Launch managers and controllers have been stationed at their consoles since early this morning to get the final phases of the countdown under way. They received a weather briefing from Launch Weather Officer Lt. Joseph Round, then conducted a poll to verify all systems were ready to begin the fueling process.
RP-1, a rocket-grade kerosene, has been loaded into the first stage and is continuing to load into the second stage. Liquid oxygen is about to be loaded into both of the rocket’s stages.
Photo credit: NASA Television