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Happily, this launch has a window of time. That is probably needed for the complexity of a Falcon Heavy launch. An instantaneous window, I expect, would be really tricky with FH.
Why do you think that? Fueling time is well known, though there are 3 times the bits to go wrong. The static fire and previous launch give accurate timelines.
Just instincts. Nothing specific but this is a brand new rocket compared to the last FH. This will be an all Block 5 Falcon Heavy compared to the Block 2 and Block 3 version from the last launch. Certainly the company knows a whole lot more because they did successfully launch the last one but in many ways this will be almost as new a situation.
I tend to agree—it’s more complex for sure, but I don’t think theres inherently more risk with sequencing/timing. That said, I agree with @Grendal too—beyond weather, being only the second FH launch there’s bound to be elements in the countdown that aren’t as well quantified as a F9, and having a little bit of cushion to resolve a minor anomaly [instead of aborting] is certainly a good thing.
Windows (or not) are basically an exclusive function of orbit, and more specifically the mechanics of getting into that orbit. LEOs and especially sun synch leos have little or no wiggle room on time of launch. Higher orbits and especially GTOs are much more forgiving.
First Heavy launch went to the end of the window due to high altitude winds, so yah bigger is better!
Chris makes a good point: Chris B - NSF on Twitter
FH is lining up for a static fire on April 1st! Three times the rocket, three times the fun!
FH is lining up for a static fire on April 1st! Three times the rocket, three times the fun!
It showing April 7/8 doesn't mean it has a backup window 24 hours later. It is because the launch window goes past midnight UTC.
Looking at airfare now trying to decide if I can go or not.
Nikxice
Active Member
Great timing on the launch window (6:36-8:35 p.m. EDT). Prime time in the east early on a Sunday evening should attract a good deal of attention. Sunset on 4/7 at the Cape shows 7:44 p.m. EDT. Assuming it doesn't launch on the late side, the low sun angle from behind cameras trained on FH/landing zones should provide some spectacular shots.
Joe F
Disruption is hard.
First time viewing a launch. Feel The Heat secured. Driving down from the Philly area. Hope the weather holds, as earlier long range forecast was calling for scattered thunderstorms.
Bummed to read the pad is occluded from the FTH viewing area. Doubt the 200mm zoom lens I'm bringing is powerful enough at 4 miles, but should be okay a few seconds after ignition.
Since the LZ is 11 miles away, does anyone know what if anything of the landing is visible? Google maps show the Vehicle Assembly Building directly in the line of sight.
Bummed to read the pad is occluded from the FTH viewing area. Doubt the 200mm zoom lens I'm bringing is powerful enough at 4 miles, but should be okay a few seconds after ignition.
Since the LZ is 11 miles away, does anyone know what if anything of the landing is visible? Google maps show the Vehicle Assembly Building directly in the line of sight.
First time viewing a launch. Feel The Heat secured. Driving down from the Philly area. Hope the weather holds, as earlier long range forecast was calling for scattered thunderstorms.
Bummed to read the pad is occluded from the FTH viewing area. Doubt the 200mm zoom lens I'm bringing is powerful enough at 4 miles, but should be okay a few seconds after ignition.
Since the LZ is 11 miles away, does anyone know what if anything of the landing is visible? Google maps show the Vehicle Assembly Building directly in the line of sight.
Tower does block FH view until launch...
Landing is visible off the to the right. The left (non main bleachers) may give a better view due to not looking over everyone. If you get a spot on the grass to the left by the fence, that might be the best angle.
I was sure I had read somewhere that the 8th had been lined up as a 24-hour contingency. Cannot find that right now. Work...
There are early murmurings that the launch could slip to the 9th.
Chris B - NSF on Twitter
Just a heads up for the hordes of folk flying in/booking hotels for Falcon Heavy, it could slip a few days. I prefer the Eastern Range dates (official), but it's worth the "heads up" tweet. Most of you know rockets can shuffle around on their launch dates by now.
Chris B - NSF on Twitter
That was huge disappointment for me viewing from FTH area for FH-1 launch. Huge disappointment. The viewing angle is such that the structure completely obstructs the rocket - all three boosters are not visible. So when the rocket launches and clears the tower, that is when you get to see your first sighting, and that too you only see one booster because of it is orientation relative to the FTH viewing area. After 20 seconds in the air, the FH system rotates and then you see all the three boosters. But by that time it several miles higher and further.
I saw the videos from other locations and they were awesome. The good thing is, we were fed nicely and Bill Nye was there and gave a great speech.
Per Elon: FH Block 5 is way more powerful than last year’s launch. And center core will be coming in hot and fast on this mission, so risk of failure to land is greater.
Elon Musk on Twitter
Elon Musk on Twitter
Elon Musk on Twitter
Elon Musk on Twitter
The FAA is on board for the 7th. Backup confirmed for the 9th.
SpaceX's mighty Falcon Heavy launch set for April 7 from Kennedy Space Center, FAA says
The strongback was out today for a test run prior to the static fire test run.
SpaceX's mighty Falcon Heavy launch set for April 7 from Kennedy Space Center, FAA says
The strongback was out today for a test run prior to the static fire test run.
Static fire slipped to Wednesday 12:00 EDT to 20:00 EDT (1600-0000 UTC): Chris G - NSF on Twitter
No impact on launch date.
No impact on launch date.
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