Rocket Launch notification thread

[anonymous-user]

First attempt at recovering a booster from space for them?

[MartG]

Looks like 2nd stage failed to ignite ?

[strudel]

It's not looking good is it.

[Eric Mc]

I doubt they'll be trying to recover the 1st stage now as there will be a 2nd stage coming back in the same general area.

[Eric Mc]

They've just announced that they have "telemetry issues". I reckon they just don't want the fall back of the 2nd stage to be broadcast live.

[strudel]

Is the first stage recovery controlled or does it just deploy parachutes? The second stage still had ~7500kmh at 115km altitude when they lost it - that strikes me as a large landing zone (I guess that's nowhere near enough for LEO)

[strudel]

Eric Mc said:

They've just announced that they have "telemetry issues". I reckon they just don't want the fall back of the 2nd stage to be broadcast live.

It was definitely updating when it disappeared off screen...

[Eric Mc]

strudel said:

Is the first stage recovery controlled or does it just deploy parachutes? The second stage still had ~7500kmh at 115km altitude when they lost it - that strikes me as a large landing zone (I guess that's nowhere near enough for LEO)

The second stage would not have been able to achieve orbital velocity. It looks like the engine shut down almost as soon as the second stage ignited. At the moment of failure the indicated velocity iwas 8,072 kph. Orbit velocity is 28,000 kph - so well short of orbital velocity.

[MartG]

SFN are reporting that the 2nd stage appeared to tumble as the engine ignited

https://spaceflightnow.com/2021/05/15/rocket-lab-e...

[MartG]

[Einion Yrth]

Space is hard, they'll bounce back.

[MartG]

Full statement from RocketLab - seems the 1st stage splashed down OK

https://www.rocketlabusa.com/about-us/updates/rock...

[Beati Dogu]

Well that’s something. Looked like the upper stage engine gimbaling just went hard over after staging.


On Monday, ULA are launching the first Atlas V since last November. They don’t super chill their RP1 kerosene, so they’re loading it up already.

This will launch the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite for the US Space Force. This is a missile launch detection system.

The launch is from Cape Canaveral at 6.35 pm UK time.

It’s in 421 configuration, so the smaller 4 meter wide fairing, 2 solid boosters and 1 upper stage engine.

[MartG]

" United Launch Alliance has declared a scrub for today’s Atlas 5 launch attempt after encountering a technical issue during fueling preparations. ULA plans to try again tomorrow to launch the SBIRS GEO 5 military satellite."

[MartG]

ULA having another go, but have just gone into an unplanned hold

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua0YoRQ_bh0


Update - new T0 of 18:37

[Flooble]

All done. Not too much fuss after all.

[Beati Dogu]

Soyuz launch for OneWeb at 6:25 PM Uk time from Vostochny in the Russian far east.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi6yAVdyVzk

[MartG]

Beati Dogu said:

Soyuz launch for OneWeb at 6:25 PM Uk time from Vostochny in the Russian far east.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi6yAVdyVzk

Delayed to tomorrow

[Beati Dogu]

Yes, I wasn't able to watch the first attempt anyway.

Now the launch is scheduled at 6:38 pm UK time. The livestream starts about 6 pm.

[MartG]

Beati Dogu said:

Yes, I wasn't able to watch the first attempt anyway.

Now the launch is scheduled at 6:38 pm UK time. The livestream starts about 6 pm.

The female commentator was fking terrible !