SpaceX is targeting this morning at 9:41am Eastern Time for Falcon Heavy’s launch of the USSF-44 mission to a geosynchronous Earth orbit from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch window for today closes at 10:11am. A backup launch opportunity is available on Wednesday, November 2 at 9:37am Eastern Time. USSF-44 is a classified mission for the United States Space Force. The image included in this post is a SpaceX graphic showing the launch profile for this mission.
There will be 2 payloads on board this mission, a larger, unconfirmed satellite and a micro-satellite named TETRA-1. TETRA-1 is the first in a series of prototype GEO satellites being launched by the US Military which will test systems procedures for future satellites.
Following booster separation, Falcon Heavy’s two side boosters will land at SpaceX’s Landing Zones 1 and 2 (LZ-1 and LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
Stats for this launch:
149th orbital launch attempt this year (all launch providers)
193rd overall mission for SpaceX
50th mission of 2022 for SpaceX
This will be the 4th time a Falcon Heavy has launched, and the first time this year one has launched. It has been 40 months since we've seen a Falcon Heavy launch.
A SpaceX webcast of this mission will begin about 15 minutes prior to liftoff. Below are links to youtube channels where you can watch the launch on.
The annual budget process for Macon County will be officially starting Friday at noon. The meeting agenda has been posted on the blog, as well as links to what this first meeting in the process has looked like since 2013. [LINK]
NOT LOCAL NEWS
In case you haven't heard, there was a rocket launch from Florida yesterday by SpaceX. It was a demonstration flight of the Falcon Heavy rocket. Video and photos can be seen on the blog. [LINK]
LOCAL OUTLOOK
A nearly stationary front will bring widespread rain to the region today. High pressure will build across our area Thursday into Friday morning, leading to dry and seasonable conditions. Another system will lift out of the Gulf this weekend, with a secondary wave lifting across the area early next week, leading to a prolonged wet period.
WEATHER SPONSOR
Adams Products, a Division of Oldcastle is underwriting the daily weather briefing & public safety updates for the month.
Open 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, M-F, located at 895 Hickory Knoll Road, Franklin, NC. Visit our Facebook page at:
All your masonry needs are available. Phone number is 828.524.8545, public is welcome, we’ll help with your with your next project.
Weather Almanac for February 7th (1872-2016)
Record weather events for this date in Macon County
Highest Temperature 69°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station in 1957 Lowest Temperature -12°F in Highlands in 1895 Greatest Rainfall 2.30 inches in Franklin 1873 Greatest One-Day Snowfall 6.5 inches in Nantahala in 1936
Record weather events for February in Macon County
Highest Temperature 79°F at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 28, 1996 Lowest Temperature -19°F in Highlands on Feb 13, 1899 Greatest Rainfall 6.37 inches at the Coweeta Experimental Station on Feb 13, 1966 Greatest One-Day Snowfall 15.0 inches in Highlands on Feb 14, 1912
THREE DAY OUTLOOK
TODAY Heavy Rainfall Possible
Patchy fog in the morning may be dense in locations. Cloudy skies with highs ranging from the mid-to-upper 40s at the higher elevations to the mid-50s in the lower elevations. Winds out of the southeast in the morning calming between 11 am and 1 pm, then increasing to 5 to 10 mph and shifting to come out of the northwest after 1 pm. Near 100% chance of rain before noon then chances gradually decrease to around 30% chance around 6 pm. Rainfall amounts between three-quarters of an inch and one inch are likely and rainfall amounts 1 and 2 inches are possible. Rain will be heavy at times.
TONIGHT Clearing Skies
Cloudy skies with decreasing clouds, becoming mostly clear by dawn. Lows ranging from the lower 20s at the higher elevations to the upper 20s in the lower elevations. Winds 5 to 10 mph out of the northwest.
THURSDAY
Sunny with highs ranging from the mid-40s at the higher elevations to the lower 50s in the lower elevations. Winds should be calm.
THURSDAY NIGHT
Mostly clear skies with lows ranging from the lower 20s at the higher elevations to the upper 20s in the lower elevations. Mostly calm winds.
FRIDAY
Mostly sunny with increasing clouds. Highs ranging from the upper 40s at the higher elevations to the mid-50s in the lower elevations. Rain chances will be best after 3 pm at around a 20% chance.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy with lows ranging from the mid-30s at the higher elevations to near 40 in the lower elevations. 70% chance of rain, mainly after midnight.
