SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch of Orbcomm Satellites (22JUN2014/1724 EDT, 1424 PDT)

SpaceFlightNow.com ^ | 22JUN2014 | Staff Writer

[Jack Hydrazine]

Rocket: Falcon 9 v1.1 Payload: Orbcomm OG2 F1 (6 satellites) Launch date: Sunday, June 22, 2014 Launch time: 5:24 p.m. EDT/2:24 p.m. PDT (2124 GMT) Launch window: 54 minutes Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral, Florida Live launch coverage: At the link or watch it here http://www.spacex.com/webcast/

Delayed (from September, November, April 30, May 10, 27, June 11, 12, 15, and June 20, 21) several times by SpaceX due to a first stage helium leak and Orbcomm due to a potential defect in one of their satellites. On June 20th a launch attempt was scrubbed due to a fluctuation in pressure readings on the second stage. The June 21 launch window was closed due to poor weather conditions.

0215 GMT (10:15 p.m. EDT on Sat.) Tomorrow's Falcon 9 launch window opens at 5:24 p.m. EDT (2124 GMT), but the weather forecast is iffy with predictions for more stormy weather over Central Florida.

SpaceX ready for commercial launch for Orbcomm http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/140619preview/#.U6bXK7GSCog

Falcon 9 countdown timeline http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/countdowntimeline.html

Falcon 9 launch timeline http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/launchtimeline.html

Mission Press Kit http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/presskit.pdf

OG2 info sheet http://www.orbcomm.com/uploads/files/OG2-2.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbcomm_satellites#Orbcomm-G2

List of Falcon 9 launches http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Falcon_9_launches

Photos: Falcon 9 on the launch pad http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/prelaunch/#.U6bYFrGSCog

Delay-stricken SpaceX launch scrubbed by technical issue http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/140620scrub/#.U6bYTbGSCog 20JUN2014

[Jack Hydrazine]

LAUNCH POSTPONED!!!!

1835 GMT (2:35 p.m. EDT)
Today’s launch has been postponed, according to a tweet by the U.S. Air Force’s 45th Space Wing. There has been no update from SpaceX on the reason for the delay or when they plan another launch attempt.

[DoughtyOne]

Ouch! None the less, it does show an amazing bit of careful scrutiny for them to catch things before a big negative event.

I was surprised reading that the engines are checked after firing but before launch, presumably to abort before liftoff.

Didn’t realize they had that capability. Once again, leaving as little as possible to chance.

[Jack Hydrazine]

1940 GMT (3:40 p.m. EDT)
SpaceX has released a statement on today’s postponement:

“Today’s Orbcomm launch attempt has been scrubbed to address a potential concern identified during pre-flight checks. The vehicle and payload are in good condition, and engineering teams will take the extra time to ensure the highest possible level of mission assurance prior to flight. The rocket will remain vertical on the launch pad with the next available launch opportunity targeting Tuesday, June 24th.”

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Try again Tuesday!

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks JH.

[DoughtyOne]

Thanks. That sounds good.

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

Looks like it will be a while

SpaceX pushes commercial satellite launch to next month
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/06/23/spacex-pushes-commercial-satellite-launch-to-next-month/

[Jack Hydrazine]

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon9/010/140623delay/#.U6o71LGSCog

SpaceX has not disclosed any information on the problem, but sources said the issue was with the Falcon 9 launcher. A report by CBS News, citing an unnamed source, said the problem may be an engine actuator used to steer the Falcon 9 rocket in flight.

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I’m sure they static tested these engines for approval to flight status and it didn’t fail at that time. There might be a weakness that has been revealed in the design of the actuator.

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

It was a success

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/m/news/news.php?release=2014-214#.U7SULdBlCSw

Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 Lifts Off!

[Lurkina.n.Learnin]

Oops. Different mission.

[Jack Hydrazine]

Thanks for the update!