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Unmanned Spaceflight.com _ New Horizons _ Nh - The Launch Thread
Posted by: djellison Jan 16 2006, 03:08 PM
I thought it was time, with the Atlas V about to roll out - for a new thread for NH for the launch etc.
Someone asked over at the HZ just how NH can go so fast, this was my reply....
New Horizons is 478kg, and it's Star 48B 3rd stage is 2,137kg - so instead of hauling 20 tons, this vehicle is hauling about 2.5 tons thus you get a HUGE velocity out of it. AND, once it's done that, you have the final kick of the 48B, 591 thousand kgs-s (thus accelerating is all a further 3.5 - 4km/s ball park speed, if my maths is right)
At launch - the vehicle is 573,160kg. NH is 0.083% of it.
Imagine the Apollo entry capsule on top of a Saturn V...tiny tiny tiny... that was 5,800 kg on a 3,038,500kg rocket - 0.191% - more than double that percentage of NH. The cutaway's are almost comical, with this tiny gold-clad box on an enormous vehicle.
Basically - it's a LOT of rocket, and not a lot of payload.
For comparison, look how much fuss was made of Stardust that entered so quickly. It took >16 hrs to get from the distance of the moon to Utah. NH makes that journey in 9 hours
One thing the NH mission is not short of, is superlatives.
I'm not one for good luck charms (although I'll eat peanuts during a Martian EDL with the best of them), but this mission has been so long in coming, that it deserves every ounce of luck it can have - the best, most accurate launch possible, the cleanest checkout, and incident free cruise to Jupiter.
Goodluck and Godspeed little one, we're with you every step of the way.
Doug
PS - Alan, you're a credit to your field, spending so much time answering questions and writing the PI Perspectives, it's been a hell of a journey!
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 03:27 PM
Atlas-5 with New Horizons is moving toward launch pad!!! 
Posted by: imran Jan 16 2006, 03:28 PM
Yes, Godspeed indeed. The launch will be spectacular and although I will be working tomorrow, I plan on coming home for lunch and watching the coverage live on my 56-inch HDTV. Hopefully the weather cooperates and we have a launch tomorrow. Good luck to the NH team!
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 03:37 PM
On the way!!!
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Posted by: helvick Jan 16 2006, 03:47 PM
Hey she's scooting along at a good 4-5mph now.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 04:10 PM
Rocket is in place....Yippeee!!!
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Posted by: Myran Jan 16 2006, 04:17 PM
4-5 mph helvick? That was a humble start. Now its on the pad it will be a lot more soon. Even though New Horizon wont beat the Voyagers in the end.
Good luck little probe, I hope they did check your optics and fuel tank properly.
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 16 2006, 04:35 PM
01.12.06
J.D. Harrington
Headquarters, Washington
Phone: (202) 358-5241
George H. Diller
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
Phone: (321) 867-2468
STATUS REPORT: ELV-011206
EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE STATUS REPORT
MISSION: New Horizons
LAUNCH VEHICLE: Lockheed Martin Atlas V 551 (AV-010)
LAUNCH PAD: Complex 41
LAUNCH SITE: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
LAUNCH DATE: Jan. 17, 2006
LAUNCH WINDOW: 1:24 p.m. - 3:23 p.m.
The Flight Readiness Review was successfully completed today at the
Kennedy Space Center. The launch of New Horizons remains scheduled
for Jan. 17. The White House Office of Science Technology Policy has
also given approval for the launch to proceed.
Final spacecraft closeouts are under way and will conclude Friday,
Jan. 13. The payload test team will be conducting spacecraft
electrical tests on Saturday, Jan. 14, and the fairing access doors
will be closed for flight.
Rollout of the Atlas V from the Vertical Integration Facility is
scheduled to occur at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16. That afternoon,
the storable RP-1 fuel will be loaded aboard the Atlas first stage
tank.
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, at 10:39 a.m., Pad 41 will be cleared of
personnel in preparation for cryogenic fueling operations which are
scheduled to begin at L-2 hours, or 11:24 a.m.
Posted by: odave Jan 16 2006, 05:40 PM
That's quite an inspiring sight. Wunderground's forecast for the cape tomorrow is "partly sunny. Breezy. Highs in the upper 70s. South winds 15 to 20 mph."
Since my company don't 'low no streamin', I think a late-lunch trip to the library is in order...
Posted by: Analyst Jan 16 2006, 05:55 PM
Goodluck and sunny weather tomorrow. It's been a long road and still so many miles to go.
Btw, it's the very same launch pad both Voyager's used 1977 (and both Viking's did in 1975).
I will be watching, NASA TV online and hopefully one German TV channel will broadcast the launch. It's 7:24 pm CET, right after work.
Analyst
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 06:24 PM
It is now exactly T-24 hours until liftoff………..if everything goes as planed at first possible opportunity.
God luck & sunny weather !!!
Posted by: elakdawalla Jan 16 2006, 06:47 PM
I'm checking out the really wonderful http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/public/ at KSC's website, and there's a lot of info there, but I'm finding it confusing. Can someone help straighten me out?
- First of all, the clock showing GMT and EST time shows 18:00 GMT when my own clock shows 10:41 (PST). So it appears that on my machine at least the applet appears to be running behind by 41 minutes. Does anybody else see a similar delay, or is the clock on the display synchronized to yours?
- Second, the "Window opening time" is listed as 016:17:25:00, which I think is a ddd:hh:mm:ss display. But if that's the case, that refers to a time that passed about an hour ago, and I don't think NH has launched yet Am I reading this wrong or is the applet messed up and does anybody else see the same thing?
--Emily
Posted by: punkboi Jan 16 2006, 06:48 PM
Didn't Cassini launch from there as well? Or was that Complex 40?
- First of all, the clock showing GMT and EST time shows 18:00 GMT when my own clock shows 10:41 (PST). So it appears that on my machine at least the applet appears to be running behind by 41 minutes. Does anybody else see a similar delay, or is the clock on the display synchronized to yours?
- Second, the "Window opening time" is listed as 016:17:25:00, which I think is a ddd:hh:mm:ss display. But if that's the case, that refers to a time that passed about an hour ago, and I don't think NH has launched yet
Am I reading this wrong or is the applet messed up and does anybody else see the same thing?--Emily
The only countdown clock I follow is the one on the http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/index.php...since it's much simpler
Posted by: imran Jan 16 2006, 06:54 PM
Check Spaceflight Now for latest mission updates.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/status.html
1830 GMT (1:30 p.m. EST):
Weather forecasters are still predicting an 80 percent chance of favorable conditions for tomorrow's launch.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 07:02 PM
NEW IMAGES at Spaceflightnow.com
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060116rollout/rollout1.html
Isn't she a beauty?
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Posted by: imran Jan 16 2006, 07:08 PM
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060116rollout/rollout1.html
Awesome pictures! The weather looks perfect for launch. Let's hope it stays this way for the next 24 hours.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 07:16 PM
Am I seeing Carolin Porco (...Cassini...) with New Horizon in background?
I didn't know she's involved...is this her?
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Posted by: ToSeek Jan 16 2006, 07:27 PM
I didn't know she's involved...is this her?
I don't know for sure if it's her, but she's one of the imaging scientists on New Horizons, so it's a definite possibility.
Posted by: odave Jan 16 2006, 07:33 PM
BPCooper's on the job - nice shots, Ben!
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 07:56 PM
The "go" has been given to the launch team for fueling the Atlas rocket's first stage...
T-22h 26m
Posted by: Sunspot Jan 16 2006, 07:59 PM
I'm almost too nervous to watch these launches now. I can't imagine how it must feel when you've spent a good part of your life working on the project, I think i'd be a jibbering wreck 
Posted by: djellison Jan 16 2006, 08:20 PM
That's CP.
Doug
Posted by: Toma B Jan 16 2006, 08:21 PM
...and finally HI-RES pictures at KSC...
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=137
My god...this is going to be AWESOME!!! 
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Posted by: punkboi Jan 16 2006, 08:21 PM
I won't be able to watch the launch anyway...since I'll be at work.
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 16 2006, 08:42 PM
Predict trajectory:
http://iota.jhuapl.edu/nh116.htm
Observe New Horizons Jan. 17 - best Asia & Australia
Posted by: punkboi Jan 16 2006, 08:50 PM
"The first stage fuel tank is now about half full. The kerosene is being pumped from a launch pad storage tank into the base of the Atlas 5 rocket."
Posted by: nprev Jan 16 2006, 10:00 PM
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=137
My god...this is going to be AWESOME!!!
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SERIOUS stackage there....more power!!!! (grunt, grunt!)
