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SpaceX Vehicles and Missions => SpaceX Falcon Missions Section => Topic started by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2012 02:03 am

Title: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2012 02:03 am
I think we need one.

Post absolutely anything you like (providing it's clean and about SpaceXey things). Got to keep the update threads clean ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Orbiter on 05/19/2012 02:04 am
Getting ready to ship out to Jetty Park after a quick nap, but GODSPEED SPACEX! Let's get this candle lighted.

Orbiter
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/19/2012 02:05 am
Dude, That's awsome!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 05/19/2012 02:09 am
I feel like a little kid at Christmas--tried going to sleep, but only could stay awake for three hours. Too excited to relax. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/19/2012 02:10 am
And the party music shall be Muse's uprising!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/19/2012 02:11 am
I just sent the NSF C2+ Article to FoxNews.  Whoever wrote that did one hell of a job.  Just have the anchorbabe or anchordude read it verbatim with proper crediting of course.

That was the best, most concise, write period.

VR
RE327
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim_LAX on 05/19/2012 02:16 am
Here on the left coast launch time is 5 minutes untill the bars close (1:55 AM PDT) so I will have my laptop setup on the tailgate of my truck in the parking lot of the Bull Pen in Redondo Beach Ca, my favorite cocktail lounge.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpaceXSLS on 05/19/2012 02:16 am
Cheers from the West Coast :D!

I was planning on taking a trip to Florida to see the launch (would have been my first launch viewing in person) back when it was on for May 9th, but unfortunately couldn't leave for the 18th/19th.

I will at the very least stay up to watch the launch live though!

Helps that i'm something of a night owl! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: PahTo on 05/19/2012 02:18 am

LOL!
I'm going to go to bed (before launch), then get up (for launch), then go to bed (want to visit parents tomorrow), then get up (likely too late for the presser).  Good thing there's NSF for that (especially L2)!  Oh, and to be sure, my time factor is PT.
:)

Go SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Andrewwski on 05/19/2012 02:18 am
GO GO GO GO!!!!

This is a big moment.  Hoping that all the hard work and effort from the SpaceX team gets to shine tonight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/19/2012 02:20 am
I am out of town and have no internet. Barely enough cellphone signal to browse NSF. Thankfully I do have a satellite TV with nasa TV. :). I'll be watching
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Herb Schaltegger on 05/19/2012 02:26 am
Just set my alarm for 3:40 a.m. CDT. My wife and kids think I'm nuts. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrmandias on 05/19/2012 02:30 am
Light a candle in the dark!

And thanks in advance to those who post updates, I'm out tonight with the Boy Scouts, but I should be in cell phone range.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: NASAGeek on 05/19/2012 02:36 am
Can't sleep. I am way too excited for this launch! Will be my first spacex launch live. Plan on following coverage here and nasa tv
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rsnellenberger on 05/19/2012 02:38 am
Just set my alarm for 3:40 a.m. CDT. My wife and kids think I'm nuts. :)
Yep, just got the eye-roll treatment myself.  Worth it.   :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 02:39 am
I'm intending to go to bed early tonight and set my alarm, but I don't feel tired at all right now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 05/19/2012 02:40 am
Do I remember correctly that SpaceX is going to have a continous webcast thought he full mission duration  of the Dragon flight?

Has SpaceX given any indication recently about when they are going to cut the webcast? 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/19/2012 02:41 am
I wonder how close this will come to the forum viewing record. It would probably break it if it was during the day.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Norm Hartnett on 05/19/2012 02:42 am
From Gwynne Shotwell;

"We haven't made a T-0 yet"

"I give us a 50/50 chance of launching today"

What refreshing candor! And, did you see her expression as the PAO said, "We'll back for the launch."? Huge grin and bouncing in her seat.

SpaceX, breathing life into NASA. ;D

I am not really expecting a launch tonight but I'll be glued to my TV at 1:55 AM anyway.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 05/19/2012 02:44 am
I second a God Speed SpaceX.

I think the launch will be taking place at 2:50 is Calgary time (where I live) so hopefully I wont have to stay up as late as the rest of you guys!

Finger crossed for a completely successful launch!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 03:12 am
Sox lost and Celtics lost (ROBBED), if Falcon doesn't get off the pad it will be a pretty sad day. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 05/19/2012 03:22 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 05/19/2012 03:29 am
I just realized that if this launch succeeds this will be the first launch I have ever seen in action!  :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dunderwood on 05/19/2012 03:31 am
I'm hoping to see the ISS and Dragon passing over central texas in the morning!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/19/2012 03:33 am

SpaceX, breathing life into NASA. ;D


Get real.  Everybody needs to chill a little.  It is not that big of deal
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/19/2012 03:33 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.

That is also over the top
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikegi on 05/19/2012 03:39 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.

That is also over the top
This is the biggest space event since July '69! Wow, Neil and Buzz have finally been eclipsed! Hic...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 05/19/2012 03:42 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.
That is also over the top

Jim, Chris installed this nice petting zoo for the fan boys.

It's like space.com forum all over again in here. :)

Considering your allergic reaction to incorrect maybe you should just skip this thread
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/19/2012 03:42 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.

That is also over the top
This is the biggest space event since July '69! Wow, Neil and Buzz have finally been eclipsed! Hic...


Far from it.  for example, Viking on Mars in '76 was a bigger event
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/19/2012 03:43 am
this is just another rocket launch to the ISS which has been done 10's of times.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/19/2012 03:45 am
Best of luck... I'll be cheering them on!

I'm saving the real celebration once it is in orbit. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/19/2012 03:46 am
this is just another rocket launch to the ISS which has been done 10's of times.
It not about the Rocket launch to the ISS.
It's about the party. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/19/2012 03:47 am
Don't get me wrong.  I hope they are successful and the ISS needs them to be.  And it will help add another rocket to NASA's catalog.  Also, I agree it is historic, but it is no where close to the top of the list.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: 93143 on 05/19/2012 03:49 am
EDIT:  Message removed due to personal policy:  no posting while intoxicated.

EDIT2:  To clarify, I'd been celebrating a major (and heretofore elusive) milestone in my Ph.D. research.  Not directly related to SpaceX, but I was hoping for a twofer.  Oh well...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tcommon on 05/19/2012 03:49 am
Small point, but shouldn't this party thread be held after SpaceX successfully completes its mission? Just sayin...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/19/2012 03:52 am
My local time for launch is downright civilized.. coverage starts at 5:30pm.

Sure hope SpaceX sticks with this time for future launches. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: 93143 on 05/19/2012 03:53 am
Small point, but shouldn't this party thread be held after SpaceX successfully completes its mission? Just sayin...

Might as well stake out an area for it ahead of time.  Otherwise it'll be impossible to navigate the update thread(s)...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/19/2012 03:57 am
Small point, but shouldn't this party thread be held after SpaceX successfully completes its mission? Just sayin...
Anybody in here that's directly involved with the mission needs to back to their post right now, hic...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: gladiator1332 on 05/19/2012 03:58 am
Jealous of the west coast folks, but I work the night shift so 5am is my usual bedtime, so whats staying up a little longer!?

GO SPACEX!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 05/19/2012 04:07 am
I'll be cheering from Oregon! Good luck to SpaceX, and cheers to Chris and Crew for this site. I've been a member for seven years and have really enjoyed watching it grow!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AS-503 on 05/19/2012 04:08 am
"Get Real", says the night gator! :D

Jim's attempt at party regulation is as good as the party itself!

RP-1 night launch (big orange-flame-gasm), although we won't be able to see maxQ.



Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/19/2012 04:17 am
I feel this is appropriate -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuG2AVFB-g0

VR
RE327
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/19/2012 04:29 am
As a fan of spaceflight I'll be awake at 2:55 am Mountain.  And logged on here.  And watching NASA TV on my iPad in a dock next to me.  And keeping my fingers crossed.

Since Shuttle left the scene commercial's on the clock.  A success would be a very important step toward closing the gap.  Go Dragon/Falcon C2/C3!  ISS needs you.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/19/2012 04:47 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.

That is also over the top
This is the biggest space event since July '69! Wow, Neil and Buzz have finally been eclipsed! Hic...

:D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: IanO on 05/19/2012 04:49 am
Also, perhaps a full mug of hard blood orange pop was a little much after that half-litre of Aventinus and the tawny port...  or not; I feel rather enthused...

Hic...

I hear ya...
I'm halfway through a Elysium DragonsTooth stout that I've been saving (and saving, and saving) for the occasion. And a Dragon's Breath on ice for success.

Party on, SpaceX!  I imagine their post launch celebration will be quite the whoop-ti-do.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Captain Kirk on 05/19/2012 04:58 am
All success to SpaceX and their Falcon 9/Dragon launch this morning.  Like an earlier poster said, I've got to visit the parents today and its a 2-hr drive from Harrisburg.  Pity that I can't be up to see the launch, or better yet, to have flown to Florida for it. 

They've got a really, really tight launch window this morning, but I am hopeful that all the energy, skill and hard work that this team put into this rocket, capsule and launch will come to fruition.

Go SpaceX!!  Godspeed SpaceX!!  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/19/2012 05:00 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MezkEiS-6jA
(cue nitpickers ;) )
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/19/2012 05:26 am
That is great, crazy tune, but loved it; the sentiment really sticks with me; if we hadn't had so much faith in NASA maybe someone would have done it before Elon; btw, this computer jockey is powered by home made mead tonight ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/19/2012 05:39 am
A party in here? I guess I won't have that minimal two to four hour nap this morning.;D Last afternoon, I completed the model kit. My first thought was it looked like a section of PVC pipe and stickers. :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/19/2012 06:02 am
I'm up and ready to go... one monitor for NASA TV, one for the SpaceX webcast, and my Archos tablet for reading Nasaspaceflight!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/19/2012 06:17 am
Hmmm... Having some tasty cheese would be appropriate about now... But do I have any? ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/19/2012 06:17 am
A party in here? I guess I won't have that minimal two to four hour nap this morning.;D Last afternoon, I completed the model kit. My first thought was it looked like a section of PVC pipe and stickers. :D
[/quote

Still, a great piece of artwork for the desk; btw, like your mouse pad, still get shivers when I see one of those planes; lest we forget ;(

Cheers
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/19/2012 06:31 am
Go SpaceX!  The last time I felt this way was in April 1981.  Go baby go.

That is also over the top

This is the biggest space event since July '69! Wow, Neil and Buzz have finally been eclipsed! Hic...

Far from it.  for example, Viking on Mars in '76 was a bigger event

Quote from: Sheldon
Drat. Now I’m 8 for 27.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/19/2012 06:46 am
We now have music on the livestream. :D

I'll will attempt to make life easier for capturing the webcast.

This is the direct link to the swf player with the url embedded info on the spaceflightnow feed. I hope this will help.
 
https://cdn.livestream.com/grid/LSPlayer.swf?channel=spaceflightnow&fb_version=2.0&autoPlay=true
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/19/2012 07:32 am
9:30am here. I am sorry for all those folks who has to get up 4am to see start  :'(
Because of that forum might have less visitors than it would have during day time launch (day time for USA)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: thomson on 05/19/2012 07:35 am
We now have music on the livestream. :D
What's the tune? Is it Muse's "sing for absolution"? I hope the Falcon flight ends up better than Muse's video clip, though. :)

Go SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spacetraveler on 05/19/2012 07:36 am
I'll will attempt to make life easier for capturing the webcast.

There will be a better quality transfer from NASA TV posted on youtube I'm sure, no need to even capture a webcast really.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bugfix on 05/19/2012 07:53 am
MCC-Bugfix is ready to support the mission.  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/19/2012 07:55 am
After 7 solid hours of sleep I woke up all refreshed. Time to light this candle. Best of luck to spaceX, NASA and everyone else who supports spaceflight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 05/19/2012 07:58 am
Yeah know the fact that this is a night launch makes the whole thing more exciting to me.  I love the image of the Falcon 9 against the dark Moonless night.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/19/2012 08:04 am
It's a beautiful saturday morning here in munich. I will be watching the launch with my wife and two kids (if they don't manage to destroy the beamer before, that is).

I wouldn't even have kids if it wasn't for companies like spacex. What's the point of having kids if you can't watch rocket launches with them...

So godspeed spacex!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/19/2012 08:04 am
I think I have a plan to capture the stream from youtube and to upload the screen caps to the forum.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB8GbQaBDxM

I'll post the url to download the FLV file to load into VLC.
http://pastebin.com/bbTtyWdn

Put the long url into your borrower, and then save the flv file somewhere.  The flv file should be loadable with VLC a few seconds after enough data has been downloaded.

The flv file should be useable after the webcast has ended, but before it ends, copy and paste to create a backup. I'll post an update soon.

The file name could be "SpaceX - COTS 2+ Mission   Falcon 9 Flight 3 (Low).flv".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: neilh on 05/19/2012 08:06 am
OMG SPACEX PONIES!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/19/2012 08:15 am
Webcast about to start!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 08:18 am
Good morning from Connecticut!!!!   ;D

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/19/2012 08:18 am
spacex webcast is about 10 seconds behind other feeds, interesting.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/19/2012 08:19 am
OMFG - just had my first power cut in I-can't-remember-how-long.

Missed part of the webcast - came back just as Gwynne(?) was finishing a segment of some sort. (Guess I can catch that up on the re-runs.)

Now have battery in laptop and topped up my mobile broadband, but hope I don't get more!   :o

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:20 am
Kevin Brogan on the stream. The 'stache is here!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:20 am
Just starting my day this morning at 3:15 am here in Houston. Looking forward to a clean launch.


Go Spacex, Go Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:24 am
Webcast showing new launch control center in Florida, and primary MCC in Hawthorne.

Very nice facilities.

NASA TV running their own video of the launch, with less talking.


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/19/2012 08:25 am
NasaTV HD on laptop
NSF on main computer
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 08:25 am
For some reason I thought coverage was going to start at 3:30 EDT, so I set my alarm for then.  I went to bed around midnight.

I just woke up a few minutes ago and caught the very beginning of the webcast.  My alarm only goes for 30 minutes and I slept right through it.  I could very well have slept much longer.  I really dodged a bullet there!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 08:26 am
Thirty minutes to go......
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 08:27 am
NasaTV HD on laptop
NSF on main computer

I have NASA channel on the TV with NSF & SpaceX webcast on the laptop.

I'm ready for anything!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:28 am
NasaTV HD on laptop
NSF on main computer
I have almost the same setup, except SpaceX on the laptop 8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:28 am
Balloon Data is go. Vehicle green. Currently tracking no issues. T minus 27 minutes and counting.


Note: A 3 second delay exists between NASA TV video and Spacex Webcast video. Take your pick on which you wish to follow during the flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/19/2012 08:31 am
NASA tv on the roku
Spacex & nsf on the iPad
Twitter on the iphone
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/19/2012 08:31 am
Balloon Data is go. Vehicle green. Currently tracking no issues. T minus 27 minutes and counting.


Note: A 3 second delay exists between NASA TV video and Spacex Webcast video. Take your pick on which you wish to follow during the flight.
I'm seeing almost a 15 second difference.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/19/2012 08:32 am
A wet nose said I wanna go run off some coyotes, so I'm now up...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/19/2012 08:33 am
He secretly is a space fan.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:33 am
Balloon Data is go. Vehicle green. Currently tracking no issues. T minus 27 minutes and counting.


Note: A 3 second delay exists between NASA TV video and Spacex Webcast video. Take your pick on which you wish to follow during the flight.
I'm seeing almost a 15 second difference.


Time delay will very depending on your location in the world and your IP providers speed, routing servers, ect.

Location determines which sat. your signal is coming through, IP provider may be using one or more routing servers before the signal reaches your modem.


Least amount of delay possible appear to be between 2.4 and 3 seconds and that's inherent due to the NASA TV transponder.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/19/2012 08:37 am
Time delay will very depending on your location in the world and your IP providers speed, routing servers, ect.

Location determines which sat. your signal is coming through, IP provider may be using one or more routing servers before the signal reaches your modem.


Least amount of delay possible appear to be between 2.4 and 3 seconds and that's inherent due to the NASA TV transponder.

that makes sense. I'm in Florida and the NASA TV broadcast on TV is actually 15 seconds ahead of the webcasts.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:37 am
NASA TV Now showing Polling in ISS Control room for Launch. Poll occurred earlier and is a GO.





Meanwhile at SpaceX final checks will be coming up shortly.

T-minus 20 minutes and counting.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:40 am
SpaceX preliminary Poll  has been conducted. SpaceX MCC has given a go for launch at this time.


Weather remains green.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:41 am
I've got sewing machine leg going.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:42 am
Final Poll is coming up.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:43 am
Final Polling underway. GO for launch!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:43 am
Go for Terminal Count!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:44 am
Terminal count is now underway.


Well folks this is it. History about to made here this morning.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/19/2012 08:44 am
Alright, I'm awake, and coffee is GO.

Also, go SpaceX, go Falcon, go Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/19/2012 08:44 am
I've got sewing machine leg going.

LMAO.  Lots of those tonight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 08:45 am
The only other times I've been this nerve wracked about a launch were the two Return to Flight missions of the shuttle.

So much riding on this test flight. I sincerely hope everything goes well.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:45 am
Correction to earlier statement: NASA TV has the LEAST time delay prior to actual. Spacex webcast has a larger delay.


Stick with NASA TV.


T-minus 10 minutes ISS in sight over florida.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/19/2012 08:46 am
T -10 min
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:47 am
T-minus 9 minutes. Coming up on flight pressurization in the next few minutes.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jabe on 05/19/2012 08:47 am
falcon 9 is trending on twitter :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:47 am
https://twitter.com/#!/elonmusk/status/203768447799271424/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/#!/elonmusk/status/203768447799271424/photo/1)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:48 am
So tense. For God's sake, somebody throw a pie!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 08:48 am
I just went outside and saw the ISS pass over.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/19/2012 08:49 am
Gah, going crazy trying to listen to the 2 different feeds.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/19/2012 08:49 am
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:49 am
Mark. T-minus 6 minutes.

All systems remain green.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 08:50 am
So tense. For God's sake, somebody throw a pie!

*Throws pie @ Halidon*  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:51 am
Alright folks here we go. Under the 5 minute mark now.




Vehicle is on internal power.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:51 am
CNN, MSNBC, FOX, CNBC not covering  :-[
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:52 am
T minus 3 minutes and counting. Tea-Teb system setting up. FTS is internal.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 08:52 am
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.
I do not have to pee.


Thanks for the reminder!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:52 am
SpaceX lightning tower cam is absolutely beautiful.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:53 am
Vehicle is going to flight pressurization.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:53 am
Final Go is given. Tminus 2 minutes. RANGE IS GO!!!

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:54 am
Engines chilling in.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: flymetothemoon on 05/19/2012 08:55 am
YAY! OMG! Party thread!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:55 am
ABORT ABORT ABORT
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 08:56 am
Oh crap. Launch abort. :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/19/2012 08:56 am
damn
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:56 am
Engines did not start properly. No first motion. Abort is given. Now into post abort safing.


Thats it for today folks window expired.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpaceXSLS on 05/19/2012 08:56 am
gah, the fail.:(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/19/2012 08:57 am
NOOOOOOOOO
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 08:57 am
Damn. I saw the flames and thought she was going to lift.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 08:57 am
Alrighty. Will be back on the 22nd. Will be interested to see what caused the abort.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/19/2012 08:57 am
At least the next attempt will be earlier...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 08:58 am
Well, they still have their perfect record of not making T-0.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: gladiator1332 on 05/19/2012 08:58 am
Damn. Thought they had it this time
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 09:00 am
Seems to me all systems worked as expected as far as safety. Flight computer doesn't let it launch if it cannot verify proper engine conditions on all nine engines, hence the 3 second delay.


Hearing now: Chamber pressure high on engine five caused the abort.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpaceXSLS on 05/19/2012 09:00 am
At least it wasnt a catastrophic failure :x
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: flymetothemoon on 05/19/2012 09:01 am
:(

Yeah. We have to expect this until space is boring. Damn. That'll be that then :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 09:02 am
Systems worked actually really well, I was pleased with what I saw. First time I have seen the launch computer on this vehicle abort an actual launch (as opposed to a hot fire test), and it worked exactly as intended. Engine 5 was off nominal so it terminated the launch.


Shows that we have a really good and reliable vehicle here. That's what I am taking away from this.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 09:03 am
Launch turn around is confirmed. 72 hour turn around. Next window: Tuesday 22nd at 3:44 A.M

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/19/2012 09:05 am
Launch turn around is confirmed. 72 hour turn around. Next window: Tuesday 22nd at 3:44 A.M
You mean I gotta do this on a work night :'(

 ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: neilh on 05/19/2012 09:05 am
Oh well. Looking forward to Tuesday!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/19/2012 09:05 am
You and me both Halidon   :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AlexCam on 05/19/2012 09:08 am
I know it's just a scrub and nothing serious, still, can't help to be reminded of Kaputnik everytime I see a scrub after engine start...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O4V7JfeTSU
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: floron on 05/19/2012 09:10 am
ah, at least 12.45am isn't too bad for a work night.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 09:12 am
It will be interesting to see whether the chamber pressure really was too high, or just a faulty reading.

3:44 am on a work night kinda sucks, but what can you do?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: InvalidAttitude on 05/19/2012 09:15 am
Well, then the "engine hot test" not worked as advertised, the bugs just keep surfacing  :-[.   What if the engine need to be replaced, will they launch this year?

How do you planning a mission (commercial or HSF) with so many scrubs? If I were a customer, I would consider another provider after the 10th delay...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/19/2012 09:17 am
It's all my fault. I was sending out bad vibes because I had to be away from the computer for the GNC door deploy.

If there's anything more heart-stopping than that post ignition abort, I don't wana know...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sweet-d on 05/19/2012 09:20 am
Yeah I was so excite while watching this then when it got to last few seconds and nothing happened. Well at least nothing really bad happened. But I guess that's space any way hopefully the next launch wont get scrubbed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 05/19/2012 09:24 am
It's my fault.  I expressed enthusiasm, Jim took offense and Karma bit us all.  Fanboi signing off.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spacetraveler on 05/19/2012 09:26 am
Well, then the "engine hot test" not worked as advertised, the bugs just keep surfacing  :-[.   What if the engine need to be replaced, will they launch this year?

How do you planning a mission (commercial or HSF) with so many scrubs? If I were a customer, I would consider another provider after the 10th delay...

This was the first scrub for this launch. The other delays were process related, not launch/vehicle issues.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/19/2012 09:27 am
"Well, I guess we just had our anomaly for this mission" - aw crap.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 09:41 am
Well, then the "engine hot test" not worked as advertised, the bugs just keep surfacing  :-[.   What if the engine need to be replaced, will they launch this year?

How do you planning a mission (commercial or HSF) with so many scrubs? If I were a customer, I would consider another provider after the 10th delay...

Well, it's only the third launch for the Falcon 9.  Don't despair.  They'll get things smoothed out.

I well remember the snarky remarks of some media commentators over repeated scrubs of the STS-51L launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/19/2012 09:45 am
After this launch SpaceX probably needs to do a through review of all its timeouts and permitted parameter ranges.  With 3 launches and 9 engines they should have 27 readings; more with the hot fire tests.  That should allow them to calculate the mean, standard deviation and mean +/- 3 standard deviations.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mader Levap on 05/19/2012 09:52 am
With these all overy conservative constraints, FH will only get worse...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 09:58 am
Systems worked actually really well, I was pleased with what I saw. First time I have seen the launch computer on this vehicle abort an actual launch (as opposed to a hot fire test), and it worked exactly as intended. Engine 5 was off nominal so it terminated the launch.


Shows that we have a really good and reliable vehicle here. That's what I am taking away from this.

If I recall correctly, the first Falcon 9 test launch had an ignition abort, then they recycled the count and launched successfully a couple hours later.

I remember being very impressed by that.  I had never heard of that happening before with any other rocket.*  I remember Gemini 6 and one of the Shuttles aborting after ignition, and they didn't fly the same day.

*Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong about that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/19/2012 10:00 am
Best was George Diller: "Aaand, lift... off?"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/19/2012 10:02 am
Do all the engines have the same tolerance limits?
Does the fact that Engine 5 is in the center make it more vulnerable?

Will the v1.1 with Merlin-1D help to alleviate this kind of problem?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2012 10:04 am
Best was George Diller: "Aaand, lift... off?"

Beat the previous record! :)

"2, 1, and..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bkYP3pU76I
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Kabloona on 05/19/2012 10:07 am
Do all the engines have the same tolerance limits?
Does the fact that Engine 5 is in the center make it more vulnerable?

Will the v1.1 with Merlin-1D help to alleviate this kind of problem?

What will help the problem is more flight experience, gradually adjusting the LCC envelope. Elon's twitter immediately after abort saying that the limits will be adjusted for the next attempt says to me that it's not so much a "real" problem as trying to sneak up on the proper abort limits, one launch at a time.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/19/2012 10:10 am
Interesting - and yet this particular tolerance limit never posed any particular problem on previous launch attempts?

Could anything like this ever happen for an upper stage engine? Or is it that once you're in flight, there won't be any shutdowns?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Kabloona on 05/19/2012 10:18 am
Interesting - and yet this particular tolerance limit never posed any particular problem on previous launch attempts?

Could anything like this ever happen for an upper stage engine? Or is it that once you're in flight, there won't be any shutdowns?

I don't remember exactly, but I think this is the third F9 abort due to chamber pressure out of limits...

No, S2 would not be shut down for this type problem because a shutdown of S2 would guarantee loss of mission. You just light S2 and hope for the best.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mapperuo on 05/19/2012 10:19 am
Best was George Diller: "Aaand, lift... off?"

I had to laugh at that aye.  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AlexCam on 05/19/2012 10:46 am
Best was George Diller: "Aaand, lift... off?"

I had to laugh at that aye.  :D

I would have loved him saying "aaaaaaand... cutoff!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/19/2012 11:41 am
NasaTV HD on laptop
NSF on main computer

I have NASA channel on the TV with NSF & SpaceX webcast on the laptop.

I'm ready for anything!!!!

Were you ready for a power cut, like I had?

NTV (Ustream) on TV via desktop. SpaceX stream / countdown on laptop, checking NSF via tablet. Only the tablet stayed up when the power went, and even that lost internet because the router was off.

Thankfully it was off for less than 30 secs, but I was praying it wouldn't happen again near T-0.

Time to put battery back in the laptop, and add some cash to the PAYG mobile internet dongle.

cheers, Martin

PS neat tip - was able to pause the SpaceX stream via the "PVR" function, then watch that back from the start with sound after the NTV broadcast was complete.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Orbiter on 05/19/2012 11:46 am
Just got back from KSC..

I'd thought they'd be higher at MECO.

Orbiter
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/19/2012 12:25 pm
I'd thought they'd be higher at MECO.

;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 05/19/2012 02:03 pm
Never a dull moment at a SpaceX launch.  Hope its minor and they launch soon.  Webcast was great.   Go SpaceX! :-*
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: BrightLight on 05/19/2012 02:31 pm
It appears that Spacex is having a problem getting into the "battle rhythm" of well defined, continuous launch rates.  I have little doubt they will get there but I can't help but think that this will incur higher costs, possibly translating into higher costs per launch.  I wonder if ULA will drop their costs when Spacex starts to launch on a regular schedule?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/19/2012 04:22 pm
Got to work at 4am. Had NASA TV playing on my car stereo from my Droid on the way in. Got to my desk and fired up the computer to watch. Was also ready to run up to the roof to maybe catch a glimpse of it flying over the Atlantic past NY. Worth a shot.

Very dramatic abort.

Just now catching up on all the posts from this morning.

Tuesday I have the day off so I guess I will be able to watch there and also follow these threads at the same time. Kinda reminds me of that someecard of a father pointing at a computer "...and this Son is the gameday thread, where we comment on the game while the game is on. I'm sorry your mother has left us."

Ironically Muse Uprising just came on the radio. See you Tuesday!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/19/2012 04:26 pm
See you Tuesday!

Don't mark your calendar yet. Noone committed to a Tuesday launch. They still have to find out what went wrong.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/19/2012 07:03 pm
Chris, just wanted to thank you for the Party thread.
The laughs, mixed with the anticipation of launch, late on a Friday night was a wonderful mix.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/19/2012 07:48 pm
Chris, just wanted to thank you for the Party thread.
The laughs, mixed with the anticipation of launch, late on a Friday night was a wonderful mix.


Sure thing, although I wish I had thought of it before! :) Kinda fun to have a cheerleading style thread, but "cheerleading" was always a problem as some people thought it sounded like "blind support". A fun party thread, with a title that sounds like someone on twitter would write seemed more apt, given so many people were staying up late on a Friday night.

And while I'm here, I'll be AWOL from 10am GMT to 9pm GMT on Sunday. Off to London for York City's Promotion Final against Luton Town at Wembley Stadium. L2 and the forum are "self-generating" content and the article on site is a good lead in to the updates, so we're covered with just me missing. And it's a Sunday (always slower than other days).

#ChrisNeedsSmartPhoneForOutsideInternet ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/19/2012 08:08 pm
Chris, just wanted to thank you for the Party thread.
The laughs, mixed with the anticipation of launch, late on a Friday night was a wonderful mix.

Sure thing, although I wish I had thought of it before! :) Kinda fun to have a cheerleading style thread, but "cheerleading" was always a problem as some people thought it sounded like "blind support". A fun party thread, with a title that sounds like someone on twitter would write seemed more apt, given so many people were staying up late on a Friday night.

Agreed - a great idea, and the different vibe was a great success. Also good for drawing off the more frivolous comments from the more serious threads.

Best of luck tomorrow.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/19/2012 11:34 pm
NasaTV HD on laptop
NSF on main computer

I have NASA channel on the TV with NSF & SpaceX webcast on the laptop.

I'm ready for anything!!!!

Were you ready for a power cut, like I had?

NTV (Ustream) on TV via desktop. SpaceX stream / countdown on laptop, checking NSF via tablet. Only the tablet stayed up when the power went, and even that lost internet because the router was off.

Thankfully it was off for less than 30 secs, but I was praying it wouldn't happen again near T-0.

Time to put battery back in the laptop, and add some cash to the PAYG mobile internet dongle.

cheers, Martin

PS neat tip - was able to pause the SpaceX stream via the "PVR" function, then watch that back from the start with sound after the NTV broadcast was complete.

I have a generator in case the power goes off but given the time it takes to hook it up I would have missed it...if I had lost power this AM you would have been able to hear the cursing all the way from here to your place  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/20/2012 12:08 am
Sorry, but I can't resist posting someone's reaction to the scrub: a clear cut case of launchis interruptus.  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFyfflUbcs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFyfflUbcs)
I'm cutting and pasting this over here because if you didn't see it, it sums up last night better than any words ever could. :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/20/2012 01:02 am
Sorry, but I can't resist posting someone's reaction to the scrub: a clear cut case of launchis interruptus.  ;D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFyfflUbcs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFyfflUbcs)
I'm cutting and pasting this over here because if you didn't see it, it sums up last night better than any words ever could. :D

Yup that sums up my reaction exactly  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/20/2012 01:05 am
All right, who snuck a videocam onto my computer monitor?   :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/20/2012 02:44 am
I will say this much, even though it was a scrub, I was out on the deck with the laptop and got to enjoy a wonderful sunrise. It was a good start in the yard to a very long day. The early start provided extra time zipping around the yard in the lawn tractor with attachments and bobcat moving things to and fro (and the many obvious blatant OSHA violations). To me this mornings launch was worth every penny.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/20/2012 10:29 am
The publicity since their last launch has been huge I reckon.

It's good to see so many new users attracted to the site for the SpaceX coverage.

Welcome to all the noobs and hope people in the USA didn't lose too much sleep over this launch attempt.

It was mid afternoon here and I was out and about.

I watched a few minutes of the webcast and thought to myself "They'll probably abort anyway".

That instantaneous window didn't give me much confidence.

Will not be missing attempt #2 which I have a much better feeling about.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/20/2012 12:18 pm
And while I'm here, I'll be AWOL from 10am GMT to 9pm GMT on Sunday. Off to London for York City's Promotion Final against Luton Town at Wembley Stadium. L2 and the forum are "self-generating" content and the article on site is a good lead in to the updates, so we're covered with just me missing. And it's a Sunday (always slower than other days).

#ChrisNeedsSmartPhoneForOutsideInternet ;D

1 hr 50 min to game play;) think I may have a site to watch the game, fingers crossed ;D IF this works, thank you for prompting me to search for news updates ;) if anyone wants to find out what Chris is excited about, check out the link;

http://www.tvonline-live.com/video-sport/match-en-live-2/luton-town-vs-york-city-fc-live-stream-may-20-2012/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/20/2012 02:01 pm
Here's some good journalism for ya:

http://news.yahoo.com/video-failed-space-shuttle-launch-really-awkward-165629432--finance.html

Things I learned from this article:
-Falcon 9/Dragon is a "space shuttle"  ;D
-This was a "failed" misison
-NASA is spelled out as "N.A.S.A."
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/20/2012 02:27 pm
That was funny.  The headline "Failed space shuttle launch is really awkward" sounds like it was written by someone whose first language is not English. 

It's really awkward, in other words.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: renclod on 05/20/2012 02:39 pm
...
-Falcon 9/Dragon is a "space shuttle"  ;D

SpaceX Dragon is capable of
"a. Regular travel back and forth over an established, often short route by a vehicle"

So we should accept the continuing terminology. Why not ? STS is gone but other LEO shuttles are coming on line, cargo and/or crew.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/20/2012 03:08 pm
Technically correct and as QuantumG recently said, that is the best form of "correct". The Dragon, after it proves it's reusability may one day be referred to as a Dragon shuttle. That has not happened yet. In fact, NASA wants a new capsule on every flight, for now. So no "shuttle" analogy till that happens.

Chris will probably have things to say about this. When he starts calling another vehicle a shuttle, you know it's been accepted.

Still, I don't think the reporter of that article/headline (cause sometimes editors pick headlines, not the author of the article) was thinking at that level.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/20/2012 03:43 pm
Technically correct and as QuantumG recently said, that is the best form of "correct". The Dragon, after it proves it's reusability may one day be referred to as a Dragon shuttle. That has not happened yet. In fact, NASA wants a new capsule on every flight, for now. at level.

So how much are used ones going to go for on eBay? :) 

"For sale, one Dragon, only used once, to ferry a little old lady from Pasadena"

More seriously, surely SpaceX will find other uses for them.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jimvela on 05/20/2012 03:50 pm
The Dragon, after it proves it's reusability may one day be referred to as a Dragon shuttle.

I sure hope not.  Reusable capsule.  A dragon is a reusable capsule.

Buran is a space shuttle.  STS is a space shuttle. X-37B is a space shuttle.  Dream chaser will be a space shuttle if it ever flies.

Dragon is a reusable capsule.

Journalists are a dying breed, sadly.


Edit/Lar: fix incorrect quote attribution
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/20/2012 03:56 pm
OMG, Chris will be walking on air!!! YORK WON!!! 1-2 over LUTON!!!
   They are back in the Premier League after 8 years!!!! Pandemonium at Wembley!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/20/2012 04:03 pm
Seems to be a lot more traffic on this website. Can't wait for a successful launch and things to get back to normal. I look forward to the expert commentary from informed sources. I can hear the booing and hissing starting now......
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/20/2012 04:28 pm
The Dragon, after it proves it's reusability may one day be referred to as a Dragon shuttle.

