SpaceX Falcon 1 Launch Live Thread (4 p.m. est)

03/24/06 | Kevin Davis

[KevinDavis]

Checks of the flight termination system have been completed by the Range.

[KevinDavis]

One Hour and 30 minutes till launch..

[KevinDavis]

The Range is now ready to begin testing the C-band transponder on the Falcon 1 rocket. This is the system that will be used to track the vehicle during launch

[Professional Engineer]

We have a winner!

[KevinDavis]

T-minus 90 minutes.

[KevinDavis]

Looks like we have a go!!!!

[KevinDavis]

The Falcon 1 rocket's second stage avionics are now switching from ground-fed power to internal power. This is being done to allow the Range to verify the C-band system is working normally when running on internal battery power.

[KevinDavis]

The Falcon 1 rocket's second stage avionics are now switching from ground-fed power to internal power. This is being done to allow the Range to verify the C-band system and telemetry signals are working normally when running on internal battery power.

[KevinDavis]

The first stage battery voltage has been verified as normal

[KevinDavis]

A self-alignment of the navigation system is beginning.

[KevinDavis]

Range has completed a liftoff detection signal test.

[KevinDavis]

Ground crews at the launch pad are closing the manual vent valves on the liquid oxygen storage tanks.

[KevinDavis]

Once approval is given from the launch director, the pad team will finish configuring the liquid oxygen plumbing in preparation for fueling the Falcon 1 rocket today.

[KevinDavis]

T-minus 75 minutes.

[KevinDavis]

Hold for 10 seconds...

[KevinDavis]

The countdown has stopped at T-minus 64 minutes. The team is planning to recycle the clock to T-minus 75 minutes and holding while an "impact limit line" problem is worked, the launch conductor says.

[KevinDavis]

Details of the problem haven't been announced yet. But impact limit lines are the boundaries drawn by the Range around the launch pad and a rocket's flight path. The area is kept clear to ensure safety during launch.

[KevinDavis]

This unplanned hold should push back the target launch time.

[KevinDavis]

The problem holding up the countdown is the first stage retrieval ship being inside the launch hazard area, according to Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX vice president of business development. The first stage is equipped with parachutes to splash down in the Pacific for recovery and later reuse. Shotwell said it was unclear why the ship was within the restricted impact limit lines, but officials are trying to get the vessel moved out of the zone and into a safer position

DOH!

[KevinDavis]

Aside from the recovery ship being out of position, Shotwell says there are no other problems being worked in today's countdown.