And, since I'll be on an airplane tomorrow at launch time, dammit....GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED, NEW HORIZONS!!!!
Posted by: deglr6328 Jan 16 2006, 10:16 PM
dumb ? time. Why is the first stage copper clad?
Posted by: djellison Jan 16 2006, 10:28 PM
I think it just LOOKS like it's copper clad. iirc
Doug
Posted by: mcaplinger Jan 16 2006, 10:45 PM
Right. I believe this is the chromate conversion coating (aka "alodine" or "chem-film") on the aluminum structure of the first stage. The white on the Centaur is from the cryogenic insulation.
Posted by: helvick Jan 16 2006, 10:56 PM
You must be right, copper is far too dense and weak, but it really looks awfully like a a large welded copper tank. An aluminium\copper alloy ?
Looks lovely I must say, a proper hunk of metal.
Posted by: mchan Jan 16 2006, 10:58 PM
A bit of editorial stretch there.
Posted by: djellison Jan 16 2006, 11:02 PM
That was the actual line I quoted from the previous poster - I know, you know, and we all know it's 13 months
Right
I'll admit it - when I saw that pic, I thought "Hell - that's a hot water tank"
Doug
Posted by: Airbag Jan 16 2006, 11:18 PM
Probably an alumin(i)um/lithium alloy.
Airbag
Posted by: MahFL Jan 16 2006, 11:41 PM
The first stage tank is Copper Anodised Aluminium.
" Anodising successfully combines science with nature to create one of nature's best metal finishes.
It is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide. The resulting finish, depending on the process, is the second hardest substance known to man, second only to diamond"
Posted by: mchan Jan 17 2006, 12:07 AM
" Anodising successfully combines science with nature to create one of nature's best metal finishes.
It is an electrochemical process that thickens and toughens the naturally occurring protective oxide. The resulting finish, depending on the process, is the second hardest substance known to man, second only to diamond"
"Copper" anodized aluminum? I understand the anodizing process leaves a bonded coating of aluminum oxide. Is copper used as a descriptive adjective here, or is there actually copper involved?
Posted by: mcaplinger Jan 17 2006, 12:15 AM
You can add dyes during the anodizing process and get most any color you like, but as I said before, I think it's more likely that the booster is chromate-conversion coated, because that would leave you with a natural golden-coppery color. But I couldn't find any confirmation in the Atlas documents I looked at. I can say for sure they didn't make the stage out of any AlBe or AlLi alloy, though.
Posted by: mars loon Jan 17 2006, 12:28 AM
To Pluto and BEYOND !!!
at last !!!!
and for those who missed it, The Science Channel Documentary on sunday night was quite enjoyable and there are a few more repeats. Here is a brief summary from my other thread.
----------------------------------------------------
The Discovery Science Channel is showing a documentary on the New Horizons mission which premieres on Sunday, Jan 15 at 9PM
check this link:
http://science.discovery.com/tvlistings/episode.jsp?episode=0&cpi=117319&gid=0&channel=SCI
Synopsis:
Passport to Pluto
NASA's New Horizons mission is exploring the "new frontier" of the outer reaches of our solar system, solving the mysteries of Pluto and beyond. Meet the scientists who have waited their whole lives for this mission and see what surprises they'll reveal
Posted by: Tesheiner Jan 17 2006, 10:24 AM
Here is NH on top of the booster.
Good luck!
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(Hope I did my math correctly...)
Posted by: edstrick Jan 17 2006, 11:21 AM
Uh....
Would somebody explain to me how they have 3 solid rocket strapons on one side of the booster and 2 on the other side.. and not have the launch vehicle go "TILT" during flight?.. I think they're firing all 5 at the same time... I'd assumed a evenly spaced "star" pattern for the strapons, but they don't have'm that way.
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 11:45 AM
This link has some good info on the Atlas. I may have misquoted about the copper...
"The Atlas common core is made out of aluminum with an anodizing process for protection which gives it its characteristic bronze color."
http://www.interspacenews.com/sections/feature%20stories/The%20history_of_the_atlas_launch_vehicle.htm
Posted by: djellison Jan 17 2006, 11:50 AM
Would somebody explain to me how they have 3 solid rocket strapons on one side of the booster and 2 on the other side.. and not have the launch vehicle go "TILT" during flight?.. I think they're firing all 5 at the same time... I'd assumed a evenly spaced "star" pattern for the strapons, but they don't have'm that way.
I thought that - but they could have angled nozzles on the solids to put the thrust direction in such a way whereby it all cancels out, and/or use the RD180 to compensate.
If you were to roll 180 degrees, you could use the thrust of the SRB's to pitch over
Doug
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 11:54 AM
It's because every booster's thrust vector is aligned to go through the center of mass of the vehicle. That way no rolling torque is induced, only sideways translation at worst (if one of the boosters under/overperforms or something, inducing translation, which can probably be perfectly well compensated for by the main engine gibals). A similar situation is present with the space shuttle, once the SRBs jettison, the 3 SSMEs need to gimbal to adjust the thrust through the new center of mass.
Posted by: Bill Harris Jan 17 2006, 02:12 PM
Good cut-away image, Tesheiner. That puts the spacecraft size into perspective.
Still, it seems to me that the thrust vectors from two boosters would add up to be different than three boosters and the thrust would be uneven. But, heck, I'm just a geologist and they know what they're doing, so I won't fret about it.
I saw Alan Stern on NBC news this morning, in an interview about NH. Just before the nuclear protesters...
--Bill
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 02:26 PM
The thrust vectors do add up differently, but as long as they go through the center of mass, no torque is exerted.
Seems like the weather report is steadily becoming less and less favorable. Currently the conditions are "mostly cloudy" (degraded from "partly cloudy") and the wind is picking up, currently at 15 km/h.
What exactly are the launch constraints concerning the wind speed?
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 02:44 PM
The Atlas 5's wind limit at launch is 33 knots...that's approx. 61 km/h.
1knot=1.852 kilometers per hour
Posted by: punkboi Jan 17 2006, 02:46 PM
1knot=1.852 kilometers per hour
Err, what's that in miles?
Posted by: djellison Jan 17 2006, 02:49 PM
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&hs=iEC&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&q=33+knots+in+mph&spell=1
Google is quite powerfull
Doug
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 02:50 PM
It's sad enough you still stick with the imperial system, expecting someone else will convert the figures for you is just rude!
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 02:52 PM
Yeah, but Atlas V 551 is even more so!
Posted by: chris Jan 17 2006, 02:53 PM
I may or may not be able to watch the launch live (depends on work pressures), but I would just like to add my sincerest wishes for a successful launch.
Good luck!
Chris
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 02:57 PM
There is some obvious weather change today at KSC...
Look at these webcam images...
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Posted by: odave Jan 17 2006, 02:59 PM
Wow - even http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&q=33+knots+in+furlongs+per+fortnight&meta=
I'm impressed
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 02:59 PM
Spaceflightnow.com
1445 GMT (9:45 a.m. EST)
NASA is not reporting any technical issues as the countdown continues.
Thats god news!!!
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 17 2006, 03:00 PM
Who knows any NASA TV mirrors, I can only get 34Kbps live real streaming and the Yahoo! mirror doesn't work on my Mac.
Posted by: chris Jan 17 2006, 03:08 PM
I am using the realplayer link from http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html on my Mac, and it works fine.
(And yes, I use a Mac at work. Lucky me
) Chris
Posted by: AstronomíaOnline.com Jan 17 2006, 03:11 PM
I'm following Mike Griffin's New Horizons Press Briefing on NASA TV, and EVERY DAMN QUESTION has to do with the Space Shuttle... do journalists realize how stupid they sound not asking a single question about the real reason that briefing was called?? 
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 03:12 PM
Check to see if your connection speed is set correctly in Real Player. It's been a while since I've used RP, but there ought to be a setting on whether you're broadband or 56k dialup. The latter won't give you more than 48 kbps, imho, even if your connection is capable.
Speaking of live streams, is there a way to record the feed to your computer on the fly? I've had success with on-demand webcasts, but no luck with live feeds.
I'd really like a copy of the launch webcast as I don't want to depend on the NH site posting an archived and shortened launch feed...
Posted by: djellison Jan 17 2006, 03:32 PM
Kudos to Bill Hardwood who said "I'm going to ask a question about New Horizons seing as no one else has"
Doug
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 03:33 PM
When will they start pumping LOX and LH into rocket?
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 03:36 PM
IIRC, first stage LOX loading begins at T-75 minutes. I have no idea when Centaur fueling begins, LH2 probably gets fueled last, though.
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 03:44 PM
Doug
There was one other question (Would NH be turned off post encounter if it had been a success at Pluto) I missed who asked it though.