I sure hope not.  Reusable capsule.  A dragon is a reusable capsule.

Buran is a space shuttle.  STS is a space shuttle. X-37B is a space shuttle.  Dream chaser will be a space shuttle if it ever flies.

Dragon is a reusable capsule.

Journalists are a dying breed, sadly.





I agree with your definition of the word, cuz I have a soft spot for STS too, but it's really just an example of the language evolving, not a hallowed definition of the word.

"Shuttle" meant something simple and dreary before STS: a workaday ship that goes back and forth on the same route on a frequent schedule. But now, "shuttle," at least when applied to things that fly to space, is firmly ensconced in the popular language to mean a (white, delta-) winged ship that returns from space to land horizontally.

For example, if you look on the Space Expedition Curacao site, you'll see the phrase "XCOR Lynx shuttle."

I bet Chris (the Chris) is grinding his teeth at that :-)

Hey, look, I'm doing the nitpicky 'net argue-about-trivia thing! Is this still a party thread, or what? That's what I'm talking about (drunken high five slap).

(p.s., Chris, I think this party thread idea was one of your best. De-clutters the update thread wonderfully.)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/20/2012 05:23 pm
I agree that the party thread was a great idea.  I've been reading the update and discussion threads as well, but mostly commenting here since I don't have any special knowledge or expertise to add.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/20/2012 06:17 pm
Why don't we have party threads for ULA and Obital launches?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/20/2012 06:21 pm
Why don't we have party threads for ULA and Obital launches?

give it time Kevin, this is a first experiment, and Chris B has already said it decreased the amount of inane commentary on the other threads ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/20/2012 06:59 pm
Why don't we have party threads for ULA and Obital launches?
Some of my fellow SpaceX fans have a little problem staying on topic. I've had a few posts purged from LIVE threads myself.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/20/2012 07:01 pm
I say we have a party thread for Cygnus!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 05/20/2012 07:03 pm
Why don't we have party threads for ULA and Obital launches?

Trust me, we will be just as chatty for the ULA and Oribital test launches :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/20/2012 08:44 pm
OMG, Chris will be walking on air!!! YORK WON!!! 1-2 over LUTON!!!

GET IN!!!! One of the happiest days of my life! ;D

Oh and yes, we will extend this party thread option to other events, items of high interest.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/20/2012 08:56 pm
I say we have a party thread for Cygnus!

With all the problems they've been having with the pad, even the propellant flow test might be worthy of a party thread!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/20/2012 09:03 pm
I'd like to think that MSL (which was a ULA launch) will have enough interest to earn a party thread in August.

edited
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/20/2012 10:13 pm
3:44 AM, and I'm in the same time zone. I can't decide, get up early...or pull an all-nighter.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/20/2012 10:35 pm
I sure hope not.  Reusable capsule.  A dragon is a reusable capsule.

Buran is a space shuttle.  STS is a space shuttle. X-37B is a space shuttle.  Dream chaser will be a space shuttle if it ever flies.

Dragon is a reusable capsule.

Journalists are a dying breed, sadly.

Where does it say that "shuttles" have to have wings?? :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Orbiter on 05/20/2012 10:42 pm
Here's some good journalism for ya:

http://news.yahoo.com/video-failed-space-shuttle-launch-really-awkward-165629432--finance.html

Things I learned from this article:
-Falcon 9/Dragon is a "space shuttle"  ;D
-This was a "failed" misison
-NASA is spelled out as "N.A.S.A."

That article might be perhaps one, if not the worst article I have ever seen in relation to the space program. Honestly, the writer should feel ashamed.

Orbiter
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/20/2012 10:43 pm
3:44 AM, and I'm in the same time zone. I can't decide, get up early...or pull an all-nighter.

Morning person = get up early.  Night person = stay up late.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/20/2012 11:23 pm
I will set the alarm for 3:40 and if it launches go to back to bed at sc sep or at 3:44 if it aborts again
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/20/2012 11:51 pm
I'd like to think that MSL (which was a ULA launch) will have enough interest to earn a party thread in August.

edited
Absolutely seconded! That's more exciting than just this demo launch. If this Dragon flight fails, they have another rocket and capsule basically ready to go, and it is pretty similar in capability to HTV/ATV and the earlier Dragon flight. MSL is one of a kind, and is the most impressive spacecraft/vehicle to land on Mars ever, by far. Definitely party thread worthy!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jabe on 05/21/2012 12:24 am
I will set the alarm for 3:40 and if it launches go to back to bed at sc sep or at 3:44 if it aborts again
that is my plan...already watched the tidbits on first abort..  doubt they have any new vids for second launch ;)
jb
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/21/2012 12:32 am
I like watching the countdown events, but I would also like to see solar array deploy and GNC door opening (knock on wood) some ~2.5 hrs later. Decisions, decisions.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: david1971 on 05/21/2012 03:32 am
I will set the alarm for 3:40 and if it launches go to back to bed at sc sep or at 3:44 if it aborts again

I had assumed that Jim didn't need to sleep...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/21/2012 03:46 am
I'm going to have a nap tomorrow, and pull an all nighter;

 in the same time zone; just reduce the Mead consumption to after 3:45, either way  ???

these Launch Attempts are too close together for my liver ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: david1971 on 05/21/2012 04:00 am
these Launch Attempts are too close together for my liver ;D

We need a SpaceX drinking game...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/21/2012 04:56 am
these Launch Attempts are too close together for my liver ;D

We need a SpaceX drinking game...

last person to see a Falcon Heavy on the pad is the designated driver ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/21/2012 05:02 am
There's exactly 12 hours difference where I am so mid afternoon.  Makes a nice change!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/21/2012 05:04 am
Hah, being in MST/PDT helps me for once! (launch is at 00:44)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/21/2012 05:23 am
I'm in the Eastern time zone, so launch time is 3:44 and I have to be at work at 9:00.  Just about the worst possible time for me.

I'll try to go to bed early and set my alarm.  I don't know if I'll be able to get back to sleep afterwards.

I have a nasty tendency to sleep right through the alarm if I'm tired enough, so I risk oversleeping before the launch and/or afterwards.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/21/2012 05:41 am
I try to time it so I wake up just before a launch if it's the middle of the night.

This usually involves a very early bedtime a couple of days before but well worth it to get the set up.

Then just get yourself through the rest of the day with some cola/coffee and you can be in bed early again to sleep it off and get back to normal.

4am launches are a bit of a problem. When I try to stay up from the night before I never make it. I was such a night owl in my teenage years too  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: d3jf on 05/21/2012 06:53 am
It really will be tough to get up for the launch, which, in my time zone, will be at 9:44 :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/21/2012 01:03 pm
The debate, do I get up an hour early, watch the launch and then go for my morning run, do the morning run at the usual time and check the results after the hot tub?

Or should I watch the launch from the hot tub? If it will be following a track similar to ISS in the morning sky, the hot tub should provide the best chance of seeing it. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/21/2012 01:42 pm
The debate, do I get up an hour early, watch the launch and then go for my morning run, do the morning run at the usual time and check the results after the hot tub?

Or should I watch the launch from the hot tub? If it will be following a track similar to ISS in the morning sky, the hot tub should provide the best chance of seeing it. 
Hot tub. Like a boss.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/21/2012 02:01 pm
Hot tub. Like a boss.
No question.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/21/2012 03:12 pm
I say we have a party thread for Cygnus!

Yep, when it gets closer to the events.

I'd like to think that MSL (which was a ULA launch) will have enough interest to earn a party thread in August.

edited
Absolutely seconded! That's more exciting than just this demo launch. If this Dragon flight fails, they have another rocket and capsule basically ready to go, and it is pretty similar in capability to HTV/ATV and the earlier Dragon flight. MSL is one of a kind, and is the most impressive spacecraft/vehicle to land on Mars ever, by far. Definitely party thread worthy!!!

Yep! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/21/2012 03:20 pm
Now the journalistic pressure is on you Chris for a new Twitter-ish lead in.
Can't use OMG again :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/21/2012 03:20 pm
I really like Zerm's take on attempt 1, http://klydemorris.com/strips.cfm?strip_ID=2325

Waiting Tiger, Burping Dragon :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/21/2012 03:22 pm
Here's some good journalism for ya:

http://news.yahoo.com/video-failed-space-shuttle-launch-really-awkward-165629432--finance.html

Things I learned from this article:
-Falcon 9/Dragon is a "space shuttle"  ;D
-This was a "failed" misison
-NASA is spelled out as "N.A.S.A."

Certainly not a space writer. Looks like one of those mass production articles, where a writer works 9-5 and has to throw on 100 general articles for the day. A lot of mass media works that way, as much as most don't even bother hiring those type of writes anymore, as it's cheaper to buy the AP feed and fill your site with that, with addition to some op-eds and features.

What is scary is the amount of viewers. Look at the amount of comments.

Also a sponsor message on the video you can get anywhere else (sponsors on videos generate up to a buck a view, as opposed to static ads that generate nothing unless someone clicks on them - and then only once per IP address).

Almost makes me cry that this "article" probably generated $50K on something that cost them nothing and took someone five minutes to write. You could pay all NSF's entire costs for a year and still have change for that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kkattula on 05/21/2012 03:39 pm
...Also a sponsor message on the video you can get anywhere else (sponsors on videos generate up to a buck a view, as opposed to static ads that generate nothing unless someone clicks on them - and then only once per IP address).

Almost makes me cry that this "article" probably generated $50K on something that cost them nothing and took someone five minutes to write. You could pay all NSF's entire costs for a year and still have change for that.

Chris, you just need to figure out how to put sponsor ads on videos posted to NSF, and you'll be rolling in it. ;)

Except on L2 of course. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/21/2012 05:14 pm
It really will be tough to get up for the launch, which, in my time zone, will be at 9:44 :D

8:44 here - taking the morning off to watch it.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/21/2012 05:27 pm
these Launch Attempts are too close together for my liver ;D

We need a SpaceX drinking game...

Totally.

Drink:
-whenever Elon tweets
-whenever someone posts a non-update to the update thread
-when you see the vent cloud disappear (one for each cloud)
-if a bug flies in front of the camera
-if the kerosene umbilical's spray visibly ignites
-if there's visible roll at take-off
-every time a spacex employee walks behind the web-casters and holds up a hand sign and/or is wearing a costume
-at meco
-at 1st sep
-at 2nd stage ignition
-every single time the 2nd stage turbine exhaust actuates for roll control
-at seco
-at dragon sep

If it scrubs, you have to finish your bottle in one chug.
If Dragon doesn't reach orbit, you have to finish your bottle and one more.
If it RUDs, you have to finish your bottle and two more. Then, while totally hammered, you have to call your representatives and remind them that this was a test flight. Every time you giggle you have to drink again.


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/21/2012 05:46 pm
I don't think anyone has done this yet and pardon my horrible attempt at modifying the lyrics but if you know the song i think it is a perfect fit.  (all changes are in all caps)




1-2-3-4 Get your ROCKET on the PAD
Gotta gotta get up to get down
Gotta gotta get up to get down

Push, push in the bush
But don't step on no toes 'cause you might get smushed
It's the brother from around the way
And what I say I'm in the corner on three like ULA
Comin' at 'em with a pattern and a fresh pair of ATOMS
I hope he don't trip, 'cause
I don't wanna have to gat 'em
So move your body, baby, drive the REPUBS crazy
The way you shake that GROUND it's always amazin'
Ain't no party like a SPACEX party
'Cause a SPACEX party don't stop
So when you see a young DRAGON
on a FALCON hittin' switches
Then ya gotta give a DRAGON his props
I got sides in my rides and motion for your ocean
Coolio got the potion to get the party open
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/21/2012 05:47 pm
these Launch Attempts are too close together for my liver ;D

We need a SpaceX drinking game...

Totally.

Drink:
-whenever Elon tweets
-whenever someone posts a non-update to the update thread
-when you see the vent cloud disappear (one for each cloud)
-if a bug flies in front of the camera
-if the kerosene umbilical's spray visibly ignites
-if there's visible roll at take-off
-every time a spacex employee walks behind the web-casters and holds up a hand sign and/or is wearing a costume
-at meco
-at 1st sep
-at 2nd stage ignition
-every single time the 2nd stage turbine exhaust actuates for roll control
-at seco
-at dragon sep

If it scrubs, you have to finish your bottle in one chug.
If Dragon doesn't reach orbit, you have to finish your bottle and one more.
If it RUDs, you have to finish your bottle and two more. Then, while totally hammered, you have to call your representatives and remind them that this was a test flight. Every time you giggle you have to drink again.

Every time you see a fall of ice - plenty of those on Saturday.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/21/2012 05:56 pm
It really will be tough to get up for the launch, which, in my time zone, will be at 9:44 :D

8:44 here - taking the morning off to watch it.

cheers, Martin

Yup, same time for me too. Alas, I'll be in the office; but wait ...

I seem to have a "personal video conference" entered in my diary between 8.30 and 9am

;)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/21/2012 06:12 pm
I don't think I'll need any extra encouragement to get out of bed to watch the launch but you never know. So just in case I do, what is a good wake up song at 3:30 in the morning? Muse "Uprising"  ;D ? Holst-Planets? I was listening to "Jupiter" Friday night and Saturday morning. "Magic Carpet Ride"? might give me a little heart attack since it starts so loud.

 ???
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/21/2012 06:13 pm
How about just drinking when SpaceX actually launches, or would that make one a Teetotaler?

Hi, my name is Kevin, It's been 1 year, 5 months, 13 days since my last drink ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: douglas100 on 05/21/2012 06:42 pm
I'll be watching it just after breakfast. Ah, the advantages of being in the right time zone and retired... :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/21/2012 06:46 pm
I don't think I'll need any extra encouragement to get out of bed to watch the launch but you never know. So just in case I do, what is a good wake up song at 3:30 in the morning? Muse "Uprising"  ;D ? Holst-Planets? I was listening to "Jupiter" Friday night and Saturday morning. "Magic Carpet Ride"? might give me a little heart attack since it starts so loud.

 ???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoytE5rxAu8
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Orbiter on 05/21/2012 06:50 pm
Alright! Let's do this again tonight, GODSPEED SpaceX!

Orbiter
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/21/2012 06:55 pm
If we need some space based music for inspiration here you go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuRkAyRfz_c
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: just-nick on 05/21/2012 07:36 pm
these Launch Attempts are too close together for my liver ;D

We need a SpaceX drinking game...
We should add a forum-watching appendix to the drinking game. Drink anytime:

Someone blames software.
Someone defends software.
Someone announces that something proves Spacex's incompetence.
Someone announces that something proves Spacex's genius.
Drink twice of they are talking about the same thing.
Someone speculates about a Falcon with an unusual number of engines.
Someone mentions Merlin 2.
Jim posts a one-word response.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/21/2012 07:43 pm
<snip>

Jim posts a one-word response.



That is a triple shot of something at least 100 proof.

VR
RE327
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: yatpay on 05/21/2012 07:44 pm
I just impulsively bought a plane ticket from Buffalo to Orlando! I arrive at 12:05am, head to the launch site, watch the launch, and head back to the airport for a 7:00am flight back.

They better go tonight!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/21/2012 07:46 pm
I just impulsively bought a plane ticket from Buffalo to Orlando! I arrive at 12:05am, head to the launch site, watch the launch, and head back to the airport for a 7:00am flight back.

They better go tonight!!

How much?

Is it refundable incase they scrub before your fight?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/21/2012 07:48 pm
Several guys I know are starting as interns at SpaceX today. They should have an awesome first day.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: yatpay on 05/21/2012 07:51 pm
I just impulsively bought a plane ticket from Buffalo to Orlando! I arrive at 12:05am, head to the launch site, watch the launch, and head back to the airport for a 7:00am flight back.

They better go tonight!!

How much?

Is it refundable incase they scrub before your fight?

$230, and nope! But I'll get to hang out with a buddy of mine on the bridge while we wait. And it'll make a ridiculous story even if it gets scrubbed, so whatever :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/21/2012 08:11 pm
I just impulsively bought a plane ticket from Buffalo to Orlando! I arrive at 12:05am, head to the launch site, watch the launch, and head back to the airport for a 7:00am flight back.

They better go tonight!!

Mad props, sir.  That's dedication.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/21/2012 08:20 pm
Reminds me of the time I was on a business trip to Phoenix.  The flight back was around noon.  So that morning me and a friend got up at about 5am drove 2+ hours to Meteor Crater, looked around for half an hour then drove 2+ hours straight back to Phoenix airport.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/21/2012 08:39 pm
If we need some space based music for inspiration here you go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=SaGSo6TRXZQ#t=10s

Heh, gets my vote    ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ChefPat on 05/21/2012 08:43 pm
Reminds me of the time I was on a business trip to Phoenix.  The flight back was around noon.  So that morning me and a friend got up at about 5am drove 2+ hours to Meteor Crater, looked around for half an hour then drove 2+ hours straight back to Phoenix airport.
Meteor Crater is 3 hours away from Phx at 75 mph on the Interstate. :o What were you flying?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/21/2012 09:55 pm
I don't think I'll need any extra encouragement to get out of bed to watch the launch but you never know. So just in case I do, what is a good wake up song at 3:30 in the morning? Muse "Uprising"  ;D ? Holst-Planets? I was listening to "Jupiter" Friday night and Saturday morning. "Magic Carpet Ride"? might give me a little heart attack since it starts so loud.

 ???
This will wake you up. It's even space-themed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9r0q2jT1BA
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/21/2012 10:24 pm
Here we go again. Will be covering the launch in here if I wake up (and partying if it goes of course).



Somewhat "far out" music to help with the "party" I suppose.

Original version was in fact spaceflight themed, this is just a remix, but a very good one at that( caution, new age music I like some of if but most of you probably won't):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RNePy_awq0

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 12:05 am
Reminds me of the time I was on a business trip to Phoenix.  The flight back was around noon.  So that morning me and a friend got up at about 5am drove 2+ hours to Meteor Crater, looked around for half an hour then drove 2+ hours straight back to Phoenix airport.
Meteor Crater is 3 hours away from Phx at 75 mph on the Interstate. :o What were you flying?

It's been over 15 years since I did that, the details are a little blurry, hence the "+". ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 12:09 am
Well if I'm going to get up @ 3:30AM to watch this I'd better go to bed now.

I'd love to participate in the drinking party but I have to be at work for 8:30 AM lol

 :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 12:14 am
Anyone else just getting a black image from the SFN livestream?
http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 12:17 am
Anyone else just getting a black image from the SFN livestream?
http://www.livestream.com/spaceflightnow

I see a couple of white dots and a reddish vertical bar. 

I'm in the same time zone, and it isn't night yet.  Maybe the aperture setting is out of whack?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 12:19 am
According to the press kit, the countdown should be getting underway now, at T-7:30.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/22/2012 12:23 am
I just impulsively bought a plane ticket from Buffalo to Orlando! I arrive at 12:05am, head to the launch site, watch the launch, and head back to the airport for a 7:00am flight back.

They better go tonight!!

Sir, that is so out of my past, good on you!! Enjoy the experience of a lifetime! You'll have a platinum coated memory, that no one can steal! ;)

Gramps
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: shuttle_buff on 05/22/2012 12:54 am
Go SpaceX!

Unfortunately trying to validate seven engines ready for lift-off in 3 sec with a almost "instantainious launch window" may seem easier with computers today but some would argue it's more complicated.

Remember, you now have real-time sensors feeding the real-time computer software for analysis and "go/no go" criteria.

There is a trade-off. Then consider all the other launch criteria.

I'd give tonight's launch another 50/50 chance.

Hope I'm wrong.

This same issue could haunt Falcon Heavy with 27 engines.

Also the Soviet N-1 Moon rocket had 30 engines. It was never successful but that was a different time in a different country, I know.

SpaceX has computers and digital IO (sensors and controllers).

God-speed SpaceX!


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/22/2012 12:59 am
I think it's more likely they will launch tonight compared with May 19th.  They've had two static fires on the rocket at this point (one intentional, the other unplanned  :P).  So I am thinking that with all known issues resolved with the F9/Dragon, we should be good for a launch tonight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 01:04 am
I haven't mentioned this before, but I've been a bit concerned about the "pontoons"--the solar panel covers. 

They don't appear in the early Dragon illustrations, so I assume they were added later.  Is that considered a "kludge"?  I worry about them tearing off during the ascent.

Maybe this belongs on the discussion thread, and is off-topic for the party thread.   ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: shuttle_buff on 05/22/2012 01:11 am
rickl,

While I'm no expert, I'm sure the solar panel covers spent time in a wind-tunnel.

I don't think there should be any concern there.

My concern is getting nine engines ready for flight in 3 seconds.

Thanks,

shuttle_buff
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/22/2012 01:19 am
Okay, SpaceX, knock our socks off with a great C2+ mission!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/22/2012 01:24 am
Count appears to be getting under way nominally.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/22/2012 01:26 am
Okay I'll be up at 1:44 am on a work night.  Call me crazy.  Call me wacko.  But I'll be watching it on my iPad.  And hoping MECO is high in space and not on the pad!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/22/2012 01:33 am
Weather is basically green for tonight, rdale mentioned earlier near 0 chance of weather related scrub.

Only thing that would be an issue for tonight would be a technical issue. IMO, don't think we will see anymore issues with the prop/check valves. Only thing I can think of off the top of my head would be an improper pump spin up visa vi helium system starter (which has happened several times before on the test stand and is not unheard of at all). Usually happens when for whatever reason pump turbines (or turbine) doesn't spin up quite as fast as the software would like it to so the computer aborts.


These instantaneous launch windows are a real bugger, because you can't just recycle for 15 minutes from that and then try starting up again. Minor issues, not even issue that should stop the launch, can lose you the window.  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 01:37 am
Anybody got a link to a livestream that actualy shows something?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Herb Schaltegger on 05/22/2012 01:48 am
Anybody got a link to a livestream that actualy shows something?

The stream will go live over night (3:00 a.m. EDT) before the launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 01:50 am
The SFN stream is "live" and has been all weekend.  It just seems to be having image problems.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Herb Schaltegger on 05/22/2012 01:50 am
The SFN stream is "live" and has been all weekend.  It just seems to be having image problems.

If the first launch attempt is any example, the SpaceX stream will be excellent.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Norm Hartnett on 05/22/2012 02:16 am
Anybody got a link to a livestream that actualy shows something?

SpaceFlight Now's feed seems to have cleaned up.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/22/2012 02:19 am
If the first launch attempt is any example, the SpaceX stream will be excellent.

And from my "focus group testing" - actually had some appeal to non-space-geeks.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/22/2012 03:18 am
I agree - the SpaceX stream last time was very well done.  If they do this with their launches from now on it's going to be popular.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: WulfTheSaxon on 05/22/2012 03:43 am
SpaceX (and Tesla) always impress me with their video quality. Elon must have good vision.  :P

Speaking of streams, does anybody know of a better NASA TV stream than Ustream? I’m somewhat surprised that I can’t seem to find a direct ~14mbps copy of the satellite version anywhere (or even a >5mbps H.264 or Dirac transcode).  =/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 04:25 am
Reminds me of the time I was on a business trip to Phoenix.  The flight back was around noon.  So that morning me and a friend got up at about 5am drove 2+ hours to Meteor Crater, looked around for half an hour then drove 2+ hours straight back to Phoenix airport.
Meteor Crater is 3 hours away from Phx at 75 mph on the Interstate. :o What were you flying?

Ditto; I usually give myself 3 hours to get down to Phoenix from Flagstaff. The state troopers must like you...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/22/2012 04:42 am
Go SpaceX!

Unfortunately trying to validate seven engines ready for lift-off in 3 sec with a almost "instantainious launch window" may seem easier with computers today but some would argue it's more complicated.

Remember, you now have real-time sensors feeding the real-time computer software for analysis and "go/no go" criteria.

There is a trade-off. Then consider all the other launch criteria.

I'd give tonight's launch another 50/50 chance.

Hope I'm wrong.

This same issue could haunt Falcon Heavy with 27 engines.

Also the Soviet N-1 Moon rocket had 30 engines. It was never successful but that was a different time in a different country, I know.

SpaceX has computers and digital IO (sensors and controllers).

God-speed SpaceX!
N-1 never did an integrated ground stage test. That's what killed them and why they never got past the first stage. SpaceX has done several ground tests of Falcon 9, including full-length ones, before the first took off, which is why I suspect they were successful. FWIW, don't expect any kind of Falcon Heavy launch before it's been test-fired several times at McGregor. And the test-firing pad must be built for it first, since I believe Falcon Heavy is too big for the existing milk stool.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2012 04:45 am
I agree - the SpaceX stream last time was very well done.  If they do this with their launches from now on it's going to be popular.

SVC Ben, who works for SpaceX now, probably has something to do with the dramatic improvement. He knows his stuff, like a boss.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/22/2012 04:45 am
I'm currently working on how we can grab the Livestream feed.
This was really hard, but I think it could work.

The first screen cap from VLC is 720p video! I would have to check the unstable VLC version if jpeg output is working. The unstable VLC is having problems playing back the downloading the (flash video) flv file, as I can't stream the file directly within the player because the connection is http. I would have to convert the png's to jpeg before uploading.

I think we're ready for the webcast. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2012 04:45 am
I'm currently working on how we can grab the Livestream feed.
This was really hard, but I think it could work.

Nice! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/22/2012 04:50 am
SVC Ben, who works for SpaceX now, probably has something to do with the dramatic improvement. He knows his stuff, like a boss.

I was more referring to the content/production, to which I'm told he's not had the opportunity to contribute. If in the future he is, I expect it would be even better.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: alexw on 05/22/2012 05:54 am
Has anyone got a URL you can plug into VLC, instead of Flash viewing?

There was a great HD stream for Shuttle launches, but it no longer works.

Best I can get is the low-def NASA media stream.

     Thanks,
     -Alex
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/22/2012 05:55 am
Going work now (8am here).
Thanks to SpaceX i wont be able to work till at least 11am ;)
Yey intensive day is comming!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/22/2012 05:59 am
OK checking in here in California. Hoping for a great flight!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/22/2012 06:05 am
I'm not sure how well this works, but I'll give out the information.
Download this streaming file and play with VLC (click and drag)

Bitrate: 198,000 (very low quality)
http://player.livestream-f.akamaihd.net/142499_626741_171f2d0b_1_198@42972?system-bitrate=198000&clipBegin=6190&clipEnd=6379

Bitrate: 678,000 (low quality?)
http://player.livestream-f.akamaihd.net/142499_626741_171f2d0b_1_678@42972?system-bitrate=678000&clipBegin=6190&clipEnd=6379

Biterate: 1,756,000 (good quality?)
http://player.livestream-f.akamaihd.net/142499_626741_171f2d0b_1_1756@42972?system-bitrate=1756000&clipBegin=6190&clipEnd=6379

Bitrate: 2,320,000 (Best: 720p or 720i video!)
http://player.livestream-f.akamaihd.net/142499_626741_171f2d0b_1_2320@42972?system-bitrate=2320000&clipBegin=6190&clipEnd=6379
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: agenttokyo on 05/22/2012 06:29 am
I'm not sure how well this works, but I'll give out the information.
Download this streaming file and play with VLC (click and drag)

Works fine on a mac.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/22/2012 06:31 am
You might be stuck using the youtube feed here, as the iPad can't have Flash.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLKRHzcP5cU
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 06:32 am
Only have a roku for the tv any ideas of how to get the launch in hd on the tv?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/22/2012 06:33 am
Any idea whether we'll be getting the same team of presenters as last time to emcee these events? I thought they were very entertaining the last time around.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 06:34 am
Notice how Elin has been quite.  Ms shotwell probably disabled his twitter account
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/22/2012 06:37 am
Notice how Elin has been quite.  Ms shotwell probably disabled his twitter account

His twitter account is managed by him.

On another note, I think my webcast method is lagging behind in some way, not sure what it could be yet.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: butters on 05/22/2012 06:38 am
Wow Alan Lindenmoyer sounds really enthusiastic and confident about this mission...

/sarcasm
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: NASAGeek on 05/22/2012 06:38 am
Any idea whether we'll be getting the same team of presenters as last time to emcee these events? I thought they were very entertaining the last time around.  ;D

Hope so!  Very entertaining, how long will the webcast last untill the post launch briefing?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/22/2012 06:44 am
Ok. I think this will work too as a nasatv source. I isolated the player from the page. I'll try and get the feed

http://static-cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/live/viewer:61.swf?vrsl=c:204&cid=6540154&rmalang=en_US
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 06:49 am
Well, the mozzarella didn't work out too well last time, so I'm having some brie now. Hopefully I won't have to make it through the entire list... ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/22/2012 06:51 am
Got the iPad fired up watching NASA TV on the app, seeing the Falcon fueled up on the pad.  Go get em! 

I know I'll regret staying up late tomorrow when I feel sluggish in the afternoon, ready to take a nap at my cubicle....but I don't care.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 06:53 am
Notice how Elon has been quiet.  Ms shotwell probably disabled his twitter account

And someone deleted his posts about going to a concert. Reminds me of the Catherine the Great incident.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: nihil on 05/22/2012 06:54 am
Maybe I've spent too long studying (or trying to) Analytical Mechanics today, but I've been listening to the placeholder music in the SpaceX webcast for nearly an hour and still liking it. :-[
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: aero on 05/22/2012 06:56 am
Hey folks.

Is it fair to say that this mission is the harbinger of a new era for ...

space flight

mankind

us wenies partying here on NSF ?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 06:56 am
Gwynne getting in some subtle digs at "contractors of contractors" there.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/22/2012 06:58 am
This morning I've got NASA TV up on the big screen in the lobby / social area here at Surrey Space Centre!   :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: happyflower on 05/22/2012 06:58 am
so spent a pretty good hour in bed, in the dark with the music from SpaceX webcast. made the time go by very quickly. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/22/2012 06:59 am
Was just listening to Gwynne Shotwell saying that the Dragon solar arrays will be deployed within a couple of minutes after separation. So I presume these events will be part of the launch coverage? What is the final event to mark a successful launch?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 06:59 am
Hey folks.

Is it fair to say that this mission is the harbinger of a new era for ...

space flight

mankind

us wenies partying here on NSF ?

Although people like to present is as the first two, I think it's the result of a general trend in spaceflight that is the only way forward to sustainable exploration. With your third point, let's make that so!

Sanman: the F9 will be considered successful once Dragon separates from it. Everything after that is all Dragon.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 06:59 am
"Music From The Hearts of SpaceX"...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 07:02 am
Once again the dilemma. Listen to the NASA TV feed or the SpaceX feed?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:04 am
Once again the dilemma. Listen to the NASA TV feed or the SpaceX feed?
SpaceX feed has Brogan and the bro-'stache. Just sayin'.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/22/2012 07:05 am

Bartles/James? CHECK.
Glee? CHECK.
Porn-stache? CHECK.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 07:06 am
Ah, the return of Ron Burgundy.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/22/2012 07:08 am
Did SpaceX miscall the first attempt like Diller did?  If not, I think you have your answer.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:09 am
Next chance would be 25th.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:10 am
Did SpaceX miscall the first attempt like Diller did?  If not, I think you have your answer.
I think SpaceX switched to Diller's voice-over at t-10
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Citabria on 05/22/2012 07:12 am
Notice how Elon has been quiet.  Ms Shotwell probably disabled his Twitter account.

And someone deleted his posts about going to a concert. Reminds me of the Catherine the Great incident.

He probably can't get a good cell signal inside the Dragon.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:13 am
SpaceX Mission Control has gotten rather large. I remember seeing the shipping container they launched the first couple Falcon 1s out of...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/22/2012 07:14 am
Once again the dilemma. Listen to the NASA TV feed or the SpaceX feed?

Easy - start the SpaceX feed but use the option to pause it. Watch NASA feed live in another window, then un-pause SpaceX feed after NTV is done and watch it all again.

Worked for me on Saturday.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 07:18 am
So for me, the feed with the worst picture, Spaceflightnow's livestream, is the closest to realtime. Followed by NASA TV whci has the best picture, and SpaceX livestream trailing by about 15 seconds.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/22/2012 07:19 am
I'm starting to get nervous as we get closer to launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/22/2012 07:20 am
I'm starting to get nervous as we get closer to launch.

Tea is made, I've got 3 screens ( 2 pc and a laptop ) with 3 NSF threads and 2 diffirent streams, and my leg-shaking syndrome is slowly getting warmed up. Let's launch this thing  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Dmitry_V_home on 05/22/2012 07:21 am
The last time I so waited for rocket launch on November 15, 1988 when started the Buran.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/22/2012 07:23 am
For the first time, all five active thread slots on the NSF home page are about spacex. Everybody take a drink!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:24 am
Petit and Kuipers rock stars of the astronaut community. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 07:24 am
LOL, "hatch opening day!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/22/2012 07:25 am
So for me, the feed with the worst picture, Spaceflightnow's livestream, is the closest to realtime. Followed by NASA TV whci has the best picture, and SpaceX livestream trailing by about 15 seconds.

I'm getting a better PQ from the ustream HD version of NTV.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 07:27 am
Still no tweets from elon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:28 am
Still no tweets from elon
Pucker Factor is High.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:30 am
Talking about attempting to recover the previous first stages sounded a bit painful for them...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/22/2012 07:31 am
Talking about attempting to recover the previous first stages sounded a bit painful for them...
Can you elaborate (I have the NASA feed going)?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/22/2012 07:32 am
Does anyone have any idea where the hold down posts for Falcon are at? I would imagine them to be quite strong to hold it down.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/22/2012 07:33 am
I'm woke up and watching the webcast.  I'm excited. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 07:33 am
Does anyone have any idea where the hold down posts for Falcon are at? I would imagine them to be quite strong to hold it down.

See them here between the engine fairings:
http://cdn2.dailycaller.com/2012/05/b977b560b4c949208b0d230aea54d762.jpg
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:34 am
They had a full parachute recovery system on the other two F9s, but it never worked. They specifically did not load the parachutes and parachute-launch mortars this time.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 07:35 am
Cock-a-doodle-doo! GO SPACEX, GO FALCON, GO DRAGON!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/22/2012 07:36 am
The poll was much better - the SpaceX team is really improving.

You can just listen to the comm and see how much better these guys and gals are getting.

VR
RE327
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:36 am
Beautiful close-up on SpaceX feed
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:36 am
Good launch morning everyone  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 07:36 am
The poll was much better - the SpaceX team is really improving.

You can just listen to the comm and see how much better these guys and gals are getting.

VR
RE327

Do you mean compared to Saturday?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:37 am
I have about a 4 second difference between SpaceX and SFN/NTV feeds
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/22/2012 07:38 am
They had a full parachute recovery system on the other two F9s, but it never worked. They specifically did not load the parachutes and parachute-launch mortars this time.

That's at least partly to maximize mass to orbit, like the instantaneous launch window.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 07:38 am
Fogged in here, guess I'm watching from the laptop. No chance of seeing it flyby as it stalks the east coast. Go Falcon 9!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/22/2012 07:39 am
Alright, dragged myself out of bed.  Here we go!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/22/2012 07:39 am
The poll was much better - the SpaceX team is really improving.

You can just listen to the comm and see how much better these guys and gals are getting.

VR
RE327
Yes - it sounds smoother, more confident.  You can tell they busted some arse.
Do you mean compared to Saturday?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DanielW on 05/22/2012 07:40 am
Anyone else with butterflies?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/22/2012 07:40 am
Sometimes the Future is threaded through the Eye of a needle. Go Falcon! Go Dragon!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 07:40 am
Alright, dragged myself out of bed.  Here we go!

