Some wind issues cropped up during the first helicopter flight necessitating a ‘re-thinking’ of some of the flight procedures. Once those were ironed out, the helicopter ascended again and we were able to see a battery-powered climb (using the KC Space Pirates) climber all the way to the top, and with a successful descent and recovery.
The helicopter was getting a bit low on fuel, so it is being refueled and will then bring the cable aloft again. LaserMotive is next up to do a battery powered climb and then USST.
If you go to http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Space-elevator2, you can watch the action live. You can also log into the chat (if you have a Twitter account) and ask questions – I’ll be moderating this. I also have a mike and will try some commentary too.
Finally, you can get up-to-the minute status comments at www.twitter.com/segames.
I don’t want to jinx anything, but all is looking very good!