GOES 16 GeoColor - Infrared Loop 12:22 am to 03:17 am
HAZARDS
Hazardous weather is possible today. There will be periods of heavy rain and area roadways with poor drainage may have water either standing in the road or running across it and automobiles may hydroplane if they exceed safe speeds for these conditions. Please turn on your headlights so other motorists can see you and increase your following distance in case the motorist in front of you encounters difficulty.
Macon Media maintains a Severe Weather Preparedness Page at http://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/p/breaking-news-hub.html for those who are interested.
As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches, and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN
GOES-16 ABI CONUS - 11.20 um (Precipitation) Image Produced at 02:22 am
MACON CALENDAR
If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer in pdf format or a high-quality photo, to editor@maconmedia.com. If you want text published, please include a paragraph with your photo, flyer or graphics. Please include date(s) and time(s). There is no charge for civic, educational or nonprofit groups, except for groups or events that receive funding from the TDA, TDC, and EDC, where full rates apply.
Uptown Gallery Free Drawing Class February 9th
New Class at the Uptown Gallery – FREE DRAWING CLASS – all levels welcome! Want to learn to draw? The Uptown Gallery is offering a free drawing course led by several of its members beginning Friday, Feb 9th from 11am till 2 pm at the gallery on Main Street. We will be using the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. Please bring #2 pencils, eraser, copy papers or student grade sketchpad to class. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery at (828) 349 – 4607.
FRIENDS OF THE GREENWAY FUNDRAISER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH
Fundraiser for Friends of the Greenway--an indoor flea market will take place every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in February and March at FROG Quarters, 573 East Main St in Franklin (next to the new bridge).
If you’re interested in participating, please call 369-8488 for details and registration. Only registration fee will go to FROG, but donations are always appreciated. Funds will benefit the following projects: Butterfly Garden, Educational Signs on the Trail, Splash Pad Renovation, Chimney Swift Tower, and FROG Quarters meeting place. If your shopping, enter at Mainspring Conservation Trust drive and circle around behind the buildings.
Uptown Gallery Guest Artist Presentation on February 12th
At the Uptown Gallery in Franklin on Monday, February 12th at 1 pm, Lee Perry Bender, silversmith and lapidarist, will be presenting the technique known as water casting. Water casting usually involves big torches and molten silver --best done outside. Lee will be demonstrating a "miniaturized" version using a small butane torch and small amounts of silver. Photographs are of two pendants, one of them features a Tahitian pearl. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be provided. The Macon County Art Association member meeting will follow the presentation. For more information contact the gallery at (828) 349-4607.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Appalachian South
Meets each Thursday at 7pm The First Methodist Church Outreach Center at the intersection of Harrison Ave. and West Main Street (directly across from Lazy Hiker Brewery)
Come join our weekly support group for anyone suffering from mental illness and their family or friends. This includes Depression, Bipolar,8chizophrenia, PTSD, Substance Abuse, Etc.
Here you will find: — others living with mental health challenges YOU ARE NOT ALONE - learn coping skills and ?find hope in shared experience - help learning how to break down stigma and guilt surrounding mental health - how to live life with the expectation of a better a better future
Kay (706)970-9987 Denise (828)347-5000)
SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAM
On January 1, 2017, the Syringe Exchange Program of Franklin began operating a comprehensive harm reduction program to address the opioid epidemic that is impacting western NC. Opioid overdose reversal kits including naloxone are available free of charge. If you have any questions about our services or if you know someone interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Almeida at 828-475-1920.
Sun and Moon
Sun
Begin civil twilight 7:02 a.m. Sunrise 7:28 a.m. Sun transit 12:48 p.m. Sunset 6:07 p.m. End civil twilight 6:33 p.m.
Moon
Moonrise 11:49 p.m. last night Moon transit 5:40 a.m. Moonset 11:25 a.m.
Phase of the Moon on February 6, 2018: Waning Gibbous with 60% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated. Closest Primary Moon Phase: Last Quarter on February 7, 2018 at 10:54 a.m. (local standard time)
There will be three solar and two lunar eclipses in 2018. [LINK]
Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]
Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]
CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.
Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.
You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia
Posted at 3:45 am on February 7, 2018
#WNCscan #MaconWx #MaconSafety
Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, Ian Webster's Github, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center.
A view of the SpaceX Starman kitted out on the SpaceX spacesuit and sitting in the Tesla Roadster.