Yeah, I set my alarm for 3:00 and finally became conscious at 3:20.

Go SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:40 am
Anyone else with butterflies?

*Raises hand*
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:41 am
Anyone else with butterflies?
No sewing machine leg today, but I have less energy today in general.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/22/2012 07:42 am
In July 2011 I got to stand next to this very vehicle in the Space X hanger. Now, I will see it fly, albeit over the net. Via condios, Falcon/Dragon!!! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/22/2012 07:42 am
Anyone else with butterflies?

*Raises hand*

Raises B.P. on me...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:43 am
Anyone else with butterflies?

*Raises hand*

Raises B.P. on me...

Me as well. I should have taken my BP meds but I don't want to leave the tv & laptop  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:44 am
CNN just picked it up, I'm impressed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: neilh on 05/22/2012 07:44 am
Anyone else with butterflies?

goodness yes
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/22/2012 07:45 am
But not Fox, strangely. At the end of the Shuttle era, they were the only ones, virtually.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:45 am
SHE'S FLYING
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:45 am
It is liftoff!!!!


GO GO GO
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:45 am
HELLS YEAH!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: flymetothemoon on 05/22/2012 07:45 am
GO SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/22/2012 07:45 am
LIFTOFF  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:46 am
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Go Falcon Go!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 07:46 am
I like the split screen in the webex. Yes! She is is Flying!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: floron on 05/22/2012 07:46 am
OH YEAH!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/22/2012 07:46 am
Finally! Go SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/22/2012 07:46 am
As we say in New Zealand: "GO, YOU GOOD THING!!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:47 am
*High fives everyone in the thread*  :)

What a great day for spaceflight
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:47 am
As we say in New Zealand: "GO, YOU GOOD THING!!"
I thought it was "Go All Blacks!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: neilh on 05/22/2012 07:47 am
w00000tttt!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/22/2012 07:47 am
GOGO!
So nice to see it liftoff  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AJA on 05/22/2012 07:48 am
Aah... launch, and hearing downrange altitude and velocity information in the metric system. The RIGHT way. So refreshing. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/22/2012 07:48 am
An awesome view of first stage sep from interstate showing now
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/22/2012 07:48 am
That glowing nozzle is GORGEOUS!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:49 am
Great views from the cameras too  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 07:49 am
That red hot Merlin is even cooler looking than I expected!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/22/2012 07:49 am
Beautiful, beautiful.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/22/2012 07:49 am
Woot.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:50 am
That glowing nozzle is GORGEOUS!!
Thinking the same thing, very beautiful sight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 07:50 am
Halfway there in terms of velocity.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 07:50 am
I keep repeating "come on girl"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/22/2012 07:51 am
woot woot woot!!!!!!!

Go baby go!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpaceXSLS on 05/22/2012 07:51 am
The little turning nozzle gives the rocket a bit of personality imo :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:51 am
One little nozzle, glowing bright, just passing 4 km/s...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/22/2012 07:51 am
What a sight!

The juxtaposition of this (at night) will be sweet when they do those split screen videos of all their launches.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:51 am
That steering nozzle has barely twitched
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/22/2012 07:52 am
Wow, dramatic stage sep view.  Looking good so far!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:52 am
The little turning nozzle gives the rocket a bit of personality imo :D

It does, doesn't it??? :)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/22/2012 07:52 am
I could see it out my window.  Bright orange and then it faded out.

Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 07:52 am
I think I may have a heart attack, beautiful.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:53 am
Come on Falcon you can do it!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: alexw on 05/22/2012 07:53 am
One thousand klicks downrange!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 07:53 am
I think I may have a heart attack, beautiful.

"Barack is president! You are black! Stanley!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:53 am
Picking up from New Hampshire.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:54 am
Hitting the Sun, beautiful plume now visible!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kraxxis on 05/22/2012 07:54 am
What is the european gate?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:54 am
M Vac shutdown!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 07:54 am
It should have passed by my house by now.  Alas, it's raining here.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/22/2012 07:54 am
Dragon is in orbit!!!

YES!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:54 am
Falcon/Dragon in orbit!!!!!!!

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:55 am
Dragon Sep!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/22/2012 07:55 am
We're in orbit!

Anyone know what the European gate is?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/22/2012 07:55 am
Dragon in orbit.

Awesome launch  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:56 am
1 min to solar deployment.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/22/2012 07:56 am
Word of the day: Nominal!

Was so worth it to stay up :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Steve_the_Deev on 05/22/2012 07:56 am
They made an "errant" call earlier (under T-10:00 ) that the LOX Prevalves were opened for launch.  Actually they were to close one more time then reopen for launch at  T-1:33 for last time prior to Launch.  I waited for that call and heard it before posting this. They need to clarify the earlier call on the next launch try to be correct.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:56 am
Solar deployment!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:56 am
These folks at SpaceX must be so proud.

Solar panel deployed!!!!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
WOOOO, The array looks pretty!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
Both solars out!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
The crowd goes wild  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
The cheering on the webcast is ominous. SO great to hear!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
Awesome.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: floron on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
and the crowd goes wild!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
Both Deployed...

Kool aid all around.

VR
RE327
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: d3jf on 05/22/2012 07:57 am
WOOOOO

I like how the crowd is cheering :) Makes me want to cheer too, but I'm surrounded by people working :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/22/2012 07:58 am
THE DRAGON HAS WINGS!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/22/2012 07:58 am
Can't stop smilin!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 07:58 am
Easy part over, now the real new stuff...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/22/2012 07:59 am
Was that Elon in the control room?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 07:59 am
Simonbp are you actually visually seeing it?

 Listen to that crowd go wild!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 07:59 am
Damn. They did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   :)

I can't stop grinning  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mader Levap on 05/22/2012 08:00 am
Congratulations for successful F9 launch. Three for three, really nice. :) Good luck with Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 08:00 am
I love it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/22/2012 08:01 am
No, just watching the SpaceX feed, which is now back to the Dragon Dubstep.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 08:01 am
The cheering on the webcast is ominous. SO great to hear!

Ominous?

It gave me goosebumps when they erupted into cheers.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 08:01 am
The kids who started their internship today have absolutely the best day of their working career on their first day. 

Another thought...

For someone too young for apollo and the shuttles first launches this is such an amazing feeling
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/22/2012 08:01 am
Awesome!  Nobody is going to bed in Hawthorne tonight, I bet!  Gotta break out the Champagne
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: floron on 05/22/2012 08:01 am
for a second after i switched the webcast on i thought the monitor there was the view thru the open hangar door. That's confidence, putting the guys that close to the pad... >_>
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 08:02 am
WOOO HOOO!!!!! So excited...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/22/2012 08:02 am
I loved the camera angles. I am looking forward VERY much to the muse-soundtrack covered high-def video of this entire mission. Or the first videos and photographs taken by astronauts...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:04 am
Well I can forget going back to sleep now  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/22/2012 08:04 am
Well that was fun.   I set my alarm but couldnt sleep.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/22/2012 08:05 am
Fantastic. Well worth getting up at 2 am. I can forget sleeping now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/22/2012 08:05 am
I'll try to go back to sleep.  But I'm a little keyed up right now.

Let's go and have a successful berth and capture on Friday.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DanielW on 05/22/2012 08:05 am
Whew. Well that settled my stomach. Much better now. Thanks Spacex.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/22/2012 08:06 am
Anyone know what the European gate is?

Some explanation of gates here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2000/10/25/00-24472/licensing-and-safety-requirements-for-launch

Congrats to SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 08:06 am
The kids who started their internship today have absolutely the best day of their working career on their first day. 

Hopefully they'll see even better in the coming years.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 05/22/2012 08:06 am
I'm glad I got all my sleep ahead of time--way too pumped to fall back asleep. Great show SpaceX, it was a good date for my SO and I. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/22/2012 08:07 am
Elon just tweeted :

"feels like a giant weight off my back"

So he was feeling the pressure just a little I guess  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 08:08 am
Those cheers when the arrays deployed were great. Love the enthusiasm that come from this team.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:09 am
Elon just tweeted :

"feels like a giant weight off my back"

So he was feeling the pressure just a little I guess  :P

Just a wee bit  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/22/2012 08:09 am
Anybody know where to get the twolines for the dragon capsule from? Then we could put it on heavens-above.com.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 08:09 am
Elon just tweeted :

"feels like a giant weight off my back"

So he was feeling the pressure just a little I guess  :P

If you were watching him he kinda fell back into his chair with his hands behind his head after deployment ( I think it was deployment but might have been mvac meco)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 08:10 am
That stage sep felt a bit scary... In complete darkness it was hard to judge what was going on - It felt like an eternity before the MVac started. :) But it appears to have been a flawless launch.

Congrats, SpaceX!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/22/2012 08:10 am
Hay Don Pettit! Use your trusty camera and arrange a shot of Dragon against Venus transit. I bet you can.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 08:11 am
I certainly understand the excitement for the solar array deploy... New mechanism never tested fully in space - and without it Dragon would have to deorbit real quick.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jabe on 05/22/2012 08:11 am
when is press conference? anyone know?
back to bed :)
jb
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 08:12 am
How do I know a lot of people are tweeting #DragonLaunch? The porn and spam robots have started using it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 08:12 am
What a great start to the day, Kool-Aid for all!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 08:13 am
Presser at 0515 EDT.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Norm Hartnett on 05/22/2012 08:15 am
Presser at 0515 EDT.

Good, that should be after GNC bay door opens. Be nice to get confirmation of the before bed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 08:15 am
Anybody know where to get the twolines for the dragon capsule from? Then we could put it on heavens-above.com.

fyi on the launch thread JimO mentioned it should be 13 minutes behind ISS in orbit.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 08:15 am
I certainly understand the excitement for the solar array deploy... New mechanism never tested fully in space - and without it Dragon would have to deorbit real quick.

Yes, I had my fingers crossed for that.  I was thinking about Soyuz 1.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 08:18 am
Any bets on how many congressmen feel that shift in the air and suddenly change their views of "commercial space"?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wjbarnett on 05/22/2012 08:18 am
Congrats to SpaceX! and awesome coverage here from everyone at NSF.com.
Thanks Chris!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 08:19 am
Did anyone else feel like it wasn't taking off at first.  My mind must have gotten to zero before the clock because it seemed like it took forever to start climbing.  I thought something was wrong
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 08:19 am
Any bets on how many congressmen feel that shift in the air and suddenly change their views of "commercial space"?

I don't think anything is enough to make Congress like commercial crew.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:19 am
Launch is breaking news on msn.com  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 08:19 am
Looking at the replays, I'm not seeing the sort of Fireball or Twist issues from the first two launches, in case anyone was wondering if those had popped up again.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 08:20 am
Launch is breaking news on msn.com  :)

Somehow it's more important than floating weed!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mader Levap on 05/22/2012 08:20 am
It would be hard to see (at least twist) with this being night launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: StephenB on 05/22/2012 08:20 am
Did anyone else feel like it wasn't taking off at first.  My mind must have gotten to zero before the clock because it seemed like it took forever to start climbing.  I thought something was wrong
I think the fact that it was a night launch made some things appear differently, like the off-gassing and climb rate.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/22/2012 08:21 am
Elon just tweeted :

"feels like a giant weight off my back"

So he was feeling the pressure just a little I guess  :P

If you were watching him he kinda fell back into his chair with his hands behind his head after deployment ( I think it was deployment but might have been mvac meco)

The Admiral Ackbar slump of deliverance.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 08:22 am
Looking at the replays, I'm not seeing the sort of Fireball or Twist issues from the first two launches, in case anyone was wondering if those had popped up again.

Yep, and the strongback seemed to hold up much better this time. No visible damage. (from what we can see at a distance)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/22/2012 08:22 am
Aww, why'd they finish the webcast so soon?

(http://picturehoster.info/images/93445315592602089264.jpg)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: TheFallen on 05/22/2012 08:22 am
Launch is breaking news on msn.com  :)

Somehow it's more important than floating weed!

CNN.com didn't update their headline yet  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:22 am
Launch is breaking news on msn.com  :)

Somehow it's more important than floating weed!

Ya think?  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/22/2012 08:24 am
Elon just tweeted :

"feels like a giant weight off my back"

So he was feeling the pressure just a little I guess  :P

If you were watching him he kinda fell back into his chair with his hands behind his head after deployment ( I think it was deployment but might have been mvac meco)

The Admiral Ackbar slump of deliverance.

+10
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ericr on 05/22/2012 08:24 am
Two thumbs up for Falcon & the SpaceX team!

Go Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/22/2012 08:24 am
Any bets on how many congressmen feel that shift in the air and suddenly change their views of "commercial space"?
Don;t count on it, you wish they did, but they have a lot of reasons not to.

Many will go down kicking and screaming.  Ken Monroe is probably already writing the hearing notes on how horrible COTS was for the tax payer dollar.

Its incestuous in DC.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 08:24 am
Via @SpaceX
(https://p.twimg.com/AtfF0e2CAAAnWC5.jpg)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AJA on 05/22/2012 08:25 am
I know a lot of people have already mentioned it, but for those who missed out on watching the launch live, pay special attention to the Solar Array Deployment part. Those cheers would easily hold their own against any sporting event.

Thank you SpaceX, and Elon for SHOWING the audience the fun in space-launches. Forget all the pedantism about it being a private company, and the valid arguments of COTS freeing NASA up for bigger things - my takeaway from today is going to be the conveyance of undiluted excitement to people watching :) An informal mission control, unbridled emotions, with the only thing holding people together there being pure love for spaceflight just add to the inspirational value :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:27 am
I know a lot of people have already mentioned it, but for those who missed out on watching the launch live, pay special attention to the Solar Array Deployment part. Those cheers would easily hold their own against any sporting event.

Thank you SpaceX, and Elon for SHOWING the audience the fun in space-launches. Forget all the pedantism about it being a private company, and the valid arguments of COTS freeing NASA up for bigger things - my takeaway from today is going to be the conveyance of undiluted excitement to people watching :) An informal mission control, unbridled emotions, with the only thing holding people together there being pure love for spaceflight just add to the inspirational value :)

Hear! Hear!!! 

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/22/2012 08:28 am
Launch is breaking news on msn.com  :)

Somehow it's more important than floating weed!

CNN.com didn't update their headline yet  :P
Fox News has it on their front page.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/22/2012 08:28 am
Elon just tweeted :

"feels like a giant weight off my back"

So he was feeling the pressure just a little I guess  :P

If you were watching him he kinda fell back into his chair with his hands behind his head after deployment ( I think it was deployment but might have been mvac meco)

The Admiral Ackbar slump of deliverance.

Just what I was thinking  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 05/22/2012 08:28 am
WTG SpaceX and Elon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:31 am
Now that things are calmed down I'm having trouble staying awake for the presser  :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 08:33 am
WTF? CNN's headline?
http://www.cnn.com/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 08:35 am
WTF? CNN's headline?
http://www.cnn.com/

Idiots.  ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 08:41 am
Ah, they fixed it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 08:42 am
I know it's a ways off (understatement), but the first time there's a night launch with a boost-back first stage recovery it will be a sight to see!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/22/2012 08:43 am
First, the cnn headline said "NASA enters private sector", now it says "SpaceX launches historic mission."
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 08:43 am
Congrats to the dude who flew in from buffalo and is returning only hours later just to see the launch.  I can think of no better way of spending $200.  Always great to go all in on a bet and it paying off for you
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/22/2012 08:44 am
How am I supposed to get back to sleep after this?  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 08:44 am
^Assuming it worked out for him.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Dmitry_V_home on 05/22/2012 08:49 am
Good day! I congratulate, Mr. Musk! I drank couple of pints of beer for your success.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ericr on 05/22/2012 08:49 am
ABC and CBS remain clueless.  No mention of Falcon's launch...

    Even on their Tech news pages   
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: IanO on 05/22/2012 08:55 am
Good day! I congratulate, Mr. Musk! I drank couple of pints of beer for your success.

Hefted a Dragon's Breath dark ale tonight that I had been saving for a special occasion.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ericr on 05/22/2012 08:56 am
ABC and CBS remain incorrect.  No mention of Falcon's launch...

    Even on their Tech news pages   


Odd - I type "c l u e l e s s" and the forum replaces it with "incorrect".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2012 09:02 am
Heh! That word is censored as one poster decided to use it as his insult of choice! ;D

"You're incorrect!!" is much tamer ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 05/22/2012 09:05 am
When Elon tweeted that it was a great weight off his shoulders, the image came to mind of the 3-4 g's disappearing and him floating up off the deck of the Dragon, where the crane deposited him this afternoon!!! Wonder how many laws and regulations THAT would have broken?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: drdave on 05/22/2012 09:06 am
Joined the party after watching the launch.  Congratulations to all the folks who made it possible: old hands and new hands at SpaceX and NASA.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 09:06 am
Was Bolden just making a dig at "down select"?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Norm Hartnett on 05/22/2012 09:30 am
Yuh gotta love it.

SpaceX "It was so awesome."

NASA "This is good stuff."

:)

A level of professionalism we haven't seen in awhile. ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/22/2012 09:31 am
I enjoyed what sounded like a football crowd going nuts in the background of the SpaceX webcast when the arrays deployed.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/22/2012 09:33 am
I enjoyed what sounded like a football crowd going nuts in the background of the SpaceX webcast when the arrays deployed.  ;D
To quote Vice-President Biden...

"This is a big #^@&#($ deal."

Can I quote the VP saying that?  Its the party thread.

VR
RE327
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space Junkie on 05/22/2012 09:36 am
Just saw the Dragon pass overhead. Single object followed by three other objects - the 2nd stage and the solar array covers I presume. ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 09:40 am
Elon looks like he needs sleep. Gwen looks like she's ready to do a victory dance.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 09:41 am
Elon looks like he needs sleep. Gwen looks like she's ready to do a victory dance.

In character for them!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 05/22/2012 09:45 am
Solid clouds over Cincinatti--couldn't see it at all. :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/22/2012 09:45 am
I get the feeling Elon's going to get a lot of questions. Wonder if they can add a 4th to the stage so they can get a hand of bridge in.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/22/2012 10:11 am
Where/when will there be coverage of the rest of the mission? Any plans for any web stream for berthing, etc?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/22/2012 10:12 am
No word on the gnc door. Shouldn't it have opened by now?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 10:20 am
Not a word on Drudge Report yet.

(Edit:  That was not a reply to sojourner; just an observation.)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 10:37 am
@elonmusk:

Dragon spaceship opens the navigation pod bay door without hesitation. So much nicer than HAL9000 :) #DragonLaunch

CONGRATS SPACEX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: douglas100 on 05/22/2012 10:48 am
Excellent! Now we have a mission!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 10:49 am
I was also holding my breath for that door to open.  Of course, I also hope it closes for re-entry.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 10:56 am
I was also holding my breath for that door to open.  Of course, I also hope it closes for re-entry.

Indeed. Might not cause LOV if stuck open during reentry, but who wants to find out!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 11:15 am
I think they must be having fun in Hawthorne right about now...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/22/2012 11:33 am
Just watched the SpaceX launch replay, the emotion displayed at solar array deployment was incredible!!!!  Well done!!!!!!!!!!  Next stop ISS!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: gospacex on 05/22/2012 11:33 am
Elon looks like he needs sleep.

Do remember that this guy *also* runs two other companies: Tesla Motors and SolarCity. No wonder he doesn't sleep enough!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mike_1179 on 05/22/2012 11:48 am
When I wanted the reaction of the SpaceX commentators compared to the reserved, quiet confidence of the NASA / contractor folks we’re used to seeing on these things, I was reminded of the saying about scoring in football (read: not soccer) – “When you get to the end zone, act like you’ve been there before”.

I’m not saying I didn’t love the reaction of the SpaceX folks.  It was incredible to see that energy and happiness from a group who worked to make something like this happen – it reminded me of why I love this stuff.  However, I don’t think it’s fair to compare it to how NASA people (or the other non-NuSpace guys) react when things go right.  The reserved nature of their reaction comes from knowing you’ve done it right – if you prepare correctly, you’re not surprised when it works.  There’s something to be said about being able to project the steely-eyed missile man attitude when others are jumping around.

Awesome night, new spacecraft are a good thing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MadameConcorde on 05/22/2012 12:00 pm
I missed it. There was some work done in my building as we got hit by lightning. All electricity/power supply was turned off.

It was the wrong time for it but nothing can be done in such cases.

Looks like the Space X have been successful with the launch this time and also putting the capsule into orbit. Did not have time to look at updates. Busy day today. Willl do later.

Good for them. Elon Musk and the whole Space X must be happy bunnies today. Let's see how they do now with leading the capsule to the Space Station for docking.

I am sure the Chinese Space Agency must be keeping a close look at this new private space venture as they will be the main competitors in Space in the future.

 ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 12:04 pm
Just watched the SpaceX launch replay, the emotion displayed at solar array deployment was incredible!!!!  Well done!!!!!!!!!!  Next stop ISS!

Yeah, that cheering gave me goosebumps.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: plank on 05/22/2012 12:07 pm
Any amateur video of the launch by any chance?  You know from some nearby county or town seen as a spectacle by ordinary bystanders.  I find video like those interesting. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/22/2012 12:09 pm
Any amateur video of the launch by any chance?  You know from some nearby county or town seen as a spectacle by ordinary bystanders.  I find video like those interesting. 

I guess keep an eye on YouTube.  That's where it's most likely to turn up.

OK, I've got to go *try* to get some work done today.   ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/22/2012 12:12 pm
SFN : "Dragon's laser ranging instrument, called a LIDAR system, and the capsule's thermal imager appear to working as expected".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 12:22 pm
SFN : "Dragon's laser ranging instrument, called a LIDAR system, and the capsule's thermal imager appear to working as expected".

Watch it buddy, no updates on the party thread! Ha ha!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ceauke on 05/22/2012 12:40 pm
hi guys

Do we have some statistics on how popular this launch was compared to previous big launches? Did the webserver buckel under all the people refreshing the forum pages?

Did NSF get 100s of new users who signed up to follow spacex and share some coolaid?

Just wondering how aware or unaware the world is of this
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveJ576 on 05/22/2012 12:48 pm
Forgive me if this seems like an odd observation:

I have watched the launch replays several times and one thing that struck me is the feeling of raw power that comes from the nine clustered engines on the first stage. The shape of the exhaust plume and the crackling noise/vibrations elicits an image and feeling of power. I got used to experiencing the "invisible" plumage from the SSME's (apart from the kick in the pants from the SRB's!). F9 liftoff and flyaway is much more satisfying to watch than Atlas V or Delta IV. Kinda reminds me of the good ol' Saturn V...

Another thing that impresses me is the size of the Merlin Vac engine bell on the 2nd stage. That thing barely squeeks out of the interstage. I am impressed that they can do that without some sort of contact.

Keep pressing SpaceX! Congratulations!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ChefPat on 05/22/2012 12:54 pm
GO SPACEX!!! ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 05/22/2012 01:00 pm
hi guys

Do we have some statistics on how popular this launch was compared to previous big launches? Did the webserver buckel under all the people refreshing the forum pages?

Did NSF get 100s of new users who signed up to follow spacex and share some coolaid?

Just wondering how aware or unaware the world is of this
Looks like the today's daily maximum is 1778 users online at once. Making the logical leap that that's going to have been the launch, that compares pretty well to the 3068 clocked at the maximum ever (which happens to correspond to the STS-135 launch date and time). So on this site, anyway, there were 57% as many people watch this cargo craft lift off as there were watching STS-135's launch.

As far as new members...sorting the memberlist by date it looks maybe 20 or so in the last few days? You'd have to go back to Shuttle days or something and compare. Of course, Chris or one of the other mod staff would have much better data on that sort of thing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/22/2012 01:03 pm
View looking at the pad, you can see debris being kicked out of the flame trench:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErfvSkQJ9o0
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kcrick on 05/22/2012 01:08 pm

Congrats to SpaceX on a successful launch !!!

Watched it on NasaTV and then just had a chance to catch up on the NSF coverage, which was excellent! Keep it up !

Here's to a successful berthing to the ISS and splashdown! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rabar10 on 05/22/2012 01:10 pm
Any videos of the post-launch NASA press conference available?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/22/2012 01:14 pm
Any videos of the post-launch NASA press conference available?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJNNiYPyAeQ&feature=channel&list=UL
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 01:15 pm
View looking at the pad, you can see debris being kicked out of the flame trench:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErfvSkQJ9o0

Looks to be about the right size to be a member of the press ;)

So that's how Elon handles the non kool-aid drinkers, free tickets to watch from the flame trench :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JohnFornaro on 05/22/2012 01:33 pm
Congrats to SpaceX!  Way to go kids!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/22/2012 01:43 pm
Congratulations to spacex, nasa and everyone involved.

We put the dragon orbit on the heavens-above page.
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348 (http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348)

Unfortunately it is viewable only in the very early morning from europe. If we get clear skies I will get up in the middle of the night anyway to see it. My two toddlers will dutifully remind me  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Norm38 on 05/22/2012 01:54 pm
A little post launch celebration music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zii3uZUh3no&feature=related
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/22/2012 02:08 pm
Congratulations to spacex, nasa and everyone involved.

We put the dragon orbit on the heavens-above page.
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348 (http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348)

Unfortunately it is viewable only in the very early morning from europe. If we get clear skies I will get up in the middle of the night anyway to see it. My two toddlers will dutifully remind me  ;)

Presumably this means it will come up in SatTrack (the Android app previously known as Heavens Above)?

Any idea what sort of magnitude it's likely to appear if it's reasonably high in the sky?

Thanks, Martin

Edit: my first sighting is shown as 24th, but presumably Dragon will have performed various manoeuvres by that time.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/22/2012 02:09 pm
Congrats to SpaceX!

If the KSC gift shop would put the Dragon t-shirts online, I'd buy one.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 05/22/2012 02:24 pm
Presumably this means it will come up in SatTrack (the Android app previously known as Heavens Above)?
I dunno, will it? I haven't seen things like X37B, Tiangong-1, or Phobos-Grunt in the app...or do I just not have it synced/setup properly?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/22/2012 02:29 pm
Congratulations to spacex, nasa and everyone involved.

We put the dragon orbit on the heavens-above page.
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348 (http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348)

Unfortunately it is viewable only in the very early morning from europe. If we get clear skies I will get up in the middle of the night anyway to see it. My two toddlers will dutifully remind me  ;)

Presumably this means it will come up in SatTrack (the Android app previously known as Heavens Above)?

Yes. SatTrack is an android application that does screen-scraping to get the data from our website. So anything that is on our website you should be able to see with SatTrack. We are going to release our own android and iphone app in the future, so we had them change the name.

Quote
Any idea what sort of magnitude it's likely to appear if it's reasonably high in the sky?

We gave it a slightly lower magnitude than the ATV as an educated guess. But we are getting predictions for the brightness from the SEESAT mailing list, so we will have a more accurate estimation of the brightness in a day or two.

Quote
Edit: my first sighting is shown as 24th, but presumably Dragon will have performed various manoeuvres by that time.

The exact times will change a bit once they do some maneuvering. We get regular TLE updates from spacetrack, so what you get on the heavens-above page should be reasonably accurate.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 02:38 pm
We are going to release our own android and iphone app in the future, so we had them change the name.

Drool.... It is the first place I look when I see something glide across the sky.

Can I request a feature? Enter a time and magnitude range, and it will provide all the tracks across the observers sky during that period.

Oh, and to make the this spaceX related, I look forward to finding the dragon using Heavens-Above.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: PahTo on 05/22/2012 02:43 pm

Congrats to SpaceX!  I did manage to get up and watch the launch and solar array deploy before re-retiring.  Best in the coming days--approach and berthing will be exciting!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/22/2012 02:57 pm
Congratulations to spacex, nasa and everyone involved.

We put the dragon orbit on the heavens-above page.
http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348 (http://www.heavens-above.com/PassSummary.aspx?satid=38348)

Unfortunately it is viewable only in the very early morning from europe. If we get clear skies I will get up in the middle of the night anyway to see it. My two toddlers will dutifully remind me  ;)

Presumably this means it will come up in SatTrack (the Android app previously known as Heavens Above)?

Yes. SatTrack is an android application that does screen-scraping to get the data from our website. So anything that is on our website you should be able to see with SatTrack. We are going to release our own android and iphone app in the future, so we had them change the name.

Quote
Any idea what sort of magnitude it's likely to appear if it's reasonably high in the sky?

We gave it a slightly lower magnitude than the ATV as an educated guess. But we are getting predictions for the brightness from the SEESAT mailing list, so we will have a more accurate estimation of the brightness in a day or two.

Quote
Edit: my first sighting is shown as 24th, but presumably Dragon will have performed various manoeuvres by that time.

The exact times will change a bit once they do some maneuvering. We get regular TLE updates from spacetrack, so what you get on the heavens-above page should be reasonably accurate.

Thanks for multiple answers.

Re exact times - just need to make sure not to plan too far ahead.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/22/2012 02:58 pm
We are going to release our own android and iphone app in the future, so we had them change the name.

Drool.... It is the first place I look when I see something glide across the sky.

Can I request a feature? Enter a time and magnitude range, and it will provide all the tracks across the observers sky during that period.

I will forward it to my boss Chris Peat, who does most of the work on the website and the apps. The first version of the app will be a very simple one with an educational focus, targeting a teenage audience.

However, once we got the calculation and prediction code (SGP8 etc.) ported to android and iphone, we will also do a more full-featured app for adults.

Quote
Oh, and to make the this spaceX related, I look forward to finding the dragon using Heavens-Above.

Me too. Unfortunately it is quite clouded here in munich right now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 03:02 pm
I'm at work right now and across the street I can see a local pharmacy doing an Oxygen delivery. The boil off gave me goosebumps as I thought about thismorning's launch
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: PeterAlt on 05/22/2012 03:07 pm
Beautiful launch! I watched it live in my front yard streaming on my iPad, then - sometime after liftoff - in the northern sky. Not like a shuttle night launch - which is vey luminescent, but more like the luminosity of a single fire cracker, fading northward and upward, unmistakeable, though.

I'm in West Palm Beach, which is several hours south of Cape Canaveral.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: TexasRED on 05/22/2012 03:14 pm
Ok so I'm late but who cares -  congrats to all who worked the launch!

Here's to the mission.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 03:46 pm
This extended NASA TV coverage clip of the launch has some angles not seen in the SpaceX feed: (plus lots of reaction shots from SpaceX launch and mission control centers)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHjPMg-Lin8&feature=player_embedded

It is also pretty amazing to see how young the average age of the people at SpaceX are... I knew it was low, but it hadn't actually hit me until seeing this video. Amazing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cycleroadie on 05/22/2012 03:55 pm
Congrats to SpaceX!

If the KSC gift shop would put the Dragon t-shirts online, I'd buy one.

http://www.thespaceshop.com/spacextee.html
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 04:05 pm
http://vimeo.com/42614475

(from the update thread)... this one finally got me choked up.  Congrats everyone in Hawthorne!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/22/2012 04:08 pm
http://www.thespaceshop.com/spacextee.html

Thanks! Done. I put in a comment asking for white, the picture shows black which is gonna be too hot to wear here soon.

And someone tell Elon that KSC's online store doesn't take PayPal.  :P :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: gladiator1332 on 05/22/2012 04:14 pm
Congrats to SpaceX! Staying up for the launch was well worth it!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rik HS on 05/22/2012 05:07 pm
I'm sure it's already been said, but I thought the SpaceX webcast coverage for the launch was first rate and a masterclass in how to do it. The pre-launch discussions were well informed and interesting and then they just bowed out and let the launch / mission control loop tell the story. Showing the cheering at the end was such a nice way to end it and again, told the story more eloquently than any amount of rambling.

Most exciting live event since STS-135.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/22/2012 05:11 pm
http://vimeo.com/42614475

(from the update thread)... this one finally got me choked up.  Congrats everyone in Hawthorne!

Listen to that cheering. What a day. This really gives me hope for the future, these guys right here, they remind me alot of the shuttle team (bit choked up hearing this video too).


Despite all the infighting, all the politics, all the nonsense from the last few years this mission happened anyway. There is hope yet.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/22/2012 05:16 pm
http://vimeo.com/42614475

(from the update thread)... this one finally got me choked up.  Congrats everyone in Hawthorne!

Listen to that cheering. What a day. This really gives me hope for the future, these guys right here, they remind me alot of the shuttle team (bit choked up hearing this video too).

Count me in on that list, but I think I get choked up easier than Charlie Bolden, so I may not count. :-)

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/22/2012 05:27 pm
I guess they're on Houston time. Briefing should begin in 45 minutes.
That was my other guess… who knows??  :)

There's definitely something weird going on...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 05:30 pm
http://vimeo.com/42614475

(from the update thread)... this one finally got me choked up.  Congrats everyone in Hawthorne!

Listen to that cheering. What a day. This really gives me hope for the future, these guys right here, they remind me alot of the shuttle team (bit choked up hearing this video too).

Count me in on that list, but I think I get choked up easier than Charlie Bolden, so I may not count. :-)

~Jon
I wish this was viewable on my ipad
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 05:32 pm
http://vimeo.com/42614475

(from the update thread)... this one finally got me choked up.  Congrats everyone in Hawthorne!

Listen to that cheering. What a day. This really gives me hope for the future, these guys right here, they remind me alot of the shuttle team (bit choked up hearing this video too).

Count me in on that list, but I think I get choked up easier than Charlie Bolden, so I may not count. :-)

~Jon
I wish this was viewable on my ipad

Try to paste this link into the iPad browser, the vimeo site (not embeds) usually works on iOS devices: vimeo.com/42614475   (for some reason this forum tries to embed all vimeo links)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/22/2012 05:35 pm
Looks like a weird flash thing, I get that a fair amount streaming video on one of my home laptops. (it happens most watching fox shows, go fig)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: gospacex on 05/22/2012 05:36 pm
WOOOOOOOooooooooooooooHOOOOoooo!!!

My nick wasn't too optimistic after all!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/22/2012 05:40 pm
http://vimeo.com/42608732

Shit. Talk about steely eyed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: GBpatsfan on 05/22/2012 05:46 pm
http://vimeo.com/42608732

crap. Talk about steely eyed.
He didn't blink or show any emotions whatsoever.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/22/2012 05:49 pm
http://vimeo.com/42608732

crap. Talk about steely eyed.
He didn't blink or show any emotions whatsoever.

Exactly what an engineer should do. Listen to the Hawthorne crowd in the back. Wow.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 05:49 pm
He didn't blink or show any emotions whatsoever.

He did!  His eyebrows went up slightly at liftoff.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/22/2012 06:04 pm
http://vimeo.com/42608732

crap. Talk about steely eyed.
He didn't blink or show any emotions whatsoever.

Honestly, with the amount of stress he was under, I wasn't surprised at all.

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: VatTas on 05/22/2012 06:11 pm
http://vimeo.com/42608732

crap. Talk about steely eyed.
You should check his heart rate - it's clearly above 120 (watch his neck).

Sorry for such stupid first post ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 06:16 pm
Fun facts - With this launch, SpaceX has now flown 33 Merlin engines successfully in a row:
- 30 Merlin 1C
- 3 Merlin Vacuum

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/22/2012 06:18 pm
You should check his heart rate - it's clearly above 120 (watch his neck).

