Delta 4 Heavy launch this morning

[MartG]

Due to go about 11:13 UK time http://www.spaceflightnow.com/delta/d360/status.ht...

[Eric Mc]

Phew - nearly missed this. Good job it's been delayed slightly. Should be spectacular.

[afrochicken]

Thanks for posting, I always enjoy watching these events.

Delayed again?

[Eric Mc]

Yes.

Launching rockets is always tricky.

[afrochicken]

I recall you posting about a launch some time ago Eric, it was shown on the NASA website. Can't remember any details, but it may have had some significance because it was also shown on CNBC. I work from home so was able to watch it live for the first time. The number of delays came as a great surprise to me.

Have to go out for a short while, hopefully it won't have launched by the time I get back.

[SirBlade]

Cancelled, because a "fill and drain control valve" didn't do it's job within the 10 seconds it was given in the script.

Edited by SirBlade on Friday 29th June 12:11

[Eric Mc]

An awful lot of things have to work properly in a strict and precise sequence for a rocket launch to be succesful.

[SirBlade]

He mentioned "script"
and bash shell scripting came to mind.
I wonder what they actually use.

[Munter]

SirBlade said:

He mentioned "script"
and bash shell scripting came to mind.
I wonder what they actually use.

I'm guessing. But probably some ladder logic. It's the sort of thing that controls power stations and other industrial stuff.

[Eric Mc]

Not cancelled yet - although they prefer to use the word "scrubbed" rather than "cancelled".

[marksx]

Looks like it is good to go again. 20 minutes to launch.

[LukeSi]

Launch permission has been given.
Bah the bugger is broken. Drain Valve problem again.
Countdown clock has been paused.

Edited by LukeSi on Friday 29th June 12:56

Edited by LukeSi on Friday 29th June 12:57

[Eric Mc]

Another hold.

Bet it's the same problem.

I'll be surprised if it goes today now.

[MartG]

Fuel valve this time, not LOX. Hope it's sorted soon - I have to go out in about an hour :-(

[afrochicken]

NEW LAUNCH TIME has been set for 9:15 a.m. EDT (1315 GMT). Testing showed that valve was healthy.

[LordGrover]

Every time I go back to it, I'm told T-5 mins or something.

Lastest update: T=14.15BST

[LukeSi]

Launch permission has been given again.
Hopefully it works this time.

Countdown has commenced.

Edited by LukeSi on Friday 29th June 14:11

[LordGrover]

Sends a shiver up my spine every time.

[stew-S160]

I missed the initial launch, but watching the feed now.

[Eric Mc]

Very good. It's always nice to see a non-SRB assisted lift off.