SpaceX just made history.

[Sgt Beavis]

I found it interesting that Northrop Grumman handled the attachment mechanism between the F9's 2nd stage and the payload. If they cut out SpaceX from the process, for security reasons, then I could definitely see a problem happening there.

[Sgt Beavis]

Apparently SpaceX had to cancel the engine test firing of the F9H because of the gubment shutdown's effect on NASA.

[Sgt Beavis]

In reference to the failed Zuma launch. The USAF has now said,

"Based on the data available, our team did not identify any information that would change SpaceX's Falcon 9 certification status,"

https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/01/spacex-gets-good-news-from-the-air-force-on-the-zuma-mission/

That's as close as they can come to saying it wasn't SpaceX's fault until the investigation is complete.

[jw33]

If I had a super-duper secret payload going into space I would want as much ambiguity about the success/failure of the launch as possible.

And then there was the Delta IV NROL from Vandenberg a few day's after SpaceX. The press release read like a DPRK news story...

“As the nation’s most trustworthy launch provider, today’s launch exemplifies ULA’s ongoing commitment to 100 percent mission success,” said Will Crawford, ULA’s NRO program manager. “My sincere thanks to the entire ULA team and our mission partners at the NRO and U.S. Air Force who made this, our 27th NRO launch, possible.”

Who the hell knows what kind of shenanigans are actually going on. There's really no telling. The only thing for certain is that there are probably a lot of people rooting against SpaceX for doing what they have done so far.

[Strychnine]

Apparently SpaceX had to cancel the engine test firing of the F9H because of the gubment shutdown's effect on NASA.

They'll be fine though. The launch window (or at least the optimum window) is decently wide, relatively speaking. NASA wasn't going to launch Insight until April-May.

[Sgt Beavis]

They'll be fine though. The launch window (or at least the optimum window) is decently wide, relatively speaking. NASA wasn't going to launch Insight until April-May.

Yea, that's not really a worry. It's just another delay is all.

[Sgt Beavis]

The great triple dildo successfully conducted a static fire today. Musk says they may launch within a week.

[Strychnine]

Launch date set:
Feb 6, 13:30-16:30 EST
Backup date Feb 7

[4bangen]

I'M genuinely excited about this.

[Sgt Beavis]

I'M genuinely excited about this.

It's going to be great to see something this powerful taking off from pad 39A. I've got my fingers crossed that everything works perfectly.

[chronical]

Launch date set:
Feb 6, 13:30-16:30 EST
Backup date Feb 7

I am thinking about going. I am off a couple days and fly for free.

[mschmoyer]

I am thinking about going. I am off a couple days and fly for free.

I really want to, but worry there's such a high chance of delays that you'd miss a launch trying to plan a few day trip out there.

[Strychnine]

[Strychnine]

[mschmoyer]

Will be awesome to watch! Hoping to at least see landing attempts on all 3 boosters. Got the time blocked off and live stream ready.