Sorry for such stupid first post ;)

Ha! Good catch and welcome to the forum!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: joncz on 05/22/2012 06:21 pm
Wow -

Quote

Space-bound and down, loaded up and trucking
We gonna do what they say can't be done
We've got a long way to go, and a short time to get there
I'm space-bound, just watch ol' Falcon run!



http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/05/spacex-dragon-takes-flight/?comments=1&post=22880359#comment-22880359
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/22/2012 06:23 pm
You should check his heart rate - it's clearly above 120 (watch his neck).

Sorry for such stupid first post ;)

Actually, I liked it.  Remind me not to be at a poker table with you.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/22/2012 06:48 pm
I wanted to point out that the 2012 launch count is no longer a shutout, as it is now:

PWR:  3  (two Delta 4 and 1/2 of two Atlas 5 launches)

"The Other Guys":  1

Or, if you are counting engines, it is:

PWR:  6

"The Other Guys":  10

That was a long 17 months though...  :)

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/22/2012 06:59 pm
This guy would produce quite interesting video if only he had a way to track the vehicle through the telescope more smoothly. Still some unique, more "sideways" perspective on the launch. Kind of reminds me of the Apollo days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOpS2bHkLJM

He has some other launches on his channel as well, the OTV-1 launch showing unique plumage of the RD-180 would be my favorite, if not for the obnoxious music.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/22/2012 07:05 pm
Elon seems to be a pretty popular guy in Hawthorne. Bit of a "cult of personality" situation going on at SpaceX?

http://vimeo.com/42616884

Then again, I guess I don't blame them, given that SpaceX is a product of his vision, determination and commitment...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 07:07 pm
ugordan,
Yep, the trail looks quite a bit longer and "Saturn V-ish" from that distance. Quite nice footage, apart from the shaking.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mduncan36 on 05/22/2012 07:13 pm
Elon seems to be a pretty popular guy in Hawthorne. Bit of a "cult of personality" situation going on at SpaceX?

http://vimeo.com/42616884

Then again, I guess I don't blame them, given that SpaceX is a product of his vision, determination and commitment...

I think that says a lot right there. He doesn't have posters of himself hanging all over the place. Elon Musk has given the people in his work place a purpose and a personal connection to their work. That is a very rare thing in this day and along with a decent paycheck it means a lot. I can't complain about what I earn but it's very uninspiring work at an extremely uninspiring place with a real lack of leadership. At age 49 and very cynical it would change my life to have direction and a leader like that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/22/2012 07:14 pm
He's no Michael Scott.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 07:16 pm
I noticed the heavy (&atmospheric) :) smoke layer that was spreading around the pad just before launch - this video shows it well in the beginning:

http://vimeo.com/42613988

Was this caused by the weather conditions? I don't recall seeing this much on the previous two launches.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/22/2012 07:22 pm
It's not smoke, it's vapor from the flame trench. Merlin chilldown vents a lot of cold GOX and that all goes out the trench exit. There was virtually no wind so it just stuck around there.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/22/2012 07:25 pm
Extremely cold GOX venting into a saturated (morning) atmosphere -> H2O fog.  December (F9-2) and daytime (F9-1) would not be so saturated.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/22/2012 08:11 pm
Quote
Matt Sachtler ‏@mattsachtler SpaceX software engineer by day. SpaceX software engineer by night. All tweets are my own.

Tweeps, why have you not all been gratuitously linking our favorite video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MezkEiS-6jA #DragonLaunch
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Moe Grills on 05/22/2012 08:42 pm
OK! This is the thread to be on!
Serious posts entered, and lots of fun and good-humored posts too.
:)
Hey! Some facts to pass on!

The essence of the late astronaut Gordo Cooper, as well as the Starship Enterprise engineer, Scotty, are now orbiting the earth afixed to the
orbiting FALCON 9 second stage.
  How long will FALCON 9 second stage orbit? Your guess is as good as mine.
As for Scotty? Hezza na orbit'n da earth with na dilithium crrrystals.
 
Also orbiting the earth now, onboard Dragon, are a nasty spider,
hopefully in a hermetically sealed container.
How do you perform an...arachnid transfer in orbit, from one container to another, without getting bit?  :o
 

And some 'experimental' wine are onboard too.  ???

Experimental wine? Who onboard the ISS is allowed to 'experiment'
with the stuff?
Nudge nudge wink wink.
NASA has a do not drink wine or beer in orbit policy
for its astronauts if I'm not mistaken. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 08:46 pm
What about vodka?

Not suggesting you could find any anywhere on the ISS...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Moe Grills on 05/22/2012 08:50 pm
What about vodka?

Not suggesting you could find any anywhere on the ISS...

  LOL.

I wouldn't put it past the Russians to have stowed some onboard their
Progress craft.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/22/2012 09:01 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 09:02 pm
What about vodka?

Not suggesting you could find any anywhere on the ISS...

  LOL.

I wouldn't put it past the Russians to have stowed some onboard their
Progress craft.

Quote
Liquid cargo weight 1,540 kg
source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_(spacecraft)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/22/2012 09:09 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


Not all on Capitol Hill are >:( but some are.  And its fun to watch.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/22/2012 09:20 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


Not all on Capitol Hill are >:( but some are.  And its fun to watch.


Agreed…  But they make the most noise. It’s like watching a scene from the movie “Grumpy Old Men”…  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EwgvDvtqQs
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/22/2012 09:20 pm
http://vimeo.com/42608732

crap. Talk about steely eyed.
You should check his heart rate - it's clearly above 120 (watch his neck).

Sorry for such stupid first post ;)

That video is not what I expected. Should definitely make the cut when they make The Movie  :)

Great first post too.

View looking at the pad, you can see debris being kicked out of the flame trench:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErfvSkQJ9o0

The sound in this video is incredible. Considering they remark about the guy yelling behind them and then they hear how loud it really gets. Wow! I gotta get to FL for one of these things. I like the "cu'mon" at :11 andthe frog(?) jumping through the water at :15 too.

Not sure if Chris B is reading this but I promised myself that I would finally join L2 on this day. I see it took almost 2 years for me to commit. Thanks for everything, I'm sure I will enjoy it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AnimatorRob on 05/22/2012 09:22 pm
Elon seems to be a pretty popular guy in Hawthorne. Bit of a "cult of personality" situation going on at SpaceX?

http://vimeo.com/42616884

Then again, I guess I don't blame them, given that SpaceX is a product of his vision, determination and commitment...

Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Alpha Control on 05/22/2012 09:25 pm
Elon seems to be a pretty popular guy in Hawthorne. Bit of a "cult of personality" situation going on at SpaceX?

http://vimeo.com/42616884

Then again, I guess I don't blame them, given that SpaceX is a product of his vision, determination and commitment...

Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.

Now THAT was funny! Spit my coffee out!

"Do you expect me talk, Mr. Musk?"
"No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"

Wrong movie, I know, but I still like it. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 09:27 pm
Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.

They already launched a satellite from a small tropical island, so it would be the logical next step.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: bob76wi on 05/22/2012 09:33 pm
Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.

They already launched a satellite from a small tropical island, so it would be the logical next step.  ;D

Don't foget this

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/192701084932907009/photo/1

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/22/2012 09:33 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

This will make Mr. B happy!
http://twitter.com/Molliway/status/204843813536145408
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/22/2012 09:36 pm
Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.

Now THAT was funny! Spit my coffee out!

"Do you expect me talk, Mr. Musk?"
"No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!"

Wrong movie, I know, but I still like it. :)
Naw, Elon doesn't really seem over-confident enough to make a good evil overlord.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 09:37 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

Stupid solar panels... getting all the attention...  Where's everyone gonna be when the lidar performs flawlessly, huh?  Here?  I don't think so!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/22/2012 09:40 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

I'm guessing his bit has yet to come.   You can almost hear him thinking, "Please don't let it be mine that screws it..."

 :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/22/2012 09:50 pm
Elon seems to be a pretty popular guy in Hawthorne. Bit of a "cult of personality" situation going on at SpaceX?

http://vimeo.com/42616884

Then again, I guess I don't blame them, given that SpaceX is a product of his vision, determination and commitment...

Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.
The old volcano (i.e. Kwaj is formed on a seamount, and these are usually formed from long-extinct volcanos) has too high logistics costs, they've already essentially abandoned it. ;)

Musk isn't too concerned about a Moon base, but perhaps a Mars base? ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/22/2012 09:53 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

Congressional aide.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/22/2012 09:57 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

This will make Mr. B happy!
http://twitter.com/Molliway/status/204843813536145408
if you watch the video of this you will notice at some point he realizes that he is the only one not clapping and decides to give it a half hearted clap just to be part of the mob
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: aero on 05/22/2012 10:02 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

This will make Mr. B happy!
http://twitter.com/Molliway/status/204843813536145408
if you watch the video of this you will notice at some point he realizes that he is the only one not clapping and decides to give it a half hearted clap just to be part of the mob

Probably a contractor of a contractor.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/22/2012 10:07 pm
The Falcon 9 second stage from this launch joins the second stage from the second Falcon 9 flight in orbit.  One or two of the Falcon 1 second stages also seem to still be orbiting Earth.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/22/2012 10:12 pm
The 2nd stage from the last flight is still in orbit? I had assumed that the orbit raising maneuver it did put it in a highly elliptical orbit that intersected the atmosphere.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/22/2012 10:20 pm
Elon seems to be a pretty popular guy in Hawthorne. Bit of a "cult of personality" situation going on at SpaceX?

http://vimeo.com/42616884

Then again, I guess I don't blame them, given that SpaceX is a product of his vision, determination and commitment...

Oh sure, its inspiring now. Just wait until they are all wearing matching uniforms and operating out of a hollowed-out volcano.

The old volcano (i.e. Kwaj is formed on a seamount, and these are usually formed from long-extinct volcanos) has too high logistics costs, they've already essentially abandoned it. ;)

Musk isn't too concerned about a Moon base, but perhaps a Mars base? ;)

You gotta realise the ultimate hollowed-out volcano is Olympus Mons on Mars!

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2012 10:34 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2012 10:35 pm

This will make Mr. B happy!
http://twitter.com/Molliway/status/204843813536145408

If you mean me, I insist only orbiters are called "she". Capsules are "it" :D

#ShuttleSnob.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/22/2012 11:03 pm
IMHO it was absolutely wonderful to hear and see the enthusiasm & joy of the SpaceX people this morning.

They have worked so hard for this moment and good on them for allowing themselves a brief but heartfelt celebration.

 :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hungry4info3 on 05/22/2012 11:05 pm
Hey Chris,

What was the site traffic statistics for the C2+ launch?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 11:13 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

This will make Mr. B happy!
http://twitter.com/Molliway/status/204843813536145408
if you watch the video of this you will notice at some point he realizes that he is the only one not clapping and decides to give it a half hearted clap just to be part of the mob

Probably a contractor of a contractor.

Or he hasn't slept since Friday, and that's his I'm-super-damn-excited-on-no-sleep-since-Friday face.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: starsilk on 05/22/2012 11:15 pm
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

This will make Mr. B happy!
http://twitter.com/Molliway/status/204843813536145408
if you watch the video of this you will notice at some point he realizes that he is the only one not clapping and decides to give it a half hearted clap just to be part of the mob

Probably a contractor of a contractor.

Or he hasn't slept since Friday, and that's his I'm-super-damn-excited-on-no-sleep-since-Friday face.

or: he's studying at the school of Elon 'Poker Face while rolling the dice on this company' Musk.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/22/2012 11:42 pm
The 2nd stage from the last flight is still in orbit? I had assumed that the orbit raising maneuver it did put it in a highly elliptical orbit that intersected the atmosphere.

It was last listed in a 276 x 10,890 km x 34.53 deg orbit.      
http://www.heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=37253&lat=0&lng=0&loc=Unspecified&alt=0&tz=CET

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/22/2012 11:55 pm
Hey Chris,

What was the site traffic statistics for the C2+ launch?

I'll have to heat up the google analytics program. Might find time tomorrow as I've had about 10 hours sleep since Sunday. Soooooooooooooooooooo tired.

Servers didn't flinch though. Thanks L2 members (they paid for them).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/22/2012 11:59 pm
I was hoping for a record smash, but probably 3:44AM prevented that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/23/2012 12:00 am
Chris, Sounds like all you need now is another launch or two, hope they don't decide to bring the X-37 home before you get some sleep ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/23/2012 01:24 am
I wanted to point out that the 2012 launch count is no longer a shutout, as it is now:

PWR:  3  (two Delta 4 and 1/2 of two Atlas 5 launches)

"The Other Guys":  1

Or, if you are counting engines, it is:

PWR:  6

"The Other Guys":  10

That was a long 17 months though...  :)

 - Ed Kyle

Ed doing some SpaceX cheerleading has made my day  8)

Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 01:34 am

Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.

Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words

3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/23/2012 01:36 am
This employee doesn't seem too be thrilled here. ;)
http://i.imgur.com/KYowi.gif

Having watched a lot of late night TV, I've seen that look before - usually it's the alien saboteur sent to ensure the failure of the mission.

"Shazbot! The faulty nitrogen valve I tampered with didn't stop them! Cursed humans!"  >:(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/23/2012 01:39 am
This question is for Jim.  I'm Dave Porter, with Rocket Armchairists National.  Today was an emotional day for a lot of people - can you please give us your thoughts on the day's events?  Were you following the launch?  If so, how did you feel as key milestones were met?

*microphone in face*
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 01:44 am
Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business

I copied this statement on my hard drive and will remind it to you in a few years.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/23/2012 01:49 am

Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.

Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words
T
3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business
if you need all the engines to take off then yeah, having more engines works against you in many ways (but not all).

3) isn't a given
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 01:54 am
Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business

I copied this statement on my hard drive and will remind it to you in a few years.

To show me that I was right?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/23/2012 01:58 am

Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.

Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words
T
3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business
if you need all the engines to take off then yeah, having more engines works against you in many ways (but not all).

3) isn't a given

The Falcon9 does need all 9 engines to take off. It has engine out capability ~30seconds into the flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/23/2012 02:02 am

Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.

Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words
T
3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business
if you need all the engines to take off then yeah, having more engines works against you in many ways (but not all).

3) isn't a given

I would appreciate hearing an informed rationale that is appropriate for use at EPO (Education and Public Outreach) events that explains SpaceX's strategy for using a large number of small and individually less expensive engines. (e.g. than ULA / PW)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/23/2012 02:06 am
In order to improve production efficiencies and drive cost down SpaceX wants to build as few different types of engines as possible. With the Falcon 9 both stages use essentially the same engine. To get the required thrust requires 9 of them on the first stage.



I would appreciate hearing an informed rationale that is appropriate for use at EPO (Education and Public Outreach) events that explains SpaceX's strategy for using a large number of small and individually less expensive engines. (e.g. than PW)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/23/2012 02:12 am
The power & size of the Merlin engines was dictated by the Falcon 1. When the Falcon 5 and 9 were proposed, they simply used the engine they had, but more of them.

If they started over from scratch they would probably not decide to use 9 engines, it adds complexity - but mass production does have cost benefits. And with 30 Merlin 1C's and 3 Merlin Vacuum engines flown without incident, it seems to be a good engine.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/23/2012 02:14 am
Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words

3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business

Jim, maybe their goal isn't to dominate the space launch business. Musk seems to be most interested in Mars, and in selling vehicles to anyone who wants to go to space.

Furthermore, they seem to be evolving their designs (Falcon Heavy, Raptor, RLV, v1.1, merlins, etc) faster than anyone else, and that seems be in their favor.

I wonder if SpaceX's latest success will now put pressure on their competitors to show some results?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/23/2012 02:18 am
Two pieces of advice:

#1. Don't argue with Jim. Just don't.

#2. When blind squirrels run amok, he gets irritable.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/23/2012 02:28 am
In order to improve production efficiencies and drive cost down SpaceX wants to build as few different types of engines as possible. With the Falcon 9 both stages use essentially the same engine. To get the required thrust requires 9 of them on the first stage.



I would appreciate hearing an informed rationale that is appropriate for use at EPO (Education and Public Outreach) events that explains SpaceX's strategy for using a large number of small and individually less expensive engines. (e.g. than PW)

Ok, I recall a bit now. Well, keep pushing this. What are we drinking to, as it were?

Elon's Gamble is trusting to a statistics or consistency of excellence across a more automated assembly line whereas ULA's "assured launch" is a Faustian contract for engines that receive hands-on and TLC. Something like highly adaptive mammals after the K-T event, and T-Rex. And does ATK's Liberty strategy threaten either ULA or SpaceX if it promises base-line 'assured survival' with MLAS? Anyone. Thank you.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oldAtlas_Eguy on 05/23/2012 02:29 am
3. Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business

In order to dominate in the space launch business it has to be a free market. The space launch business only seems to be a free market.

Therefore "Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: david1971 on 05/23/2012 02:33 am
Meanwhile, Tesla announces that they will be shipping their Model S cars a month early:

http://www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-tesla-model-s-20120522,0,3950552.story
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jimvela on 05/23/2012 02:45 am
Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.

System reliability is NOT parts reliability.

IF F9 could launch with an engine out (it can't), it would be a highly AVAILABLE launch vehicle, not necessarily a highly reliable vehicle (great performance in its first 3 launches notwithstanding).  A highly available launch vehicle has certain desirable characteristics, but isn't necessarily the best trade for a launcher that doesn't need to be highly responsive.

The fact that after launch, at some point it can fly on with a core engine out is a reliability benefit.  It still doesn't mean that is necessarily more reliable than an equivalent single engine launch vehicle.  If an F9 has an engine failure before that 1-out point, then it is a loss of mission, same as with a single engine launcher.

It remains to be seen if there are failure modes that would take out additional engines or propellant delivery- ending the mission.  (Does anyone know if this F9 had as much engine protection as the first one, or has that been removed along with recovery hardware?). 

If there aren't any hidden surprises, then it may turn out that the F9 proves itself to be highly reliable.  I'll be rooting for them to do that, but not without a healthy dose of perspective.

It will be interesting to see if they can seamlessly transition from F9 v1 to F9 v1.1.  If they do, that is also a really good sign of a good, reliable overall system design.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/23/2012 02:50 am
Big engines aren't easy or cheap.

I know there's more risk with more engines but not so much as for it to be something the competitors can claim is a major advantage in their favour.

This commercial space race is still on.

Obviously SpaceX hasn't dominated yet and is unlikely to get a huge market share any time soon but signs look good for them.

Thanks for your post Jim please join the party.

GO FALCON 9, GO DRAGON, GO SPACEX  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/23/2012 03:02 am
Chris, Sounds like all you need now is another launch or two, hope they don't decide to bring the X-37 home before you get some sleep ;)

I'm so tired I can't sleep. Rather annoying to say the least! :D

I was hoping for a record smash, but probably 3:44AM prevented that.

The time didn't help, but the record was for Atlantis, a world famous (by name and by history) crewed Space Shuttle on her last mission with around a million people attending, covered by a site that was born shuttle specific.

I remember looking at the Apache screen (showing server demand) and we were getting hit by so many people. Any split second snapshot, and there were hundreds and hundreds of IP addresses 'requesting'. Goodness knows how the servers held, but it was like out of the Matrix where they look at that rainfail of green code.

I always turned into a wreck coming out of the T-9 minute hold too. Something very unique about Shuttle, compared to other launches, including Soyuz. Those big ladies had a danger angle that made events like MECO and that first comms coming out of the entry plasma that much sweeter.

I digress. Someone moderate me ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/23/2012 03:05 am
Cool story! We'll get back to a million some day.

Chris this is the party thread! It is... immoderate.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 03:16 am
Two pieces of advice:

#1. Don't argue with Jim. Just don't.

#2. When blind squirrels run amok, he gets irritable.

I don't care, everybody knows that his bias against Spacex is not due to his technical knowledge. Once again not a nice word about what SpaceX accomplished yesterday, only bashing as soon as he can.
ULALA's lobbying will allow them to keep a certain advantage only with the US governmental payloads, and even that won't last forever. One thing is sure when we know the list of ULALA's non governmental clients: they will NEVER going to dominate the space launch business, that much is certain !
Will remind him his quote "Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business" in a few years "to prove him how right he was" !
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/23/2012 03:19 am
Two pieces of advice:

#1. Don't argue with Jim. Just don't.

#2. When blind squirrels run amok, he gets irritable.

I don't care, everybody knows that his bias against Spacex is not due to his technical knowledge. Once again not a nice word about what SpaceX accomplished yesterday, only bashing as soon as he can.
ULALA's lobbying will allow them to keep a certain advantage only with the US governmental payloads, and even that won't last forever. One thing is sure when we know the list of ULALA's non governmental clients: they will NEVER going to dominate the space launch business, that much is certain !
Will remind him his quote "Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business" in a few years "to prove him how right he was" !

Actually, Jim has had several nice words to say about SpaceX. He just has this thing called "nuance" that can sometimes come across wrong.

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 03:19 am

Less engines is more reliable? The competition that want to keep making those claims will be silenced soon enough.

Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words
T
3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business
if you need all the engines to take off then yeah, having more engines works against you in many ways (but not all).

3) isn't a given

The Falcon9 does need all 9 engines to take off. It has engine out capability ~30seconds into the flight.

And for less 1/3 of the flight
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/23/2012 03:19 am
Chris while you're here, why can we post partial quotes about this launch from certain websites and others we cannot. It gets very frustrating to see certain posts getting eliminated while others are left alone.

Looking at the report to mod reports (remember, I don't moderate all that much....I think I'd have a nervous breakdown if I did ;D):

1) Some people were posting updates into the general discussion and party threads (how ironic is that, given the party thread is to keep the update thread tidy!)
2) Some of the above were duplicates as a result.
3) Some were full quotes, not our content, we can't do that.
4) Some are duplicate posts.

Example, I see Carl did some modding for a SFN update. One person threw in the entire update. One person posted it in the party thread (actually I think I modded that one). One person posted it in the general thread. Two posted the same thing in different forms (one with no link) in the update thread.

Carl's tidied by leaving one post, with a line and a link, in the update thread (launch day/FD1 updates).

So it's now as it should be, it'd tidy, it's where it should be, so all is well. If some people lost their posts, it's not personal, it's all about housekeeping and keeping the whole community happy.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/23/2012 03:21 am
In this industry things can swing rapidly. SpaceX is looking good right now and let's hope it continues. Sea Launch was also a great upstart until it was beset with problems. Now it's trying to get back on it's feet. The list goes on and on. Before you get on Jim, Jim's been associated with the launch business for sometime and has a wealth of knowledge that you and anyone else could benefit from.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 03:23 am
Once again you are wrong.

1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

2.  That is Spacex's exact words

3.  Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business

Jim, maybe their goal isn't to dominate the space launch business. Musk seems to be most interested in Mars, and in selling vehicles to anyone who wants to go to space.

Furthermore, they seem to be evolving their designs (Falcon Heavy, Raptor, RLV, v1.1, merlins, etc) faster than anyone else, and that seems be in their favor.

I wonder if SpaceX's latest success will now put pressure on their competitors to show some results?

Why?  They don't need to.

Also, there is no raptor, RLV, etc.  V 1.1 exists because 1.0 failed to meet performance goals.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 03:25 am
Actually, Jim has had several nice words to say about SpaceX. He just has this thing called "nuance" that can sometimes come across wrong.

~Jon

Can you paste here these "several nice words", I would be very glad to read them !
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jimvela on 05/23/2012 03:26 am
Will remind him his quote "Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business" in a few years "to prove him how right he was" !

The orbital space launch business is comprised of

US launch vehicles
Russian launch vehicles
Chinese launch vehicles
European launch vehicles [edit: how'd I leave them out...]
Japanese launch vehicles
Indian launch vehicles

These fly commercial as well as national payloads.

SpaceX will not displace the state launch vehicles outside of the US for national payloads.  Will not.

That leaves them to carve out a niche in the commercial market.

I hope they succeed wildly in that niche, along with supplying US government launches.  Even if they completely dominate, it will be less than half and more like a third of all worldwide launches.

Jim's point is that blind amazing peoplem is just blindness.  Ignorance is bliss, but it isn't good for prescience.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Paul Howard on 05/23/2012 03:30 am
Actually, Jim has had several nice words to say about SpaceX. He just has this thing called "nuance" that can sometimes come across wrong.

~Jon

Can you paste here these "several nice words", I would be very glad to read them !

Click on his profile and go through his posts. He doesn't have to prove anything to you. No offense (as much as you've jumped in feet first about someone you don't know and seem to be upset about SpaceX not likely to dominate. Of course they won't dominate. Do some research! :D)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/23/2012 03:31 am
It has engine out capability ~30seconds into the flight.

Uuugghhhhh!  Physics is way more complicated than that.  Any loss of engine is going to degrade the mission - on any vehicle, Shuttle included.  It depends on what the launch provider and customer agree to in requirements.

This isn't targeted at Idiomatic.  There are people with 500 posts or more who don't understand this.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 03:37 am
Will remind him his quote "Spacex is NOT going to dominate the space launch business" in a few years "to prove him how right he was" !

The orbital space launch business is comprised of

US launch vehicles
Russian launch vehicles
Chinese launch vehicles
European launch vehicles [edit: how'd I leave them out...]
Japanese launch vehicles
Indian launch vehicles

These fly commercial as well as national payloads.

SpaceX will not displace the state launch vehicles outside of the US for national payloads.  Will not.

That leaves them to carve out a niche in the commercial market.

I hope they succeed wildly in that niche, along with supplying US government launches.  Even if they completely dominate, it will be less than half and more like a third of all worldwide launches.

Jim's point is that blind amazing peoplem is just blindness.  Ignorance is bliss, but it isn't good for prescience.

And what about unfairness, subjectivity and bias?
By the way, it seems that you admit that SpaceX can dominate, Mr Jim won't like it !
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/23/2012 03:39 am
Honestly, SpaceX could conceivably dominate at least commercial launches.  If SpaceX undercuts prices below Ariane, Long March and the Russians, SpaceX could easily pull in tons of market share.  Plus, SpaceX could launch payloads on commercial sats that are subject to eye-tar.  That would bring premium prices.

If SpaceX were to assume some sort of stasis, this would never happen.  However, SpaceX clearly learns from its mistakes, and faster than others IMO.  If SpaceX can achieve repeatability with its configuration and processes, government customers whose payloads are unique unlike commercial satellites will be attracted as well.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/23/2012 03:39 am
Party thread or not, I won't be having people acting like Billy Big Bollocks from behind a PC screen.

Lighten the mood from this point onwards.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/23/2012 03:40 am
Actually, Jim has had several nice words to say about SpaceX. He just has this thing called "nuance" that can sometimes come across wrong.

~Jon

Can you paste here these "several nice words", I would be very glad to read them !

"GO BABY GO" during F9 flight 1. (Later deleted. ;D)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 03:42 am
Actually, Jim has had several nice words to say about SpaceX. He just has this thing called "nuance" that can sometimes come across wrong.

~Jon

Can you paste here these "several nice words", I would be very glad to read them !

Click on his profile and go through his posts. He doesn't have to prove anything to you. No offense (as much as you've jumped in feet first about someone you don't know and seem to be upset about SpaceX not likely to dominate. Of course they won't dominate. Do some research! :D)

I know exactly who he is, I will never question his technical expertise and I will never argue with him about anything related to technology.
I was talking about something else, something that is not related to the brain, and you know that I'm not the first to tell him that.

Billy B.B.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AS-503 on 05/23/2012 03:44 am
Jim also posted...

IIRC, "Looks like NASA just got a Delta II replacement"

On the Falcon 9 flight 1 ascent.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jimvela on 05/23/2012 03:48 am
Quote
Can you paste here these "several nice words", I would be very glad to read them !
"GO BABY GO" during F9 flight 1. (Later deleted. ;D)

Yeah, that one is a CLASSIC!

You just can't love exploration and find yourself not rooting for a rocket launch to succeed.

Time for me to go crack open another bottle of wine from my last VAFB trip last year and toast a successful SpaceX launch and dragon FD1.

Go, dragon, go!
 ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 04:08 am
This question is for Jim.  I'm Dave Porter, with Rocket Armchairists National.  Today was an emotional day for a lot of people - can you please give us your thoughts on the day's events?  Were you following the launch?  If so, how did you feel as key milestones were met?

*microphone in face*

I thought about this awhile while reading through all today's posts.

1.  I was up for the first attempt.
2.  I debated last night whether to wake for the launch and decided not to, since I had work and was traveling today.*
3.  However I did not prevent me from acknowledging the rumbling that woke up last nite with a smile
4.  It wasnt the first launch of an F9 or Dragon
5.  There will be other launches
6.  I remember the launch of Apollo 8 & 11 and all the others.
7.  In the days before cable, I gathered my family's 3 TV's to watch the 3 major networks coverage of STS-1 which much more risky and historical.
8.  I saw STS-26 in person
9.  I worked on the first Titan IV launch
10. I supported the first flight and 15 of 17 missions of a commercially developed payload (Spacehab).  So I know what is like to be the newcomer on the block and dealing with heavy weights
10.5. I saw the first launches of Atlas II, Delta II, Atlas V and Delta IV.
11.  I supported The MER launches and was on console for launch
12. I supported MSL since the start of launch vehicle integration, 8 years ago.
13.  I supported Juno and STSS demo and gave the spacecraft "Go" on the countdown net after start of terminal count.

So on my scale of historic launches, this wasn't near the top

*. I saved all the missions posts so I could read them all tonite.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/23/2012 04:10 am
Looks like Elon is having a good week.
The Model S got certified 5 stars in all categories and is ready to start being delivered to customers.
Looks like the SpaceX and Tesla teams have similar enthusiasm.
(that's the first production chassis).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 05/23/2012 04:11 am
Party thread or not, I won't be having people acting like Billy Big Bollocks from behind a PC screen.

Lighten the mood from this point onwards.

You know, nobody says "lighten the mood" when one self-important poster routinely bullies anyone who dares to have a different opinion from his.

I have no cred here, and this guy's an old hand with a track record.  But I don't think giving him free rein to be the schoolyard bully is a very friendly policy.  I mean, come on, jumping on people for enthusing about SpaceX... on the SpaceX party thread?

Fine.  Let the "poor baby" ripostes begin...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/23/2012 04:13 am
This question is for Jim.  I'm Dave Porter, with Rocket Armchairists National.  Today was an emotional day for a lot of people - can you please give us your thoughts on the day's events?  Were you following the launch?  If so, how did you feel as key milestones were met?

*microphone in face*


I thought about this awhile while reading through all today's posts.

1.  I was up for the first attempt.
2.  I debated last night whether to wake for the launch and decided not to, since I had work and was traveling today.
3.  However I did not prevent me from acknowledging the rumbling that woke up last nite with a smile
4.  It wasnt the first launch of an F9 or Dragon
5.  There will be other launches
6.  I remember the launch of Apollo 8 & 11 and all the others.
7.  In the days before cable, I gathered my family's 3 TV's to watch the 3 major networks coverage of STS-1 which much more risky and historical.
8.  I saw STS-26 in person
9.  I worked on the first Titan IV launch
10. I supported the first flight and 15 of 17 missions of a commercially developed payload (Spacehab).  So I know what is like to be the newcomer on the block and dealing heavy weights
10.5. I saw the first launches of Atlas II, Delta II, Atlas V and Delta IV.
11.  I supported The MER launches and was on console for launch
12. I supported MSL since the start of launch vehicle integration, 8 years ago.
13.  I supported Juno and STSS demo and gave the spacecraft "Go" on the countdown net after start of terminal count.

So on my scale of historic launches, this wasn't near the top

You're younger than I thought  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 04:14 am

And what about unfairness, subjectivity and bias?


That is what I try to bring to the table, because all those apply to Spacex amazing people
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/23/2012 04:18 am
I think we need to respect what Chris said about knocking this off. Chris has given a lot to make this site what it is. Let's respect him on this. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/23/2012 04:18 am
The real reason.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/23/2012 04:23 am

And what about unfairness, subjectivity and bias?


That is what I try to bring to the table, because all those apply to Spacex amazing people

Appreciate the experience you bring to the site Jim.  I've had differences of opinion with you however people can have that and still be respectful.
You sound about as young as myself and I'd have traded places with you given the chance.  Wrong side of the world however.  Still great to be able to watch it all live over the web unlike Apollo.
Cheers.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/23/2012 04:32 am
Alternate caption, "That's not Justin Bieber!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 04:36 am

And what about unfairness, subjectivity and bias?


That is what I try to bring to the table, because all those apply to Spacex amazing people

Not only to SpaceX amazing peoples, to SpaceX bashers too.
But I don't care, there are a lot of enthusiastic people here, and that's all I need to be happy  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/23/2012 04:40 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

Whose signature says that launch is just a glorified fireworks show?  I'm in fast agreement with it today.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/23/2012 04:42 am

 to SpaceX bashers too.


Don't see any of them here
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/23/2012 04:45 am
On a different note, if the activities went well today, what can we expect tomorrow?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/23/2012 04:46 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

Whose signature says that launch is just a glorified fireworks show?  I'm in fast agreement with it today.

Agree with this wholeheartedly. The launch was great, but this mission only becomes truly historic if Dragon can successfully berth with the station, cargo can get transferred, and they can get it back safely to the ground. I'm actually pretty optimistic about that happening, but this mission isn't over until the Dragon capsule is on a ship's deck with ISS supplies being unloaded.

That said, I was up to watch the launch, cheering things on, literally keeping my fingers and toes crossed for 12min straight (flying rockets makes one superstitious, what can I say?) and getting choked up at the reaction when the solar panels deployed just like a bona fide SpaceX fanboi. :-)

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: friendly3 on 05/23/2012 04:48 am

 to SpaceX bashers too.


Don't see any of them here

 :D :D :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/23/2012 04:50 am
On a different note, if the activities went well today, what can we expect tomorrow?

Anyone know what we'll see for these events? NASA tv coverage?

Edit: in terms of partying, of course.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/23/2012 04:52 am
It has engine out capability ~30seconds into the flight.

Uuugghhhhh!  Physics is way more complicated than that.  Any loss of engine is going to degrade the mission - on any vehicle, Shuttle included.  It depends on what the launch provider and customer agree to in requirements.

This isn't targeted at Idiomatic.  There are people with 500 posts or more who don't understand this.

I get that. I just didn't want people to be under the illusion that it could get off the ground with an engine dead. Technically they can still make it to orbit with 2 or 3 engines dead depending on the orbit,timing and payloads.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/23/2012 04:54 am
Whose signature says that launch is just a glorified fireworks show?  I'm in fast agreement with it today.

I think that signature was about solids. :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/23/2012 05:01 am
Another advantage about 9 engines is that is gives more flexibility for things like fly-back/powered landing. Throttling that deeply on one engine would be a bitch. (Here is hoping that pays off)

That said, 27 engines going at once is a loooot of things that can go wrong. I think we might end up seeing the FHeavy get significantly reworked before it is stable.

Jim's pessimism is normally great but ... in a party thread it seems a bit ... well... party pooper.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/23/2012 05:04 am
Can we all please drop the 'fan-boi' and 'hater' arguments? There is no requirement that we all have to have the same level of enthusiasm. Someone not as excited as you? Welcome to the internet. ;)

Let's just keep the party going! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/23/2012 05:05 am
On day three (thursday) Dragon should be about 2.5 miles from the station. Is there a chance, the station can get a long range picture of Dragon?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Comga on 05/23/2012 05:29 am
Can we all please drop the 'fan-boi' and 'hater' arguments? There is no requirement that we all have to have the same level of enthusiasm. Someone not as excited as you? Welcome to the internet. ;)

Let's just keep the party going! :)

Amen!
We don't want this to be one of those parties without a doorman where someone walks in looking to pick a fight.  Here and now is not the time to discuss reliability, engine configuration, risks, business plans, etc.

