Hold Down Fire Video and Photos

The video is up on SpaceX.com. Check out the link:

Hold Down Fire Video

Elon's official statement on the launch:
"We were very happy to be able to execute a flight countdown all the way to lighting the engine. Although there wasn't a launch this time, we made a lot of progress refining the rocket and launch pad -- all work that needed to be done anyway."

These are great photos, taken by Tom Rogers, the SpaceX camera-man:

Camera on the Umbilical Stand

T-Minus 1/2 second

T-Zero

A great job by the SpaceX guys. While it's only a partial victory, the complexities and variables in getting to launch is so daunting, we're happy to take our progress one small bite at a time.

We also learned a lot and it brings us closer to a smooth launch. Other than a hold-down fire, there's not much more we can test. So we're confident the next time we will make it past T-plus 1.

'til next time.

Kimbal

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