I was very disappointed with the seemingly endless "What about the Shuttle?" questions. Seems like most of the folks there didn't care about NH, next time we should ask to have a UMSF rep to ensure that there are more relevant questions.
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 17 2006, 03:49 PM
I was very disappointed with the seemingly endless "What about the Shuttle?" questions. Seems like most of the folks there didn't care about NH, next time we should ask to have a UMSF rep to ensure that there are more relevant questions.
Don't dump on the media too much - they are simply reflecting what the general public does and does not know about space exploration and where their interests do lie on the subject. It's up to NASA and the space community to make a better effort to educate the public and media about what is going on.
I guarantee you most people don't even have a clue right now until they see the evening news that a probe is about to be launched to Pluto. And what do they know about Pluto - well, it's either Mickey's dog or a place that's really far away, and oh yeah, it's pretty cold.
Maybe the space agencies and astronomers should ask the public more often what they want to see done with space exploration. Dan Goldin did that in the late 1990s on an informal basis, and he was very disappointed when he couldn't find anyone who wanted to know or see anything done about the International Space Station. They wanted NASA to put humans on Mars and find alien life.
Posted by: BPCooper Jan 17 2006, 03:57 PM
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060116rollout/rollout1.html
Isn't she a beauty?
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Thanks. At the launch site now, cameras at the pad ready to go. Beautiful weather.
Go Atlas, Go Centaur, Go New Horizons!
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 04:01 PM
You forgot "Go Star48B!"...
Posted by: djellison Jan 17 2006, 04:02 PM
Good luck to you as well Ben - we're counting on your for the picture's we'll put on our walls of this one
Doug
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 04:12 PM
Spaceflight Now.com
1607 GMT (11:07 a.m. EST)
Winds at the pad have gusted up to 29 knots. The limit is 33 knots at launch time.
Not so good news...
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 04:24 PM
1607 GMT (11:07 a.m. EST)
Winds at the pad have gusted up to 29 knots. The limit is 33 knots at launch time.
Not so good news...
The clouds in the NASA TV feed are zipping along at a noticable clip but there doesn't seem to be any indication of worry from the NASA side ATM.
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 04:29 PM
Ok, there are obviously some serious problems with the streaming videos. I get constant "buffering" on both WMV and RM streams.
Looks like major network congestion... grrrrr!
And I was really looking forward to watching this live
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 04:44 PM
Looks like major network congestion... grrrrr!
And I was really looking forward to watching this live
I've been getting a good rm feed for the past hour or so, no bufferring issues. Just switched to WMV, better audio and video quality. No connection issues from this side of the atlantic.
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 04:48 PM
It figures. I'll remember this when someone starts to complain about poor webcast quality of ESA press conferences...
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 04:50 PM
Cryogenic oxidizer is being filled into Centaur and First stage now...
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 04:53 PM
You mean liquid Oxygen, right ? lol.
Posted by: Jeff7 Jan 17 2006, 04:54 PM
Well oxygen oxidizes, right?
Or does it reduce? I never could keep oxidation/reduction straight....
Posted by: odave Jan 17 2006, 04:56 PM
Don't feel bad - someone scheduled a meeting at 2:00pm EST, so my late lunch trip to the library is out. No streaming allowed in the building, so it's text-based launch observing for me. I knew I should have marked that that time in Outlook as "unavailable".
Posted by: JRehling Jan 17 2006, 04:59 PM
Little table of when each world got its first launch:
Moon 1959
Venus 1962
Mars 1964
Jupiter 1972
Mercury 1973
Saturn 1973
Uranus 1977
Neptune 1977
Pluto 2006
It's about time!
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 05:00 PM
Yes TomaB that's Dr Carolyn PORCO for sure:
http://ww.planetary.org/saturn/whoswho.htm
( By The Way where did You get that photo ... is it online ? )
I'm afraid ljk4-1 is right about the media ...
That Atlas V looks awesome !
Checking NASA TV footage right now
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 05:05 PM
( By The Way where did You get that photo ... is it online ? )
Yes it is...ups!!!
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060116rollout/rollout2.html
Meanwhile:
The first stage's bronze skin is icing over as the super-cold liquid oxygen continues to flow into the vehicle.
Rocket is turning white...see?
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Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 05:09 PM
I can already imagine "This is Atlas launch con... BUFFERING... 1 0 liftoff... BUFFERING... first stage performance looks... BUFFERING... etc etc etc..."
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 05:11 PM
No streaming here either, just refreshing webcam pics.
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/video45lh.html
Posted by: odave Jan 17 2006, 05:14 PM
Thanks for the link - better than nothing!
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 05:17 PM
Waiting for a Meteo report... At Minus 1 Hour ... there were some 35 knots winds ...
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 05:24 PM
T-1hour...
Looks sunny...
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Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 05:31 PM
Pitty Dr Clyde TOMBAUGH can't see this but I believe some of his family memebers are at the launch site
The launch vehicle is almost completely white but still winds over 33 knots ...
Watching it closely, the scheduled T-4 minutes hold will be a critical moment
Posted by: lyford Jan 17 2006, 05:45 PM
For those "at work" or with video player issues, you may be able to run the Java based cam viewer at:
http://countdown.ksc.nasa.gov/elv/public/
You do need a Java capable browser...
Godspeed, New Horizons!
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 05:54 PM
Border line winds.
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Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 05:55 PM
Winds seems to be dropping bit
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 05:58 PM
Winds 25 knots ... gusts 33 knots
But there's an issue with a drain valve on a LOX tank
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 06:01 PM
Is there a bit clearer picture...I can't see numbers...
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:03 PM
updated: 12:46 PM EST on January 17, 2006
Observed At: Titusville, Florida
Elevation: 33 ft / 10 m
[Mostly Cloudy]
75 °F / 24 °C
Mostly Cloudy
Wind: 13 mph / 20 km/h from the South
Wind Gust: 28 mph / 44 km/h
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 17 2006, 06:05 PM
NEWSALERT: Tuesday, January 17, 2005 @ 1658 GMT
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The latest news from Spaceflight Now
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NEW HORIZONS READY TO GO
------------------------
A space probe tiny in size stands ready for blastoff today atop a massive
rocket from Cape Canaveral. It is bound for the outskirts of our solar
systems -- a journey stretching many years and billions of miles -- in
pursuit of exploration and discovery. Follow this historic launch of
NASA's New Horizons spacecraft aboard a Lockheed Martin Atlas 5 rocket in
our live status center:
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/status.html
MISSION VIDEO COVERAGE:
http://www.spaceflightnowplus.com/index.php?k=av-010&t=Pluto+New+Horizons
ATLAS 5 ROCKET ROLLS TO PAD ON EVE OF LAUNCH
--------------------------------------------
A grand adventure to explore the outer frontier of the solar system was
moved to the launch pad Monday morning for the final day of preparations
leading to blastoff.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060116rollout.html
IMAGES: MONDAY MORNING'S ROLLOUT
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060116rollout/rollout1.html
FIRST MISSION TO 9TH PLANET
---------------------------
New Horizons was built to become the first robotic explorer to visit Pluto
and probe the Kuiper Belt in the outskirts of the planetary neighborhood.
Check out this highly-detailed five-part preview story examining NASA's
New Horizons mission.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060114preview.html
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:05 PM
Didn't they have a similar problem with the MRO ?
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 06:08 PM
There was only ONE gust of wind greater than 33 knots...
Posted by: jamescanvin Jan 17 2006, 06:11 PM
Who scheduled this for 5am?
I'm going to have to have words with Alan!
James :Yawn:
Couldn't miss this though!
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 06:11 PM
Still exciting though ... T-4 minutes ... built-in 2 minutes hold
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:13 PM
Engineers have determined the first stage liquid oxygen fill and drain valve issue is not a constraint. The issue is understood.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 06:13 PM
It's actually 10 minute hold...
Posted by: Rakhir Jan 17 2006, 06:14 PM
NEW LAUNCH TIME! Liftoff has being delayed to 1:45 p.m. EST due to gusty ground winds.
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/status.html
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:15 PM
NEW LAUNCH TIME! Liftoff has been delayed to 1:45 p.m. EST due to gusty ground winds. Also, the valve issue needs to be wrapped up
Posted by: Jeff7 Jan 17 2006, 06:16 PM
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/status.html
Geez. Place your bets if it'll actually launch today.
Posted by: lyford Jan 17 2006, 06:16 PM
jamescanvin can go back to bed for a bit then....
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 06:18 PM
Good view on NASA TV now of the wind in the palm trees. The vapour from the cryogenic boiloff is being blown a long way from the rocket too.
