Transit Day 1 - ACS Departure

Departure day is always one of mixed emotions especially when you are going to be gone over a big holiday. The excitement to get underway for what I would argue is the sexiest launch service operation in the world was overshadowed by the fact that it was 1 day prior to the feast of all feasts in an American home, Thanksgiving! Nonetheless, 220+ Americans, Russians, Ukrainians, Norwegians, Filipinos, Danes, and our French customer proudly walked onboard the Command ship following the usual pier side speeches and Mission Director led departure readiness poll and settled in for a voyage to our equatorial launch site at 154 degrees west.  The fact of the matter is that there are only a handful of people across the globe that have had the opportunity to experience this technical marvel that melds some of the world’s best aerospace contractors with the expertise of the Norwegian designed and operated Assembly and Command ship and Launch Platform.  Anyone who has had the opportunity to tour our facility or has had one of the many informational briefings provided describing the operation and international participation is truly in awe.  Perhaps the second most asked question right after the “Is there anyone on the Launch Platform during a launch?” is “How long does it take and what do you do every day?”  This blog will attempt to chronicle daily life onboard the Assembly and Command Ship (ACS) as we transit to the launch site, launch and return home. 

Astrium Team Departure Photo

Departing the Home Port Pier

 

It is my first attempt at “blogging” so I apologize in advance for any faux pas that I may make and as far as grammar goes…I am an Engineer enough said.  So much for the background now let’s get on with the blog.

Me with the Eutelsat Customer looking out over the Port of Long Beach

RF Technician Extraordinaire Bob Roggendorf bidding farewell to Home Port

Day 1 is the get acquainted day in my view. 

1.       We get acquainted with the multi-national launch team consisting of over 7 different cultures

2.       We get acquainted with a new set of legs, since the ones used on land do not seem to work the same way on a ship, rubber comes to mind. 

3.       We get acquainted with the dining hall and what seems to be a never ending supply of everything you promised yourself you were not going to eat on this voyage. Your will power is at its best on day 1 but will be tested regularly.  You can always tell a newbie by the pile of food on his plate.

4.       We get acquainted with our life vest and life boat as we practice evacuation drills in the event of an emergency.   See #1 above and then imagine how snuggly they are able to fit sardines into a can, it is not a pleasant feeling but thankfully is short lived. 

Everyone at their Muster Station practicing safety drills

 

More practice entering the life boat in a nice orderly fashion

 

Keeping our customer smiling even when wedged into the life boat!

 

5.       We get acquainted with our new bruise’s (see #2).  King Neptune is treating us to 4 meter (12 feet) swells on this voyage so we are bumping into everything.

Finally everything and everyone begins to settle in and by the end of the night you are typically exhausted and ready to be rolled to sleep by the not so gentle swells.  Some may take advantage of a small social gathering in the ACS bar but typically most settle into their bunks.