Public Affairs Officer's Report - Mission to GOTF

[RainMaker]

"This is RainMaker at T minus 11 hours and counting, T minus 11 hours on the GOTF launch count. We are go for the mission at this time. Just a matter of some 2 or 3 minutes ago, the spousal unit, Margaret, visited the Launch Control Center. The spousal unit, who is in charge of all kitchen passes, was here to observe the final preparations for the launch. RainMaker is continuing to work on the final checks for this mission, at this time performing some final checks of the stabilization and control systems. In the meantime, we are loading updated mapping information into the navigation computer on the vehicle. All still going well at 11 hours and counting. Our countdown picked up following a 6-hour built in hold to assure the spousal unit of the safety of the mission at 10 a.m. Central Daylight Time this morning and has run very smoothly since that time. We've now been in progress a little more than 8 hours with the count. Duties conducted today included the propellant loading of the launch vehicle, pressurization of tires and fluid level checks. During this period, we brought in close to 3 gallons [11 liters] of liquid petrochemical fuel into the vehicle. We now have all our propellants aboard, we have a vehicle that weighs some 700-750 pounds [317-354 kg]. The propellants are all aboard at this time, and we are going through their final checks on the vehicle. During these 8 hours or so that we've been in the final count, all aspects of the mission have gone very well. We had one questionable item, which was the windshield. We ran several verification tests and were able to determine that a new windshield was necessary and as one was available, it was installed and we are able to proceed. Other than that one minor aspect, which was verified by some tests during the count, all other aspects of the mission have gone very well. RainMaker was declared in good physical condition and ride ready by Dr. Maria Gaydos.

At the T minus 1 hour mark, RainMaker will awaken and begin suiting up for the mission. Following suit-up, RainMaker will sit down for breakfast in the kitchen, the usual rider menu on launch day of scrambled eggs and toast, milk and coffee. He will depart from the crew quarters at 6:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time and board the vehicle at 6:49 after a pre-ride check of the vehicle.

Our countdown continuing at this time, T minus 10 hours, 47 minutes 20 seconds. Weather is go for the mission. We have a forecast of overcast in the DFW area, but it is acceptable for launch.  We will go on automatic sequence in the countdown at about 3 minutes and 6 seconds, and from that point on down, all phases of the count will be automatic, leading up to ignition of the six cylinders of the vehicle at the 1 minute mark in the count. This will be ignition sequence start, it will take some 60 seconds or so to build up the proper temperature in those six cylinders to give us our planned 100 bhp at liftoff. All cylinders should be running cleanly at the 15 second mark and we should get commit and liftoff at zero in the count. We are now at T minus 10 hours 42 minutes 40 seconds in counting, this is Launch Control."

[godfire]

And I thought I was the one with too much time on my hands...

Glad to hear that all systems are go!! 
See you and Baron in the AM

[RainMaker]

This was mostly for Rocketman's enjoyment.

T minus 41 minutes and counting.

[Rocketman]

This was mostly for Rocketman's enjoyment.

T minus 41 minutes and counting.

Enjoyment achieved.  While I was reading that, one of the PAO guys, the one with the rather iconic voice who announced shuttle liftoffs for years, was sitting nearby, giving a briefing in a meeting.  It helped with the ambiance.

Mark

[mario]

This was mostly for Rocketman's enjoyment.

T minus 41 minutes and counting.

Enjoyment achieved.  While I was reading that, one of the PAO guys, the one with the rather iconic voice who announced shuttle liftoffs for years, was sitting nearby, giving a briefing in a meeting.  It helped with the ambiance.

Mark

 

[Serk]

I kept trying to figure out a way to make the big blue POS minivan heading south on 45 shortly sound cool, but try as I might I just couldn't find a way...

Safe travels, and I'll see ya'll tonight/tomorrow! Wish us luck, first road trip with the extra co-pilots!

[Jess from VA]

Make sure you drain the snake before liftoff; peeing in your space suit sucks.   

[Rocketman]

Make sure you drain the snake before liftoff; peeing in your space suit sucks.   

Plus, it shorts out all the sensors!

[Red Diamond]

I hope you didn't go thru all that just to cut the grass so you could get a kitchen pass, hehe.

[Mofla]

Huh ?

[RainMaker]

Final Report:  The mission was an overall success and all objectives were achieved.  Re-entry occurred at 5:01pm Central Standard Time as vehicle returned to the launch point.   The vehicle performed flawlessly during the mission and will be checked and cleaned of foreign objects and DNA collected on the trip.

Until our next mission, this is Launch Control.