Posted by: Rob Pinnegar Jan 17 2006, 06:20 PM
Get them fingers crossed lads (and lasses)! Here we go!
Posted by: Sunspot Jan 17 2006, 06:26 PM
1824 GMT (1:24 p.m. EST)
A new flight profile based on the upper level winds needs to be performed for the delayed launch time. Ground winds are still a concern, and the first stage liquid oxygen fill and drain valve problem has not been put to rest yet.
I'm just waiting for the words SCRUB ! to appear
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 06:27 PM
|
|
Any news on that wind?
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:35 PM
Wind has dropped a bit.
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 06:36 PM
Engineering Poll and Advisory Poll complete and all GO
Still concern about the surface and upper level winds.
Weather baloon information is due in a few minutes.
Fill/Drain valve issue has been sorted
Nick
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 06:38 PM
New T0 = 19:10 GMT 
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 06:39 PM
Pushed out to 19:10 Z, 14:10 EST.
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 17 2006, 06:39 PM
The Pluto URL http://pluto.jhuapl.edu/index.php is now very busy and it does not let me to get in and watch the NASA TV. May anyone let me know what is the alternative URL TV source.
Rodolfo
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 06:39 PM
T0 at 19:10
Time to put the kettle on.
Or go grab a soda!
The suspense is killing me! Who needs Hollywood!
Nick
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:39 PM
Wind is dropping
|
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:40 PM
Rodolfo
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 06:42 PM
Rodolfo,
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 06:47 PM
Does anybody know of the great features shown at NASA TV about preparing the launch vehicle are available online ?
They should make a DVD out of this, the Atlas V is a real beauty
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 06:49 PM
I feel a little guilty, what with all of you trying to keep a streaming video connection going so you can see blurry images of the rocket.
My cable system got its act together a couple of months ago, and we once again have a very nice, clean NASA-TV signal. And I have a DVR, so I'm recording the launch (though I've got a good hour of the thing just sitting on the pad at this point... ...)
-the other Doug
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 17 2006, 06:51 PM
Great boys,
Now I am able to see thru the NASA TV at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/.
Now I see NH spewing white smog on the middle height of rocket. Is that the water vapor?
Rodolfo
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 06:53 PM
Yeah, the connection seems to have "cleared up" a bit now. Knock on wood...
Posted by: mchan Jan 17 2006, 06:53 PM
While waiting, I checked the Front Page and see that 83 folks are online now. BTW, what's the record?
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 06:54 PM
Spaceflightnow.com
1852 GMT (1:52 p.m. EST)
A Lockheed Martin spokesman says the upper level wind issue is actually at an altitude of 800 feet. Attempts to develop a flight profile to withstand the current wind conditions failed the past two tries, he said.
More and more it looks like it will not fly anywhere today... ...hope I'm wrong...
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 06:56 PM
Well, Attempts to develop a new flight profile to withstand the current wind conditions failed but they await new meteo data hoping the winds dropped...
Launch window open untill 03:23
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:56 PM
A Lockheed Martin spokesman says the upper level wind issue is actually at an altitude of 800 feet. Attempts to develop a flight profile to withstand the current wind conditions failed the past two tries, he said.
That sounds like its going to be a scrub for today, with bad wx tomorrow too
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 06:56 PM
Damn! 19:30 GMT new T0...
Posted by: Bjorn Jonsson Jan 17 2006, 06:57 PM
Delayed to 19:30 GMT.
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 06:57 PM
T0 now at 19:30 Z, 14:30 EST.
Posted by: Jeff7 Jan 17 2006, 06:57 PM
My cable system got its act together a couple of months ago, and we once again have a very nice, clean NASA-TV signal. And I have a DVR, so I'm recording the launch (though I've got a good hour of the thing just sitting on the pad at this point...
...)-the other Doug
May I recommend the XviD codec then, if you plan on posting the video? If you like, e-mail me and I can send you a nice tutorial on getting good results with Virtualdub.
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 06:58 PM
NEW LAUNCH TIME. Liftoff has been pushed back to 2:30 p.m. EST.
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 17 2006, 06:59 PM
In the afternoon, around Florida usually have lots of winds and I am afraid that its wind strength will last until late afternoon. When I was a university student, I have salied around Key Biscayne, Miami and I know that zone has good afternoon winds.
Hope that the sky becomes a good gentlemen for a while to let the NH to streak to Pluto.
Rodolfo
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 07:00 PM
Personally, I'd go with the H.264 codec, IMHO it outclasses both XviD and DivX codecs. There's a free implementation available called x264 for AVI and as I understand, newer versions of QuickTime already support H.264.
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:00 PM
Unfortunately, the DVR isn't connectable to my computer, and I have no stand-alone DVD recorder, so I have no way to port it to the PC for uploading...
-the other Doug
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 07:02 PM
Does anybody know if there's an onboard camera simular to the ones used on Delta launch vehicle showing the ride up into space with a good vantage point to see the solids drop away ?
Posted by: elakdawalla Jan 17 2006, 07:05 PM
Did anybody catch what that anomalous-sounding announcement just was?
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 17 2006, 07:06 PM
Yes, there are 3 rocket cameras, two on 1st stage (one downward, one upward), one on 2nd stage (upward).
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 07:06 PM
No, there are no outside cameras on Atlas5.
Posted by: ilbasso Jan 17 2006, 07:07 PM
Antigua tracking station offline due to a transmitter, but should be back up on time
Posted by: Analyst Jan 17 2006, 07:08 PM
It feels like a scrub day. But you never know.
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 17 2006, 07:08 PM
Are you sure? I read there are 3 cameras.
Posted by: Jeff7 Jan 17 2006, 07:08 PM
x264 looks like it's still in its infancy. I just figured XviD because it's more widespead and mature.
Edit: I just encoded a video with x264 and Virtualdub. Output in WMP is grey and garbled.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 07:08 PM
Where did you get that information?
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 07:10 PM
Launch is No-Go with current upper winds
We have 20minutes for the wind to die down
Posted by: Bill Harris Jan 17 2006, 07:11 PM
Intellicast Winds is not _the_ authoritative source, but it does not look favorable.
--Bill
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 17 2006, 07:11 PM
I don't remember very clearly, maybe from a PDF at pluto.jhuapl.edu.
Posted by: Sunspot Jan 17 2006, 07:14 PM
arghhhhh the tension lol
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 07:15 PM
I have it in my hand and there is no mention of any cameras there...
Does anybody knows for sure?
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 07:15 PM
I don't see any mention of NH on the company website for Rocketcam, who have put cameras on Atlas V in the past, and will later this year.
http://www.eclipticenterprises.com/newsinfo_launchschedule.php
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 07:15 PM
New profile sucessfully calculated and loaded into the IMU
Looks OK
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 07:16 PM
AFAIK, there are no cameras mounted on the rocket, Alan Stern mentioned regretting about it. They needed every kilogram of payload available to the spacecraft itself...
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:18 PM
The tension in this room is palpable, gentlemen...
-the other Doug
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 07:20 PM
[HOLD IT!] - need to use the bathroom
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:21 PM
Go quickly, count resumes in five minutes (if it resumes at all)...
-the other Doug
Posted by: Jeff7 Jan 17 2006, 07:22 PM
Hell no! There've been enough things held back today!
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:23 PM
New T-0 coming, DSN has a problem...
-the other Doug
Posted by: jamescanvin Jan 17 2006, 07:23 PM
Another delay
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 07:23 PM
Arrrgh!
New TO
TBD
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 07:24 PM
New time...
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:24 PM
New T-0 19:50 Zulu.
-the other Doug
Posted by: Sunspot Jan 17 2006, 07:25 PM
lol.....this isn't going to happen today.
Posted by: MahFL Jan 17 2006, 07:26 PM
all the websites are oveloaded
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 07:27 PM
Hats off to these Launch control guys - the job needs the patience of saints and nerves of steel.
Not to mention all the serious tech brilliance...
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 17 2006, 07:32 PM
The later is the afternoon, the better is the time, less windy...I hope that I have a good feeling that at the 2:50 pm is the real time.
Rodolfo
Posted by: imran Jan 17 2006, 07:34 PM
Tomorrow looks like another bad day.
Wednesday's forecast:
Morning showers, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon. Cooler. High 63F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Let's hope we have a launch today or else we may have to wait until Thursday.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 07:36 PM
Spaceflightnow.com:
1930 GMT (2:30 p.m. EST)
A poll of the New Horizons spacecraft and ground network team was just conducted. The were no problems reported, NASA says.
NO PROBLEMS?!?!?
There is still hope!
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 07:37 PM
Not to mention the preparations... and technical + safety checks!