Back to the drinking game.  And it's not all about the fireworks.
(Solar array deployment particularly impressed me.)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/23/2012 05:48 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

Whose signature says that launch is just a glorified fireworks show?  I'm in fast agreement with it today.
I believe that is mine.

Edit:in case I change it later on:
"Sorry to say it, but if your interest in space is only the launch piece then you aren't interested in space, just big fireworks." --Michael Mealling
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/23/2012 05:52 am
To answer my own question:

Quote
NASA TV Daily Schedule (All Programs Eastern Time Zone)

May 24, Thursday
2:30 a.m. - SpaceX/Dragon Fly-Under of the ISS Coverage - JSC (All Channels)
10 a.m. - SpaceX/Dragon Mission Status Briefing - JSC (All Channels)

May 25, Friday
2 a.m. - SpaceX/Dragon ISS Grapple and Berthing Coverage - JSC (All Channels)
1 p.m. - SpaceX/Dragon Mission Status Briefing (Time subject to change) - JSC (All Channels)

May 26, Saturday
5:30 a.m. - SpaceX/Dragon Hatch Opening Coverage - JSC (All Channels)
11:25 a.m. - ISS Expedition 31 Post-SpaceX/Dragon Hatch Opening Crew News Conference - JSC (All Channels)


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Cinder on 05/23/2012 05:55 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

Whose signature says that launch is just a glorified fireworks show?  I'm in fast agreement with it today.

Agree with this wholeheartedly. The launch was great, but this mission only becomes truly historic if Dragon can successfully berth with the station, cargo can get transferred, and they can get it back safely to the ground. I'm actually pretty optimistic about that happening, but this mission isn't over until the Dragon capsule is on a ship's deck with ISS supplies being unloaded.

That said, I was up to watch the launch, cheering things on, literally keeping my fingers and toes crossed for 12min straight (flying rockets makes one superstitious, what can I say?) and getting choked up at the reaction when the solar panels deployed just like a bona fide SpaceX person. :-)

~Jon
So is it only that this upcoming part of the mission is what's yet to ever be done by SpaceX, or is it also more ... difficult (to put it simply) than getting to orbit? 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/23/2012 05:56 am
Well at least I'll get a full night of sleep tonight.  I need it, I'm pretty bleary eyed after 4 hours of sleep followed by a full and aggravating workday.

I need a new career.  I wish I could be working for a space company, being one of those cheering people at SpaceX, ATK, JPL, NASA, ULA, etc. but my grasp of calculus and advanced math was/is just too weak and I'm not sure I want to be a network admin.  Oh well.  I'll cheer along here.  And get some much needed sleep before I start seeing Falcon Heavies in the launch replays :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/23/2012 06:27 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

Hah, are you speaking figuratively - or are you really that guy?

(If so, then my apologies about the "alien saboteur" crack)   :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: savuporo on 05/23/2012 06:27 am
To honor the best traditions of the company, I will .. delay my cheering for about two weeks.

;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: WulfTheSaxon on 05/23/2012 06:43 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

Whose signature says that launch is just a glorified fireworks show?  I'm in fast agreement with it today.
I believe that is mine.

Edit:in case I change it later on:
"Sorry to say it, but if your interest in space is only the launch piece then you aren't interested in space, just big fireworks." --Michael Mealling

Whereas I think Jason1701 was thinking about john smith 19’s (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=profile;u=24113):

Quote
" Solids are a branch of fireworks, not rocketry. :-) :-) ", Henry
Spencer 1/28/2011
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: WulfTheSaxon on 05/23/2012 06:44 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

Hah, are you speaking figuratively - or are you really that guy?

(If so, then my apologies about the "alien saboteur" crack)   :P

Emphasis added.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/23/2012 06:49 am
Oh, so Antares is the bearded guy holding the cam? What do you guys do at SpaceX anyway?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/23/2012 07:27 am
QuantumG: I just had a look at that NASA TV schedule, and noticed unberthing on the 31st May (next week). I thought Dragon was going to stay at the ISS for a longer than that? ANd is this new news?

Oh, and hi! I'm in Australia too (Melbourne).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/23/2012 08:11 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

ISTM if Dragon can get through to unberthing and a safe retreat from ISS, that would be the big prize - green-light for CRS (subject to review of the data).

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/23/2012 08:24 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

ISTM if Dragon can get through to unberthing and a safe retreat from ISS, that would be the big prize - green-light for CRS (subject to review of the data).

cheers, Martin

What about EDL?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/23/2012 08:28 am
QuantumG: I just had a look at that NASA TV schedule, and noticed unberthing on the 31st May (next week).
It was originally going to stay for 18 days but then the launch got delayed. I believe the shortened mission has to do solar beta angle cutout from June 3 to June 13.

You may ask what is a solar beta angle cutout? Pete Harding can explain! (http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/05/iss-schedule-dragon-launch-19-may-future-manifest-outlook/)

"Solar beta angle cutouts are periods of time where the beta angle of the Sun relative to the ISS (and any free-flying spacecraft in the ISS’ orbit) is high, meaning the Sun effectively shines on the ISS and other vehicles side-on.

This can cause issues for free-flying ISS Visiting Vehicles (VVs) related to solar array power generation, since, unlike the ISS, the solar arrays on VVs do not have beta rotation capability, meaning they cannot rotate to face the side-on Sun, and thus cannot receive enough sunlight to generate adequate power.

The free-flying spacecraft cannot orient themselves to face the Sun with their thrusters, since this would preclude them from being in the correct attitude to conduct rendezvous burns with the ISS, and could also cause thermal issues due to permanent shadowing of certain parts of the spacecraft.

Solar beta angles are not a concern for VVs that are docked or berthed to the ISS, since they can receive adequate power from the ISS via power jumpers connected through the Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) vestibule or docking mechanism interface."
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/23/2012 09:22 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

ISTM if Dragon can get through to unberthing and a safe retreat from ISS, that would be the big prize - green-light for CRS (subject to review of the data).

cheers, Martin

What about EDL?

AIUI, they will need to re-consider crew numbers on ISS if commercial doesn't start delivering upmass this year. (C3 will help if it manages to offload it's consumables.)

Downmass doesn't seem to be so critical, and CRS doesn't allow for Dragon reuse.

While EDL is a COTS 3 milestone, and SpaceX sure want it to go smoothly, ISTM NASA could green-light an upmass-only CRS-1 flight, perhaps with a price adjustment for not having a signed-off downmass capability. EDL could be demonstrated on CRS flights until NASA was happy to sign off on that, too.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/23/2012 11:30 am
There was a predicted overhead pass of the ISS early this morning with Dragon following a minute or two later.  Even though the weather didn't look promising, I set my alarm for 4:00 am.  I slept right through it.  I have no recollection of hearing it at all.  My body said, "no way".

Just as well; it's overcast.  But that would have been spectacular.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/23/2012 11:59 am
I'm with the guy with the folded arms.  The mission ain't over until there's a splash.

F9 partied last night... And, tonight actually.  Dragon parties in a few weeks.  We're now in the awkward next morning period of this thread.

This launch was less special than the second Falcon 9 which was less special than the first Falcon 9.  The special part is what's going on overhead right now and in the next few days.

ISTM if Dragon can get through to unberthing and a safe retreat from ISS, that would be the big prize - green-light for CRS (subject to review of the data).

cheers, Martin

What about EDL?

AIUI, they will need to re-consider crew numbers on ISS if commercial doesn't start delivering upmass this year. (C3 will help if it manages to offload it's consumables.)

Downmass doesn't seem to be so critical, and CRS doesn't allow for Dragon reuse.

While EDL is a COTS 3 milestone, and SpaceX sure want it to go smoothly, ISTM NASA could green-light an upmass-only CRS-1 flight, perhaps with a price adjustment for not having a signed-off downmass capability. EDL could be demonstrated on CRS flights until NASA was happy to sign off on that, too.

cheers, Martin
Ya reckon!  Ok, guess they could simply load the early CRS flights with non-critical returns.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/23/2012 12:17 pm
on the update thread it appears that Andre the ISS Astronaut is having trouble booting Windows XP

Welcome to my world, Andre! 

LOL
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/23/2012 12:20 pm
Man, yesterday was a long day. I think I might have a little Dragon "jet lag".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/23/2012 12:47 pm
Man, yesterday was a long day. I think I might have a little Dragon "jet lag".
Mine’s more like “Rocket Lag”… ;D
 
Gee, I went to bed so I missed all the cake throwing… :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/23/2012 12:51 pm
I slept right through it.  I have no recollection of hearing it at all.  My body said, "no way".

At this point in the mission, if you hear a Dragon flyby, something is very wrong ;)

Also overcast here :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/23/2012 12:53 pm
Also, there is no raptor, RLV, etc.  V 1.1 exists because 1.0 failed to meet performance goals.

Glass half empty, half full...

Or they decided to stretch the Falcon 9 to optimize the performance boost the Merlin 1D provides.

That or Elon really wants to launch the worlds largest soda straw into orbit.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/23/2012 01:31 pm
1.  Less engines ARE more reliable.

True for airlines. Dispatch rates are higher for 2-engine aircraft vs. 4-engine.

Nonetheless, this is a big week for SpaceX. I can see why The Stick needed to make some waves two weeks ago.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jabe on 05/23/2012 01:43 pm
  V 1.1 exists because 1.0 failed to meet performance goals.
i could understand that.  Curious, could it also be to allow for more fuel when they get their Recoverable vehicle working?
jb
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JNobles on 05/23/2012 02:03 pm
Quote
Curious, could it also be to allow for more fuel when they get their Recoverable vehicle working?

That's what I think.  They are going to have to offset the added mass of the landing system(s) if they are going to retain anything like their current projected payload mass.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/23/2012 02:08 pm
Quote
Curious, could it also be to allow for more fuel when they get their Recoverable vehicle working?

That's what I think.  They are going to have to offset the added mass of the landing system(s) if they are going to retain anything like their current projected payload mass.

1st stage mass penatly is not 1:1 with payload. There's a "gear ratio". What it is exactly for F9, or F9 v1.1, I don't know.

But this is for general Falcon/Dragon discussion thread, not the "party". :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/23/2012 02:16 pm
1st stage mass penatly is not 1:1 with payload. There's a "gear ratio". What it is exactly for F9, or F9 v1.1, I don't know.

But this is for general Falcon/Dragon discussion thread, not the "party". :)

I would like to raise a glass to my vague memory of the time Elon said the mass penalty on F9 first stage was 5/1.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/23/2012 02:19 pm
I would like to raise a glass to my vague memory of the time Elon said the mass penalty on F9 first stage was 5/1.

I'll drink to that (rather sneaky) introduction of tech discussion into this thread...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/23/2012 03:20 pm
Elon just tweeted this:

"Dragon fly by of Space Station planned for 12:47 am California time. All systems green. #dragonlaunch"

(Saw it on the update thread). Does this imply that full/pulsed abort and free drift were met?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Diagoras on 05/23/2012 03:33 pm
Elon just tweeted this:

"Dragon fly by of Space Station planned for 12:47 am California time. All systems green. #dragonlaunch"

(Saw it on the update thread). Does this imply that full/pulsed abort and free drift were met?

IIRC, SpaceFlightNow confirmed that those three objectives had been completed successfully in an update.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/23/2012 03:43 pm
IIRC, SpaceFlightNow confirmed that those three objectives had been completed successfully in an update.

No disrespect to SFN but a bunch of us are hoping for officialer confirmation.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Diagoras on 05/23/2012 04:25 pm
IIRC, SpaceFlightNow confirmed that those three objectives had been completed successfully in an update.

No disrespect to SFN but a bunch of us are hoping for officialer confirmation.

From the live thread:

Quote
NTV just confirmed: all scheduled objectives complete. Including abort demos and free-drift.

All Dragon systems nominal. Scheduled for capture at 8:06 AM ET Friday 25th.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ArbitraryConstant on 05/23/2012 04:27 pm
Quote
Curious, could it also be to allow for more fuel when they get their Recoverable vehicle working?

That's what I think.  They are going to have to offset the added mass of the landing system(s) if they are going to retain anything like their current projected payload mass.
I don't think this requires any explanation beyond: they have a bigger engine that can shove a bigger rocket off the ground, and a bigger rocket provides an economically important increase in payload, including GTO launches a F9 could not have otherwise done.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/23/2012 04:42 pm
IIRC, SpaceFlightNow confirmed that those three objectives had been completed successfully in an update.

No disrespect to SFN but a bunch of us are hoping for officialer confirmation.

From the live thread:

Quote
NTV just confirmed: all scheduled objectives complete. Including abort demos and free-drift.

All Dragon systems nominal. Scheduled for capture at 8:06 AM ET Friday 25th.

Good enough for me, thanks Diagoras!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/23/2012 04:42 pm
Quote
Curious, could it also be to allow for more fuel when they get their Recoverable vehicle working?

That's what I think.  They are going to have to offset the added mass of the landing system(s) if they are going to retain anything like their current projected payload mass.
I don't think this requires any explanation beyond: they have a bigger engine that can shove a bigger rocket off the ground, and a bigger rocket provides an economically important increase in payload, including GTO launches a F9 could not have otherwise done.
And if they ever get Raptor working (and yes, they do seem to still have people working on it), it should be competitive with the full range of Atlas V (not counting the Atlas V Heavy, which would be competing against Falcon Heavy anyway) to just about any trajectory.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mongo62 on 05/23/2012 05:00 pm
And if they ever get Raptor working (and yes, they do seem to still have people working on it), it should be competitive with the full range of Atlas V (not counting the Atlas V Heavy, which would be competing against Falcon Heavy anyway) to just about any trajectory.
I am not sure that Raptor is actually necessary in the event that SpaceX does develop that staged-combustion methox engine we have been speculating about.  True, the isp would not be as high as with a hydrolox engine, but the increased density and storability of methane over hydrogen means that the same-mass fully loaded upper stage plus payload provides almost as much delta v as a traditional hydrolox design -- or at least that is what I vaguely recall from the staged-combustion thread.

Adding the benefits of reduced development costs (one new engine instead of two) and common tankage/pumpage/propellant for both lower and upper stages, and I believe that we are a lot more likely to see a vacuum version of the SC engine than we will ever see Raptor.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/23/2012 05:14 pm
So C2 is now complete and we are in C3 ??? Officially? That's a bit early, right?

If so, I'll drink to that! ( a diet coke because I'm at work :) )
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/23/2012 05:22 pm
So C2 is now complete and we are in C3 ??? Officially? That's a bit early, right?

If so, I'll drink to that! ( a diet coke because I'm at work :) )

It sounds too early... Didn't C2 involve navigating around ISS? It seems like there should be one more day at least of C2 objectives.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: hyper_snyper on 05/23/2012 05:32 pm
The objectives are detailed in the press kit.  C2 involves everything except berthing including ISS flyby maneuvers and re-entry/landing .  C3 is rendezvous and berthing and re-entry/landing.  It's what the missions where originally scheduled as.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/23/2012 05:49 pm
And if they ever get Raptor working (and yes, they do seem to still have people working on it), it should be competitive with the full range of Atlas V (not counting the Atlas V Heavy, which would be competing against Falcon Heavy anyway) to just about any trajectory.
I am not sure that Raptor is actually necessary in the event that SpaceX does develop that staged-combustion methox engine we have been speculating about.  True, the isp would not be as high as with a hydrolox engine, but the increased density and storability of methane over hydrogen means that the same-mass fully loaded upper stage plus payload provides almost as much delta v as a traditional hydrolox design -- or at least that is what I vaguely recall from the staged-combustion thread....
No, on just a stage wet-mass basis, it wouldn't provide nearly as much delta-v as Raptor. On a dry-mass basis, very likely it could get at least as much (but then you need a significantly more powerful first stage to get to the same staging point).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ArbitraryConstant on 05/23/2012 06:29 pm
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/205101177875070976/photo/1

Amazing long exposure picture of the launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/23/2012 10:54 pm
2:30AM???? I'll be retiring extra early tonight for sure!  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/23/2012 11:12 pm
I'm a west coast night-owl, so a lot of events on this mission appears to happen just before or around midnight. Perfect for me. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: bunker9603 on 05/24/2012 12:07 am
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/205101177875070976/photo/1

Amazing long exposure picture of the launch.

That is a nice shot...it makes a great background on my computer monitor :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: aero on 05/24/2012 12:10 am
I have read a few news articles now that the posting here at NSF has quieted down. I am reading confused data regarding this question, not that it's any of my business.

Quote
billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk

Then I read this in another article: He sold Paypal for $1.5B, walked away with $170M, invested $100M in SpaceX, $50M in Tesla Motors, and $10M in another of his companies.

Does he have deep pockets (if needed) to carry SpaceX through troubled times or is SpaceX's future totally dependent on company performance?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 12:10 am
I'm a west coast night-owl, so a lot of events on this mission appears to happen just before or around midnight. Perfect for me. :)

I'm on the East Coast, and these times are the worst possible for me.  I'm a night person, so staying up late isn't a problem.  The fly in the ointment is that I have to be at work in the morning, so I have to sleep sometime.  I should have taken vacation days this week.   :-[

Since I'm a night person, I have great difficulty going to bed early.  I'm just not tired at 9-10:00.

Edit:  The thought just occurred to me that I can go in tomorrow and try to get Friday off.  Does anybody know when they'll get the go/no go for berthing?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/24/2012 12:15 am
Quote
Then I read this in another article: He sold Paypal for $1.5B, walked away with $170M, invested $100M in SpaceX, $50M in Tesla Motors, and $10M in another of his companies.

Does he have deep pockets (if needed) to carry SpaceX through troubled times or is SpaceX's future totally dependent on company performance?

Forbes just had him worth $2 billion largely based,  iirc,  on Solar City stock.   Who knows how real or reliable that kind of wealth might be going forward but it's better than nothing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 12:16 am
I only hope the weather is clear in the early morning hours to see the Dragon & ISS in close ops up in the sky - it will be a near-perfect overhead transit.

(something I always seemed to miss with shuttle).

4:27am...it's going to be a LONG day tomorrow...

But this isn't just historic, I'm in the ISS camp of necessity: without CRS, ISS has a big problem.

So fingers crossed!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 12:30 am
(something I always seemed to miss with shuttle)

Same here.  In all those years, I only managed to see ISS and Shuttle together in the sky once.  I don't remember which mission.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 12:31 am
(something I always seemed to miss with shuttle)

Same here.  In all those years, I only managed to see ISS and Shuttle together in the sky once.  I don't remember which mission.

I've seen the shuttle leaving the station (2 or 3 times), but never approaching.

(I should have clarified)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/24/2012 12:56 am
Wow, quite the weekend ahead for Space and Motor Heads…  Dragon at ISS, Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coke 600.  I’m going to be busy…  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/24/2012 12:59 am
Wow, quite the weekend ahead for Space and Motor Heads…  Dragon at ISS, Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coke 600.  I’m going to be busy…  ;D

Will Elon be at Monaco? ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/24/2012 01:05 am
Wow, quite the weekend ahead for Space and Motor Heads…  Dragon at ISS, Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coke 600.  I’m going to be busy…  ;D

Will Elon be at Monaco? ;D
Not this year…  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jackspace on 05/24/2012 01:21 am
Thanks for the party, we all needed the boost, seriously, things were really getting depressing around here :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/24/2012 03:04 am

Molly McCormick ‏@Molliway TWEETED

I kind of want to start calling robot-arm-assisted berthing to the ISS the "Canadian Handshake." #DragonLaunch

I TWEETED BACK

Cro-Magnon Gramps ‏@CroMagnonGramps

@Molliway I would like to call it the "Canadian Midwife", the Berthing of a New Era ;D #DragonLaunch

Cheers  8)

   
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/24/2012 04:06 am
Wow, quite the weekend ahead for Space and Motor Heads…  Dragon at ISS, Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 and the NASCAR Coke 600.  I’m going to be busy…  ;D

Will Elon be at Monaco? ;D
Not this year…  ;)

What!  No Telsa entry :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/24/2012 04:21 am
Man....I do need my beauty sleep  ;D  But I'm sorely tempted to stay up and see at least some of the Dragon rendezvous/fly under.  Hope they do an RPM! 

And I'm liking the flight day coverage threads, harking back to the shuttle days.  Perhaps that should be done for Curiosity when she arrives at Mars too.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: starsilk on 05/24/2012 04:23 am
Quote
Then I read this in another article: He sold Paypal for $1.5B, walked away with $170M, invested $100M in SpaceX, $50M in Tesla Motors, and $10M in another of his companies.

Does he have deep pockets (if needed) to carry SpaceX through troubled times or is SpaceX's future totally dependent on company performance?

Forbes just had him worth $2 billion largely based,  iirc,  on Solar City stock.   Who knows how real or reliable that kind of wealth might be going forward but it's better than nothing.

no, that was $2 billion based on holdings in Solar City (guessed at $350million), Tesla (definitely $1 billion+), and a guess based on SpaceX holdings ($650 million, also presumably based on guesses of the value of SpaceX and the percentage he owns)

Elon has a track record of bailing out the companies he owns - he has twice invested pretty much everything he owns to bail out both Tesla and SpaceX.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/24/2012 04:23 am
I have read a few news articles now that the posting here at NSF has quieted down. I am reading confused data regarding this question, not that it's any of my business.

Quote
billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk

Then I read this in another article: He sold Paypal for $1.5B, walked away with $170M, invested $100M in SpaceX, $50M in Tesla Motors, and $10M in another of his companies.

Does he have deep pockets (if needed) to carry SpaceX through troubled times or is SpaceX's future totally dependent on company performance?

Dude was broke. As in couldn't afford rent while he was starting up SpaceX. If he has $ now it would be thanks to the performance of his companies in the last 5~10 years. I suspect he could absorb a 100m$ hit by now. But he can't carry SpaceX no.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 04:27 am
Man....I do need my beauty sleep  ;D  But I'm sorely tempted to stay up and see at least some of the Dragon rendezvous/fly under.  Hope they do an RPM!

Nope. During C3, they will do a yaw maneuver between 350-250m, but they will keep the same side of Dragon (the side with the GNC door, which contains the LIDARs) pointed at ISS at all times.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: starsilk on 05/24/2012 04:34 am
I have read a few news articles now that the posting here at NSF has quieted down. I am reading confused data regarding this question, not that it's any of my business.

Quote
billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk

Then I read this in another article: He sold Paypal for $1.5B, walked away with $170M, invested $100M in SpaceX, $50M in Tesla Motors, and $10M in another of his companies.

Does he have deep pockets (if needed) to carry SpaceX through troubled times or is SpaceX's future totally dependent on company performance?

Dude was broke. As in couldn't afford rent while he was starting up SpaceX.

no, he was broke because he bailed out Tesla (Eberhardt problems), and later bailed out SpaceX after the third failed launch of Falcon 1.

I suspect he could absorb a 100m$ hit by now. But he can't carry SpaceX no.

until Solar City IPOs (very soon), he's *only* got $1 billion in sellable Tesla stock. so I suspect you're being pessimistic on the amount he could 'carry' if push came to shove. whether he would or not.. who knows. he has done it before. lets hope it never becomes necessary.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 07:36 am
(something I always seemed to miss with shuttle)

Same here.  In all those years, I only managed to see ISS and Shuttle together in the sky once.  I don't remember which mission.

I've seen the shuttle leaving the station (2 or 3 times), but never approaching.

(I should have clarified)

YES YES YES!!!

Sorry for replying to my own post but...

I FINALLY got to see a spaceship approaching the ISS!!

Orbital ballet. It was worth waking up to. Finally a clear sky over Halifax for an event like this. It took some time to find Dragon, but there it was, not too far behind! ISS was a near fireball in comparison as it came up.

I doubt I can go back to sleep now. (plus now that I'm frozen...must have be 5C out there)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: NASAGeek on 05/24/2012 07:43 am
Anyone think the mcc that spacex is using now will be used for dragon rider when it flies?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 07:43 am
robertross:
Nice to hear it.  It's completely overcast here, but I defiantly went outside and stood looking up for the duration of the pass.  I really wanted to see that one.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/24/2012 07:44 am
Anyone think the mcc that spacex is using now will be used for dragon rider when it flies?
I don't see any reason why not...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 07:51 am
robertross:
Nice to hear it.  It's completely overcast here, but I defiantly went outside and stood looking up for the duration of the pass.  I really wanted to see that one.

That's too bad. I'm sure you'll get another chance one day though.
It's so worth it, just for once.
It's also nice to rememeber that there are people up in that space station (and one day, hopefully, the Dragon spacecraft)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/24/2012 07:56 am
Passing over Somalia. Any CTF-151 sailors on here: Look up and wave
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/24/2012 08:17 am
YES YES YES!!!

Sorry for replying to my own post but...

I FINALLY got to see a spaceship approaching the ISS!!

Orbital ballet. It was worth waking up to. Finally a clear sky over Halifax for an event like this. It took some time to find Dragon, but there it was, not too far behind! ISS was a near fireball in comparison as it came up.

I doubt I can go back to sleep now. (plus now that I'm frozen...must have be 5C out there)

Tried myself at something like 4AM local from the UK, but no dice (low in sky, sky starting to lighten, some thin cloud).

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Targeteer on 05/24/2012 08:25 am
Per PAO, CAPCOM is Megan Benken (no longer McArthur), did she get married?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 08:36 am
What is CAPCOM again?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 08:37 am
Caution? For what?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 08:37 am
Per PAO, CAPCOM is Megan Benken (no longer McArthur), did she get married?

Yes, to fellow astronaut Bob Behnken.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/24/2012 08:38 am
What is CAPCOM again?
CAPsule COMmunicator. The designated MCC staff member tasked with all direct voice communication with the crew.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 08:39 am
Per PAO, CAPCOM is Megan Benken (no longer McArthur), did she get married?

per wiki: She is married to fellow astronaut Robert L. Behnken.

(but that was in 2000, so she must have just changed her name)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 08:39 am
Oh, so the caution is because the ISS astronaut turned off the fan when he wasn't supposed to. He was doing it for his own convenience, I guess.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/24/2012 08:45 am
ISS pass on the East Coast coming up. I'm about to step out and look.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 08:52 am
ISS pass on the East Coast coming up. I'm about to step out and look.

Actually it's just about to pass over the coast of California...and across the USA and then Canada (too bright here in NS for a viewable pass)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Targeteer on 05/24/2012 08:54 am
Visible here in Ohio in 8 minutes.  Saw them both yesterday and dragon was dimmer than I remember the Soyuz/Progress being.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Targeteer on 05/24/2012 09:04 am
Dragon is barely visible even with binoculars trailing the station.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 09:05 am
I've been engrossed by watching the NASA TV feed, but I just caught myself about to make a cup of coffee.  I haven't been to bed yet, and I normally wake up for work in two hours.  This is insane.  Time to shut down the computer and catch a little (very little) sleep.

There is an excellent chance that I will sleep right through the alarm.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 09:06 am
Couldn't help but notice the contrasting styles between NASA and SpaceX.

For instance, the NASA control room have these larger bulkier desks, while the SpaceX control room have the simple minimalist desks that seem typical at most startups and newer companies.

The NASA people look a lot older and are a little more formally dressed. The SpaceX people seem to look younger and are dressed more casually. A very different style and aesthetic.

The future look of space operations?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Targeteer on 05/24/2012 09:07 am
Someone is actually wearing a suit and tie at SpaceX  this morning  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 09:08 am
Well, at least nobody's playing Galaga  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 09:09 am
Couldn't help but notice the contrasting styles between NASA and SpaceX.

For instance, the NASA control room have these larger bulkier desks, while the SpaceX control room have the simple minimalist desks that seem typical at most startups and newer companies.

The NASA people look a lot older and are a little more formally dressed. The SpaceX people seem to look younger and are dressed more casually. A very different style and aesthetic.

The future look of space operations?


MCC had to carry all the complexities of shuttle, so it's a slightly unfair comparison (plus the years of heritage). Better to contrast EELV or ESA launch centers
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Zed_Noir on 05/24/2012 09:09 am
Someone is actually wearing a suit and tie at SpaceX  this morning  ;D

Someone loss a bet?  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 09:12 am
Couldn't help but notice the contrasting styles between NASA and SpaceX.

For instance, the NASA control room have these larger bulkier desks, while the SpaceX control room have the simple minimalist desks that seem typical at most startups and newer companies.

Ironically, the NASA MCC console design was led by John Muratore, who is now advising SpaceX. They are really not all that fancy, just sheet metal panels. They were more functional back in the days of CRTs and big workstations.

Quote
The NASA people look a lot older and are a little more formally dressed. The SpaceX people seem to look younger and are dressed more casually. A very different style and aesthetic.

The future look of space operations?

NASA MCC has a dress code; they don't really have a choice in the matter.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 09:13 am
Couldn't help but notice the contrasting styles between NASA and SpaceX.

For instance, the NASA control room have these larger bulkier desks, while the SpaceX control room have the simple minimalist desks that seem typical at most startups and newer companies.

The NASA people look a lot older and are a little more formally dressed. The SpaceX people seem to look younger and are dressed more casually. A very different style and aesthetic.

The future look of space operations?


MCC had to carry all the complexities of shuttle, so it's a slightly unfair comparison (plus the years of heritage). Better to contrast EELV or ESA launch centers

And back in the day, the MCC workstations held built-in cathode ray tube monitors.  State of the art.

I was going to use the abbreviation CRT, but realized that the young'uns might not know what that meant.   ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 09:15 am

And back in the day, the MCC workstations held built-in cathode ray tube monitors.  State of the art.

I was going to use the abbreviation CRT, but realized that the young'uns might not know what that meant.   ;D

My personal computer monitor, and TV screen, of choice
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 09:19 am
Somebody at SpaceX is munching on potato chips.

A lot more getting up and pacing being done by the NASA people.

What's the blue ring on one of the monitor windows for the guy sitting at the back? Is that a Quicktime logo, or some kind picture of the Earth?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/24/2012 09:25 am
I have a visual on Dragon!
First one on the forum?

(http://i.imgur.com/DU2mm.jpg)

http://imgur.com/DU2mm
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/24/2012 09:32 am
First one posted I think. If anyone got something on the prior flights they weren't in the USA, since it was daytime. Definitely the first with ISS. Very Nice!   :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 09:34 am
What's the blue ring on one of the monitor windows for the guy sitting at the back? Is that a Quicktime logo, or some kind picture of the Earth?

You got a hardcopy of that?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 09:35 am
So they're using regular consumer-level laptops in the ISS then? And this equipment doesn't have any problems with being in space? (ie. radiation, etc)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 09:38 am
So they're using regular consumer-level laptops in the ISS then? And this equipment doesn't have any problems with being in space? (ie. radiation, etc)

If (or when) they fry, they replace them. Apparently it's cheaper.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/24/2012 09:39 am
I have a visual on Dragon!
First one on the forum?

(http://i.imgur.com/DU2mm.jpg)

http://imgur.com/DU2mm


(http://assets0.ordienetworks.com/images/GifGuide/clapping/audience.gif)

I am going to wake up today at 4 am local time - to see ISS and Dragon. Hope weather will not be my enemy!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 09:40 am
So they're using regular consumer-level laptops in the ISS then? And this equipment doesn't have any problems with being in space? (ie. radiation, etc)

If (or when) they fry, they replace them. Apparently it's cheaper.

Yep.

These laptops do have modifications from the normal consumer-grade equipment. They have locking power connectors, and coated circuit boards to prevent arcing.

The "real" ISS control computers, the MDMs, are rad-hardened.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Targeteer on 05/24/2012 09:40 am
I have a visual on Dragon!
First one on the forum?

(http://i.imgur.com/DU2mm.jpg)

http://imgur.com/DU2mm


That offset is interesting. They looked to me to be in trail and that would seem to make sense and be necessary for a docking tomorrow.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 09:47 am
So they're using regular consumer-level laptops in the ISS then? And this equipment doesn't have any problems with being in space? (ie. radiation, etc)

If (or when) they fry, they replace them. Apparently it's cheaper.

Yep.

These laptops do have modifications from the normal consumer-grade equipment. They have locking power connectors, and coated circuit boards to prevent arcing.

The "real" ISS control computers, the MDMs, are rad-hardened.

So those laptops weren't just bought from the store? They had to be modified afterward?

Why would there be a problem with arcing on the ISS? Are there static-charge-buildup/grounding issues on ISS?

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/24/2012 09:50 am

That offset is interesting. They looked to me to be in trail and that would seem to make sense and be necessary for a docking tomorrow.

Anyone know, based on what time that picture was taken, how far apart the ISS and Dragon were at that moment? It would be interesting to know what 40 kilometers, or whatever it was, looks like in LEO from here.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/24/2012 09:57 am
It seems we're having better luck with Dragon visuals then the ISS crew upstairs.

The photo was taken around 5:02 am from the Detroit area.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: d3jf on 05/24/2012 09:58 am
Tally ho on Dragon! WOOHOO :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/24/2012 09:59 am
Thar She Blows!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 10:00 am
So they're using regular consumer-level laptops in the ISS then? And this equipment doesn't have any problems with being in space? (ie. radiation, etc)

If (or when) they fry, they replace them. Apparently it's cheaper.

Yep.

These laptops do have modifications from the normal consumer-grade equipment. They have locking power connectors, and coated circuit boards to prevent arcing.

The "real" ISS control computers, the MDMs, are rad-hardened.

So those laptops weren't just bought from the store? They had to be modified afterward?

Not sure whether the mods were a custom order or whether they were modified afterward.

Quote
Why would there be a problem with arcing on the ISS? Are there static-charge-buildup/grounding issues on ISS?



There are issues with floating FOD.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/24/2012 10:11 am
Somebody at SpaceX is munching on potato chips.

A lot more getting up and pacing being done by the NASA people.

What's the blue ring on one of the monitor windows for the guy sitting at the back? Is that a Quicktime logo, or some kind picture of the Earth?

Do you mean this?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 10:11 am
But if the air in ISS is clean and filtered, I can't imagine that it would pose a foreign object debris problem for electronics.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 10:13 am
Somebody at SpaceX is munching on potato chips.

A lot more getting up and pacing being done by the NASA people.

What's the blue ring on one of the monitor windows for the guy sitting at the back? Is that a Quicktime logo, or some kind picture of the Earth?

Do you mean this?

Ah. Those are Ku antenna blockage patterns. And that is actually the second row from the back. There's another row of consoles out of the field of view of the camera.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: d3jf on 05/24/2012 10:14 am
But if the air in ISS is clean and filtered, I can't imagine that it would pose a foreign object debris problem for electronics.


Debris can get into the laptop before getting into a filter.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 10:19 am
I must say that while the ISS looks nice from the outside in daylight, the nighttime darkened view of its exterior looks horrible, like endless darkness - I'm thinking 'Das Boot'.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: gospacex on 05/24/2012 10:27 am
Quote
Why would there be a problem with arcing on the ISS? Are there static-charge-buildup/grounding issues on ISS?

There are issues with floating FOD.

It's not like laptops down here don't have to deal with the same danger every day.

