Falcon 9 v1.1 flight #1 (Launch video)

[Dr Mordrid]

They're not expecting complete success with the reentry and landing attempt since they're working on assumptions.

The data from these attempts will make it easier to fine tune things for the next try and the Grass_Hopper 2 testbed at SpacePort America in New Mexico.

GH2 will also attempt turnarounds, but is intended for flights to 300,000 feet and land touchdowns - so it'll have the 4 composite pneumatic (helium gas) landing legs (which also act as aerosurfaces.) They're prepping it, its launch and landing pads now.

Falcon 9 Reusable (F9R, pronounced F9-er) shows a first stage like GH2's and its folded legs, which span 60 feet when deployed. The black portion is the composite interstage which supports the 2nd stage & payload and covers its nozzle. Mass to orbit in expendable mode is >16 metric tons.

[Dr Mordrid]

Shot of F9v1.1 on the Vandenberg AFB SLC-4E pad for a wet dress rehersal earlier in the week. Launch now no earlier than Sept 10 while testing continues and to work around a Delta IV Heavy launch last week. No payload or fairing are mounted for WDR's. No lightning towers like at KSC because unlike Florida that part of California isn't a lightning free fire zone.

[Dr Mordrid]

First good look of the Vandenberg SLC-4E F9/Falcon Heavy transporter/erector.

[Dr Mordrid]

F9 v1.1 / CASSIOPE static fire is now set for Sept. 7. No second Wet Dress Rehersal is required (one was rumored). Launch is NET Sept. 14.

[Dr Mordrid]

CASSIOPE is encapsulated in the fairing and the hotfire & floght readiness review are scheduled for the next few days.

After waiting for a Delta IV launch and the usual glitches, we have a launch window. Sept. 14: 1600-1800 GMT (12-2 p.m. EDT; 9-11 a.m. PDT)

[Dr Mordrid]

Flight Readiness Review (FRR) conducted today and there is a GO for a Sept. 14 launch. Hotfire tomorrow (Tuesday), and there is NO unplanned / open work. Launch Readiness Review (LRR) just before launch day.

Also, SpaceX is planning to phase out the hotfires.

[Dr Mordrid]

Just heard the hotfire has been delayed to Wednesday. Not sure if this will delay the launch. Could move it to later in the week as there are other launches set for Vandenberg.

F9v1.1 rollout

[Dr Mordrid]

F9 v1.1 CASSIOPE on the pad at Vandenberg SLC-4E for a hotfire test today.

[Dr Mordrid]

Today's hotfire was scrubbed because of a ground LOX tank leak detected just before T=0. NOT due to problems with the F9 v1.1.

Mission control

[Dr Mordrid]

FLAME ON - FULL POWER HOTFIRE!!

Checking data, but looks good!

Let's get the flight readiness review out of the way tomorrow and light this candle

[Dr Mordrid]

Another short hotfire Saturday. Doublechecking adjustments. Fast FRR, then a 2 hour launch window opens at 9:00 AM Pacific / 12 PM Eastern Sunday. If they can't make Sunday it might be a few days to get another date from the range.

[Dr Mordrid]

https://twitter.com/StephenClark1/status/379008850914848769

The Falcon 9 static fire at VAFB is now off until Wednesday. Likely puts launch no sooner than next weekend, but still TBD.

[Dr Mordrid]

Hotfire 2!!

Pad mods made & checked out, Falcon 9 v1.1 ready to rock 'n roll.

Flight Readiness Review (FRR) next Friday (Sept. 27th), launch NET the following Sunday (Sept. 29th) pending range confirmation. Launch window: 1600-1800 GMT (12-2 p.m. EDT; 9-11 a.m. PDT)

[Dr Mordrid]

Sundays launch will be Livestreamed. Monday is a secondary date if weather intrudes.

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/F9-6

[Dr Mordrid]

Sundays launch will be Livestreamed. Monday is a secondary date if weather intrudes.

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/F9-6