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:43 PM
New T-0 20:05 Zulu.. No reason given.
-the other Doug
Posted by: imran Jan 17 2006, 07:43 PM
Another delay
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 07:44 PM
Another new profile into the IMU
Looks like winds are within design limits.
Go Go Go !!!
-Please!
Arrrgh !
T0 20:05
Posted by: Rakhir Jan 17 2006, 07:45 PM
-the other Doug
Probably the last one given today's window
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 17 2006, 07:46 PM
Another good step :
1939 GMT (2:39 p.m. EST)
The Cape launch team has received the latest flight profile for loading into the rocket. Officials are awaiting confirmation that the profile can withstand the current upper level winds.
Closing problems step by step until ring the 2:50 pm.
Rodolfo
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 07:47 PM
For those of you keeping score at home...
T:0 times attempted today (EST):
1:24
1:45
2:10
2:30
2:50
3:05
Window closes at 3:23 pm. So, they may try 3:20 if 3:05 pm doesn't work out...
Posted by: Holder of the Two Leashes Jan 17 2006, 07:49 PM
This is starting to get really intense.
Posted by: Analyst Jan 17 2006, 07:50 PM
I prefer the shuttle/ISS windows - 5 minutes or so per day and you are done. Or Delta II's one second.
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 07:52 PM
"Starting" - it's been intense for hours.
I am gonna have to go down the Pub (Bar) after this and rehydrate.
Nick
(Beer is not just for Christmas)
Posted by: imran Jan 17 2006, 07:53 PM
Upper levels are still a problem.
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 07:55 PM
At least there're no fishing boats above the launch sector, here at the coast they prefer to pay the fine during 'firing season' ( Anti-Aircraft missiles )
Posted by: Bjorn Jonsson Jan 17 2006, 07:55 PM
Increasingly looking like a scrub to me. Hopefully I'm wrong...
Posted by: imran Jan 17 2006, 07:57 PM
1955 GMT (2:55 p.m. EST)
The new timeline calls for the launch team readiness poll at 2:58 p.m., resumption of the countdown at 3:01 p.m. and liftoff at 3:05 p.m. EST (2005 GMT).
Posted by: just-nick Jan 17 2006, 07:57 PM
I'm lucky enough to be working from home today...someone stuck in a meeting is going to want to kill me, I'm sure.
I've got NASA TV on all three televisions on the house, so in case the tension gets too much and I have to take a break and pace around, I'll never be too far away.
And I've even held off coffee this AM since I know that with any amount of caffiene in my system, it really would be unbearable.
For liftoff, of course, I plan to run down to the big 50" downstairs...
--N
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 07:58 PM
Poll finished, ANOTHER new T-0 at 20:23 Zulu, all factors acceptable *including* upper-level winds.
-the other Doug
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 08:00 PM
They're now going for the very end of the launch window.
-the other Doug
Posted by: mchan Jan 17 2006, 08:00 PM
End of launch window. It will go then.
Posted by: Marz Jan 17 2006, 08:00 PM
Weren't they acceptable for the 3:05 window acceptable too?
argh!
C'mon, let's light this candle!
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 08:01 PM
I am gonna have to go down the Pub (Bar) after this and rehydrate.
Nick
(Beer is not just for Christmas)
I was planning to have a drop of Middleton to toast her on her way but I think I too will be settling for a few beers if it's scrubbed.
Posted by: just-nick Jan 17 2006, 08:01 PM
I like your idea of rehydration. You've got the advantage that, what with time zones and all, that's a socially appropriate form of rehydration. Too much more and I'll have to sneak a whisky.
--(another) Nick
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 08:02 PM
-the other Doug
Well at least we know there will not be anoher T-0 today if this one isn't used...
GO ATLAS!!!
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 08:02 PM
Just when the upper level winds went green, the ground level winds picked up.
Last chance for today, folks.
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 08:02 PM
I just want it to get moving -- I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon (I need to get some work done on my right knee) at 21:00 Zulu, and this is going to be cutting it a little close...
-the other Doug
Posted by: odave Jan 17 2006, 08:03 PM
How much risk is there for launching exactly on the window boundary? If something in the process takes a second or two longer, will the window be missed by a few seconds? How much margin is built into the windows, in other words...
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 08:06 PM
If it's a scrub, will the launch vehicle be brought in again ?
No confirmation on any onboard webcams ?
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 08:07 PM
In the last minutes of a countdown, if something takes a few seconds longer than it should, the countdown computers would probably declare it an anomaly and stop the countdown. The actual liftoff is always within a tiny fraction of a second of when it is supposed to be.
Posted by: just-nick Jan 17 2006, 08:07 PM
I think the answer is pretty much "none." That's the danger now, if anything creeps up once the hold is released and we start counting, its game over for the day. They've used up their buffer time waiting out the wind.
On the positive side, the Atlas V seems to be about as "turn the key and watch it go" of a rocked as we've ever built.
--Nick
Posted by: mchan Jan 17 2006, 08:07 PM
No confirmation on any onboard webcams ?
Not for a 24 hour scrub.
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 08:08 PM
There are none on Atlas 5.
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 08:11 PM
Well no onboard cams is a pitty and during the close-up views of the launch vehicle I was trying to find the attachment point but the Atlas V really looks to slick... and now let's move away from this page 13 of the topic
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 08:13 PM
Great views of the base of the launcher ... lost the count on the number of camera's around this launchpad
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 08:14 PM
--(another) Nick
I think you should!
I'm not a daytime drinker myself but I think this is one time you should make an exception, and drink a toast.
Mine's a pint of Bass.
Cheers
Nick
Posted by: Marz Jan 17 2006, 08:16 PM
GO!!!!
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 08:17 PM
All systems go!
Nick
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 08:17 PM
Go, Go, Go, Go, Go, Go, Go ..
Lovely sounds. Especially the "Redline Monitor? Go" and "Launch Director, Go" at the end.
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 08:18 PM
Wow, they are really giving it their best shot today.
If the yellow line stays below the red line for the next 5 minutes, we'll be on our way...
http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/shuttle/countdown/video/chan1large.jpg
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 08:18 PM
We're counting... *fingers crossed*...
C'mon, wind goddess -- blow just a little more gently!
-the other Doug
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 08:19 PM
Looks like this is it!
Lovely weather, too, should provide excellent vehicle tracking shots.
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 08:19 PM
Time now 20:20Z
T -4Min and counting
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 08:20 PM
No - go, redline monitor fault, scrub for today.
-the other Doug
Posted by: Ames Jan 17 2006, 08:21 PM
Time Now 20:21
t-3Min and counting
NH is GOGOGOGOGOGGO!
Posted by: Bjorn Jonsson Jan 17 2006, 08:21 PM
I'm getting nervous, this is exciting...
Posted by: jamescanvin Jan 17 2006, 08:21 PM
Crap!
I don't know how many more mornings like this I can take!
Posted by: helvick Jan 17 2006, 08:21 PM
Ah #$%^!!~
Oh well.
Posted by: Bjorn Jonsson Jan 17 2006, 08:21 PM
ARRRGGHHHH !!!
Scrub
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 17 2006, 08:21 PM
OK, what's the launch window for tomorrow? I know, the weathre doesn't look all that good, but...
-the other Doug
Posted by: Jeff7 Jan 17 2006, 08:22 PM
Dammit
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 08:22 PM
Abbort!!!
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 17 2006, 08:22 PM
Although we did our best to reach page 14 ... a redline monitor fault had other ideas
By The Way ... still no " New Horizons " items here:
http://www.bookstore.caltech.edu/jpllab/dept.asp?mscssid=E3C02J9GDPHF8NH0CNK11FR6W2SHAC9A
Safing the vehicle now
Posted by: mchan Jan 17 2006, 08:24 PM
-the other Doug
report from early today was 60% for violation of launch criteria.
Posted by: YesRushGen Jan 17 2006, 08:24 PM
-the other Doug
Hey Doug. Launch window times are here:
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/051129windows.html
Posted by: odave Jan 17 2006, 08:25 PM
I think I just learned that I don't have the temperament to be a launch controller. Those guys just look so calm and cool, and I'm about ready to jump out of my skin.
I'm going to join y'all for a beer...
Posted by: Redstone Jan 17 2006, 08:25 PM
Welcome to the space business...
We still have a healthy Atlas V and NH. The hardware looks in great shape.
Tomorrow's launch window extends from 1:16 to 3:15 p.m. EST.
See you then.
Posted by: jamescanvin Jan 17 2006, 08:29 PM
8 minutes earlier! oh well, who needs sleep!
