Explorer-1 Mission

The Python-1 Rocket Debuts its first ever mission after extensive testing
Launch Timeline and Events

T-00:00:00: Liftoff from DSC Bay Launch Pad at 12:48 AM CDT. Python-1’s first stage engines ignite, producing nominal thrust for ascent.

T+00:02:30: Stage separation occurs successfully. First stage separates cleanly; second stage ignites to continue ascent.

T+00:03:00: Primary IMU failure detected in second stage. Rocket experiences unexpected attitude deviation, initiating uncontrolled gimbal adjustments to compensate for erroneous sensor data.

T+00:03:15: Backup IMU manually activates, restoring accurate attitude data. Second stage stabilizes, and flight computer corrects trajectory.

T+00:09:00: Second stage reaches target orbit: 500 km

T+00:10:00: Payload deployment sequence initiated.
SightV1-1: Deploys nominally from its canister. Telemetry confirms separation, solar panel deployment, and initial beacon signal received by DSC Bay ground station.

SightV1-2: Fails to separate from deployment mechanism. Ground control receives no separation confirmation, and telemetry indicates the satellite remains attached to the second stage.

T+00:20:00: Second stage completes mission operations. No further deployment attempts possible due to hardware limitations.

Orbit Parameters (for SightV1-1)
Altitude: 500 km

Inclination: 0.22

Period: ~94 minutes

Status: SightV1-1 operational; SightV1-2 non-deployed, likely unrecoverable as it remains attached to the second stage.

Launch Outcome: Partial success.
Successes: Python-1 reached the target orbit despite a primary IMU failure, and SightV1-1 was deployed successfully, entering operational status.

Failures: SightV1-2 failed to deploy due to an unspecified issue with the separation mechanism

Impulse Dynamics Response: The company is investigating the IMU failure and deployment issue. Preliminary data suggests a hardware fault in the primary IMU No further Data at this time