Tuesday evening we decided to delay the launch attempt for one day to Thursday the 15th. The team had worked non-stop from early in the morning trying to make the launch happen today. While the planned system tests for the day went fairly smooth, some unresolved issues were found while doing the final countdown rehearsal. It might have been possible to solve these problems overnight and launch today, but the wiser decision was to delay the launch and to try to go for a picture perfect launch tomorrow instead. Therefore, today is a day of putting in place the finishing touches. The whole team is excited to solve the problems at hand and to launch tomorrow.

Launch tower with the rocket during the countdown rehearsal

Countdown rehearsal

We performed a final countdown rehearsal Wednesday evening. During this countdown rehearsal we perform all procedures like we would when we actually launch the rocket, with the only difference being that we do not actually push the button. The goal of this rehearsal is to make sure that all systems are accounted for and that the procedures work as intended. It was during this rehearsal that we found that there are still a quite a few lose ends which need to be taken care of. These lose ends are mainly related to procedures and software configuration.

For example, it was found that some actions could be scheduled better and that a few points we not scheduled correctly. Part of the operational procedures are reflected in the software which automatically monitors hundreds of parameters on both the rocket and the ground segment. Changes to the procedures thus also need to made in the software. In addition, some minor problems were found in the software which needed fixing before the launch.

All-in-all this meant that a significant amount of work needed to be done before the morning if we wanted to make the launch on Wednesday. Because good thing come to those who wait and to prevent part of the team from having to work through the night management decided to postpone the launch attempt to Thursday.

Perfect EMC and FTS tests

The good news of yesterday is that the (Electromagnetic Compatibility) EMC and FTS (Flight Termination Systems) tests went really well. During the EMC test all radio systems on the rocket and the launch base are turned on like they would be at the launch. This is a final test to ensure that there is no interference from all the different electronic and radio systems. No significant cases of interference were found.

Yesterday we also tested the FTS while it was integrated in the rocket. Earlier tests of the FTS focused on validating that if system worked at long distances and with launch base equipment in the loop. During these tests the FTS system was however only tested as an individual subsystem. With the system in the rocket and the rocket in the tower we ensured that the FTS will actually allow us to takeoff tomorrow. The system worked flawlessly allowing us to definitely check off one of the main trouble makers from last year.

Flight Termination System tests

Todays plan

Today we’ll mainly focus on improving procedures, updating software and testing the umbilical disconnect. The umbilical disconnect test will probably be the most visible test today as it requires the rocket to be put in the tower. Watch us live as we put the finishing touches in place.