Posted on Feb 23, 2009 02:05:16 PM | Eric Ianson | 4 Comments
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While the launch is scheduled for 1:51AM PST on Feb 24, 2009, for all intents and purposes launch day is upon us.
It is only 10:20AM and it has already been a busy day. The day began with a 7:00AM Launch Readiness Review (LRR) with the Vandenberg AFB 30th Space Wing Commander. All base systems appear ready to support the launch. Even the weather is cooperating. When exiting this morning’s LRR the rain had stopped and a rainbow appeared over the launch site. We will take any good omen that comes our way. Out of the window in the NASA building at the base, I’m currently looking at blue skies with a few scattered clouds. The report from the Vandenberg AFB weather officer shows zero probability of a weather violation for launch. Can’t ask for better than that!
At 9:00AM we conducted our pre-launch press conference. All of the participants were pleased with the outcome. If you missed it, I expect it to be replayed throughout the day on NASA TV:
http://www.nasa.gov/ntv
No time to relax though. After I’m done with this blog entry I am off to the launch pad for a photo opportunity with the entire OCO team. One last family photo before our baby is launched.
Immediately following the photo, I am heading to the hotel where our science team meetings and guest operations are based. I’m on the agenda at 2:00PM to give a briefing to a combined audience of scientists and guests. Then at 4:00PM is our guest reception.
When that is done I can head back to my hotel (about 30 minutes away) to “relax” before heading to the base for the beginning of the countdown. I am planning to arrive at the Mission Director’s Center around 9:45PM, just a little more than 4 hours prior to launch.
If I get the chance I’ll post more blog entries before launch.
4
On Feb 25, 2009 05:58:34 PM
Mrs. Penuelas
added a comment on your blog post.
This was huge project for my husband and Hamilton Sunstrand. Our family was so excited to witness this event and was proud to be part of it. This is a very important satellite for us and I'm sure that NASA and our Government will be working on the next step in the next weeks to send another one up. Can't wait for the next launch! Thank you NASA for being a part of our lives and making 2/24/09 an eventful night for me and my family!!!
3
On Feb 24, 2009 10:13:20 AM
guest
added a comment on your blog post.
Sorry for your loss.
2
On Feb 24, 2009 07:42:58 PM
Alann Meadows
added a comment on your blog post.
I don't know what went wrong. I don't really care. Things happen. We need this bird flying. It's just too important. As a taxpayer, I will write to my representatives and my president to allocate funds for the replacement, to be launched as soon as possible.
1
On Feb 23, 2009 07:07:43 PM
Jamie Barta
added a comment on your blog post.
This was huge project for my husband and Hamilton Sunstrand. Our family was so excited to witness this event and was proud to be part of it. This is a very important satellite for us and I'm sure that NASA and our Government will be working on the next step in the next weeks to send another one up. Can't wait for the next launch! Thank you NASA for being a part of our lives and making 2/24/09 an eventful night for me and my family!!!
Sorry for your loss.
I don't know what went wrong.
I don't really care.
Things happen.
We need this bird flying.
It's just too important.
As a taxpayer, I will write to
my representatives and my president to allocate
funds for the replacement, to be launched as soon
as possible.
Good luck Chip, I'll be watching!