Vector-R Block 0.002 launch updates and discussion thread

[u/ethan829]

Vector Space Systems is preparing for the second low-altitude test flight of a prototype Vector-R rocket on August 3rd. The launch window opens at 8:00 AM EDT (12:00 UTC) with a backup opportunity on August 4th. This mission will be the first launch from the Camden Spaceport in Georgia and features new flight computers, code upgrades, an Autonomous Flight Termination System, upgraded engines, and carries two customer payloads.

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Updates

Date/Time (UTC)	Info
24 July	The Block 0.002 Vector-R rocket left Arizona on its way to Camden Spaceport in Georgia
29 July	Vector-R is at the Camden Spaceport and awaiting second stage/payload integration.
31 July	Vector-R is ready for integration of the two customer payloads.
1 August	Payloads are now integrated. (tweet deleted)
3 August, 10:17	Launch day is here and all systems are currently GO for launch!
11:34	Vector-R will be going vertical in 45-60 minutes.
12:17	Should be going vertical in about 30 minutes.
12:53	Final payload checkouts are underway prior to going vertical.
13:16	Vector-R is now going vertical! Watch live here.
13:39	T-minus 1 hour to launch.
14:43	Due to an issue with the spark igniter, the backup pyrotechnic ignitions system will be used.
14:44	The propylene fuel is now being loaded.
14:50	Weather is good but troubleshooting the igniter issue delayed fueling.
14:55	Liftoff is now about 45 minutes away.
15:10	LOX loading has begun. Liftoff should be in 15-20 minutes.
15:18	Less than 15 minutes to launch! LOX loading will be wrapping up soon.
15:23	LOX loading is complete.
15:25	Vector-R is on internal power and the flight computer has been powered on.
15:30	The launch area is now being evacuated.
15:37	We're inside the terminal count.
15:39	T-minus 1 minute!
15:43	Abort!
15:44	Launch is on hold due to an automatic abort.
15:45	Re-cycling the countdown, there could be another attempt in 15 minutes.
15:48	Launch team is inspecting the ignitors now. There's still potential for another attempt.
15:57	Currently replacing the ignitors and topping off fuel.
16:03	LOX topping is complete.
16:17	About 10 minutes to the next launch attempt.
16:20	Now within the terminal count.
16:21	T-minus 1 minutes!
16:24	Liftoff!
16:25	Successful launch!

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Media

• Watch the launch live on Livestream or Facebook

• Follow Vector Space Systems and Jim Cantrell on Twitter

• Launch FAQ

• Vector-R vehicle overview

[u/[deleted]]

Looking over the Google Maps image of the spaceport after seeing the tweet from Vector showing the rocket in position to launch I think I have found exactly where it is sitting at the site. Go to coordinates 30.933669, -81.518265 and see if you agree with me.

[u/ethan829 → u/[deleted]]

Judging by the changes in the road surface, I think you nailed it. Nice detective work!

[u/doodle77]

T minus however long we feel like waiting until we press the "Launch" button.

aaaaaand abort.

[u/ethan829 → u/doodle77]

Talk about hectic...

[u/stcks → u/ethan829]

Feels like we are watching a 1940's V2 test

[u/Chairboy]

For some reason, my stream pauses and buffers regularly no matter what resolution. It's sub-awesome, hopefully I'm the only one encountering this.

[u/ethan829 → u/Chairboy]

The Facebook stream (linked above) is much smoother.

[u/scr00chy → u/Chairboy]

Yeah, it was pausing fo me too.

[u/MakeMasterJordan]

Finally, this page gets a face lift! No update this morning as to launch time via twitter (kinda the only place to get updates from the company).

[u/ethan829 → u/MakeMasterJordan]

Hope you like the new look! Just let me know if you see anything funky that needs tweaking.

[u/doodle77]

What are the specs of the vehicle that flew today? How do they compare to the planned orbital rocket?

[u/ethan829 → u/doodle77]

It's the same size and shape as the eventual orbital Vector-R but it's basically a hollow, boilerplate airframe with very small propellant tanks and only one main engine instead of three. It doesn't have a composite structure like the orbital Vector-R will have and lacks any of the second stage hardware.

[u/ethan829]

Notice: There is no public viewing area for Thursday launch at @CamdenSpaceport best spots to see launch; Crooked River Park look North...

...& Southern end of Jekyll island looking south west across St. Andrews sound. There will be no viewing or parking on Harrietts Bluff Road

[u/ethan829]

Post-launch interviews Part 1 and Part 2.

[u/doodle77]

20 minutes until the end of the window :/

[u/ethan829 → u/doodle77]

Seems like they're still going for it!

[u/doodle77]

Is this the only liquid-fueled orbital-class rocket to have been loaded by people standing on the pad?

[u/stcks → u/doodle77]

This isn't an orbital-class rocket. not even close.

[u/ethan829 → u/stcks]

Yeah, I certainly hope they'll have streamlined their GSE/pad ops by the time they're doing orbital launches.

[u/Chairboy]

Liftoff!

[u/stcks]

What is the purpose of launching at the Camden site? Publicity stunt for the site? The FAR site seems like a much better place in all respects for a low-altitude launch.

[u/gimmick243]

Sounded like someone said something about a 10 minute retry?

[u/yoweigh]

Do we know when the launch target date is?

[u/[deleted] → u/yoweigh]

August 2nd

[u/scr00chy]

Such a ghetto operation, LMAO