AFSPC-7/USSF-7: X-37B OTV-6 – Atlas V 501 – CCAFS SLC-41 – 17.05.2020 13:14 UTC

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 10:06

An open-loop test of the S-band system used to relay telemetry from the launch vehicle during flight is underway.

[tnt22]

 Tory Bruno‏ @torybruno 1 мин. назад

The Launch Team is on console, the bird looks good. A bit windy. Everyone think calm thoughts...  #USSF7

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 10:24

Antenna checks are being performed to verify functionality of the GPS Metric Tracking system. GPS MT is the system that uses the orbiting Global Positioning System navigation satellite constellation to track the rocket's flight downrange with position, velocity and timing information.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 10:36

The flight control operational test is getting underway. This test will validate the control functions on the Atlas first stage main engine and the Centaur upper stage by confirming that valves cycle properly and that the engine steering systems perform as commanded.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 10:52

Internal battery checks are beginning now.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 10:58

The cover atop the launch pad's flame bucket is being removed.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 11:09

We are working no technical issues in the countdown here in the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC) or at the Space Launch Complex-41 pad. Weather conditions continue to be monitored. Liftoff remains scheduled for 8:24 a.m. EDT (1224 UTC)

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 11:25

The first weather balloon of the countdown has been launched. A series of balloons will be set aloft over the next few hours to measure the speed and direction of upper level winds that the Atlas V will experience during flight.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 11:34

Guidance system testing is complete.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 11:47

The initiation of gaseous nitrogen flow to the launch vehicle has started. This changes the environmental control system (ECS) to supply nitrogen gas rather than conditioned air to the internal compartments of the Atlas V in preparation for fueling and launch.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:09

Hold-fire checks are being conducted at this time. This verifies the circuitry used to stop the countdown if a safety concern arises.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:11
Weather Remains 40% GO

In the pre-fueling weather briefing to mission management, Launch Weather Officer Jessica Williams reports that the western side of the low pressure system is dissipating. That's good news for us.

The launch time forecast remains at a 40 percent of acceptable conditions due to ground winds and cumulus clouds.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:14

The launch pad crew has completed its hands-on work to ready Space Launch Complex-41 for today's mission, and Launch Conductor Dillon Rice has given the instruction for personnel to depart the site in advance of fueling operations.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:24
Countdown Holding

This is Atlas Launch Control at T-minus 2 hours (L-3 hours) and holding. The countdown has entered the first of two planned, built-in holds that are scheduled in today's timeline. This first block of time gives the countdown some margin to resolve issues or catch up work that could be running late, and the hold provides an opportunity to ensure all is ready before fueling operations begin.

The final hold occurs at T-minus 4 minutes.

At the present time, all activities are on schedule and no problems are being addressed by the launch team.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:25

The hazard area around the launch site has been cleared of all personnel for fueling and liftoff.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:29

Safety officials have confirmed that there are no Collision Avoidance (COLA) periods for today's launch. COLAs are brief moments in time when the launch is not allowed to occur because the trajectory would pass too close to another object already in space. This analysis is based on a screening of known active and debris objects in orbit that could cause a conjunction with the ascending Atlas V and USSF-7.

[tnt22]

Tory Bruno‏ @torybruno 3 мин. назад

Polling is good for cryo Operations. Still windy. #USSF7

[tnt22]

 Tory Bruno‏ @torybruno 2 мин. назад

Beautiful skies over the Cape.

(0:07)

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:52
Go for Fueling

A readiness poll of the launch team by Launch Conductor Dillon Rice, with concurrence of ULA Launch Director Paul Aragon, has approved cryogenic tanking operations to begin once the countdown resumes.

[tnt22]

May 16, 2020 12:55

A current check of the local weather in the Cape Canaveral area shows that the ground winds and cumulus cloud rule are red at the present time. The Air Force Launch Weather Officer Jessica Williams displays the list of weather criteria for officials to monitor throughout the countdown when rules switch statuses. But the current red rules have no impact on the continuing progress of the count.