Elon Musk commenting on preparations for their next launch.




Falcon 1 DemoFlight 2 Launch Update: January 19, 2007

During our final check-outs prior to static fire, we uncovered an anomaly 
with the thrust vector control (TVC) pitch actuator on the second stage that 
will result in launch being pushed to February.  Since this is not used 
during the static fire, we have decided to push forward with that test in 
order to acquire valuable data on engine ignition, pad acoustics, and the 
overall system response.  The static fire is now planned to occur between 
Saturday and Tuesday (California time).  This test will proceed very slowly 
and then only burns for about four seconds, so will not be webcast to avoid 
boring people silly.  We will post a video afterwards.

Upon completion of the static fire, we will take the rocket back into the 
hangar to thoroughly investigate the TVC issue.  With the range available to 
us only until January 23 (Kwaj needs to reconfigure for an incoming 
Minuteman mission), this means launch is now planned for mid-February.  As I've 
mentioned previously, don't hold your breath for this launch.  Given the 
large number of robustness improvements and the fact that our vehicle/pad 
health verification system has increased from about 30 checks to almost 
1000, shifts in the launch date are to be expected.  Overall, the SpaceX 
team is quite happy with the smooth progress so far.

--- Elon



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