/IZ4JO2y3JO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloatingFatMan Posted May 23, 2014 Share Posted May 23, 2014 Elon Musk ?@elonmusk Either way, this case certainly deserves close examination by the DoD Inspector General per @SenJohnMcCain's request http://t.co/IZ4JO2y3JO This absolutely has to be investigates, but still... It's a shame politics is once again meddling in space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 23, 2014 Author Share Posted May 23, 2014 Anywhere primates go, politics follows. Even chimps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 23, 2014 Author Share Posted May 23, 2014 The National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC) has taken note of the revolving door in this article. NLPC is who exposed the Boeing tanker scandal. http://nlpc.org/stories/2014/05/18/space-launch-deal-puts-spotlight-revolving-door Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted May 29, 2014 Author Share Posted May 29, 2014 Moved 1 day per ORBCOMM, OG2 Mission 1 Update: May 29, 2014 Our schedule for our OG2 Mission 1 Launch has been revised to Thursday, June 12 between 9:07 pm and 10:01 pm ET at launch pad SLC-40. The back-up date is now scheduled for the evening of Friday, June 13. We are planning to arrive at the Cape next week to re-encapsulate our satellites. We will continue to provide updates as we get closer to launch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted June 6, 2014 Author Share Posted June 6, 2014 Webcasts: http://www.SpaceX.com/webcast https://new.livestream.com/spacex Launch Alert SpaceX Falcon 9 June 12, 9:07 pm EDT Closest Public Viewing Area: Apollo/Saturn V Center Experience the memorable sights and sounds of the powerful roaring engines of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it thrusts into the sky from SLC-40. Located along the Banana River and only five miles from the launch pad, the Apollo/Saturn V viewing area offers guests both bleacher and lawn seating at the closest public viewing areas. The viewing areas feature live launch countdown commentary beginning at 8 pm by Bob Crippen, veteran NASA astronaut. Purchase your viewing ticket for $20 plus tax while they are still available. Viewing tickets are limited. Cost is in addition to general admission. Annual Passholders only pay for the $20 viewing ticket. https://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/tickets.aspx?utm_source=Launch Alert&utm_medium=Email-full&utm_campaign=KSC20140605_Launch_Alert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted June 10, 2014 Author Share Posted June 10, 2014 Delayed to June 15th. ORBCOMM payload issue, not SpaceX Launch window is 8:00 pm - 8:53 pm EDT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted June 10, 2014 Author Share Posted June 10, 2014 From ORBCOMM, OG2 Mission 1 Update: June 10, 2014 The OG2 Mission 1 Launch is scheduled for Sunday, June 15 at 8:00 pm ET with Monday, June 16 as the back-up launch date. During final integration on one of the OG2 spacecraft, we encountered a minor issue resulting in a few extra days of delay to perform precautionary steps to ensure there are no operational concerns with the satellite. We intend to re-encapsulate the satellites this evening, with static test firing of the rocket scheduled for Thursday or Friday this week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted June 13, 2014 Author Share Posted June 13, 2014 Postponed AGAIN - and again it's a payload issue with ORBCOMM OG2 Mission 1 Update: June 13, 2014 ORBCOMM's 6 OG2 satellites were re-encapsulated on Wednesday, June 11, and we are proceeding toward a static test fire of the rocket on Friday, June 13. All six satellites have completed additional testing and are functioning as expected. In an effort to be as cautious as possible, it was decided to perform further analysis to verify that the issue observed on one satellite during final integration has been fully addressed. The additional time to complete this analysis required us to postpone the OG2 Mission 1 Launch. We are working with SpaceX to identify the next available launch opportunity, and we will update the schedule shortly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted June 14, 2014 Author Share Posted June 14, 2014 Looks like they're trying for June 20, but waiting for range approval. No launch window yet, but 1600-1700 Local (EDT) sounds about right. If they can't get it up then it may be a couple more weeks as the range will be shut down. All the more reason to get the Boca Chica launch complex up and running - FAST. Still waiting out the 30 day FAA comments period before they can issue the license. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocM Posted June 16, 2014 Author Share Posted June 16, 2014 OG2 Mission 1 Update: June 15, 2014 On Friday, June 13 SpaceX completed a successful static test fire on our dedicated Falcon 9 launch vehicle with our six OG2 satellites on board. We are presently encapsulated, and the satellites are in ready-to-launch condition. SpaceX is in the process of finalizing the launch schedule with the Range at the Cape, and we expect to announce a new launch date shortly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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