Rocket Lab delays launch attempt again, this time until Friday
Thursday, 14 December 2017
Rocket Lab has been forced to delay the launch of its second Electron rocket once again, this time due to rising winds at high altitude.
The Kiwi-founded company, which is now based in the United States, will next attempt a launch from the Māhia Peninsular on Friday afternoon, from 2.30pm, spokeswoman Morgan Bailey said.
Forecasts on Thursday had indicated weather conditions might improve slightly to allow for a launch attempt on Thursday, as the day progressed.
But Bailey said jet stream wind speeds would have violated the 'conservative criteria' the company had set for its second test flight – which will also mark its first attempt to put satellites into orbit.
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The company will have three days left for further attempts before its 10-day launch window closes on December 17.
Bailey said that if none of the remaining days proved suitable, Rocket Lab would look at either extending the launch window or opening a new one.
Obtaining a window involved working in with other space traffic and regulatory authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority.
Rocket Lab would certainly prefer not to need an extension, she said. 'We have still got three pretty solid-looking days ahead of us.'
A launch attempt on Tuesday was cancelled just two seconds before lift-off because of a rise in the temperature of liquid oxygen that fed into one its nine engines.
Chief executive Peter Beck said there was a simple fix for the issue, which involved making sure all components were well-chilled.
Beck said Tuesday's aborted launch did not damage the 17-metre Electron rocket or its launch pad.
#StillTesting launch attempt waived off for the day due to increasing upper level winds. Next attempt tomorrow, pending optimal weather!
— Rocket Lab (@RocketLab) December 14, 2017
Beck has said one of Rocket Lab's advantages in the competitive space-launch industry is its ability to use New Zealand as a launch base, given there are fewer issues clearing aviation and shipping space.
Bailey said winds that had delayed its launches were not leading it to reconsider that choice.
Rocket Lab had chosen to be very conservative about the conditions it accepted as suitable for test flights, she said, as the main purpose of those flights was to collect data – which was most meaningful if the launches occurred in ideal conditions.
Rocket Lab's team were very focused on the task at hand and prepared to wait for optimal conditions, she said.
'Obviously it would have been good to get one away today, but they are very focused on the task rather than how they feel about it.'
Timeline for launch:
Seven hours before launch: Emergency crews, local officials and Rocket Lab team are briefed and move into position for launch.
Six hours before launch: Road to the launch site closed.
Four hours before launch: Electron lifted to vertical position and filled with fuel.
Two-and-a-half hours before launch: Launch pad personnel exit area in preparation for launch.
Two hours before launch: Electron filled with liquid oxygen.
One hour before launch: Aviation authority advised to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards.
Ten minutes before launch: Final preparations for launch commence.
Two minutes before launch: Autosequence commences and the Electron's on-board computers initiate the launch sequence.
Two seconds before launch: Ignition of the nine Rutherford engines powering Electron's first stage.
Launch: Lift-off. Electron climbs from the launch pad, initially rising slowly and increasing in speed as the Electron gets lighter.
Two minutes and thirty seconds into flight: Engines powering Stage 1 cut off.
Two minutes and thirty-four seconds into flight: Stage 1 of Electron separates.
Two minutes and thirty-six seconds into flight: The vacuum Rutherford engine on Stage 2 ignites.
Three minutes and four seconds into flight: The Electron's fairing (the protective casing around the satellite) separates.
Eight minutes and eight seconds into flight: Electron reaches orbit.
Eight minutes and 14 seconds into flight: Stage 2 engine cuts off.
Eight minutes and 31 seconds into flight: Payload separates from the launch vehicle.