SpaceX F9 - GPS 3 SV04 - SLC-40

[Grendal]

Launch Date: November 5
Launch Window: 2324-2339 GMT (6:24-6:39 p.m. EST)
Launch Site: SLC-40, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Booster Recovery: ASDS - OCISLY
Booster: B1062.1
Mass: 3,880 kg (8,553 lb)
Orbit: Semi-synchronous MEO

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the U.S. Air Force’s fourth third-generation navigation satellite for the Global Positioning System. The satellite is built by Lockheed Martin.

GPS Block III - Wikipedia

 

[e-FTW]

A shiny new booster! How quaint! ;-)

 

[ecarfan]

You mean the Air Force wants to use an “untested” rocket that has never been off the ground before? That’s crazy!

Personally I will only fly on “flight-proven” vehicles.

 

[Grendal]

First post updated. Going a day earlier.

 

[ecarfan]

This SLC-40 launch will be just two days after Starlink 12 launches from SLC-40?

 

[Grendal]

This SLC-40 launch will be just two days after Starlink 12 launches from SLC-40?

Nice spot! It looks like Starlink 12 moved to LC-39A for its launch. That post has been updated. It's good that SpaceX has two launch pads at the Cape.

It makes sense that this one happens on the military base while Starlink launches from the civilian launch site.

It's also good they've got two ASDS's for recovery because they are needed for both of these launches. I wonder which one will get which? I'll post when I know.

 

[Grendal]

New booster's static fire was successful.

SpaceX twitter:
Static fire test complete – targeting Tuesday, September 29 for Falcon 9's launch of the GPS III Space Vehicle 04 mission

 

[Cosmacelf]

I think this is the next SpaceX launch now. Targeting tomorrow Oct. 2nd?

 

[Grendal]

I think this is the next SpaceX launch now. Targeting tomorrow Oct. 2nd?

Yes. Updated.

 

[Grendal]

Webcast:

 

[Nikxice]

Scrubbed. Looks like a computer initiated abort at T minus 2 seconds. Possibly more information will be coming soon from the launch director.

 

[Pricee2]

This makes it way more exciting, but less desirable, than a nominal launch.

 

[Grendal]

The weather is terrible tomorrow. So only a 20% chance of tomorrow happening. That's what is scheduled for now though.

 

[ecarfan]

This appears to be why the launch scrubbed.

 

[Electroman]

Looks like Elon is not too pleased with these system malfunction induced aborts. Understandably. These Falcon 9s have flown many times, I guess 100 or more, so this should go like clockwork barring any weather related delays.

 

[e-FTW]

The boss is on the way: After two scrubs, Elon Musk says he will visit SpaceX launch sites in Florida

 

[Grendal]

Turbopump issues dealt with. First post has the new date and time.

 

[Cosmacelf]

Turbopump issues dealt with. First post has the new date and time.

Anyone know what happened?

 

[Grendal]

Anyone know what happened?

We'll probably get details tomorrow during the Crew 1 briefing. Something in certain engines was causing an overpressure event. Two were exchanged in B1062 and one was exchanged in B1061. Supposedly this wasn't terribly bad and seen before but the NRO and NASA are being especially sensitive and cautious with their important payloads.

 

[Grendal]

It was gunk in a few engines:
They were able to replicate the failure on McGregor. A relief valve on the gas generator was slightly blocked by some substance and made it start earlier than expected. The substance is one used during production and was not properly retired. Once retired the engine worked perfectly normal and was ready to go. They, out of extra precaution, replaced two engines on Crew 1.