I imagine off-the shelf laptops would work on ISS. At least as long as you don't take them to EVAs :) ;)

Additional hardening may only marginally robustify them, but it does make sense considering how much does it cost to lift every kilogram up there.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/24/2012 10:29 am
It's just been confirmed that the ISS is receiving Dragon's transmissions clear enough for spacecraft data to be displayed on the ISS.  I have to say that this is a big relief for me; one of the big questions, IMHO, was whether Dragon and ISS, two classes of spacecraft that have never met outside of sims, would be able to work together.

Another achievement in the bag!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: HarryM on 05/24/2012 10:36 am
I just saw ISS and Dragon pass over, visible in the NNE, a very bright star trailed by a very faint star. I had found out about the pass and woke up from a dead sleep 5 minutes prior, woo hoo!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 10:36 am
Quote
Why would there be a problem with arcing on the ISS? Are there static-charge-buildup/grounding issues on ISS?

There are issues with floating FOD.

It's not like laptops down here don't have to deal with the same danger every day.

I imagine off-the shelf laptops would work on ISS. At least as long as you don't take them to EVAs :) ;)

Additional hardening may only marginally robustify them, but it does make sense considering how much does it cost to lift every kilogram up there.

Now that tablet PCs are so common, why not just use those, since they seem to be quite sealed up and impenetrable. These days you can buy cases that let you take them underwater.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/24/2012 10:40 am
Quote
Why would there be a problem with arcing on the ISS? Are there static-charge-buildup/grounding issues on ISS?

There are issues with floating FOD.

It's not like laptops down here don't have to deal with the same danger every day.

I imagine off-the shelf laptops would work on ISS. At least as long as you don't take them to EVAs :) ;)

Additional hardening may only marginally robustify them, but it does make sense considering how much does it cost to lift every kilogram up there.

Now that tablet PCs are so common, why not just use those, since they seem to be quite sealed up and impenetrable. These days you can buy cases that let you take them underwater.
because sometimes, you want a keyboard and you want to be able to swap out batteries. Also, you want to have insight into the systems and the hardware. I think batteries are also customized to be less of a firehazard - sometimes they are totally replaced by custom versions.

Tablet pc's also might not run the OS for the programs they need to run. There are or where tablets on the ISS - some kind of Archos I think.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/24/2012 10:42 am
SpaceX have reported acquisition of the ISS by the DragonEye sensor package.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 10:45 am
Any screencaptures of that DragonEye thermal view?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/24/2012 11:01 am
I saw Dragon (from the ISS cameras)!! Check the Update thread for pics.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 11:03 am
They can't make out the strobe light - so does Dragon get a free pass on that step?  ;)

Maybe next time color the strobe light red/pink/orange
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 11:05 am
They can't make out the strobe light - so does Dragon get a free pass on that step?  ;)

They got feedback that the command was sent and accepted by Dragon, so yes, it's considered a success. The purpose of the test is to confirm the crew can command Dragon, not whether the strobe light works per se.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/24/2012 11:12 am
From the updates thread:-

Twitter...

SpaceX ‏@SpaceX
Telemetry confirms that astronauts on the space station were able to command on the strobe light on the Dragon spacecraft.

NASA ‏@NASA
Strobe light successfully commanded “on” by @astro_andre & @astro_pettit, verifying #ISS crew can send commands to @SpaceX #Dragon capsule!


From the General Discussion thread:-

The ISS is now sending commands to the Dragon.  How much control do the astronauts have over the spacecraft using the CUCU?

'bout like this, except no "public access"! Honestly, they could have scripted this scene for today, even the music:-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLpnPpW8_t0

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/24/2012 11:13 am
Watching this tiny dot on NTV reminds me of watching the first ultrasound of my sons. There it is, just a tiny dot.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/24/2012 11:17 am
Oh God please someone on station make HD pictures of Dragon!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 11:29 am
Still don't see how anyone's going to see that strobe.

Note to SpaceX: use multi-colored strobe next time, not white strobe for white vehicle against white cloudy Earth
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/24/2012 11:31 am
Still don't see how anyone's going to see that strobe.

Note to SpaceX: use multi-colored strobe next time, not white strobe for white vehicle against white cloudy Earth

I just "saw" it on the NTV feed...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 11:31 am
But if the air in ISS is clean and filtered, I can't imagine that it would pose a foreign object debris problem for electronics.


remember those funny pictures of the crew eating in space? Crumbs, water balls, or how about just from sneezing. And if you could see the HD picture of one of the ISS filter screens...yuck.

(or just think back to the classic Simpsons episode with Homer in space on the shuttle).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/24/2012 11:34 am
Not exactly a Shuttle RPM. Nothing's going to beat that, but this first time is always historic.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 11:35 am
they should make those Dragon solar arrays capable of emitting light, so that they can act like one giant strobe
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/24/2012 11:37 am
Still don't see how anyone's going to see that strobe.

Note to SpaceX: use multi-colored strobe next time, not white strobe for white vehicle against white cloudy Earth

They'll see it fine at night within 250 m, which is what it's designed for.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: joncz on 05/24/2012 11:39 am
they should make those Dragon solar arrays capable of emitting light, so that they can act like one giant strobe

And improve their efficiency -

http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/04/solar-cells-must-emit-light-to-attain-perfection-research-suggests/ (http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/04/solar-cells-must-emit-light-to-attain-perfection-research-suggests/)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/24/2012 11:41 am
Ok, Kid. Once more around the block...then the training wheels come off!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/24/2012 12:26 pm
Ok, Kid. Once more around the block...then the training wheels come off!

Oh excellent and so right :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/24/2012 03:23 pm
Welp, we are 3 days into the flight, and I have yet to hear any bad news.  I will take the lack of bad news as good news, as that's all I've been hearing.  I am thinking we are going to get Dragon berthed to the station.  Making that prediction now.

In other words, this picture on the left that I've had for 2+ years now will finally become a reality.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/24/2012 03:30 pm
It's all about completing objectives and no issues that provide constraints for completing the mission.

As such, it's all good so far.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/24/2012 03:58 pm
Someone is actually wearing a suit and tie at SpaceX  this morning  ;D
Someone loss a bet?  ;D

That's actually the NASA/FAA seat.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/24/2012 04:04 pm
The image from 7:30ish during the closest part of the approach Dragon, actually kinda looks like a dragon with it's relatively very large "wings", especially high above the clouds of Earth moving in the background. Looking forward to tomorrow's "Dragon Lancing".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: apace on 05/24/2012 04:17 pm
Someone is actually wearing a suit and tie at SpaceX  this morning  ;D
Someone loss a bet?  ;D

That's actually the NASA/FAA seat.

Do we have a plan which console is for which function in the MCC-X?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/24/2012 04:22 pm
They look pretty standardized/modular to me. Any station can probably be configured to be used by anyone.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/24/2012 04:41 pm
The ISS crew was excited by this launch too  ;)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/astro_andre/7251083078/in/photostream/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: risknc on 05/24/2012 05:08 pm
Anyone else see the little red stuffed animal on the JSC feed?

My buddy think's it's a toy dragon, but I'm not sure.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bugfix on 05/24/2012 07:20 pm
Seems like Dragons are now invading Mission Control.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/24/2012 07:22 pm
Anyone else see the little red stuffed animal on the JSC feed?

My buddy think's it's a toy dragon, but I'm not sure.

Thar be dragons in them dar offices ;D


edit, and Bugfix beat me to it ;(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/24/2012 07:42 pm
Seems like Dragons are now invading Mission Control.

Check out some of the other images of different console positions from the day: you'll see 2 or 3 dragons (they are dark grey, almost like models or die-cast, some over 1 foot wingspan!)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hog on 05/24/2012 07:47 pm
Those are actually Trojan Dragons, inside Tribbles are hiding. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/24/2012 08:03 pm
HA! Love that Dragon. I'll tweet it and see if a MCC person has a back story.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 08:20 pm
Oh, is that purple plushie next to the red one also a dragon? I thought it was a purple cow, or something.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/24/2012 08:21 pm
Oh, is that purple plushie next to the red one also a dragon? I thought it was a purple cow, or something.

L2's crack team of sources confirm it's TWO Dragons ;) ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/24/2012 08:30 pm
And tonight's featured movie on ISS is:   ;D

(https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS5jCs9WddGLv4c1-pDQ2MW55jRGHmPfPK0IsXbYRmNX-oV1Ka5Rw)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Stephan on 05/24/2012 08:33 pm
 :)

"That's my babies"

(http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/6641/tumblrm3hzbn7tnb1qfp14m.png)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/24/2012 08:40 pm
It's great to see NASA employees getting into the mood but, I can't help but think it's been NASA's steady mature hand that has guided the process which has helped SpaceX to succeed. Another successful merging of business and government cooperation.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/24/2012 10:42 pm
So what is next?

I set my alarm wrong so I missed all the fun this morning  :'(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/24/2012 10:46 pm
grappling and docking tomorrow. Right now Dragon is flying around the ISS to get back into position.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/24/2012 10:53 pm
grappling and docking tomorrow. Right now Dragon is flying around the ISS to get back into position.

And what time is that scheduled for? *Praying for a decent time*
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 05/24/2012 10:54 pm
And what time is that scheduled for? *Praying for a decent time*
About 8 or 9 AM Eastern.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 10:54 pm
Can anybody point to the current schedule?  I was at work all day and am uncertain exactly what will be happening when.

Last night I stayed up past 5:00 EDT before I finally had to throw in the towel, so I missed the flyunder.   I had to be at work at 9:00, so I needed to get some sleep.  Needless to say, I was kind of out of it today.  I got a lot of work done, but I was running on fumes.

I was able to use a vacation day for Friday, so if I can get some sleep before the show starts, I should be good for the duration.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Retired Downrange on 05/24/2012 11:05 pm
Can anybody point to the current schedule?  I was at work all day and am uncertain exactly what will be happening when.


see
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28952.465

top page 32 for Chris B updated schedule...

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AnalogMan on 05/24/2012 11:15 pm
Can anybody point to the current schedule?  I was at work all day and am uncertain exactly what will be happening when.

The following is from SpaceX website (posted today):

FRIDAY MORNING - Final Approach, Dragon Grapple

Around 2:00 AM Pacific/5:00 AM Eastern NASA will decide if Dragon is GO to move into the approach ellipsoid 1.4 kilometers around the space station. If Dragon is GO, after approximately one hour Dragon will move to a location 250 meters directly below the station. Dragon will then perform a series of maneuvers to show systems are operating as expected. If NASA is satisfied with the results of these many tests, Dragon will be allowed to perform the final approach to the space station.

Sometime around 6:00 AM Pacific/9:00 AM Eastern, astronauts on the space station will grapple Dragon with the space station’s robotic arm and the spacecraft will attach to the station.
http://www.spacex.com/press.php?page=20120524

These times are between half and one hour behind the more detailed NASA schedule Bill Harwood posted on May 21:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/spacex_cots2_timeline.html

NASA TV will be broadcasting events from 2 am EDT.
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/24/2012 11:16 pm
And what time is that scheduled for? *Praying for a decent time*
About 8 or 9 AM Eastern.

Yes!!!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 11:24 pm
Thanks!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/24/2012 11:27 pm
These times are between half and one hour behind the more detailed NASA schedule Bill Harwood posted on May 21:
http://www.cbsnews.com/network/news/space/home/spacenews/files/spacex_cots2_timeline.html

Yes, and during this morning's status briefing they said today's one hour delay/change would not "propagate through" to tomorrow. Then SpaceX comes out with this revised schedule, which is still an hour behind the original flight plan. I don't plan on missing anything, so I'm going to start watching at about 6:00 AM ET.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/24/2012 11:27 pm
It's funny. I'm actually more worried about separation of the trunk before re-entry at this point than I am about tomorrow's berthing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/24/2012 11:30 pm
It's funny. I'm actually more worried about separation of the trunk before re-entry at this point than I am about tomorrow's berthing.

Don't worry, Dragon/trunk sep was demonstrated on the last mission. "Dragon claw", however...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/24/2012 11:35 pm
It's funny. I'm actually more worried about separation of the trunk before re-entry at this point than I am about tomorrow's berthing.

Don't worry, Dragon/trunk sep was demonstrated on the last mission. "Dragon claw", however...


True, that's how the C1 Dragon separated from the 2nd stage. The "claw" will indeed be the new part - but so far SpaceX has done a great job with their separation mechanisms. I don't think one (of their MANY types) has failed yet. (knock on wood)

Speaking of separation mechanisms - I find it interesting how SpaceX seems to favor non-pyro separations in many cases, when most of the industry seems to use some variant of pyro bolts.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/24/2012 11:44 pm
It's funny. I'm actually more worried about separation of the trunk before re-entry at this point than I am about tomorrow's berthing.

Don't worry, Dragon/trunk sep was demonstrated on the last mission. "Dragon claw", however...


True, that's how the C1 Dragon separated from the 2nd stage. The "claw" will indeed be the new part - but so far SpaceX has done a great job with their separation mechanisms. I don't think one (of their MANY types) has failed yet. (knock on wood)

Speaking of separation mechanisms - I find it interesting how SpaceX seems to favor non-pyro separations in many cases, when most of the industry seems to use some variant of pyro bolts.
Non-pyro separations can be tested before hand extensively. /The same/ hardware, not just the same design. Pyros, as reliable as they can be, are use-once devices that can never actually be tested non-destructively. (Also, SpaceX has this sort of obsession with reusability, and pyros can't be reused.)

SpaceX has this big jig for testing stage separations at McGregor. The whole suite of testing that goes on at McGregor is really impressive, IMHO, and shows how it's no accident that the first three flights of Falcon 9 were successful (kind of a rarity in this business). SpaceX must have learned the hard way from the first three flights of Falcon 1 (which were, in stark contrast, all failures) that ground-testing the heck out of your hardware is a really, really good idea:
https://vimeo.com/41703786

http://vimeo.com/41703786

They do component testing on almost EVERYTHING, from gas generators, to individual engines to full-duration testing of integrated stages... Individual thruster testing in vacuum to testing the integrated quads, etc. And they do many stage separation tests as well... I don't know if this much integrated testing is standard in the industry, but it's really impressive to me.

(About the only thing they weren't able to test before the first Falcon 9 flight was the second stage in vacuum... Which almost killed them for Falcon 9 flight 1, but they still do full-duration integrated testing of the upper stage at sea level pressure without the nozzle extension.... The moral of the story is pretty strong, here... Integrated ground testing as much as possible will save you from embarrassing failures.)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/24/2012 11:45 pm
What's "Dragon claw"?  I must have missed that one.

A couple of Soyuz missions managed to re-enter with another module still partially attached.  It burns away eventually but it's not something you want to do.  They didn't lose any vehicles or crews because of that, but came close on Soyuz 5. (http://www.astronautix.com/flights/soyuz5.htm)

FWIW, the thing I was most worried about before launch was the pontoons tearing away during ascent.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/24/2012 11:49 pm
What's "Dragon claw"?  I must have missed that one.

It is the umbilical connection between the trunk and the capsule. It carries power and coolant lines for the radiators.

EDIT, here is a pic where the "claw" is highlighted:
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/24/2012 11:50 pm
(About the only thing they weren't able to test before the first Falcon 9 flight was the second stage in vacuum... Which almost killed them for Falcon 9 flight 1, but they still do full-duration integrated testing of the upper stage at sea level pressure without the nozzle extension.... The moral of the story is pretty strong, here... Integrated ground testing as much as possible will save you from embarrassing failures.)

Are you talking about the roll control failure?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/24/2012 11:52 pm
Dragon/trunk sep system uses frangible nuts, IIRC. That and the FRGF may be the only pyros the whole stack.

BTW, we're ruining the party thread!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/24/2012 11:56 pm
(About the only thing they weren't able to test before the first Falcon 9 flight was the second stage in vacuum... Which almost killed them for Falcon 9 flight 1, but they still do full-duration integrated testing of the upper stage at sea level pressure without the nozzle extension.... The moral of the story is pretty strong, here... Integrated ground testing as much as possible will save you from embarrassing failures.)

Are you talking about the roll control failure?
Yes. That was the first time they had fired the stage in vacuum, which is why they didn't catch it.

Testing the crap out of everything on the ground is a pretty good strategy. You don't need to necessarily do infinite paper trade studies, but you really should do as much ground testing as possible. Computer simulations are still no substitute for testing your hardware (though obviously are good for testing software, especially with hardware-in-the-loop simulations). And as XCOR has found out, CFD is still no substitute for wind tunnel testing.

(And I think that non-destructive testing is a big advantage... If your hardware can be tested multiple times on the test stand without reducing its performance, then the cost-both financial and schedule--to test is a lot lower than if each test consumes your hardware, and thus you're more willing and more likely to test early and often.)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/24/2012 11:59 pm
Why did the vacuum cause the roll control failure? I thought that was independent of the environment.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 12:02 am
And what time is that scheduled for? *Praying for a decent time*
About 8 or 9 AM Eastern.

Yes!!!!!!  ;D

Hopefully you can even see a flyby overhead, I hope everyone who can: can.
It was very memorable for me (not that I'm all that 'gaga' over SpaceX, but it is a unique experience), even waking up at 4:15am with 5 hours sleep.

SO worth that one unique moment, much like a rocket launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/25/2012 12:02 am
Why did the vacuum cause the roll control failure? I thought that was independent of the environment.

Didn't a combination of the environment and acceleration cause the cryogenic fluids to flow in a way that froze the control mechanism? That's what I recall - I could be wrong. They flew a tweaked design on the following flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: BrightLight on 05/25/2012 12:02 am
In an earlier post I commented on the lack of regularity in the spacex launch schedule, but I have to say that the string of milestones gives me great pleasure to see ;D go SpaceX !
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: BrightLight on 05/25/2012 12:05 am
In an earlier post I commented on the lack of regularity in the spacex launch schedule, but I have to say that the string of milestones gives me great pleasure to see ;D go SpaceX !
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 12:11 am
Why did the vacuum cause the roll control failure? I thought that was independent of the environment.

Didn't a combination of the environment and acceleration cause the cryogenic fluids to flow in a way that froze the control mechanism? That's what I recall - I could be wrong. They flew a tweaked design on the following flight.

Legend has it their computer fluid models told them they didn't need slosh baffles. The computer was wrong, so they added slosh baffles.

...aaaand we're still ruining the party thread!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/25/2012 12:16 am
Party!!!! :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 12:22 am
Quote from: corrodedNut
BTW, we're ruining the party thread!

I promise not to report you for going off-topic.   ;)

Of course I've been reading the update and discussion threads, but I've been confining most of my comments to this thread, since I don't have much knowledge or expertise to add to the others.

I think the looser structure of the party thread was a great idea.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 12:30 am
Quote from: corrodedNut
BTW, we're ruining the party thread!

I promise not to report you for going off-topic.   ;)

Of course I've been reading the update and discussion threads, but I've been confining most of my comments to this thread, since I don't have much knowledge or expertise to add to the others.

I think the looser structure of the party thread was a great idea.

I agree, Chris hit it right on the mark with thtis thread.
A good thought going forward, especially with the upcoming Cygnus launch later this year and future Commerical Crew opportunities
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/25/2012 12:34 am
I think the looser structure of the party thread was a great idea.

I agree - although I certainly hope these threads don't get too much more " fun"  - there is a reason this forum doesn't have a " anything goes" area, and I appreciate that very much. The fear of asking a question that is stupid or already has been answered made me educate myself on the basic stuff very fast.

That said, good idea to blow off some steam. Looking forward to other " cheering" threads - as long as they are contained, and don't spill over in other threads, so we can keep up the ratio of information-per-post nice and high..
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 12:39 am
Looking forward to other " cheering" threads - as long as they are contained, and don't spill over in other threads, so we can keep up the ratio of information-per-post nice and high..

I think that's the whole point, and it has pretty much worked, at least in my case.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 12:42 am
The fear of asking a question that is stupid or already has been answered made me educate myself on the basic stuff very fast.

And drives away everyone who is unable or unwilling to do so.

Some might consider that a good thing, I don't.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/25/2012 01:23 am
So Dragon has wings, and now I learn of the "Dragon Claw". Please Elon, I know you're rolled some 20-sided dice in your time, name something a "Dragon Lance". It could be what they call the SpaceX version of the swizzle stick/ykazka if they end up needing one. Please?

Party on, Thread!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/25/2012 01:48 am
Dragon Lance should be a Sticky Boom ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/25/2012 01:53 am
Has anyone else noticed that the COTS 2 Dragon doesn't have any logos or flags on it ?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 01:54 am
Interesting about the reflective Apollo qualities. Two things to consider about this. One, we are bored and we are just making things up to pass the time before berthing and two maybe we have no clue what we are talking about. ::)

Moved to party thread :)

Yes and yes
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/25/2012 01:55 am
Dragon Lance should be a Sticky Boom ;)

:-)

Our arms could be twisted...

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/25/2012 01:55 am
They're already planning to call passengers "dragonriders."  What else do you want?  ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/25/2012 01:59 am
Speaking of separation mechanisms - I find it interesting how SpaceX seems to favor non-pyro separations in many cases, when most of the industry seems to use some variant of pyro bolts.

Which are non-pyro and which are pyro?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/25/2012 01:59 am
They're already planning to call passengers "dragonriders."  What else do you want?  ::)

I don't know, I think the suggestion of a Dragon Lance was a good one... :-)

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 02:03 am
Dragon Lance should be a Sticky Boom ;)

:-)

Our arms could be twisted...

~Jon

Rubber arms ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/25/2012 02:06 am
I could easily cast Mike Griffin in the part of Raistlin.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 02:10 am
I read somewhere that Musk named the Dragon capsule after Puff the Magic Dragon - is that true?

Never particularly liked the tune, and Puff was never a favorite magical character for me. Especially the animated version with his raspy voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PvvLJSmg8s
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 02:16 am
I read somewhere that Musk named the Dragon capsule after Puff the Magic Dragon - is that true?

Never particularly liked the tune, and Puff was never a favorite magical character for me. Especially the animated version with his raspy voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PvvLJSmg8s
I found that out yesterday and posted it earlier, but it got deleted, oh well… Must be some truth behind it. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 02:22 am
To be honest, I wish Musk had come up with a better name for his space systems than whimsical names like Falcon, Merlin, Dragon, etc. Everything seems to sound somewhat Arthurian or D&D-ish.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JimOman on 05/25/2012 02:25 am
To be honest, I wish Musk had come up with a better name for his space systems than whimsical names like Falcon, Merlin, Dragon, etc. Everything seems to sound somewhat Arthurian or D&D-ish.



I'm not that keen on the names either. As far as being Arthurian or 'D&D-ish', Elon is still just a big self-admitted nerd, despite the hot girls, fast cars and vast riches. I think it is kind of funny how the nerd-ism shows through.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 02:26 am
They're a lot better than nonsensical acronyms!

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 02:27 am
This has been discussed a bit already. One thing to note Merlin is a type of falcon and not necessarily the Magician :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Diagoras on 05/25/2012 02:28 am
To be honest, I wish Musk had come up with a better name for his space systems than whimsical names like Falcon, Merlin, Dragon, etc. Everything seems to sound somewhat Arthurian or D&D-ish.

If it was D&D-ish, it'd be Gelatinous Cube rather than Merlin. ;)

TBH. are names from Greek mythology that much better? Atlas, Saturn, etc.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 02:37 am
This has been discussed a bit already. One thing to note Merlin is a type of falcon and not necessarily the Magician :)

Yes, I recognized this, just as Kestrel is a bird, too. And of course Raptors are birds of prey. Still, the appeal of these names is somewhat esoteric.

It'd be interesting to construct a relational map of Musk's mental associations.


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 02:38 am
I'll take Dragon as a name over CST 100 any day
Dream Chaser is OK

Orion Lite, yawn.

Blue Origin ? Biconic ......
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 02:40 am
And Dragon will be apt if it ever does powered landings :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 02:40 am
I'll take Dragon as a name over CST 100 any day

I am pretty sure they will eventually rename CST100 when it becomes more mature in development.  I agree that CST 100 is a bland name.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 02:42 am
If it was D&D-ish, it'd be Gelatinous Cube rather than Merlin. ;)

TBH. are names from Greek mythology that much better? Atlas, Saturn, etc.

It's all Greek to me.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 02:44 am
And Dragon will be apt if it ever does powered landings :)

As has been pointed out before, the Super Draco fairings look like noses.  Fire Breathing Dragons.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mongo62 on 05/25/2012 02:45 am
This has been discussed a bit already. One thing to note Merlin is a type of falcon and not necessarily the Magician :)

Not to mention Falcon and Raptor.  I admit I had originally thought that Elon had a fascination with predatory birds.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 03:14 am
This has been discussed a bit already. One thing to note Merlin is a type of falcon and not necessarily the Magician :)

Not to mention Falcon and Raptor.  I admit I had originally thought that Elon had a fascination with predatory birds.

Falcon was named after Han Solo's ship.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cosmicvoid on 05/25/2012 03:30 am
The fear of asking a question that is stupid or already has been answered made me educate myself on the basic stuff very fast.

And drives away everyone who is unable or unwilling to do so.

Some might consider that a good thing, I don't.
I am really getting weary of reading posts that ask "what time is ...(fill in the blank)... scheduled for"?  It's obvious that the posters haven't bothered to read the thread(s), or seek out the info which has been published.  A few times is tolerable, but I think this redundant asking has happened dozens of times in the Updates and other C2+ threads.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 03:40 am
I'm off to bed folks.  Please don't bombard the LIVE thread.  I want to be able to read and catch up with it in the morning.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/25/2012 03:49 am
The fear of asking a question that is stupid or already has been answered made me educate myself on the basic stuff very fast.

And drives away everyone who is unable or unwilling to do so.

Some might consider that a good thing, I don't.
I am really getting weary of reading posts that ask "what time is ...(fill in the blank)... scheduled for"?  It's obvious that the posters haven't bothered to read the thread(s), or seek out the info which has been published.  A few times is tolerable, but I think this redundant asking has happened dozens of times in the Updates and other C2+ threads.

A lot of the events have shifted from their original schedule, many timelines do not reflect these changes.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 04:19 am
I am really getting weary of reading posts that ask "what time is ...(fill in the blank)... scheduled for"?  It's obvious that the posters haven't bothered to read the thread(s), or seek out the info which has been published.  A few times is tolerable, but I think this redundant asking has happened dozens of times in the Updates and other C2+ threads.

Get off your high horse.. some people just want to know when the interesting stuff is going to happen! No-one is forcing you to reply.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 04:34 am
If Update threads were kept clean and 1st post edited the most important bits of information into it people wouldn't ask silly questions.   :-X
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/25/2012 04:49 am
If Update threads were kept clean and 1st post edited the most important bits of information into it people wouldn't ask silly questions.   :-X
Good point.  Since this is the party thread, anyone got any SpaceX party photos?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/25/2012 04:51 am
If Update threads were kept clean and 1st post edited the most important bits of information into it people wouldn't ask silly questions.   :-X
Even if that was the case there would still be a number of pages someone would have to go through just to find the basic timeline for tomorrow's mission.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jcm on 05/25/2012 04:53 am
If Update threads were kept clean and 1st post edited the most important bits of information into it people wouldn't ask silly questions.   :-X

Agreed. It's hard to search through a 20 page thread for info - maybe for events like this we should have a special place (first post or separate thread) for just timeline of events with planned and (updated) actual times of events,
plus summary of basic parameters. The current  'NSF resources' links on first post doesn't really provide a way to get to that sort of info quickly, although it's great for reading up on background if you have a few hours spare.

Of course it's easy for me to say that, I should really create such a table on my own web page but that ain't going to happen...

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tcommon on 05/25/2012 04:57 am
Since this is the party thread, anyone got any SpaceX party photos?

how about a video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KClHD28btQc
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 04:59 am
Whatever the time is I hope it's not zero dark thirty as I sneaked a peek at some Dragon fly under coverage around 5 AM Mountain and woke up a little bleary eyed at 7:35.  I'm gonna try to get to bed real soon and maybe get up in time to see the action without risking falling asleep at my cubicle later :)

ISS is flying over at 3:40 am Mountain but I doubt my body will let me get up for it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MadameConcorde on 05/25/2012 05:58 am
I am so busy with a different kind of party - the Formula 1 Grand Prix here in Monaco - so I haven't had time to follow the mission much at all.

Wonderful being so close to the cars.

Thank you all for the updates. Happy to see that the Space X are being successful with the capsule getting it to the ISS. Will check on the news again whenever I can.

Good luck to the Space X with the rest of the mission.

:-)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/25/2012 06:16 am
Dragon Lance should be a Sticky Boom ;)

:-)

Our arms could be twisted...

~Jon

That sounds more like Dragon Tongue.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 06:25 am
Since this is the party thread, anyone got any SpaceX party photos?

how about a video?

[snip]

You sure that wasn't Tony Stark's Xmas party?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/25/2012 06:41 am
The red dragon plush is missing from MCC. Only the purple one is there this morning.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 07:25 am
Nothing like getting up two hours ahead of when you think the coverage for FD4's starting, only to find it started an hour ago! :o

That's woken me up anyway! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/25/2012 07:33 am
Looks like there are at least two dragons in MCC Houston this morning, on the FD and ISE consoles...  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 07:42 am
I see cookies at MCC, they look good.  ;)

Edit: I just steeped outside and saw some cloud cover. I might have a chance to take a photo. :(

Edit2: Too much cloud cover, but I did see ISS for a few seconds, no Dragon visible to the naked eye.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/25/2012 07:44 am
Is there an MCC tradition of bringing in mascots and/or celebratory edibles? Can anyone explain the tradition of wearing red for integrated ops and where it came from? Thanks. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 08:15 am
Ever since I've started watching mission coverage, I've had to stop mocking fans of Cricket.

Only sport where the players can put on weight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 08:17 am
My 4 year old came down with stomach flu last night, so I was awake for the East coast sighting. Looked awesome...we are GO for DragonPuke!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 08:20 am
Ever since I've started watching mission coverage, I've had to stop mocking fans of Cricket.

Only sport where the players can put on weight.

What about Golf?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 08:22 am
What about Golf?

Can't take buggies on the fairway. :)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 08:25 am
If I'm hearing right: Someone forgot to move a camera yesterday, just got scolded by MC.

Can't take buggies on the fairway. :)


Ha, fair point.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 08:30 am
"Love" the way those ISS monitors display data. Green text on a black background just like the old phosphor tube screens, with high quality full-color video for the main image.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 08:36 am
I see the webcast is again on livestream.
http://new.livestream.com/spacex/Berthing

I'll help with this one, I'm getting more experienced with livestream.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 08:48 am
If it was D&D-ish, it'd be Gelatinous Cube rather than Merlin. ;)

TBH. are names from Greek mythology that much better? Atlas, Saturn, etc.

It's all Greek to me.


Saturn's a Roman god - the Greek equivalent is Cronus.

I'll get my coat ...

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 09:31 am
Please hold... your Dragon is important to us..
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: WulfTheSaxon on 05/25/2012 09:32 am
Quote from: Robotbeat link=topic=28920.msg903991#msg903991
Pyros, as reliable as they can be, are use-once devices that can never actually be tested non-destructively.

Elitzur–Vaidman pyro tester? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elitzur%E2%80%93Vaidman_bomb_tester)  >.>

xD
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 09:37 am
After getting two hours of sleep Thursday morning and working all day, I went to bed around 10-11 last night and set my alarm for 3:00 in hopes of catching a 4:00 pass.  Slept right through it.  I woke up at 4:45, so I should be caught up on sleep.  And it's foggy outside, so I'm not sure if I could have seen the ISS.  I definitely wouldn't have seen Dragon.

I took a vacation day today, so all systems go!

I'm watching NTV, and I can see some structure next to the strobe.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/25/2012 09:39 am
Nice shot of LA (Hawthorne) under Dragon just now.

Been awake all night work and work again tonight. Need to go to sleep. Hope I make it a few more minutes to sunlight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 09:40 am
I see the webcast is again on livestream.
http://new.livestream.com/spacex/Berthing

I'll help with this one, I'm getting more experienced with livestream.

Good stuff Chris, thanks!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 09:42 am
Dragon just came into the sunlight.  That was beautiful.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/25/2012 09:42 am
I really hope somebody's keeping a list of records and first for this flight.  So far, it seems pretty long to me...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/25/2012 09:44 am
Is it me or Dracos are firing very often? Is it ok? How fast does it drain fuel?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 09:46 am
Is it me or Dracos are firing very often? Is it ok? How fast does it drain fuel?

Don't know, but in the press conference Thursday morning they said that they used less fuel than expected for yesterday's maneuvers.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 09:55 am
this monitoring is thristy work, just opening bottle two for tonight, apple mead 10% ;D

edit,  Thread Monitoring I mean ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 10:01 am
Anyone ever tried to fly along the R-bar in Orbiter? Just thinking about it raises my blood pressure.. whoever did the GN&C on Dragon is a pro.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 10:03 am
Is it me or Dracos are firing very often? Is it ok? How fast does it drain fuel?

Don't know, but in the press conference Thursday morning they said that they used less fuel than expected for yesterday's maneuvers.

I believe it is needed to maintain position on the r-bar
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/25/2012 10:04 am
Dragon over Mars  ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/25/2012 10:07 am
Dragon over Mars  ::)

Amazing video quality at that distance!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/25/2012 10:12 am
Dragon over Mars  ::)

Amazing video quality at that distance!

Thought it was Venus with all the clouds in most of these shots.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 10:46 am
Suspense is killing me... I hate silence in the loop!

-iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 11:00 am
Suspense is killing me... I hate silence in the loop!

-iain

certainly not like the old days with Walter and the other commercial networks; nary a space between words ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 11:10 am
I'm excited to see the Dragon in daylight at 200m!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 11:11 am
Suspense is killing me... I hate silence in the loop!

-iain

certainly not like the old days with Walter and the other commercial networks; nary a space between words ;D

Ah yes.  Even when I was a little kid I wished the TV announcers would shut up and let me listen to the voice traffic.  It didn't matter that I didn't understand much of what they were talking about.  I knew I understood at least as much as the TV announcers.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 11:20 am
My just turned 2 year old just woke up and came downstairs where the NASA channel is on.  She pointed at dragon and called it a bird
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: LegendCJS on 05/25/2012 11:21 am
Moved this question here:

There seems to be quite a large difference in distance as measured by the Primary and Secondary distance indicators on the monitor view.  At one point I saw Primary at ~230m and the secondary at ~193m.  Also on the screen is text saying that the primary is LIDAR2.  Could this disagreement in distance be the thermal imagery problem that they are attempting to work with the "extra" stops at 200m and now 150m?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: LegendCJS on 05/25/2012 11:31 am
Moved this question here:

There seems to be quite a large difference in distance as measured by the Primary and Secondary distance indicators on the monitor view.  At one point I saw Primary at ~230m and the secondary at ~193m.  Also on the screen is text saying that the primary is LIDAR2.  Could this disagreement in distance be the thermal imagery problem that they are attempting to work with the "extra" stops at 200m and now 150m?

Looking over a few frames there seems to be about 13% difference on average between Primary and Secondary ranges.

Edit:  Assuming that this discrepancy in range is what is causing the abundance of caution we are now seeing, then I have enough data to start postulating the type of error causing the discrepancy.  The 13% difference error seems to be holding steady as the range closes.  I speculate that this points to a multiplicative factor in the range calculations, as opposed to some kind of offset in distance between the features that the LIDAR is ranging against vs the features the thermal images is ranging against.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/25/2012 11:36 am
Why is she flying backwards?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 11:39 am
Do you think the other companies are going to have to start being like spacex with webcasts, videos, twitter activity to try and draw the interest that spacex obviously is.  The awareness of this is a lot more than I would have expected and you have to assume that has o help them in the commercial crew contest.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 11:40 am
Do you think the other companies are going to have to start being like spacex with webcasts, videos, twitter activity to try and draw the interest that spacex obviously is.  The awareness of this is a lot more than I would have expected and you have to assume that has o help them in the commercial crew contest.

