SpaceX Falcon Heavy Launch Today!

[WesL]

 

[WesL]

Seeing reports that the center core didn't stick the landing. As Meatloaf once sang, two out of three ain't bad.

*EDIT* Verified center core droneship landing was a loss.

 

[Mike S]

Considering the lack of updates I was beginning to think that is what happened.

 

[WesL]

Love this picture. Can't wait to see more pics as Earth gets a little smaller in the rearview mirror. Now I wonder if they have an Easter egg test to start the engine.

 

[WesL]

Here is a rundown of what has occurred and what is currently occurring. We no longer have the audio feed from SpaceX Control so no idea how that extended 2nd stage burn went (or is still going). Another 2nd stage burn will occur after a long coast phase and will be the burn required to target the Earth-Mars elliptical orbit around the sun.

• T-01:28:00 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load (DONE)
• T-01:25:00 RP-1 (rocket grade kerosene) loading underway (DONE)
• T-00:45:00 LOX (liquid oxygen) loading underway (DONE)
• T-00:07:00 Falcon Heavy begins engine chill prior to launch (DONE)
• T-00:01:00 Flight computer commanded to begin final prelaunch checks (DONE)
• T-00:01:00 Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins (DONE)
• T-00:00:45 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch (DONE)
• T-00:00:05 Engine controller commands side booster engine ignition sequence to start (DONE)
• T-00:00:03 Engine controller commands center core engine ignition sequence to start (DONE)
• T-00:00:00 Falcon Heavy liftoff (DONE)
• T+00:01:06 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket) (DONE)
• T+00:02:29 Booster engine cutoff (BECO) (DONE)
• T+00:02:33 Side cores separate from center core (DONE)
• T+00:02:50 Side cores begin boostback burn (DONE)
• T+00:03:04 Center core engine shutdown/main engine cutoff (MECO) (DONE)
• T+00:03:07 Center core and 2nd stage separate (DONE)
• T+00:03:15 2nd stage engine starts (DONE)
• T+00:03:24 Center core begins boostback burn (DONE)
• T+00:03:49 Fairing deployment (DONE)
• T+00:06:41 Side cores begin entry burn (DONE)
• T+00:06:47 Center core begins entry burn (DONE) (Lost at sea?)
• T+00:07:58 Side core landings (DONE)
• T+00:08:19 Center core landing (DONE)
• T+00:08:31 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1) (DONE)
• T+00:28:22 2nd stage engine restarts (DONE)
• T+00:28:52 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2) (DONE)
• ~T+06:28:52 2nd stage engine restarts

 

[KoD]

Absolutely incredible, the synchronized landings of the two side core rockets was unbelievable!

 

[WesL]

 

[Mike S]

hahaha

 

[WesL]

 

[WesL]

Live view of Starman and the Tesla Roadster - You might also see views of the engine.

 

[KoD]

Reports that the core had 2 out of 3 engine burner failures and struck the ocean at ~300mph. Still remarkable feat with the side cores landing in spectacular fashion. Once the car passes the Van Allen belt it will jettison towards Mars and remain orbiting the sun for likely a billion years.
Lol.

 

[Forrest White]

Initially, the second start was supposed to take place on November 14, but it had to be postponed due to very windy weather.