It better go tomorrow! (I know not looking good)
Posted by: DEChengst Jan 17 2006, 08:30 PM
Any info on the weather forecast for tomorrow ?
Posted by: Toma B Jan 17 2006, 08:33 PM
I HATE WINDS!!!
The constraint that violated a red line limit was indeed the ground winds. There was a gust that broke the 33-knot limit as the countdown was proceeding to a last-ditch attempt for launch at the very close of today's available window.
Posted by: mchan Jan 17 2006, 08:36 PM
The latest report calls for partly sunny, becoming sunny. Yesterday, the forecast had been for 30% rain. The lauch forecast from yesterday was for 60% violation of launch criteria on Wednesday. We are all waiting for an updated launch forecast.
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 17 2006, 08:41 PM
Would it have been better to launch our rockets in the Southwestern desert like they used to in the 1940s and 1950s?
Look at those old artworks of "future" space missions. Most of them are launching from a desert locale.
Posted by: dilo Jan 17 2006, 08:45 PM
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/051129windows.html
Looking to this table, I understand the reson of the delay if we miss Jupiter assist. What is not clear is why there are further huge slippages in February (1 year every 3/4 days of delay!). It seems that a small shift in start position imply an heavy change, peraphs due to a more elongated orbit... am I correct? can someone simulate this?
Posted by: ugordan Jan 17 2006, 09:15 PM
My reasoning is that because Earth moves in its orbit much faster than Pluto, during a course of 3 days it covers an arc around the sun of a few degrees. If the launch speed and eject trajectory always stayed the same, it would mean that the arrival point at Pluto would also be shifted by the same angle. However, Pluto takes a whole lot more time to cover that angular distance so you actually need to launch slower than you theoretically could, just so you end up at a precise point in Pluto's orbit exactly when it's there also. But then again, a slower inital launch introduces yet further delays and it's a closed circle.
One Pluto's orbit takes 248 Earth ones so a quick and dumb estimate yields 248 days of arrival delay (for Pluto to arrive at the new arrival point, not actual arrival at Pluto!) for each day of launch delay. Obviously this wouldn't work very well. This is purely theoretical and a very big simplification of the whole scheme. Of course, a powerful booster like the Atlas V obviously can cut some corners here and there.
Posted by: yg1968 Jan 17 2006, 09:25 PM
The chance of the weather srubbing the launch on Wednesday is currently set at 30% (today, Tuesday was set at 20%). Thursday's chance of a scrub due to weather is only 10%.
See:
http://www.floridatoday.com/floridatoday/blogs/plutolaunch/
Posted by: punkboi Jan 18 2006, 01:07 AM
I'm expecting New Horizons to launch on Thursday...according to the forecast on http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USFL0373.html
Posted by: alan Jan 18 2006, 02:01 AM
I think the delay is because the amount of gravity assist changes because Jupiter is no longer idealy positioned. I doubt New Horizons would reach Pluto at all without the gravity assist.
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 03:56 AM
I'm going to join y'all for a beer...
That's why they call them (the best of them, anyway) "steely-eyed missile men."
But, to tell the truth, after it's all over, they go out and tilt back a few beers, themselves...
-the other Doug
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 04:02 AM
Not true. The February 5th launch date is the very last date on which a Jupiter-assist trajectory can be achieved. The dates past Feb. 5 are for direct-to-Pluto trajectories without any gravity assist from Jupiter. Or from any other body, for that matter.
That's the reason the arrival dates shift so dramatically after Feb. 5. But it's awfully impressive that the Atlas V can place NH on a solar-system-escape trajectory, intersecting Pluto's orbit, without *any* help from a gravity assist!
-the other Doug
Posted by: dilo Jan 18 2006, 04:18 AM
Yes, quite impressive.
Ugordan, thanks for your interesting explaination...
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 01:12 PM
The US of A wasn't the only space-faring nation who couldn't get a space vessel off the ground yesterday...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*** JAXA MAIL SERVICE ***
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Launch Postponement of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite Daichi
(ALOS)/H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 8
January 18, 2006
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The launch of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 8 (H-IIA F8) with the
Advanced Land Observing Satellite Daichi (ALOS) onboard has been
postponed due to a malfunction found yesterday in a part of the launch
vehicle onboard equipment(*1) during the Y-1 operations(*2). We will
replace the malfunctioned part with a new one.
The launch was originally scheduled on January 19 (Thu), 2006 (Japan
Standard Time) from the Tanegashima Space Center.
(*1) Telemetry transmitter: the equipment to transmit flight status
data to ground stations
(*2) Operations one day prior to the launch day (The launch day is
over two days for the H-IIA F8; therefore, "one day prior to the
launch day" is actually two days before the launch day on a calendar.)
The new launch date will be announced as soon as it is determined.
* This information is also available on the following website:
http://h2a.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
This page URL:
http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2006/01/20060118_h2a-f8_e.html
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Publisher : Public Affairs Department
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Marunouchi Kitaguchi Building,
1-6-5, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8260
Japan
TEL:+81-3-6266-6400
JAXA WEB SITE :
http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html
Posted by: Ames Jan 18 2006, 03:06 PM
SCRUB!
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory suffered a power cut.
Try again tomorrow.
Nick
Posted by: Toma B Jan 18 2006, 03:35 PM
So what happened now?...did they forget to pay electricity bill?
Posted by: Sunspot Jan 18 2006, 03:36 PM
Hmmm ... this isnt looking good for NH, how long do they have to launch before they miss the Jupiter flyby?
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 03:38 PM
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2006
1459 GMT (9:59 a.m. EST)
A management meeting is planned for 4 p.m. EST this afternoon to determine if the New Horizons control center in Maryland will be ready for a launch attempt tomorrow or whether more time is needed. The Atlas launch team is moving forward with a 24-hour scrub turnaround timeline to preserve the option of flying tomorrow.
1459 GMT (9:59 a.m. EST)
SCRUB! Today's launch attempt has been called off. The New Horizons mission control center at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory suffered a power outage this morning. The backup system using generators is not sufficient to proceed with the launch. So the first mission to Pluto will remain on Earth for another day.
Tomorrow's launch window extends from 1:08 to 3:07 p.m. EST.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/status.html
Posted by: odave Jan 18 2006, 03:59 PM
I think there's still plenty of time for Jupiter. From http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?showtopic=675&view=findpost&p=30748 back in December:
ISTR seeing a more detailed breakdown of the windows somewhere...
Posted by: elakdawalla Jan 18 2006, 04:04 PM
They'll get the Jupiter gravity assist if they launch before February 3; they've still got two weeks.
--Emily
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 04:25 PM
There is a very large weather front traveling across the eastern United States. In a very unusual weather pattern for mid-January, there are scattered severe thunderstorms battering the U.S. east coast from New England all the way down to the Carolinas and Georgia.
Believe me, APL wasn't the only place that lost power as these storms passed through.
And I wouldn't guarantee that the weather will improve -- the storms are powered, as storms always are, by the temperature and pressure differential between two colliding air masses. The air pushing these storms eastward along the American continent is frigid, and much of the country has had high temperature swings, from one day to the next, of more than 20 degrees C.
-the other Doug
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 04:30 PM
--Emily
Interesting -- I heard Alan Stern say, in the 1/15 press briefing, that the last launch opportunity that allows a Jupiter gravity assist was the February 5th window.
They're re-running that press conference on NASA-TV every few hours... maybe someone can check me and tell me if my memory has suddenly developed terminal CRAFT?
-the other Doug
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 04:37 PM
Ooops -- it suddenly occurs to me that he might have said that on the Discovery Science Channel special, "Passport to Pluto." I'll have to check that...
The context was that Alan was asked how long we could use Jupiter for a gravity assist. He said that the overall launch window for using Jupiter has been open for about two and a half years, but that it closes -- for good, as far as we're concerned -- on February 5th. He had a look on his face that spoke the unspoken addendum "and we managed to piss away almost the entire window!"
-the other Doug
Posted by: lyford Jan 18 2006, 04:40 PM
I thought this only happened to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/1783899.stm...
Posted by: Bill Harris Jan 18 2006, 05:08 PM
What is the procedure for a scrub/scrub turnaround on a cryo-fueled rocket like the Atlas 5? Constant boil-off of the cryos and ice formation would seem to dictate that the rocket be de-fueled while waiting for the new countdown.
--Bill
Posted by: punkboi Jan 18 2006, 05:19 PM
Bah! Darn the East Coast for its crappy, power outage-inducing weather!!
Long live California and its sunny, smoggy skies...
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 18 2006, 05:56 PM
Well let's not discuss the power systems (e.g. California's net can't even absorb all the energy produced by the windmills of Tehachapi mountains)
Back to the topic as it seems that the decision whether a launch can be attempted tomorrow isn't yet taken (officially).
