Monday, April 13, 2015

Scrubbed

READY TO GO:  We slept fitfully, knowing today was the day Dragon was set to launch from the Space Coast, carrying over 4,000 pound of vital cargo, bound for the International Space Station. And Christian is there to chronicle it all!
Just look over his shoulder, here. It's the Falcon 9 with Dragon up top, ready to go! All day long, we heard of zero issues being worked and were optimistic it would go at 4:43 p.m. Space Coast time, as scheduled.

In the hours leading up to launch, Christian got quite a tour.  He got to see Launch pad 39A, where the shuttle used to be launched. It is now being modified by ‪#‎SpaceX‬ to be able to launch ‪#‎Falcon9‬ and ‪#‎FalconHeavy‬. The swing-out structure is being retained as an historical monument.‪#‎NASASocial‬ ‪#‎KennedySpaceCenter‬
Also part of his tour was this launch tower. Originally for Ares, this mobile tower is being retro-fitted for NASA's SLS program.
Coming from Seattle, Christian couldn't help but notice the Boeing digs during the orbital processing facility tour.
We watched excitedly as the countdown clock ticked toward launch. However, we were wary of the weather, which looked sketchy from more than one direction. And with an instantaneous launch window, there was no room for hoping for better skies. Either it was a go or a no go. 

Turns out it was a no go with just under three minutes to launch due to 'anvil clouds' (insert images of Wiley Coyote and Acme anvils here). Bottom line: BUMMER!

They're going to give it a go tomorrow, at 1:13 p.m. Pacific time. Tune in to NASA TV for pre launch coverage beginning at noon, Seattle time. http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

In the meantime, enjoy one of Christian's fellow #NASASocial  participant's wonderful video of highlights from the first day of their event. https://youtu.be/YBNcKXFG3k4

No comments:

Post a Comment