**4:10 pm** Here is a replay of the launch.
**4:53 pm** Both side boosters have successfully landed
**3:45 pm** The launch is a success!
**3:15 pm** Added Live SpaceS webcast to top of page so people don't have to scroll forever to reach it. **3:02 pm** Center Core filled, two side cores have reached RP-1 kerosene fueling topping targets! No issues. **2:50 pm** Everyday stronaut is now live
xxx **1:20 pm** Launch delay to 20:05 UTS (3:05 pm Eastern) due to upper atmosphere winds. **12:52 pm** For those of you who want to listen to public safety radio traffic, here is Kennedy Space Center Communications. On this feed, you can hear KSC Tower, NASA weather aircraft, and support aircraft. https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/705/web
**12:02 pm**
Launch pushed back an hour to 2:30 pm per Elon Musk: Upper atmosphere winds currently 20% above max allowable load. Holding for an hour to allow winds to diminish.
Upper atmosphere winds currently 20% above max allowable load. Holding for an hour to allow winds to diminish. #FalconHeavy
Today is the day of the much-anticipated Falcon Heavy Demo Flight. If all goes well, the new rocket designed and built by SpaceX will launch from Cape Canaveral sometime after 1 pm. The launch window is from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The demonstration flight will be using two recycled Falcon 9 boosters and a beefed-up Falcon 9 for the core booster as the first stage. All components of the first stage are supposed to return to earth for re-use in a future flight. The two outer Falcon 9s will return simultaneously to the SpaceX landing pads and the core booster will land on the autonomous drone barge " Of Course I Still Love You" in the Atlantic Ocean. The barge is named after a planet-sized Culture starship which first appears in Ian Banks' "The Player of Games" science fiction novel. SpaceX also operates another barge ship also named after another Culture starship and it is called, "Just Read the Instructions." After the rocket coasts in orbit for a bit, it will fire off the second stage again and head out to pass near Mars with Elon Musk's Midnight Cherry Red Tesla Roadster onboard. A press kit detailing the timing of events is posted below the videos.
A couple of videos that explain more about this flight are posted below, then there are a number of video players embedded that will have live video of the launch if you are unable to get to a TV where you are when the big event takes place.
Falcon Heavy Launch, What Should We Expect?
Falcon Heavy Animation
Live Coverage of the launch (multiple channels are listed)
SpaceX
Time
PBS News HOur
Julian Danzer
Florida Cam
Press Kit
February 2018 Falcon Heavy Demonstration Mission
Mission Overview
SpaceX is targeting launch of the Falcon Heavy demonstration mission on Tuesday, February 6 from Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The primary launch window opens at 1:30 p.m. EST, or 18:30 UTC, and closes at 4:00 p.m. EST, or 21:00 UTC. A backup launch window opens on Wednesday, February 7 at 1:30 p.m. EST, or 18:30 UTC, and closes at 4:00 p.m. EST, or 21:00 UTC.
When Falcon Heavy lifts off, it will be the most powerful operational rocket in the world by a factor of two, with the ability to lift more than twice the payload of the next vehicle, at one-third the cost. Only the Saturn V moon rocket, last flown in 1973, delivered more payload to orbit. Three cores make up the first stage of Falcon Heavy. The side cores, or boosters, are connected to the center core at its base and at the vehicle’s interstage. With a total of 27 Merlin engines, Falcon Heavy’s three cores are capable of generating more than 5 million pounds of thrust.
For this test flight, Falcon Heavy’s two side cores are both flight-proven. One launched the Thaicom 8 satellite in May 2016 and the other supported the CRS-9 mission in July 2016. SpaceX will attempt to land all three of Falcon Heavy’s first stage cores during this test. Following booster separation, Falcon Heavy’s two side cores will attempt to land at SpaceX’s Landing Zones 1 and 2 (LZ-1 and LZ-2) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Falcon Heavy’s center core will attempt to land on the “Of Course I Still Love You” droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
The payload for Falcon Heavy’s demonstration mission is SpaceX CEO and Lead Designer Elon Musk’s midnight-cherry Tesla Roadster. Demonstration missions like this one typically carry steel or concrete blocks as mass simulators, but SpaceX decided it would be more worthwhile to launch something fun and without irreplaceable sentimental value: a red Roadster for the red planet. Following launch, Falcon Heavy’s second stage will attempt to place the Roadster into a precessing Earth-Mars elliptical orbit around the sun. It’s important to remember that this mission is a test flight. Even if we do not complete all of the experimental milestones that are being attempted during this test, we will still be gathering critical data throughout the mission. Ultimately, a successful demonstration mission will be measured by the quality of information we can gather to improve the launch vehicle for our existing and future customers.