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 06:03 PM
Believe me, APL wasn't the only place that lost power as these storms passed through.
And I wouldn't guarantee that the weather will improve -- the storms are powered, as storms always are, by the temperature and pressure differential between two colliding air masses. The air pushing these storms eastward along the American continent is frigid, and much of the country has had high temperature swings, from one day to the next, of more than 20 degrees C.
-the other Doug
One of the many issues Galileo had to deal with getting into space was a major earthquake in CA right around launch time. And now it's going on 11 years since Galileo dropped its atmospheric probe into the Jovian clouds.
Translation: Don't worry, it'll get up and out there. Alan Stern and his team have waited years for this moment. And we'll have to wait 9 more years for NH to reach Pluto. But the sad thing is, it'll be here and gone before you know it. My kids will be in college (if I can still afford it) by the time NH visits Pluto. And I will be 29 again. So savor this historic time and don't be in such a rush.
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 06:11 PM
Easy for you to say -- as of right now, assuming NH gets off before the Jupiter-assist window closes, I will be 59 years old when it gets to Pluto. If we slip past early February and have to take one of the direct-to-Pluto trajectories, I'll be 64 or 65 when NH arrives.
Not that I'm being morbidly concerned about my own lifespan, but when you start talking about the range between 59 and 65, especially in white American males, you're looking at the age range during which a majority of us die.
I *really* want to see NH encounter Pluto. My odds of seeing it are *greatly* enhanced if it takes 9 and not 15 years to get there...
-the other Doug
Posted by: mchan Jan 18 2006, 06:17 PM
For the 24 hour turnaround from yesterday, the cryo propellants were unloaded. The kerosene for the 1st stage was left in the stage. I don't know how long the 1st stage can remain fueled. For 24 hour turnarounds, I would guess the kerosene stays put. If there was a much longer delay (no jinxes here), it may be unloaded.
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 06:17 PM
Not that I'm being morbidly concerned about my own lifespan, but when you start talking about the range between 59 and 65, especially in white American males, you're looking at the age range during which a majority of us die.
I *really* want to see NH encounter Pluto. My odds of seeing it are *greatly* enhanced if it takes 9 and not 15 years to get there...
-the other Doug
We're about the same age, so I do understand. But by 2015 we may all be able to download our minds into an artilect, so we can live to see the first interstellar missions as well.
Just think, if we were launching this mission before the 20th Century, most of us would not have lived to see its conclusion, on average.
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 18 2006, 06:20 PM
I can imagine that, during the Great Age of Exploration, an elderly monarch might have had reservations financing and sending off great voyages of exploration, with no certainty he/she would be alive when the expeditions returned...
-the other Doug
Posted by: punkboi Jan 18 2006, 06:20 PM
Back to the topic as it seems that the decision whether a launch can be attempted tomorrow isn't yet taken (officially).
The announcement should be made around 4 PM, EST today
Oh, and I should be 36 if NH reaches Pluto by 2015...assuming nothing goes wrong the next time I go skydiving
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 06:32 PM
-the other Doug
On the other hand, Medieval European cathedrals were built for the ages, funded by people who would never live to see their creations finished.
http://www.dist102.k12.il.us/resources/MiddleAges/page3.htm
Posted by: um3k Jan 18 2006, 06:39 PM
If New Horizons makes it to Pluto in 2015, I'll be 25. And everything will have changed.
Posted by: gpurcell Jan 18 2006, 06:42 PM
Not that I'm being morbidly concerned about my own lifespan, but when you start talking about the range between 59 and 65, especially in white American males, you're looking at the age range during which a majority of us die.
I *really* want to see NH encounter Pluto. My odds of seeing it are *greatly* enhanced if it takes 9 and not 15 years to get there...
-the other Doug
Cheer up...as a white male at 50 your life expectancy according to the CDC is 78.5...and that's not even taking into account benefits due to a (likely) higher than average SES!
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/lifexpec.htm
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 07:15 PM
Got this from Larry Kellog's Lunar Update list:
Folks on the InsideKSC group said that CNN reported the scrub, but FOX news
was reporting that "NASA will try again this afternoon..."
I wonder how connected the news reporters are.
Yesterday MSNBC reporter said that New Horizons had nuclear generators like
the ones that powered the LASER Reflector the Apollo Astronauts used to beam
LASERs to Earth.
Come on. The RETROREFLECTOR is just that, a reflector for LASER beams sent
from Earth and bounced back.
-----------------------------------------------------------
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retroreflector
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/expmoon/Apollo11/A11_Experiments_LRRR.html
Apollo 11 Laser Ranging Retroreflector Experiment
The Laser Ranging Retroreflector experiment was deployed on Apollo 11, 14,
and 15. It consists of a series of corner-cube reflectors, which are a
special type of mirror with the property of always reflecting an incoming
light beam back in the direction it came from. A similar device was also
included on the Soviet Union's Lunakhod 2 spacecraft. These reflectors can
be illuminated by laser beams aimed through large telescopes on Earth. The
reflected laser beam is also observed with the telescope, providing a
measurement of the round-trip distance between Earth and the Moon. This is
the only Apollo experiment that is still returning data from the Moon. Many
of these measurements have been made by McDonald Observatory in Texas. From
1969 to 1985, they were made on a part-time basis using the McDonald
Observatory 107-inch telescope. Since 1985, these observations have been
made using a dedicated 30-inch telescope. Additional measurements have been
made by observatories in Hawaii, California, France, Australia, and Germany.
snip
Posted by: AlexBlackwell Jan 18 2006, 07:21 PM
Posted by: Toma B Jan 18 2006, 08:09 PM
Yesterday on Euronews they said at least 50 times over, that New Horizons is going to be the fastest Space Shuttle ever...
How is that connected?
P.S.
I have recorded it on my PC...if somebody doesn't believe me...
Posted by: Bill Harris Jan 18 2006, 08:19 PM
I'll be 66 and ready to kick off into retirement. Uh, "kick off" meant in a positive sense...
--Bill
Posted by: djellison Jan 18 2006, 08:22 PM
I have 20 minutes or so of DVD recordings of Sky News with "Space Shuttle Launch" in the corner.
Doug
Posted by: DEChengst Jan 18 2006, 09:03 PM
That's nothing. The Dutch Metro newspaper actually reported this morning that New Horizons was launched yesterday!
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 18 2006, 10:22 PM
Maybe they know something we don't? Does it have something to do with Europe being roughly half a day ahead of the US?
Same thing happened to a major US newspaper with the first or second Space Shuttle launch in 1981. They had banner headlines saying that the Shuttle had launched, when in fact it was scrubbed that day. Whoops!
Posted by: AlexBlackwell Jan 18 2006, 10:32 PM
Posted by: BPCooper Jan 18 2006, 11:46 PM
Well I am absolutely exhausted, but I know it's well worth it in the end!
Beautiful rocket out there, just got back from the launch pad servicing remote cameras.
Posted by: jamescanvin Jan 19 2006, 12:05 AM
Beautiful rocket out there, just got back from the launch pad servicing remote cameras.
Great work (so far) Ben!
Keep it up
James
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 19 2006, 06:08 AM
How is that connected?
P.S.
I have recorded it on my PC...if somebody doesn't believe me...
That's OK -- somewhere I believe I still have a frame grab I picked up somewhere from February 1, 2003, on CNN News. They were covering the break-up of Columbia over Texas.
The graphic on the screen read "Shuttle broke up while traveling at 16 times the speed of light."
I kid you not.
When I saw that, in a rather obvious bit of gallows humor, I remarked, "Well, no wonder it broke up! It's not designed to travel anywhere NEAR that fast!"
-the other Doug
Posted by: dvandorn Jan 19 2006, 06:24 AM
Well, guys, I'm going to have to be at work during NH's launch window that opens in about twelve hours... so I'll leave it to you guys to get her off good and proper.
I'll be looking forward to reading the thread when I get home tomorrow night! And I'll have a bag of peanuts waiting to start munching at about five past noon, my time, tomorrow...
-the other Doug
Posted by: Analyst Jan 19 2006, 07:37 AM
Does anyone remember John Holliman (I hope I spelled it correct) on CNN. He covered the shuttle launches in the mid 90ies and MPF of course. Sure he made some mistakes. But he was really fascinated by spaceflight and exploration. He was the guy. Much, much better than Miles O'Brien or John Zarella, although both are still better than the average TV reporter.
Sadly Holliman died in a car crash 1998.
Analyst
Posted by: Steffen Jan 19 2006, 10:33 AM
That CNN reporter even lobbyed to fly on a space shuttle and NASA was thinking about it!
