Falcon 9 Launched – Dragon Lands
TODAY: SpaceX to Make First Launch Attempt for COTS Demo 1
“Today SpaceX released the following information on today’s launch day activities for the first SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon demonstration launch for NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. SpaceX will make its first launch attempt on TODAY, December 8th from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The launch window extends from 9:03 AM to 12:20 PM. EST/ 6:03 AM to 9:20 AM PST. We are now counting down for a 9:06 AM EST attempt.”
SpaceX launch webcast is up live at http://www.spacex.com/webcast.php
Keith’s note: Terminal count aborted at T-2:50. Next launch window is 10:38 – 10:43 am EST. There are two more launch opportunities today – 10:38 – 10:43 am EST and 12:16 -12:20 pm EST.
Keith’s note: Launch and ascent nominal this far 264 km alt 4,300 m/sec. Second stage burning nominally. Perfect power systems, telemetry lock confirmed.
Keith’s note: Dragon is in orbit. Dragon deploy verified.
Keith’s 1:23 pm EST update: Dragon’s deorbit burn is complete.
Keith’s 1:55 pm EST update: Three main chutes deployed.
Keith’s 2:03 pm EST update: #spacex is number 5 on Twitter trending topics
Keith’s 2:13 pm EST update: Dragon splashed down on target in the Pacific Ocean. There will be a press conference around 3:30 p.m. EST on NASA TV and http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
Keith’s note: NASA Watch Twitter updates can be found here.
