Quote from: psloss on 10/28/2009 02:47 pmI lost video briefly during the separation dynamics, so hopefully will get to see this better...Sorry if this was already covered in thread, still catching up. The NASA TV feed (over satellite) had trouble right after separation, for about 20 seconds. I'll be checking my recordings to see what the deal was, but there was definitely a problem there. Internet may have been fine, but cable would definitely have seen the problem.
I lost video briefly during the separation dynamics, so hopefully will get to see this better...
Upper stage video doesn't show separation, but I think the upper stage was *supposed* to be LOS at separation -- all the electronics were in the first stage.
The public and Congress should see this flight as MORE of a success than a failure.
Quote from: Liss on 10/28/2009 02:55 pmMaybe it was all scheduled but the sep sequence was sort of depressive. I wonder if public and Congress will see it as a failure.1.) Ares I-X flew straight as an arrow during ascent2.) The REAL upper stage on Ares I will still be moving forward (on its OWN propulsion) once the first stage separates from it. Also, if artist concepts and online videos are anything to go by, the upper stage will have its own separation motors to help push it away from the FS after SRB burnout.
Maybe it was all scheduled but the sep sequence was sort of depressive. I wonder if public and Congress will see it as a failure.
I'm a huge fan, but I find it interesting the vehicle cam replays cut out between ignition and tower clear and again at first and upper stage sep. Coincidence?
Quote from: saturnapollo on 10/28/2009 02:53 pmQuoteYeah, they will have to be significant ullage motorsAren't ullage motors just designed to settle the fuel in the stage?KeithI am sure the final flight vehicle, if it ever is built, will include ullage motors. The Saturns did and not only for pushing the upper stage away but also to settle the propellant in the upper stage as mentioned. I believe this second stage had no such active component so the odd separation really doesn't seem to be that odd to me.
QuoteYeah, they will have to be significant ullage motorsAren't ullage motors just designed to settle the fuel in the stage?Keith
Yeah, they will have to be significant ullage motors
Also remember we are used to seeing separations of powered 2nd stages...
Just ask yourself.... With that liftoff tilt and that separation - even with separation motors - Do you think people should fly on that?
1) Unless you count the apparently excessive "pad avoidance" maneuver.
Quote from: rsnellenberger on 10/28/2009 03:05 pmUpper stage video doesn't show separation, but I think the upper stage was *supposed* to be LOS at separation -- all the electronics were in the first stage.Right, but was it supposed to tumble that fast after separation?