Doug, Will You also record this evening's NH launch preps, together with what You have that would make a 'must have' DVD !
Posted by: Bill Harris Jan 19 2006, 10:42 AM
This goes back to late childhood/early adulthood, but the space/science reporters who I'll always remember will be Walter Cronkite and Jules Bergman. This was long before the "talking heads" phenomenon where you need a pretty face to feed the masses.
--Bill
Posted by: djellison Jan 19 2006, 10:53 AM
Oh, I intend to record tonight as well. It's set to 4 hrs, so whatever happens, I should get everything that they cover.
I'm sure www.insideksc.com will carry a divx before too long as well
Just watching the MRO launch - it took 7 seconds to get from lift off, to the main engine being level with the top of the tower. I wonder how NH will do
Doug
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 19 2006, 11:58 AM
Some replies:
1. Toma B,
Yaohua200 might be right after all about the launch-vehicle attached webcams, check this link of an ATLAS V launch:
http://www.selkirkshire.demon.co.uk/analoguesat/hb6launch.html
2. Doug,
I would be interested in a copie of that DVD ...
Best regards
Philip
Posted by: Ames Jan 19 2006, 12:10 PM
Launch NOT on rocket cam schedule.
http://www.eclipticenterprises.com/newsinfo_launchschedule.php
Nick
Posted by: ugordan Jan 19 2006, 01:33 PM
Nice to see the winds are picking up again...
Currently at 24 km/h (15 mph for all you "imperialists" out there...)
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 19 2006, 02:15 PM
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2006
1220 GMT (7:20 a.m. EST)
It is not exactly like the movie Ground Day depicted when the same day kept repeating. No two launch attempts are completely identical. But for the third consecutive morning the Lockheed Martin Atlas launch team is stepping through procedures to ready its largest rocket ever. Liftoff carrying NASA's New Horizons spacecraft remains targeted for 1:08 p.m. EST today.
Rodolfo
Posted by: ugordan Jan 19 2006, 02:19 PM
Don't they mean http://imdb.com/title/tt0107048/?fr=c2l0ZT1kZnx0dD0xfGZiPXV8cG49MHxrdz0xfHE9Z3JvdW5kaG9nIGRheXxmdD0xfG14PTIwfGxtPUwMHxjbz0xfGh0bWw9MXxubT0x;fc=1;ft=8;fm=1? Saw it a couple weeks ago. Man, what a character Bill Murray is!
Posted by: odave Jan 19 2006, 02:44 PM
Yes - he was great. When I heard of his death, I thought CNN would be hard pressed to find someone as enthusiastic as he was to work the space beat. And so far they haven't, IMHO. It's a shame he didn't live to see all of the missions that are going now - he would have loved this time.
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 19 2006, 02:46 PM
http://www.selkirkshire.demon.co.uk/analoguesat/hb6launch.html
2000, please...
Posted by: PhilCo126 Jan 19 2006, 02:51 PM
Sorry "Yaohua2000" ... Thanks to "Ames" for the webcam launchvehicle listing!
http://www.eclipticenterprises.com/newsinfo_launchschedule.php
Posted by: djellison Jan 19 2006, 02:57 PM
A bit of maths for a laugh
MRO's Atlas V ( a 401, 4m fairing, no solids, one engine on the Centaur ) was 336,000 kgs, 57m tall, and had 3.8MN of thrust at launch. Inital accel of 1.5 m/s^2, thus 8.71s to launch to its own height, ignoring reduction in mass due to fuel consumption
NH's Atlas V ( A 551, 5m fairing, 5 solids, one engine on the Centaur ) is 573,160 kgs, is 59.7m tall, and has 3.8MN of thrust from the RD180 - PLUS - 5x1.64MN Solids ( for a total of 12MN ) - Initial accel of 11m/s^2 - covering it's own height in 3.29s
It's going to be fast
Doug
Posted by: gndonald Jan 19 2006, 03:07 PM
Hopefully it'll be third time lucky. Then again the way things have been going maybe this time instead of a power failure, someone with a 'No Nukes' banner is going to chain themselves to the launch pad.
Posted by: Ames Jan 19 2006, 03:09 PM
Think I read somewhere that this is the most powerful launch so far for ILS Atlas.
Dont think they have tried a 5 strapon until now.
Hope the stack can handle it!
Nick
Posted by: Toma B Jan 19 2006, 03:15 PM
Dont think they have tried a 5 strapon until now.
Hope the stack can handle it!
Nick
Yep!!!
This is the first time Atlas5 launches with maximum of 5 buster rockets...Please lauch it today...
Posted by: MahFL Jan 19 2006, 03:25 PM
I hope the cloud ceiling of 3000 ft won't stop the launch, I beleive they need 6000 ft ?
Posted by: MahFL Jan 19 2006, 03:29 PM
Looking at the current Sat Vis loop, the cloud maybe thinning from the SE
Posted by: ljk4-1 Jan 19 2006, 03:33 PM
Today's New Horizons Launch On Schedule
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=19324
"The countdown is proceeding toward today's (Thursday) launch of NASA's New
Horizons spacecraft aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle. Today's forecast for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida calls for an 80% chance of favorable weather, and no technical issues with the rocket or spacecraft are in work at this time."
Posted by: Toma B Jan 19 2006, 03:34 PM
New image gallery at Spaceflight.com:
http://www.spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/060119gallery/01.html
Isn't she a beauty?
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Posted by: djellison Jan 19 2006, 03:35 PM
They have launched a 3-solids Atlas V, it's not that big a performance hike really.
It might be the biggest ILS launch, but Lo-Mart (the major player of ILS) used to do Titan's did they not - some of them were very very big.
Doug
Posted by: Marz Jan 19 2006, 03:47 PM
This just in from NASA's virt. launch center:
"10:39 a.m. - The weather is green at this time and should remain so. If we were to delay until tomorrow there would be a 30% chance of a weather constraint. "
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/newhorizons/launch/vlcc.html
Posted by: Ames Jan 19 2006, 03:54 PM
It might be the biggest ILS launch, but Lo-Mart (the major player of ILS) used to do Titan's did they not - some of them were very very big.
Doug
Are they all ground lit solids?
If not, what's the sequence 3 then 2?
If so, then it's not that different.
Nick
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 19 2006, 04:00 PM
New Horizons was 4767000000 kilometers away from Pluto at 2006-01-19 15:57:37 UTC.
Location: 28°35?N, 80°35?W, Earth
Range: 4767 million km
Range-rate: -15.646 km/s
Velocity: 34.224 km/s
Posted by: Toma B Jan 19 2006, 04:01 PM
If not, what's the sequence 3 then 2?
If so, then it's not that different.
Nick
Yes they are all ground lit solid rocket boosters...
Posted by: Ames Jan 19 2006, 04:03 PM
WOW!
Posted by: odave Jan 19 2006, 04:09 PM
From http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av010/status.html:
Any ideas what the object(s) are?
Posted by: yaohua2000 Jan 19 2006, 04:11 PM
Any ideas what the object(s) are?
not the Moon, perhaps space debris.
Posted by: punkboi Jan 19 2006, 04:24 PM
The ISS and Hubble
*Walks away*
Posted by: RNeuhaus Jan 19 2006, 04:30 PM
Any ideas what the object(s) are?
Maybe, you can find if there are any object, ISS, HSB, Spitzer, Telecom, Meteorological satellites over Florida on that time by visiting the following URL: http://www.heavens-above.com/
Rodolfo
Posted by: djellison Jan 19 2006, 04:49 PM
It could be anything, active satellites, debris, upper stages, etc etc.
Just to confim, yes, all 5 solids are ground-start.
Doug
Posted by: Toma B Jan 19 2006, 04:53 PM
Just to confim, yes, all 5 solids are ground-start.
Doug
Thanks Doug
BTW can you confirm my post (question) on "Hubble Versus Keck" topic?
It would really mean a lot to me if somebody can...
Posted by: Harder Jan 19 2006, 04:53 PM
Harder is on line, all systems go here.
Last weather report fr Spaceflightnow was 1 hr ago - no problems. Is our own anchor person for weather updates from Florida already on line (MahFL)? I appreciated the regular wind updates a lot 2 days ago.
Posted by: MahFL Jan 19 2006, 04:57 PM
I am here, cloud maybe a problem today, but last report was weather was green.
Posted by: mchan Jan 19 2006, 04:59 PM
You can click on "Front Page" in the top logo to see who is on line.
Posted by: helvick Jan 19 2006, 05:08 PM
Got a nice solid NASA TV feed now. The baby is looking nicely chilled yet again.
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