I'd say so. Orbital are wonderful, but not very "down with the kids" yet. I can imagine someone giving them a shove in that direction.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 11:41 am
Re: coverage... This is exactly why I think it's a crying shame there isn't going to be any kind of video (even recorded) of MSL landing on Mars. The GP won't care since there's nothing interesting to see.

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 11:42 am
Sounds like the thermal imaging guys aren't having as good a day as they had hoped.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 11:43 am
Going into 30m !!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 11:44 am
Sounds like the thermal imaging guys aren't having as good a day as they had hoped.
Thermal guys might be a feeling a little heat in the review meeting.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 11:46 am
Sounds like the thermal imaging guys aren't having as good a day as they had hoped.
Thermal guys might be a feeling a little heat in the review meeting.

Heh! But this a test. I'm sure they are just watching the data, as opposed to being a problem. Hasn't stopped them going to 30m for example.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 11:48 am
Sounds like the thermal imaging guys aren't having as good a day as they had hoped.
Thermal guys might be a feeling a little heat in the review meeting.

Heh! But this a test. I'm sure they are just watching the data, as opposed to being a problem. Hasn't stopped them going to 30m for example.
Sorry I couldn't resist the pun.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cdhutch on 05/25/2012 11:48 am
Does SpaceX have a webcast going?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 11:48 am
Could the thermal issue be the reason for dragon consistently being a capsule length out of position
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 11:48 am
So what happened to SpaceX's live coverage?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/25/2012 11:49 am
Sounds like the thermal imaging guys aren't having as good a day as they had hoped.
Thermal guys might be a feeling a little heat in the review meeting.

Heh! But this a test. I'm sure they are just watching the data, as opposed to being a problem. Hasn't stopped them going to 30m for example.

If there is a discrepency, I think it might be a calibration issue (i.e. wrong 'zero-point' data).  That something that you can fix on the ground in time for the next flight.  Additionally, if the error in the thermal ranges is known, then the crew on the ISS should be able to manually compensate.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 11:50 am
Does SpaceX have a webcast going?

I suspect they're waiting until they leave 30m?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 11:50 am
SpaceX live coverage started at 4:45am PST (they delayed 15 min due to extra holds). Nothing on the video except a logo so far.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 11:51 am
Doesn't sound very live to me.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 11:54 am
Doesn't sound very live to me.
Well the channel is streaming and there's a Mission clock counting so it's "live," there's just not much going on.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/25/2012 11:55 am
Nope, that's what the logo looks like RIGHT NOW.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 11:56 am
Could the thermal issue be the reason for dragon consistently being a capsule length out of position

I've been wondering about that.  Dragon has been consistently offset from the outline the whole time.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/25/2012 11:56 am
Sounds like the thermal imaging guys aren't having as good a day as they had hoped.
Thermal guys might be a feeling a little heat in the review meeting.

Heh! But this a test. I'm sure they are just watching the data, as opposed to being a problem. Hasn't stopped them going to 30m for example.

If there is a discrepency, I think it might be a calibration issue (i.e. wrong 'zero-point' data).  That something that you can fix on the ground in time for the next flight.  Additionally, if the error in the thermal ranges is known, then the crew on the ISS should be able to manually compensate.

Primary range about 110 meters; secondary about 100.

Maybe it's a technical limit on range calculation via the DragonEye's thermal imagers - over 100m it just doesn't work very well.

I dunno; probably will something that will eventually be explained to all you lucky chaps on L2!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 11:57 am
Remember, NASA TV's got what will scratch your itch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 11:58 am
Accuracy vs. precision, right? ;)

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 11:58 am
Since thjose "flying backward" comments every time I look at the video I hear the "beep beep beep" of a commercial truck (lorry) backing up in my head. Thanks, NSF community, for that  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 12:00 pm
Exciting stuff.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 12:00 pm
Since this is the party thread, anyone got any SpaceX party photos?

how about a video?

[snip]

You sure that wasn't Tony Stark's Xmas party?

Same thing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/25/2012 12:03 pm
Just a heads up to everyone - NASA are estimating grapple (that is the station's robot arm connecting with Dragon C2+) at 13:10GMT; that's about 67 minutes from now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 12:07 pm
The site's about as busy as it gets for a Shuttle docking! :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 12:10 pm
The site's about as busy as it gets for a Shuttle docking! :o

I have to admit that I never took a vacation day from work to watch a Shuttle docking.

Edit:  I certainly would have, if NSF.com had existed the first time it happened.  I probably won't do it after 10 years of Dragon dockings.

(Yes, I said dockings.  They won't be berthing 10 years from now.   :))
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 12:12 pm
The site's about as busy as it gets for a Shuttle docking! :o

I have to admit that I never took a vacation day from work to watch a Shuttle docking.

You just made Atlantis cry. Hope you're proud of yourself! ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 12:15 pm
The site's about as busy as it gets for a Shuttle docking! :o

I have to admit that I never took a vacation day from work to watch a Shuttle docking.


You just made Atlantis cry. Hope you're proud of yourself! ;)


I edited.   ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 12:15 pm
Now it's the LIDAR guys that are having all the "fun".  Seems like the word "nominal" is being elusive today.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:15 pm
Good morning everyone!

Go Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 12:20 pm
Well it's 6 o'clock and I'm awake.  At least I got some rest and didn't pull an all nighter like I did for STS-120 (solar array repair).  Or for STS-31 (HST launch) - I could not sleep AT ALL before that launch, back when I was in college. 

I got up just in time for the best parts of this flight day.  I think we've all been jonesing for some new spaceflight excitement ever since STS-135.  I know I have.  And I don't consider myself a "SpaceX amazing people" per se, I've been waiting to see if they could come through on at least some of their promises before getting excited about them.  They certainly are delivering on this flight so far!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:20 pm
30 meters- getting closer :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/25/2012 12:22 pm
30 meters- getting closer :)

Moving from 80m to 30m now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 12:22 pm
Sounds like some excitement from Don's voice.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:22 pm
Well it's 6 o'clock and I'm awake.  At least I got some rest and didn't pull an all nighter like I did for STS-120 (solar array repair).  Or for STS-31 (HST launch) - I could not sleep AT ALL before that launch, back when I was in college. 

I got up just in time for the best parts of this flight day.  I think we've all been jonesing for some new spaceflight excitement ever since STS-135.  I know I have.  And I don't consider myself a "SpaceX person" per se, I've been waiting to see if they could come through on at least some of their promises before getting excited about them.  They certainly are delivering on this flight so far!

I agree- I've been dying for some spaceflight excitement for a long time. And I don't care who delivers it ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:23 pm
30 meters- getting closer :)

Moving from 80m to 30m now.

Oops. My bad.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/25/2012 12:24 pm
Well it's 6 o'clock and I'm awake.  At least I got some rest and didn't pull an all nighter like I did for STS-120 (solar array repair).  Or for STS-31 (HST launch) - I could not sleep AT ALL before that launch, back when I was in college. 

I got up just in time for the best parts of this flight day.  I think we've all been jonesing for some new spaceflight excitement ever since STS-135.  I know I have.  And I don't consider myself a "SpaceX person" per se, I've been waiting to see if they could come through on at least some of their promises before getting excited about them.  They certainly are delivering on this flight so far!

I agree- I've been dying for some spaceflight excitement for a long time. And I don't care who delivers it ;)

What the heck was MSL?
Jeesh
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/25/2012 12:25 pm
Love the edit on Jim's post there.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Diagoras on 05/25/2012 12:26 pm
Poor Jim.   :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:27 pm
Well it's 6 o'clock and I'm awake.  At least I got some rest and didn't pull an all nighter like I did for STS-120 (solar array repair).  Or for STS-31 (HST launch) - I could not sleep AT ALL before that launch, back when I was in college. 

I got up just in time for the best parts of this flight day.  I think we've all been jonesing for some new spaceflight excitement ever since STS-135.  I know I have.  And I don't consider myself a "SpaceX person" per se, I've been waiting to see if they could come through on at least some of their promises before getting excited about them.  They certainly are delivering on this flight so far!

I agree- I've been dying for some spaceflight excitement for a long time. And I don't care who delivers it ;)

What the heck was MSL?
Jeesh

The launch was great but the real excitement won't begin until it lands and starts working.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tcommon on 05/25/2012 12:28 pm


I agree- I've been dying for some spaceflight excitement for a long time. And I don't care who delivers it ;)

What the heck was MSL?
Jeesh

The launch was great but the real excitement won't begin until it lands and starts working.

If it lands. My wife is very concerned that those cord thingies will get tangled.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 12:28 pm
I know I'll be on pins and needles August 6th.  We'll need a new party thread for that!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 12:30 pm
Dammit, what did I say earlier about LIDAR?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:30 pm
Well it's 6 o'clock and I'm awake.  At least I got some rest and didn't pull an all nighter like I did for STS-120 (solar array repair).  Or for STS-31 (HST launch) - I could not sleep AT ALL before that launch, back when I was in college. 

I got up just in time for the best parts of this flight day.  I think we've all been jonesing for some new spaceflight excitement ever since STS-135.  I know I have.  And I don't consider myself a "SpaceX person" per se, I've been waiting to see if they could come through on at least some of their promises before getting excited about them.  They certainly are delivering on this flight so far!

I agree- I've been dying for some spaceflight excitement for a long time. And I don't care who delivers it ;)

What the heck was MSL?
Jeesh

The launch was great but the real excitement won't begin until it lands and starts working.

If it lands. My wife is very concerned that those cord thingies will get tangled.

Although that is a real possibility I'm staying postive.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 12:30 pm
Quote from: Jim
What the heck was MSL?
Jeesh

Mars Science Laboratory
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 12:33 pm
Starting to get a little tense... c'mon Dragon, stay on target!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 12:35 pm
Starting to get a little tense... c'mon Dragon, stay on target!
Roger that, Porkins!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hodapp on 05/25/2012 12:35 pm
This is all really good stuff! 
Good comms & coordination b/w both MCC's, Dragon spacecraft really showing her flexibility!  Good workout so far, and very promising!

Godspeed Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:37 pm
Love the purple dragon on the console :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 12:38 pm
Small CNN segment on Dragon.
Checking with other news networks.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:40 pm
Small CNN segment on Dragon.
Checking with other news networks.

msnbc.com's Cosmic Log is following the story.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/25/2012 12:43 pm
Love the purple dragon on the console :)

I miss the big red one from yesterday. =)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 12:44 pm
I saw a thumbs up from a guy in the middle of second row to the guy who sat next to Elon at the launch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 12:44 pm
Anyone else a bit dissapointed with SpaceX not having a livestream yet with the website sill announcing that it will be starting ... over an hour ago. They could at least put up a notice.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bugfix on 05/25/2012 12:44 pm
Love the purple dragon on the console :)

I miss the big red one from yesterday. =)

He's been put back in training for the Mars flights.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:45 pm
Anyone else a bit dissapointed with SpaceX not having a livestream yet with the website sill announcing that it will be starting ... over an hour ago. They could at least put up a notice.

Well they've got a lot going on right now. I say we cut them some slack.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hungry4info3 on 05/25/2012 12:46 pm
Anyone else a bit dissapointed with SpaceX not having a livestream yet with the website sill announcing that it will be starting ... over an hour ago. They could at least put up a notice.
It says 8:45 AM ET. It's about that time now. Not sure what you mean by an hour ago.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 12:47 pm
It says 8:45 AM ET. It's about that time now. Not sure what you mean by an hour ago.
They've moved the time back a couple times. No big deal, they have stuff to do today.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 12:47 pm
What happened to the SpaceX webcast?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 12:50 pm
The webcast is on hold by the delays.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/25/2012 12:51 pm
Maybe this is a good thread to ask this...
Is there a real HD stream anywhere?  The only one I can find is just 400x226
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 12:51 pm
The silence on NTV is deafening.  The longer this hold extends the worse the pit of my stomach feels.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 12:52 pm
Seems the NASA TV iPad app is having some issues with the coverage cutting out and going to the Quicktime symbol, restarting didn't help.  I switched over to the main NASA app (which also has NASA TV as one of the options) and it's working okay after I rebooted my iPad.

The first quicktime error showed up about the time they were having the issues with LIDAR.  Keeping fingers crossed they can go all the way now that the video cast is back up for me. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 12:53 pm
Could it be this?
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/25/2012 12:53 pm
The silence on NTV is deafening.  The longer this hold extends the worse the pit of my stomach feels.

Ive been nervous since I woke up.  That's holding steady.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/25/2012 12:54 pm
Could it be this?
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html

Ah yeah, that looks better.  I guess I don't really need VLC as long as the playback looks good.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 12:54 pm
Anyone else a bit dissapointed with SpaceX not having a livestream yet with the website sill announcing that it will be starting ... over an hour ago. They could at least put up a notice.
It says 8:45 AM ET. It's about that time now. Not sure what you mean by an hour ago.

It says 7:30ET for me... still.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 12:56 pm
That Japanese tuner got too much bling for Dragon...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 12:56 pm
Hehe, putting blinders on the LIDAR.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 12:57 pm
Hehe, putting blinders on the LIDAR.

We are go for DragonSquint
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 12:59 pm
Could it be this?
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html

That is a great stream. Tremendous view of Dragon right now. Thanks for posting the link.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 01:01 pm
Could it be this?
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html

That is a great stream. Tremendous view of Dragon right now. Thanks for posting the link.

If you go to the ustream page http://www.ustream.tv/nasahdtv
then press "Pop out" it's even better.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:01 pm
the tension is killing me
Say something NASATV!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 01:04 pm
Could it be this?
http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/ustream.html

That is a great stream. Tremendous view of Dragon right now. Thanks for posting the link.

If you go to the ustream page http://www.ustream.tv/nasahdtv
then press "Pop out" it's even better.

Holy #$%^  you're right :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/25/2012 01:04 pm
Back in approach!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 01:05 pm
Did everyone just collectively let out a hige sigh of relief? :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 01:06 pm
Did everyone just collectively let out a hige sigh of relief? :)

Oh yeah.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 01:07 pm
I'd do anything for some HD hand-held footage looking out the Cupola right about now... Maybe later? With 6 folks on board you'd think someone's going to be shooting some footage for later.

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 01:09 pm
I'd do anything for some HD hand-held footage looking out the Cupola right about now... Maybe later? With 6 folks on board you'd think someone's going to be shooting some footage for later.

-Iain

They are, just not live.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason Davies on 05/25/2012 01:10 pm
I'd do anything for some HD hand-held footage looking out the Cupola right about now... Maybe later? With 6 folks on board you'd think someone's going to be shooting some footage for later.

-Iain

Might come via L2 too. 300mb or so of hi res photos from yesterday already in there.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:13 pm
GO DRAGON!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 01:14 pm
She looks rock solid. Nice up-close shot on NTV
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/25/2012 01:18 pm
It's kind of funny seeing Dragon that close and realizing that the Sticky Boom solution I'm currently working on might actually be able to grab it at this point (if it were fully-developed and qualified flight hardware on the station)...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/25/2012 01:21 pm
It's kind of funny seeing Dragon that close and realizing that the Sticky Boom solution I'm currently working on might actually be able to grab it at this point (if it were fully-developed and qualified flight hardware on the station)...

Can sticky boom generate enough torque on the spacecraft to orient it for berthing? I imagined the boom as somewhat flimsy.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: thomson on 05/25/2012 01:25 pm
What happens if the don't manage to get into 10m range and capture Dragon during a daytime? They will just wait for then next sunrise, right? There's 16 of them during every 24 hours, so we that would just be like 90 minutes delay?

Also, how much fuel Dragon consumes for maintaining the position and alignment? I assume not much. How long time does it have before propellant is depleted?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:26 pm
SpaceX launch control looked much sleeker than the NASA mission control.
Look at those paperwork cabinets behind them.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 01:27 pm
What happens if the don't manage to get into 10m range and capture Dragon during a daytime? They will just wait for then next sunrise, right? There's 16 of them during every 24 hours, so we that would just be like 90 minutes delay?

Also, how much fuel Dragon consumes for maintaining the position and alignment? I assume not much. How long time does it have before propellant is depleted?

I would imagine that the closer it's centre of mass is to the ISS' centre of mass, the less propellant it will use up in station keeping.

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 01:28 pm
Reach out and touch (Dragon):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNd4eocq2K0&ob=av3e
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 01:29 pm
What happens if the don't manage to get into 10m range and capture Dragon during a daytime? They will just wait for then next sunrise, right? There's 16 of them during every 24 hours, so we that would just be like 90 minutes delay?

Also, how much fuel Dragon consumes for maintaining the position and alignment? I assume not much. How long time does it have before propellant is depleted?

Misson Control said they do not want to try berthing a new vehicle in darkness so they will be doing it in sunlight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 01:29 pm
Really seems odd not to have live SpaceX feed by now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:30 pm
Reach out and touch (Dragon):

-removed video-
Hell yeah!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 01:30 pm
What happens if the don't manage to get into 10m range and capture Dragon during a daytime? They will just wait for then next sunrise, right? There's 16 of them during every 24 hours, so we that would just be like 90 minutes delay?

45 minute delay - half the orbit is in sunlight
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 01:31 pm
Steady, steady......
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 01:32 pm
I haven't watched anything spaceflight related here at work in a long time. My poor colleagues thought they were done listening to this kind of thing lol
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/25/2012 01:33 pm
It's kind of funny seeing Dragon that close and realizing that the Sticky Boom solution I'm currently working on might actually be able to grab it at this point (if it were fully-developed and qualified flight hardware on the station)...

Can sticky boom generate enough torque on the spacecraft to orient it for berthing? I imagined the boom as somewhat flimsy.

Honestly, I haven't run all the numbers, but I actually wouldn't be surprised if it could once you had pulled it back closer in. It's not a design case I'm seriously looking at though. More focused on stuff 100kg and below for now.

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 01:34 pm
Blast from the past

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWThDiAW8ng
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/25/2012 01:37 pm
This is looking good.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 01:38 pm
They're in the night now and lighting looks pretty good.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: RocketEconomist327 on 05/25/2012 01:40 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWtfE1GHNjg

This song just keeps playing in my mind...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 01:41 pm
Blast from the past


HA! Five seconds of "Eh?" Then "OH, I want to reach out and grab ya" :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 01:44 pm
Reaching out....touching me...touching you.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w-_Vtttrfc
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spaceStalker on 05/25/2012 01:45 pm
Why there is a baseball bat in NASA command center?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 01:46 pm
Feed this url into your browser and watch full size Nasa TV HD
http://static-cdn1.ustream.tv/swf/live/viewer:61.swf?cid=6540154&vrsl=c:206
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:47 pm
SpaceX feed live
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mike_1179 on 05/25/2012 01:49 pm
SpaceX feed live

Where?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/25/2012 01:49 pm
http://new.livestream.com/spacex/Berthing
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 01:49 pm
SpaceX feed live

Where?
http://www.spacex.com/webcast/ (http://www.spacex.com/webcast/)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 01:51 pm
SSRMS movement, GO GO GO!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:52 pm
Insane, look how steady it is.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 01:54 pm
Here we go...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 01:56 pm
Uh, can I get a HELL YEAH!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 01:56 pm
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

Dragon captured!!!!!!!!! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/25/2012 01:56 pm
Don joking that it's a sim.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/25/2012 01:57 pm
woo woo! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/25/2012 01:57 pm
And that's how that is done.

Congratulations to SpaceX and NASA.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 01:57 pm
WOO HOO!!!!!!!!  Capture!

Congrats!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 01:58 pm
I can breathe again... :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 01:58 pm
Bingo!

Congrats again SpaceX!

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 01:58 pm
YEAH!!!!

Don's resume: "captured a Dragon".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/25/2012 01:59 pm
Thanks to the Canadarm, too. ;)

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 01:59 pm
Don said “We got a Dragon by the tail”… ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/25/2012 02:00 pm
I'll give a cheer for that!
Awesome work. Nailbiting with all the holds and stuff, but they DID it!
A historical achievement!
Now, lets see inside the dragon and see the resupply chain of dragons arriving and the manned tests.
Whoo!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 02:00 pm
Thank you SpaceX!! it was well worth loosing a nights sleep!!  Well done Don, and both Mission Controls: Your Tops!!! You too Andre' ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: R.Simko on 05/25/2012 02:01 pm
Simply amazing job by both SpaceX and NASA, congratulations on the Dragon capture.  The mission has been a great success so far and best wishes for it's continuing success.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 02:02 pm
The cable TV networks did not cover the captured live. ???
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 02:02 pm
What can I say Elon, you’re making a believer of me…  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 02:03 pm
I guess the theme for this mission is night ops. Well done SpaceX, NASA!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: HarryM on 05/25/2012 02:03 pm
Awesome!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 02:03 pm
The cable TV networks did not cover the captured live. ???

To be fair, the estimated time kept changing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 02:04 pm
The cable TV networks did not cover the captured live. ???

Idiots.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 02:05 pm
The cable TV networks did not cover the captured live. ???

To be fair, the estimated time kept changing.

If they can break in with live coverage of some movie star's trial they can break in for something important like this >:(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: seawolfe on 05/25/2012 02:07 pm
Sure is a lot smaller than the HTV!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 02:07 pm
If they can break in with live coverage of some movie star's trial they can break in for something important like this >:(

That'll be the day.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 02:08 pm
The cable TV networks did not cover the captured live. ???

To be fair, the estimated time kept changing.

If they can break in with live coverage of some movie star's trial they can break in for something important like this >:(

I'm not disagreeing :) but they don't understand how important this is. They just see it as "another space thing" which they might try and cut to if it happens on schedule, but they're not going to follow the shift forward in the timeline.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 02:08 pm
I didn't comment on this thread during the capture because I was providing coverage on a different (non-space) forum.

Nobody seemed to notice.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/25/2012 02:08 pm
It was at least top news on CNN's site with a live stream going.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 02:08 pm
I guess the theme for this mission is night ops. Well done SpaceX, NASA!
That fits since Elon said SpaceX are the special forces of rocket scientists.
This far it looks like G.I Joe has nothing on them.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 02:09 pm
I don't watch cable news much anymore.  I count on the Web now and it's a lot better.

Anyway, good job and congratulations SpaceX!  Now the cargo gap is closing, the US can once again send cargo to ISS.  And we'll have downmass again too. 

Now I have to tear myself away from the coverage for my morning walk.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/25/2012 02:09 pm
Congrats to SpaceX for cutting 75 minutes off the capture time line.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 02:10 pm
Elon's notes for mission:
remember to congratulate entire team.
have talk with LIDAR department.
have talk with thermal imaging department.

 ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: reubenb on 05/25/2012 02:11 pm
Great capture

#Dragon top tag on twitter right now so that's something
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 02:12 pm
We've still got the actual berthing ahead....
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 02:13 pm
The SpaceX coverage was disappointing.  As far as I could tell, it was just the NASA TV feed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/25/2012 02:14 pm
They were busy making history ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/25/2012 02:16 pm
Looking at the inside of Dragon' CBM -- Golly! That Dragon has teeth! :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 02:17 pm
The SpaceX coverage was disappointing.  As far as I could tell, it was just the NASA TV feed.

Do you reckon they asked the onboard camera team for a feed and were told "little busy here"?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 02:18 pm
Second busiest event on the site ever. Not close to STS-135, but that's only right.

Servers: No problemo! (Thanks L2 members, who've paid for them and allowed everyone else on here have a site that's up and fast).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/25/2012 02:19 pm
Watched this from GSOC. By chance, there was a group of school children on the visitors bridge. I think they have no idea what historic event they have witnessed. They will probably get it when they see the news tonight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/25/2012 02:21 pm
Second busiest event on the site ever. Not close to STS-135, but that's only right.

Servers: No problemo! (Thanks L2 members, who've paid for them and allowed everyone else on here have a site that's up and fast).

Yup, servers stayed very responsive the whole time.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 02:27 pm
Excellent coverage NSF as usual! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 02:27 pm
I'm suddenly in the mood to watch 2001 again.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 02:30 pm
Ahh....I just can't pull myself away.  My walk will have to wait till I get home.  I'm still looking at NASA TV on the iPad like I have all morning. 

Clean interface on Dragon, good news.  I'll try to keep up as best I can from work...man I wish I could work at a job where I'd have something to cheer about like they did when they captured!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 02:31 pm
Thanks Chris B. we appreciate all the hard work you guys do in the background;
   just want to thank Ron and the posters over at the live updates thread; it was great, very quick and awesome; such a surprise the video capture of the grapple showing up within what seemed like seconds  :o surprised the heck out of me :o

Cheers

From a very grateful Gramps  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/25/2012 02:31 pm
Nicely done, SpaceX, NASA, and NSF.  This isn't easy stuff and the delays are understandable, however they'll quickly be forgotten with continued successes like this!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 02:32 pm
Excellent coverage NSF as usual! ;D

Seconded! NTV on one screen, NSF on the other, I'm happy :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bubbinski on 05/25/2012 02:34 pm
Agreed - great coverage here, good work Chris B, Ronsmythe, et al!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 02:34 pm
Excellent coverage NSF as usual! ;D

Seconded! NTV on one screen, NSF on the other, I'm happy :)
+1
Also glad the servers handled the (edited, as people didn't realize you were joking! Chris :D)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 02:35 pm
Thanks! Although it's just a case of being sat one's backside typing about spaceships. ;D

(And Ron and Philip have done the majority of the coverage, by far, today).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AS-503 on 05/25/2012 02:35 pm
T-Shirts and Chuck Taylors in mission control and still able to fly to the Space Station! ;)

Go party thread!

Go SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 02:43 pm
Thanks! Although it's just a case of being sat one's backside typing about spaceships. ;D

(And Ron and Philip have done the majority of the coverage, by far, today).

It was top notch though guys, reminiscent of the shuttle days.

Thanks!! (As I can no longer allowed to access feeds at work)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 02:46 pm
Tweet from Mr Hale ;)

Wayne Hale ‏@waynehale

Hearty congratulations to the SpaceX team on the historic Dragon mission to the ISS! Nothing in space us easy, you earned our respect today
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 02:46 pm
Just wanted to add my thanks to ChrisB & everyone at NSF. You folks do a great job and it is much appreciated!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 02:46 pm
Can we start calling it "the plucky little Dragon" yet?  'Cause I want to.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 02:47 pm
Yes, many many thanks to Chris and the rest of the NSF contributors. Great coverage, great information, great conversations.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/25/2012 02:48 pm
Can we start calling it "the plucky little Dragon" yet?  'Cause I want to.

You're not allowed to call it: "The Little Spaceship that Could".  Copyright issues. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JohnFornaro on 05/25/2012 02:50 pm
Nicely done, SpaceX, NASA, and NSF.  This isn't easy stuff and the delays are understandable, however they'll quickly be forgotten with continued successes like this!

+1
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/25/2012 02:54 pm
Buying Xcor swag.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/25/2012 02:55 pm
Indicator that I've been obsessing about this too long: I just asked my wife if she was "go" for tea.

She didn't bat an eye, though. She's a good woman.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 03:00 pm
Indicator that I've been obsessing about this too long: I just asked my wife if she was "go" for tea.

She didn't bat an eye, though. She's a good woman.


Hahahaha that is funny :)

It is great when our loved ones "get" our obsessions isn't it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/25/2012 03:01 pm
Images of Dragon coming in are awesome  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 03:03 pm
I noticed that the open GNU door overlaps the side hatch.  Looking forward to the crewed Dragon, if they need to perform a spacewalk, it looks like they would have to go out through the top hatch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: watermod on 05/25/2012 03:03 pm
One word:  "Woot!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 03:04 pm
Dammit, they cut the audio.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 03:12 pm
So after this mission is over, what's the next big priority? Musk said in that post-launch press conference that he was going to be focused on the Grasshopper testing. But is it reasonable to assume that proving the LAS would be the main priority?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/25/2012 03:12 pm
Summarizing the past minute-or-so discussuion between Don and MCC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p85xwZ_OLX0
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 03:13 pm
I don't remember any mention of grasshopper at the post launch presser.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 03:13 pm
NASA.gov doing some happy clapping.

NASA ‏@NASA
Why is #Dragon trending? @SpaceX became 1st private company to reach #ISS. A new era for U.S. & commercial space!

Unfortunately, it didn't trend worldwide or US when I was looking :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 03:13 pm
This was up during the last few seconds of the SpaceX webcast, I wish we could see this live during the mission, in better resolution.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 03:14 pm
Come on Dragon… take a “bite” on the station... ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 03:19 pm
So after this mission is over, what's the next big priority? Musk said in that post-launch press conference that he was going to be focused on the Grasshopper testing. But is it reasonable to assume that proving the LAS would be the main priority?

In the grand scheme of things it would be a Cygnus launch, but that's for another thread...  :)

For SpaceX, CRS-1. Take the gloves off and make it routine. That also helps for their paying customers in the satellite market (higher confidence).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 03:21 pm
Can someomne post the link for the SPaceX webcast? I can't see it from their website.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DavidH on 05/25/2012 03:22 pm
Indicator that I've been obsessing about this too long: I just asked my wife if she was "go" for tea.

She didn't bat an eye, though. She's a good woman.


I know it's too FB-like for this site, but some posts make me want a "thumbs-up" or "like" button.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/25/2012 03:23 pm
Can someomne post the link for the SPaceX webcast? I can't see it from their website.

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/Berthing
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 03:25 pm
Note that Spacex webcast is no longer live.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 03:26 pm
Can someomne post the link for the SPaceX webcast? I can't see it from their website.

http://new.livestream.com/spacex/Berthing


Thanks! Oops - I was trying Ustream instead... :-[

Sojourner - yeah, oh well. Will remember for next time.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 03:27 pm
NASA is live though:
http://www.ustream.tv/nasahdtv
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/25/2012 03:36 pm
Excellent coverage as usual Chris & team :)

Dragon made the top of the page on the science journal Nature's site....

http://blogs.nature.com/news/2012/05/iss-catch-of-the-day-dragon.html
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 03:40 pm
So after this mission is over, what's the next big priority? Musk said in that post-launch press conference that he was going to be focused on the Grasshopper testing. But is it reasonable to assume that proving the LAS would be the main priority?

In the grand scheme of things it would be a Cygnus launch, but that's for another thread...  :)

For SpaceX, CRS-1. Take the gloves off and make it routine. That also helps for their paying customers in the satellite market (higher confidence).

And what about FalconHeavy? That would probably excite the market the most, since it can send heavier satellites, as well as more satellites at once.

Has anybody seen this long talk by Gwynne Shotwell? She says that FalconHeavy will first fly around Q2/Q3 of next year:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjutZLmKchs
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kch on 05/25/2012 03:42 pm
NASA is live though:
http://www.ustream.tv/nasahdtv

If you're one of the "low-bandwidth people" (like me ;) ), this may work better for you:

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-mobile
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 03:53 pm
Nominal first stage capture complete, YES!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/25/2012 03:56 pm
Beautiful!!! Congrats, SpaceX & NASA!

And I guess the trunk was white after all.  ;D (sorry, couldn't resist)

Dragon is looking shiny and new - even after most of it being exposed during the ascent. It's white look is an interesting contrast to the more reflective ISS.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 03:56 pm
Go Dragon...it's your Berthday!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kch on 05/25/2012 03:58 pm
... and we have a Berth-Day Party!

"Happy Berth-Day to you,
 Happy Berth-Day to you,
 Happy Berth-Day, dear Dragon,
 Happy Berth-Day to you!"

;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/25/2012 03:59 pm
Well done SpaceX!!!!!!!!!!!!  Nice to see it is no longer just a computer animation!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hodapp on 05/25/2012 03:59 pm
Way to go SpaceX & NASA!!!
Happy Berthday, Dragon!!!

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 04:01 pm
The spacex webcast was really a disappointment. Seemed like a complete after thought. They did he bare minimum
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/25/2012 04:01 pm
The moment we've all been waiting for  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: stockman on 05/25/2012 04:03 pm
The spacex webcast was really a disappointment. Seemed like a complete after thought. They did he bare minimum

They were only rebroadcasting the NASA feed anyway - I am sure they had one or two more important things to focus on this morning...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 04:04 pm
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/25/2012 04:04 pm
2nd satge capture complete!!

They did it!!!!!!!

YAY!!!!!!

Way to go SpaceX
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 04:05 pm
Can someone repeat the total elapsed mission time figure?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 04:05 pm
Feather? check.
Hat? check.

Excellent job SpaceX!  Now let's see 12 more just like it!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 04:06 pm
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: bolun on 05/25/2012 04:06 pm
Berthed! Well done Dragon!

Congratulations SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/25/2012 04:06 pm
That's it!   Crazy.

Congrats to SpaceX,  NASA and Canada...again!   And great coverage NSF.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 04:06 pm
The spacex webcast was really a disappointment. Seemed like a complete after thought. They did he bare minimum

They were only rebroadcasting the NASA feed anyway - I am sure they had one or two more important things to focus on this morning...

they did a wonderful job for the launch so you can't say they were busy.  They could have done something similar to the launch with minimal effort.  They barely had their webcast up before taking it down.  They didn't even bother to takeover it up till flyer berthing
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/25/2012 04:08 pm
Now we should force Elon to make account on NSF ;)

Very nice day - new job, Dragon berthed!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jimvela on 05/25/2012 04:08 pm
They caught a dragon by the tail, and to the ISS they hooked it…

Happy berth-day, dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lurker Steve on 05/25/2012 04:08 pm
NASA.gov doing some happy clapping.

NASA ‏@NASA
Why is #Dragon trending? @SpaceX became 1st private company to reach #ISS. A new era for U.S. & commercial space!

Unfortunately, it didn't trend worldwide or US when I was looking :(

Most of the MSM media reported that the Dragon had "Docked" when it was  just captured by the SSRMS. That even came from a headline / report from a guy @ the Orlando Sentinel, whom I assume should know better. I can forgive the MSM for the Docking / Berthing confusion, but at least wait until the CBM hatches are adjacent to each other.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mduncan36 on 05/25/2012 04:10 pm
While this is certainly a happy occasion I'm not going to get too excited until Dragon is on the barge. I never honestly expected to get this far this fast without an F9 launch failure, Dragon sw problem, etc. I'm really beginning to believe that Spacex is indeed not only "the real thing" but may be holding more cards than we can see.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 04:10 pm
Congratulations, SpaceX!  It was definitely worth using a vacation day for this.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 04:10 pm
I bet you even that guy with the folded arms from the launch video is jumping happy.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Garrett on 05/25/2012 04:10 pm
Congrats to the SpaceX team, especially their two great leaders, Elon and Gwynne!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: flymetothemoon on 05/25/2012 04:11 pm
wow. wow. wow...

Massive congratulations to all  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 04:14 pm
Can someone repeat the total elapsed mission time figure?
3 days 8 hours and 18 minutes
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 04:16 pm
Most of the MSM media reported that the Dragon had "Docked" when it was  just captured by the SSRMS. That even came from a headline / report from a guy @ the Orlando Sentinel, whom I assume should know better. I can forgive the MSM for the Docking / Berthing confusion, but at least wait until the CBM hatches are adjacent to each other.

