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Relativity scrubs launch today again

Relativity today was once again unable to complete the first launch of its Terran-1 prototype rocket.

The failure to launch was not for want of trying. The first countdown was first put on hold at T-1:10 when a boat entered the range. Once removed, the launch team picked up the count from that point without any recycle, but at T-0 the rocket’s internal computer sensed an issue and aborted the launch.

The launch team then reassessed, adjusted that issue, and tried again for a launch at the last second of the launch window, essentially duplicating the circumstances of an instantaneous launch window. The count this time got down to T-45 seconds when once again the rocket’s internal computer sensed an issue and aborted the launch.

No word yet on when the company will try again. If anything, Relativity’s launch team is getting a lot of practice and training with each launch attempt, critical knowledge needed for future launches.

Genesis cover

On Christmas Eve 1968 three Americans became the first humans to visit another world. What they did to celebrate was unexpected and profound, and will be remembered throughout all human history. Genesis: the Story of Apollo 8, Robert Zimmerman's classic history of humanity's first journey to another world, tells that story, and it is now available as both an ebook and an audiobook, both with a foreword by Valerie Anders and a new introduction by Robert Zimmerman.

 

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"Not simply about one mission, [Genesis] is also the history of America's quest for the moon... Zimmerman has done a masterful job of tying disparate events together into a solid account of one of America's greatest human triumphs."--San Antonio Express-News

5 comments

  • Jeff

    Breakdown of Saturday’s events:
    https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=56487.msg2465704#msg2465704

    Down the page there is speculation of new NET date of March 16.

    Rocket Lab also scrubbed their evening launch attempt at Wallops, due to upper level winds.
    Next try NET March 14.(?)
    https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=57285.msg2465670#msg2465670

  • David Ross

    well Rocket Lab will be lucky even to make payroll next week, so we’ll see

  • Jhon B

    I watched earlier in the week and again yesterday for the launch. Down to 30 min, the stopped it. then down to 1 min, the stopped it then to zero and it was a big dud and then down to 45 seconds and that is all she wrote. I would be lying if I said I was not watching to see it blow up. Watching SpaceX’s launch in boca were a lot of fun. So maybe I am a little sick, but at least I am honest.

  • pawn

    Well the base instinct with many is probably hoping for the excitement of an explosion.

    But if you truly love rockets, the gravity deifying, frantic symphony of a machine arching its way to escape from a planet we are all glued to for our entire life is a very special rush.

    An explosion is just sad but that’s just me.

  • Edward

    pawn,
    You wrote: “An explosion is just sad but that’s just me.

    It isn’t just you. I, too, am saddened by a rocket’s failure but enjoy the rush of a successful launch. Judging by the reactions of the crowd at the launch and landing of the first Falcon Heavy and its two booster rockets, there are plenty of people who cheer heartily at launch successes.

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