The Official Space Flight Thread - The Space Station and Beyond

Cosimo · 8 Sep 2011 at 22:40

Yet again the weather forecast looks iffy for tomorrow’s next GRAIL launch attempt with only a 40% chance of acceptable conditions. There is always Saturday, Sunday and..........

Fingers crossed agian!

Cosimo · 9 Sep 2011 at 08:44

Today's GRAIL launch attempt has been scrubbed. They will try again on Saturday. The reason given is that they want to allow additional time to review propulsion system data from Thursday’s detanking operation.

Cosimo · 9 Sep 2011 at 08:50

The new launch attempt will be tomorrow, Saturday September 10. The launch opportunities are at 13:29:45 and 14:08:52 BST (08:29:45 and 09:08:52 EDT).

Cosimo · 9 Sep 2011 at 11:40

The good news is that the weather forecast looks much better for tomorrow’s next GRAIL launch attempt with a 60% chance of acceptable conditions. The same holds for Sunday.

Cosimo · 9 Sep 2011 at 19:33

The postponement today was due to a heater system staying on longer than planned during detanking. Today's management review concluded that no damage had occurred to any components and we are GO for another launch attempt tomorrow at 13:29:45 or 14:08:52 BST (08:29:45 or 09:08:52 EDT).

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 07:52

No change with the forecast with a 60% chance of acceptable conditions for GRAIL launch later today.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 12:30

Just under an hour to go, safety checks underway and all looking good.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 12:39

Looking good.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 13:13

Green but still touch and go with high level winds.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 13:20

The final poll says GO but still a chance that the weather balloon will give red.

EDIT: Weather gone red. See you back for the 14:08:52 BST attempt.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 13:58

Readiness poll is GO.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 14:05

Yes, four minute clock is counting down.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 14:09

Go Go Go

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 14:10

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 14:12

The ascent timeline:

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 15:29

GRAIL A has been deployed.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 15:31

Six minutes left for GRAIL B.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 15:39

GRAIL B has been deployed:

We are on the way.

Cosimo · 10 Sep 2011 at 16:04

Full launch video up to second stage engine cut-off 1 (animation) putting the rocket with GRAIL into earth orbit:

The solar arrays have deployed and communication has been established with the Deep Space Network tracking station in Goldstone, California.

The three and a half month journey to the moon begins.

Cosimo · 11 Sep 2011 at 08:34

GRAIL went up rather quickly. Here is a great picture capturing lift-off:

Don’t forget to visit the GRAIL mission site.

** The Official Space Flight Thread - The Space Station and Beyond **

The Official Space Flight Thread - The Space Station and Beyond