Click here to watch: Felix Baumgartner Jump Video on YouTube, Recorded Video of Freefall from Space
After the disappointing cancellation of the space jump this past Tuesday, Red Bull Stratos scheduled the earliest possible launch date to be Sunday October 14th. The science team for Stratos said in a press conference, "We're not giving up."
In order for the launch to succeed, weather conditions need to be near perfect, with minimal winds from the ground to 800 feet above the surface. "Even before takeoff, the 55-story-high envelope could tear if caught by a wind gust or overturn the mega-ton crane that positions the capsule for launch," in an earlier statement from Red Bull Stratos. "Take-off will not be authorized if winds exceed 2 miles per hour from ground level through to several hundred feet in altitude."
According to the Red Bull Stratos website, the best weather conditions for balloon launch usually occur at dawn. Here is an approximate timeline.
Launch minus 8 hours
After a weather and safety briefing, the team inspects the equipment and communications systems, then pulls the boxed balloon and equipment out of the hangar while a separate crew works to clear the runway of dirt, debris and other objects. The capsule and balloon are delivered to the launch area on a cleared runway. More checks and re-verifications are conducted.
Launch minus 4:30 hours
Crew Chief contacts Mission Control for permission to lay out the flight train components. Balloon is laid out on a layer of Herculite. Then balloon, parachute and capsule are connected.
Launch minus 2:45 hours
Layout of flight train is complete.
Launch minus 2:15 hours
Balloon's helium valves are rechecked and verified.
Launch minus 1:15 hours
All capsule checks are complete.
Launch minus 1:00 hours
Crew chief contacts meteorologist and requests permission to begin inflation.
Launch minus 0:55 hours
Inflation begins.
Launch minus 0:30 hours
Felix is sealed in capsule which is cradled on a crane and pressurization begins.
Launch minus 0:10 hours
Inflation is complete.
Launch minus 0:05 hours
Crew chief inspects the entire flight train and removes all safety restraints
Launch minus 0:01 hours
Balloon bubble is released from launch arm.
LAUNCH
As the balloon rises, the crane bearing the capsule drives rapidly down the runway to meet it. The crane releases the capsule when it's vertical with the balloon. The balloon lifts the capsule off the crane and the ascent begins.
Luckily, the weather conditions on Sunday will be more favorable for launch. We shall watch online.