February 2018 Mission Timeline (all times approximate)
COUNTDOWN Hour/Min/Sec Events
- 01:28:00 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for propellant load
- 00:07:00 Falcon Heavy begins engine chill prior to launch
- 00:01:00 Flight computer commanded to begin final prelaunch checks
- 00:01:00 Propellant tank pressurization to flight pressure begins
- 00:00:45 SpaceX Launch Director verifies go for launch
- 00:00:05 Engine controller commands side booster engine ignition sequence to start
- 00:00:03 Engine controller commands center core engine ignition sequence to start
- 00:00:00 Falcon Heavy liftoff
LAUNCH, LANDINGS AND ORBITAL INSERTION Hour/Min/Sec Events
00:01:06 Max Q (moment of peak mechanical stress on the rocket)
00:02:29 Booster engine cutoff (BECO)
00:02:33 Side cores separate from center core 00:02:50 Side cores begin boostback burn
00:03:04 Center core engine shutdown/main engine cutoff (MECO)
00:03:07 Center core and 2nd stage separate
00:03:15 2nd stage engine starts
00:03:24 Center core begins boostback burn
00:03:49 Fairing deployment
00:06:41 Side cores begin entry burn
00:06:47 Center core begins entry burn
00:07:58 Side core landings
00:08:19 Center core landing
00:08:31 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-1)
00:28:22 2nd stage engine restarts
00:28:52 2nd stage engine cutoff (SECO-2) Mission continues on an experimental long coast and third stage two burn to target a precessing Earth-Mars elliptical orbit around the sun
Launch Facility Launch Complex 39A (LC-39A) at Kennedy Space Center, Florida Built to support the Apollo program in the 1960s, LC-39A supported many of the Apollo missions, including the first Saturn V launch (Apollo 4), and Apollo 11, which sent the first humans to the surface of the moon. In 2014, SpaceX signed a 20-year lease with NASA for the use of LC-39A. Since then, the company has made significant upgrades to modernize the pad’s structures and ground systems, while also preserving its important heritage. Extensive modifications to LC-39A have been made to support launches of both the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles.
DAY SPONSOR
Carrion Tree Service is underwriting the daily weather briefing and public safety updates for today. they are a fully licensed and insured tree service, specializing in dangerous tree removal, view clearing, pruning, and crane services with a 24 Hour emergency response.
Their phone number is 371-4718. They are located at 120 Depot Street.
They can handle all your tree removal needs in good or bad weather.
CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.
If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only. Macon Media rewards early sponsors/underwriters with lifetime guaranteed low rates while newer sponsors/underwriters pay higher rates based on the date they first support Macon Media.
Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online. You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.
You can find out more information on how to do that and some of what I plan to accomplish if I reach certain levels of funding at https://www.patreon.com/MaconMedia
To submit releases for publication, email me here. This includes Guest Commentaries. If you have a photo that you wish me to use with your press release or article, please send it to me, otherwise I'll use whatever I feel best fits your article.
Letters to the Editor
Send Letters to the Editor to editor@MaconMedia. Limit is one submission every seven days. You may include photos, video or audio. Submissions will be edited for vulgarity or similar reasons. Limit submissions to less than 10,000 words. LOL
For a quicker response, send me a message on Twitter or add me to a circle on Google Plus and send it just to me.
If you have been sending me press releases via my private email address, that will continue to work just fine. The Twitter or Google+ account will get my attention quicker.
NON PROFIT OR CIVIC EVENTS
Macon Media will promote nonprofit or civic events if contacted by an organizer of the event. This includes rallies, protests, community forums, and parades. Messeanger Link http://m.me/MaconMediaNews
If you're of a mind, and can afford it, a dollar a month (or more) from enough people will make a huge difference in improving the quality of coverage of local meetings and events, as well as allowing remote weather stations and weather cams to be deployed throughout the county that you will be able to access online.
Currently, 20 people have pledged $99 a month. This is a tremendous help. Please visit www.patreon.com/MaconMedia for more information on how to contribute.
Businesses can underwrite this coverage by day sponsorships, surplus equipment donations, etc. Inquire at editor@maconmedia.com for more information.
Donations accepted for the purpose of supporting this blog and activities related to improving it's operations and my coverage of local festivals and local government meetings.
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