I've been a member here for awhile, and I didn't understand the difference between "docking" and "berthing" until very recently.  It isn't reasonable to expect the media and general public to know it, since the term "docking" has been in widespread use since the 1960s.  That's the term the vast majority of people understand.

Heck, I'd be happy to find people who have even heard of Dragon.  So far I'm not doing too well.  Most people I mention it to have no idea what I'm talking about.   :-\
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oldAtlas_Eguy on 05/25/2012 04:17 pm
Orbital now has a lot of pressure to do the same.

Congratulations to the SpaceX and NASA teams.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 04:18 pm
Does anybody else think that CAPCOM guy looks a bit like Bill Gates?  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 04:20 pm
Now we have to wait 3+ years for SpaceX's next similar first: Dragonrider's first docking. ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 04:22 pm
But how long until the 1st manned Dragon flight?

If you watch that long talk by Gwynne that I posted, she says that SpaceX personnel will be on the first manned flight, and not NASA people.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/25/2012 04:24 pm
Just for fun, the original simulation Elon posted way back in 2006 (right after being awarded COTS):

www.spacex.com/Dragon_ISS_Rendezvous.mpg

There have been some changes, but not too much...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 04:24 pm
Houston, ISS: “We’ve been bitten by a Dragon”… ;D
(Parody)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 04:26 pm
Now we have to wait 3+ years for SpaceX's next similar first: Dragonrider's first docking. ;D
I think there will be plenty of high interest firsts before Dragon Rider Docking. FH, Grasshopper hops, LAS tests etc not the same as docking but very exciting stuff.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 04:27 pm
Now we have to wait 3+ years for SpaceX's next similar first: Dragonrider's first docking. ;D

They could have propulsive landing for the dragon before then which would be a pretty cool first. I'm sure grasshopper will set some records too :D. Falcon Heavy would set records for # of engines as well.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/25/2012 04:29 pm
Falcon Heavy would set records for # of engines as well.

For a successful rocket... (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N1_%28rocket%29)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 04:29 pm
Well done to those keeping the party in here.

If you want to post a congrat note on what will be a historically referenced thread, go at it! ;D
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28970.msg905131#msg905131
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 04:43 pm
What time for briefing?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 04:44 pm
What time for briefing?

In 15 min, I think
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robert_d on 05/25/2012 04:45 pm
It's good to be the Musk!

Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/25/2012 04:49 pm
It's good to be the Musk!

Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

Crs1

Cots1 was the last launch
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/25/2012 04:51 pm
Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

The current schedule, AFAIK, is something like this:

Sept 2012 - CRS-1 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Dec 2012 - CRS-2 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Mar 2013 - MDA Cassiope Earth resources sat - VAFB
Mar 2013 - CRS-3 (SpcX) - CCAFS
circa 4Q FY2013 - Falcon Heavy test flight

The long gap up to CRS-1 will enable SpaceX to action any fixes needed after this flight (LIDAR reliability? Possible thrust issue? Synchro problem between LIDAR and FLIR ranging sensors?).  It is also a period when lots of other stuff is happening around the ISS that, combined with an unfavorable Solar Beta angle, rules out the mission during that time.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/25/2012 05:01 pm
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/25/2012 05:02 pm
Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

The current schedule, AFAIK, is something like this:

Sept 2012 - CRS-1 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Dec 2012 - CRS-2 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Mar 2013 - MDA Cassiope Earth resources sat - VAFB
Mar 2013 - CRS-3 (SpcX) - CCAFS
circa 4Q FY2013 - Falcon Heavy test flight

The long gap up to CRS-1 will enable SpaceX to action any fixes needed after this flight (LIDAR reliability? Possible thrust issue? Synchro problem between LIDAR and FLIR ranging sensors?).  It is also a period when lots of other stuff is happening around the ISS that, combined with an unfavorable Solar Beta angle, rules out the mission during that time.

So many launches! Woot! Can't wait - will be really awesome when a SpaceX launch becomes routine.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 05:03 pm
thrust issue? I thought they had more propellant left than expected.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/25/2012 05:03 pm
Via @absolutspacegirl (http://twitter.com/absolutspacegrl/status/206038401873485825)


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/25/2012 05:05 pm
thrust issue? I thought they had more propellant left than expected.
I think from an article in avationweek they had a signal that one thruster said for a few seconds that it was offline or failed.

Not LOM - neither where ATV or HTV problems, since docking/berthing was succesfull - but problems nonetheless. You want to understand problems like that and fix them, then retest - and that takes time and effort.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 05:13 pm
Via @absolutspacegirl (http://twitter.com/absolutspacegrl/status/206038401873485825)



EPIC WIN
send it to SpaceX offices!

P.S
I just love how Elon and SpaceX seem so "real".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/25/2012 05:22 pm
Very happy people at the presser.   NASA rep seemed close to crying.   Elon as happy as Ive ever seen him.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 05:30 pm
"Dragon has these things called 'Lasers...'"

And suddenly he sounds like a supervillain again.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/25/2012 05:33 pm
Via @absolutspacegrl (http://twitter.com/absolutspacegrl/status/206038401873485825)

It's "absolutspacegrl" (corrected); I tracked her down and retweeted.  She baked two awesome cakes, let's make her famous  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rst on 05/25/2012 05:34 pm
Would be interesting to hear what Couluris has to say about the lidar glitches... but I could understand if he's a little drained right at the moment!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 05:35 pm
Via @absolutspacegirl (http://twitter.com/absolutspacegrl/status/206038401873485825)




That is terrific :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 05:36 pm
Needless to say I haven't gotten much accomplished today but it is a wonderful day anyway :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 05/25/2012 05:37 pm


Elon ROCKS!  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/25/2012 05:37 pm
"We banned alcohol on the premises." - Elon Musk
lol :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: hyper_snyper on 05/25/2012 05:37 pm
Congrats to SpaceX.  Now the real challenge has arrived...  Doing it over and over again routinely. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/25/2012 05:38 pm
I was in a meeting for the beginning of the presser; this is definitely going to be worth watching in full.  Any ideas where the video is gonna show up soonest?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/25/2012 05:40 pm
Hear that everyone? We are getting champagne!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 05:44 pm
Elon Musk looks and sounds like a man who has had a huge burden lifted from his shoulders.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 05:46 pm
Hear that everyone? We are getting champagne!

Does ChrisB know about this? ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 05:48 pm
Elon explaining berthing  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 05:48 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 05:56 pm
Haha, the wheel of cheese is wrapped in Lucite  ;D
Next best thing to carbonite, huh?

Hope it won't decompose too badly in there

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rabar10 on 05/25/2012 05:59 pm
Did anyone get a screen-grab of the Dr. Evil "Lasers" in air-quotes?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/25/2012 06:02 pm
So what is the secret payload awaiting the ISS crew on this one? The cheese is still in Hawthorne so it must be something else...

Any guesses?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 06:03 pm
Haha, the wheel of cheese is wrapped in Lucite  ;D
Next best thing to carbonite, huh?

Hope it won't decompose too badly in there



What is the story behind all this talk of cheese???
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 06:04 pm
Haha, is this becoming like the traditional Easter Egg at the end of Marvel movies - every mission has a secret payload?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/25/2012 06:06 pm
Thank you for the great adventure everybody.

GO DRAGON!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/25/2012 06:06 pm
So what is the secret payload awaiting the ISS crew on this one? The cheese is still in Hawthorne so it must be something else...

Any guesses?
One frakked off cat.
"Houston, this is ISS, we having hissing noises from Dragon"
"Roger that, we confirm no pressure leak"
"Not that kind of hissing Houston" :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Political Hack Wannabe on 05/25/2012 06:06 pm
Haha, the wheel of cheese is wrapped in Lucite  ;D
Next best thing to carbonite, huh?

Hope it won't decompose too badly in there



What is the story behind all this talk of cheese???

On the first COTS 1 mission, they had included a wheel of cheese.  (Its some sort of Monty Python joke I believe)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 06:07 pm
Haha, the wheel of cheese is wrapped in Lucite  ;D
Next best thing to carbonite, huh?

Hope it won't decompose too badly in there



What is the story behind all this talk of cheese???

Well, the first flight of Dragon had a secret payload onboard - a wheel of cheese, which was an homage to the famous Cheese Shop sketch from Monty Python.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB8pbUW5n1g
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 06:12 pm
Haha, the wheel of cheese is wrapped in Lucite  ;D
Next best thing to carbonite, huh?

Hope it won't decompose too badly in there



What is the story behind all this talk of cheese???

Well, the first flight of Dragon had a secret payload onboard - a wheel of cheese, which was an homage to the famous Cheese Shop sketch from Monty Python.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB8pbUW5n1g

Awesome!!! I'm a huge Python fan myself
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/25/2012 06:12 pm
Quote
Ben Brockert ‏@wikkit

The International Space Station is now in the part of the map marked "Here be Dragons". http://twitpic.com/9p3dds
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Airlock on 05/25/2012 06:18 pm
Did anyone get a screen-grab of the Dr. Evil "Lasers" in air-quotes?

It's replaying on NASA tv right now if you want to go for it, you'll get another pass in about 15 minutes or so...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/25/2012 06:20 pm
So what is the secret payload awaiting the ISS crew on this one? The cheese is still in Hawthorne so it must be something else...

Any guesses?
These guys. Not a guess. Fact.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MezkEiS-6jA
"When they came to let us in... Ze didn't know what was in store!!!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 06:21 pm
Quote
Ben Brockert ‏@wikkit

The International Space Station is now in the part of the map marked "Here be Dragons". http://twitpic.com/9p3dds

And here is something for SpaceX's competition courtesy of a t-shirt I saw in a catalog:

"Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy & taste good with ketchup"   ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 06:23 pm
Wut-up…. No Charlie ???

Oh, wait... saving it for the splashdown... ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jabe on 05/25/2012 06:24 pm
has anyone posted the clip of him saying "they have lasers" on the dragon on youtube yet? ;)
jb
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/25/2012 06:30 pm
Is the presser up online anywhere yet?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rabar10 on 05/25/2012 06:34 pm
Is the presser up online anywhere yet?

from the live updates thread, top link:

SpaceX/Dragon Mission Status Briefing - May 25
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7605

SpaceX/Dragon ISS Grapple
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7603

SpaceX/Dragon ISS Berthing
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7604
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: grr on 05/25/2012 06:35 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Note that China likely could go except that USA will not allow it.
While I back blocking them, I think that you can not ignore their capabilities.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 06:35 pm
I like how he finessed the "humanity on Mars" question, which makes him sound like too much of a starry-eyed dreamer in front of the staid NASA types. Much better for him to frame his answer in terms of the advancement of space technology and access to space.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 05/25/2012 06:37 pm
So what is the secret payload awaiting the ISS crew on this one? The cheese is still in Hawthorne so it must be something else...

Any guesses?

well, what do dragons do when they mate ;)



lay eggs of course ;D

now it isn't likely to be the first picture, but perhaps some chocolate dragon's eggs  :D

just a wild guess
Gramps
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/25/2012 06:39 pm
Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

The current schedule, AFAIK, is something like this:

Sept 2012 - CRS-1 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Dec 2012 - CRS-2 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Mar 2013 - MDA Cassiope Earth resources sat - VAFB
Mar 2013 - CRS-3 (SpcX) - CCAFS
circa 4Q FY2013 - Falcon Heavy test flight

The long gap up to CRS-1 will enable SpaceX to action any fixes needed after this flight (LIDAR reliability? Possible thrust issue? Synchro problem between LIDAR and FLIR ranging sensors?).  It is also a period when lots of other stuff is happening around the ISS that, combined with an unfavorable Solar Beta angle, rules out the mission during that time.


Issue of lidar was simply bad laser calibration as far as I know right now. Was resolved by simply changing the calibration, so that may not be an issue.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rabar10 on 05/25/2012 06:43 pm
Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."

(edit: added the requisite Dr. Evil pic, for reference  ;D)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rst on 05/25/2012 06:44 pm
Quote from: FinalFrontier link=topic=28920.msg905331#msg905331
Issue of lidar was simply bad laser calibration as far as I know right now. Was resolved by simply changing the calibration, so that may not be an issue.

One of two LIDAR units was effectively disabled at the grapple point; if the other had flaked, the Dragon itself would have done an automatic abort.  Which doesn't sound to me like the problems were completely resolved.  I expect they'll want to do better the next time...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/25/2012 06:45 pm
Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."


Epic!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jabe on 05/25/2012 06:47 pm
Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."

at what time in the presser is that? can't find it at the present :)
jb
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/25/2012 06:47 pm
Quote from: FinalFrontier link=topic=28920.msg905331#msg905331
Issue of lidar was simply bad laser calibration as far as I know right now. Was resolved by simply changing the calibration, so that may not be an issue.

One of two LIDAR units was effectively disabled at the grapple point; if the other had flaked, the Dragon itself would have done an automatic abort.  Which doesn't sound to me like the problems were completely resolved.  I expect they'll want to do better the next time...
I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/25/2012 06:53 pm
Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."

(edit: added the requisite Dr. Evil pic, for reference  ;D)
My favorite party post so far  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: b ramsey on 05/25/2012 06:57 pm
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=28970.0;attach=411784

Luke  Leia  and Han
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cambrianera on 05/25/2012 07:04 pm
Nine years ago, when Spaceship One was on his way for history, the toy rocket of this man got me puzzled...

Now I must say you are the one, mr. Musk
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rabar10 on 05/25/2012 07:14 pm
Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."

at what time in the presser is that? can't find it at the present :)
jb

@24:30 of the MP4 downloaded from here:

SpaceX/Dragon Mission Status Briefing - May 25
http://www.space-multimedia.nl.eu.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7605
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/25/2012 07:32 pm
Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."

(edit: added the requisite Dr. Evil pic, for reference  ;D)

Wow, even the background looks similar!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MKremer on 05/25/2012 07:44 pm
I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

I don't think anyone said anything about one being bad or non-usable. It's more a working out any fine tuning via focusing and s/w tweaks so both will work with changing lighting and reflections off the station on approach.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AnimatorRob on 05/25/2012 07:45 pm
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rst on 05/25/2012 07:47 pm
I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

They've demonstrated some capability along those lines, in narrowing the LIDAR units' field of view to avoid the false returns they were getting from parts of the station structure.  But even assuming NASA's not worried about an undocked Dragon still hanging around at close range doing sensor tests, they'd still need propellant to manage the stationkeeping, and after all the maneuvering today, they might be running a bit low...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/25/2012 07:57 pm
I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

I don't think anyone said anything about one being bad or non-usable. It's more a working out any fine tuning via focusing and s/w tweaks so both will work with changing lighting and reflections off the station on approach.

Yes, that was my thinking.


I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

They've demonstrated some capability along those lines, in narrowing the LIDAR units' field of view to avoid the false returns they were getting from parts of the station structure.  But even assuming NASA's not worried about an undocked Dragon still hanging around at close range doing sensor tests, they'd still need propellant to manage the stationkeeping, and after all the maneuvering today, they might be running a bit low...

I was thinking it wouldn't stop in order to do any tests, just look at ISS as it departs to see if the tweak works.

Probably not really necessary.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 08:09 pm
I am not surprised that SpaceX berthed today, but I am surprised at the general smoothness with the operation.  With the exception of the LIDAR tweak, there has been very little bad news regarding this mission... that means either we don't know the full story, or this is a very successful mission.  I mean... wow.  Way to hit a home run here.   ;D 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/25/2012 08:35 pm
LIDAR - the Dragon sees in the dark by firing lasers.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rst on 05/25/2012 08:56 pm
I don't think anyone said anything about one being bad or non-usable. It's more a working out any fine tuning via focusing and s/w tweaks so both will work with changing lighting and reflections off the station on approach.


You might want to check out the discussion in the post-berthing press conference, starting at about 19:30, and going about four minutes, with a description of the state at the grapple point towards the end of that...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: TOG on 05/25/2012 09:45 pm
Soooo, they launched in the dark, were captured by the ISS in the dark, and berthed during a ku blackout...

I don't know what they were embarrissed about, they actually did a fine job!

Oh, and Musk one ups Dr Evil - instead of sharks with lasers,  DRAGONS with lasers!  Is that cool or what?!?!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space Pete on 05/25/2012 10:56 pm
Well, from one former Shuttle hugger, thank you SpaceX for giving me back some of the magic.

I never doubted you, but today I was awed by you. Your professionalism, dedication and passion rivals that of the old Shuttle teams.

This could be the start of something big.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/25/2012 11:02 pm
Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in jail has so much more public interest.  ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 11:04 pm
Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in gaol has so much more public interest.  ::)

Check American websites.  I haven't seen it as headlines at ALL over here.  I've seen it in science/technology sections, but that's it.  Apparently our media can't take a break from celebrity gossip and partisan politics to report on a story of national significance.   ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space Pete on 05/25/2012 11:04 pm
Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in gaol has so much more public interest.  ::)

At one point earlier today, two of the three main headlines on the BBC news website were space stories (SpaceX and SKA) - very very good for mainstream media.

Sad though that it didn't last long.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/25/2012 11:07 pm
Check American websites.  I haven't seen it as headlines at ALL over here.  I've seen it in science/technology sections, but that's it.  Apparently our media can't take a break from celebrity gossip and partisan politics to report on a story of national significance.   ::)
Hmm, it seems to be the very top story in pride of place on http://CNN.com at the moment
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 11:13 pm

Hmm, it seems to be the very top story in pride of place on http://CNN.com at the moment

Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/25/2012 11:14 pm
Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-
Wat.  :o  I think the USA may have issues.  :-\
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/25/2012 11:16 pm
Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-
Wat.  :o  I think the USA may have issues.  :-\

I believe you are right on that one.   ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/25/2012 11:22 pm
I didn't see this posted anywhere, so...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqdEKLitC8
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/25/2012 11:32 pm
Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in jail has so much more public interest.  ::)

Not even top 10. BBC Space stories usually always get into the top 10. Don't get it, really I don't!

Won't stand a chance tomorrow either with the England game and Roy "I can't speak properly" Hodgson's first game in charge! :D

Today's article's on 72,000 anyway, and the related thread is on 120,000, so there's obviously interest.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 05/25/2012 11:35 pm
An idea for toasting Dragon tonight if you're not a champagne drinker:
http://www.food.com/recipe/white-dragon-254950 (http://www.food.com/recipe/white-dragon-254950)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/25/2012 11:35 pm
Well, from one former Shuttle hugger, thank you SpaceX for giving me back some of the magic.

I never doubted you, but today I was awed by you. Your professionalism, dedication and passion rivals that of the old Shuttle teams.

This could be the start of something big.

Felt the same way today pete thanks for putting it into words  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/25/2012 11:37 pm
An idea for toasting Dragon tonight if you're not a champagne drinker:
http://www.food.com/recipe/white-dragon-254950 (http://www.food.com/recipe/white-dragon-254950)

Nope. I'll stick with the bubbly stuff :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/25/2012 11:51 pm
I didn't see this posted anywhere, so...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqdEKLitC8

Thanks - this video is worth analyzing - perhaps not in the party thread.
Shows some various tidbits of information. They use VLC as streaming program on their big screen.
Shows a software representation of the CCP used on the ISS.
Around 1 minute in the video, you can see naming conventions for the thrusters in the dragon, for example D4T1 trough D4T4 for 4 thrusters in a cluster.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/26/2012 12:01 am
I just spent a few minutes looking through the major American news sites.  I only looked at their front pages that display when I go to their sites, without scrolling or searching.

NBC News:  nothing
ABC News:  text link towards the bottom
CBS News:  nothing
CNN:  text link on left sidebar
Fox News:  nothing
Drudge Report:  photo in right column, pretty noticeable
New York Times:  nothing
Washington Post:  nothing
Los Angeles Times:  text link towards the bottom
Wall Street Journal:  Now that's more like it.  A prominent photo of Dragon front and center.

I'm afraid everybody who cares about it is here.   :-[
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 12:04 am

Thanks - this video is worth analyzing - perhaps not in the party thread.
Shows some various tidbits of information. They use VLC as streaming program on their big screen.
Shows a software representation of the CCP used on the ISS.
Around 1 minute in the video, you can see naming conventions for the thrusters in the dragon, for example D4T1 trough D4T4 for 4 thrusters in a cluster.

Haha, yeah, I noticed they were using VLC player too   :D

So, freeware is acceptable for space-based mission-critical software, huh?

Looking forward to seeing a SpaceX-branded flavor of Linux  ;)
How about MySQL too?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/26/2012 12:05 am

Thanks - this video is worth analyzing - perhaps not in the party thread.
Shows some various tidbits of information. They use VLC as streaming program on their big screen.
Shows a software representation of the CCP used on the ISS.
Around 1 minute in the video, you can see naming conventions for the thrusters in the dragon, for example D4T1 trough D4T4 for 4 thrusters in a cluster.

Haha, yeah, I noticed they were using VLC player too   :D

So, freeware is acceptable for space-based mission-critical software, huh?

Looking forward to seeing a SpaceX-branded flavor of Linux  ;)
How about MySQL too?


LinuX
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lurker Steve on 05/26/2012 12:07 am

Thanks - this video is worth analyzing - perhaps not in the party thread.
Shows some various tidbits of information. They use VLC as streaming program on their big screen.
Shows a software representation of the CCP used on the ISS.
Around 1 minute in the video, you can see naming conventions for the thrusters in the dragon, for example D4T1 trough D4T4 for 4 thrusters in a cluster.

Haha, yeah, I noticed they were using VLC player too   :D

So, freeware is acceptable for space-based mission-critical software, huh?

Looking forward to seeing a SpaceX-branded flavor of Linux  ;)
How about MySQL too?


MySQL is not freeware.

A company the size of SpaceX better be sending Oracle some serious cash for their MySQL licenses. (If they actually used MySQL).

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rahkashi on 05/26/2012 12:11 am
Why would they bother using MySQL? Wouldn't they want to go with something more professional like SQL Server?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/26/2012 12:16 am
I just spent a few minutes looking through the major American news sites.  I only looked at their front pages that display when I go to their sites, without scrolling or searching.

NBC News:  nothing
ABC News:  text link towards the bottom
CBS News:  nothing
CNN:  text link on left sidebar
Fox News:  nothing
Drudge Report:  photo in right column, pretty noticeable
New York Times:  nothing
Washington Post:  nothing
Los Angeles Times:  text link towards the bottom
Wall Street Journal:  Now that's more like it.  A prominent photo of Dragon front and center.

I'm afraid everybody who cares about it is here.   :-[



Fox has it. Scroll down on home page. Their top 20 or so news stories of the day are listed at the bottom this is number 5.

As far as I know two out of three major networks had a big piece on it on the evening news, and the local affiliates here in Texas all carried their own piece on it as well.


And not scrolling down doesn't count (because everyone scrolls)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 12:20 am
Still, it's nice to see that they're using freeware to cut costs. If it works fine, then why not? Just as long as it doesn't crap out on you at the wrong moment.  :P

It just shows yet again how SpaceX are from a newer generation, willing to embrace these kinds of tools to get more for less.

I wonder what kind of qualifications most of these mission controllers have?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/26/2012 12:22 am
Fox has it. Scroll down on home page. Their top 20 or so news stories of the day are listed at the bottom this is number 5.

As far as I know two out of three major networks had a big piece on it on the evening news, and the local affiliates here in Texas all carried their own piece on it as well.

And not scrolling down doesn't count (because everyone scrolls)

I know; I just wanted to see what would hit me in the eye when I opened the page.

NBC News had an excellent story on TV tonight.  I don't normally watch TV news, but I was alerted by JimO's comment on the update thread and turned on the TV in the nick of time:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#47571949
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sojourner on 05/26/2012 12:24 am
Still, it's nice to see that they're using freeware to cut costs. If it works fine, then why not? Just as long as it doesn't crap out on you at the wrong moment.  :P

It just shows yet again how SpaceX are from a newer generation, willing to embrace these kinds of tools to get more for less.

I wonder what kind of qualifications most of these mission controllers have?

Didn't someone say ISS uses Linux as well?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lurker Steve on 05/26/2012 12:28 am
Why would they bother using MySQL? Wouldn't they want to go with something more professional like SQL Server?

I don't know if SpaceX uses MySQL, but it wouldn't be suprising to see that as a back end of some non-mission critical applications.

SpaceX is a Unix/Linux shop, so MS servers need not apply.

Mission Critical / Business Critical apps run on Oracle servers in most Unix / Linux shops.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: A_M_Swallow on 05/26/2012 12:32 am
Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in jail has so much more public interest.  ::)

Not even top 10. BBC Space stories usually always get into the top 10. Don't get it, really I don't!

Won't stand a chance tomorrow either with the England game and Roy "I can't speak properly" Hodgson's first game in charge! :D

Today's article's on 72,000 anyway, and the related thread is on 120,000, so there's obviously interest.

During the live broadcast of the berthing this was the #1 story on the BBC's web site.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: StarGeezer on 05/26/2012 12:44 am
Re NEWS coverage the 12:02 EDT berthing was covered at about 12:10 EDT by CBC - Canada's national news service - a fairly detailed 3 min segment - including CBC's science guy on historical importance of private industry and space future hopes.

Nice work SpaceX - NASA and NSF.com - lots of fans up here!!

Lots of deja-vu of space race events from 60's!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/26/2012 12:47 am
Very well done, SpaceX! :)

Does anyone else think Don Pettit's voice sounds like Crispin Glover in Back To The Future? "Now, Biff..."   ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dragon44 on 05/26/2012 12:53 am
I don't know if SpaceX uses MySQL, but it wouldn't be suprising to see that as a back end of some non-mission critical applications.

SpaceX is a Unix/Linux shop, so MS servers need not apply.

Mission Critical / Business Critical apps run on Oracle servers in most Unix / Linux shops.
SpaceX uses a mix of Windows, Mac and Linux. Their latest job postings include:

EIS Software Engineer with Experience with the Microsoft web stack -- C#, ASP.Net, SQL and Windows Server

IT Systems Engineer with at least 7 years’ experience working with Microsoft Active Directory, Exchange Server 2010, Lync/Office Communicator, SharePoint 2007/2010

Also, different pictures of the LCC and MCC have been picked apart in these forums and show that the computers used there are running Window 7. Elon says Dragon runs C++ code on Linux.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 12:58 am
Do you know what particular flavor of Linux the Dragon runs on?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/26/2012 12:59 am
Wow, spend a couple days doing yardwork and the spacex threads are so long that I am just gonna have to give up following them ;;-)

Funny story, my wife is really annoyed at my cell phone buzzing with constant mission updates. Personally, I think she's trying to make sure there isn't another woman. Little does she know it's a Dragon :-)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/26/2012 01:03 am
Funny story, my wife is really annoyed at my cell phone buzzing with constant mission updates. Personally, I think she's trying to make sure there isn't another woman. Little does she know it's a Dragon :-)

I'm certainly getting plenty of laughs from this thread.  Well worth the bandwidth.   ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/26/2012 01:07 am
Wow, spend a couple days doing yardwork and the spacex threads are so long that I am just gonna have to give up following them ;;-)

Funny story, my wife is really annoyed at my cell phone buzzing with constant mission updates. Personally, I think she's trying to make sure there isn't another woman. Little does she know it's a Dragon :-)
Dragon-Lady…  ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dragon44 on 05/26/2012 01:09 am
Do you know what particular flavor of Linux the Dragon runs on?

Best I could find was from a job posting: Our Flight Software Group currently has opportunities developing software for embedded flight hardware using Linux and VxWorks as well as ground simulation software using Linux.

Assuming a real-time Linux, there are only a handful of mature choices. Wind River (makers of the VxWorks OS mentioned above) have a real-time Linux. So them might be a top candidate. But that is just a guess.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 01:20 am
Do you know what particular flavor of Linux the Dragon runs on?

Best I could find was from a job posting: Our Flight Software Group currently has opportunities developing software for embedded flight hardware using Linux and VxWorks as well as ground simulation software using Linux.

Assuming a real-time Linux, there are only a handful of mature choices. Wind River (makers of the VxWorks OS mentioned above) have a real-time Linux. So them might be a top candidate. But that is just a guess.

Here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VxWorks

Quote
Spacecraft

Several spacecraft have used VxWorks as the onboard OS:

    The Deep Space Program Science Experiment (DSPSE) also known as Clementine (spacecraft)[15]
    The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter[16]
    The Phoenix Mars Lander[17]
    The Deep Impact space probe
    The James Webb Space Telescope (in development)
    The Sojourner Mars Pathfinder rover[18]
    The Spirit and Opportunity Mars Exploration Rovers[18][19]
    Stardust
    The Mars Science Laboratory (also known as the Curiosity rover)
    The SpaceX Dragon[20]
...
20. http://www.spacex.com/downloads/dragonlab-datasheet.pdf

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/26/2012 01:26 am
Wow, spend a couple days doing yardwork and the spacex threads are so long that I am just gonna have to give up following them ;;-)

Funny story, my wife is really annoyed at my cell phone buzzing with constant mission updates. Personally, I think she's trying to make sure there isn't another woman. Little does she know it's a Dragon :-)
Dragon-Lady…  ::)

Hey, Gwynne did call the Dragon a "she"...

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/26/2012 03:09 am
I believe music is in order.

I think this is appropriate for the moment. Mentally heard this after berthing was complete, today was right up there with the moon landing and STS 1 for me. Another great moment in history.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLuW-GBaJ8k
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/26/2012 03:41 am
I believe music is in order.

I think this is appropriate for the moment. Mentally heard this after berthing was complete, today was right up there with the moon landing and STS 1 for me. Another great moment in history.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLuW-GBaJ8k

inb4 Jim - "no it's nowhere near as important"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/26/2012 04:08 am
I believe music is in order.

I think this is appropriate for the moment. Mentally heard this after berthing was complete, today was right up there with the moon landing and STS 1 for me. Another great moment in history.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLuW-GBaJ8k

Did you see this, which was posted earlier?  It was apparently made by a SpaceX employee in the crowd behind MCC-X.  Listen around 0:56.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqdEKLitC8
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/26/2012 04:10 am


How is Spacex better?  And it is certainly not faster, considering all the delays in COTS.  So you can't pick all three.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: breadfan on 05/26/2012 04:17 am


How is Spacex better?  And it is certainly not faster, considering all the delays in COTS.  So you can't pick all three.

Jim I really wish you'd post longer responses. You're clearly one of the most knowledgable people on here and you always have interesting things to say but I need to spend a lot of time reading tea leaves. Not so much this post but in general, comparing SpaceX fans to American Idol fans and things like that. Thanks anyway, back to lurking.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/26/2012 04:19 am


How is Spacex better?  And it is certainly not faster, considering all the delays in COTS.  So you can't pick all three.

Compared to Constellation, the alternative. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: GBpatsfan on 05/26/2012 04:27 am
Here's a cool video from inside SpaceX Mission Control (don't know if its been posted yet).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqdEKLitC8&feature=plcp
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: blazotron on 05/26/2012 04:34 am

...
Did you see this, which was posted earlier?  It was apparently made by a SpaceX employee in the crowd behind MCC-X.  Listen around 0:56.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqdEKLitC8

It's actually from Steve Jurvetson's channel on Youtube, i.e. Draper Fisher Jurvetson--one of SpaceX's investors.

Edit: also GBpatsfan--it was already posted, literally four posts above yours.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/26/2012 04:35 am

Hmm, it seems to be the very top story in pride of place on http://CNN.com at the moment

Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-
The only thing I see on the international version is about Eurovision.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/26/2012 04:42 am
The place to check on how big of a deal it is will be

http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/default.asp

 in a few hours.  Killer resource for big events.  Save the jpegs for later years.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Dyna-Soar on 05/26/2012 04:47 am
I think it would be awesome if Space X sent the Dragon on a cross-country tour following the flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/26/2012 04:49 am
I believe music is in order.

I think this is appropriate for the moment. Mentally heard this after berthing was complete, today was right up there with the moon landing and STS 1 for me. Another great moment in history.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLuW-GBaJ8k

Did you see this, which was posted earlier?  It was apparently made by a SpaceX employee in the crowd behind MCC-X.  Listen around 0:56.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwqdEKLitC8

Oho so I am not alone  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: blazotron on 05/26/2012 04:54 am


How is Spacex better?  And it is certainly not faster, considering all the delays in COTS.  So you can't pick all three.

One of the things SpaceX is downright terrible at is making and keeping accurate schedules.  Whether that is from unrealistic optimism, an intentional desire to set aggressive goals to keep everyone (including employees?) motivated, or some other factor, I do not know.  However, I would argue that SpaceX is fast in its execution by any other metric but comparison to its own predictions.  Even though Falcon 9 and Dragon were delayed several years beyond their original schedules, they were built from scratch in a comparatively very short time by a very small team. 

On the subject of small teams, another thought: SpaceX has ~1900 people now, but the key point to remember is that a significant fraction of them are test engineers, launch engineers, non-technical employees (HR, legal, facilities) and craftspeople of various trades (machinists, welders, avionics assemblers, mechanical technicians, composites technicians, etc.).  The design team is bound to be less than half of the work force, and probably significantly less.  1900 sounds like a lot (and remember the work force has doubled over the last 1.5 or 2 years, which is after Falcon 9 and most of Dragon was designed), but when you compare that to a traditional systems integrator who outsources to other companies that employ most of the craftspeople (and also some of the engineers) the picture changes significantly. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/26/2012 04:56 am
Very well done, SpaceX! :)

Does anyone else think Don Pettit's voice sounds like Crispin Glover in Back To The Future? "Now, Biff..."   ;D

Don't mess with Don. He'll shove a Canadarm where the sun don't shine.

Watch some of his blog videos and be amazed by his fluids work and also the one about military outposts/forts being resupplied by private enterprise (the video that ends with calls for "fresh fruit")

Looking forward to Don returning to Hawthorne at some point so all these SpaceXers can shake his hand. A lot of pressure on him not to screw the pooch today.

Good call on the Strauss music. Maybe this trip's secret cargo isn't cheese (Don might eat it) but a monolith.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/26/2012 05:12 am
I've never seen Alan Lindenmoyer as happy as he was during that press conference. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/26/2012 10:03 am
I think we need more cameras at the hatch opening, I've counted 3 so far.  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Confusador on 05/26/2012 10:40 am
From the day 5 update thread:
Thanks for covering Rex and Steven! Had to rush to the barracks and thought I'd get back in time to see this, but they are way ahead of the timeline.

So I used the live update thread as others do! :) And they just showed the video of it again too.
It's a well oiled machine you've put together here, sir. :)
It really is indicative that you can be indisposed for the start of operations 2 days in a row and the site doesn't miss a beat!

And add my thanks to those updating, I'm away from the live feed and really appreciate the job you're doing!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Duck on 05/26/2012 10:59 am
I knew this would happen - last four days finally caught up with me.  Slept right through my alarm.  :(  Ah well, looks like everything's going great.  Look at the resolution of those shots!

So how long before all 6 of them get inside Dragon to prove that they can (with room for 1 more!)?  :)

-Iain
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/26/2012 11:22 am
Well, they have to have the traditional "house warming" party, after all!

Maybe the secret payload was party poppers & bunting?

 :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/26/2012 12:04 pm
Constellation is not the alternative nor does it exist anymore
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: manboy on 05/26/2012 12:21 pm
I knew this would happen - last four days finally caught up with me.  Slept right through my alarm.  :(  Ah well, looks like everything's going great.  Look at the resolution of those shots!

So how long before all 6 of them get inside Dragon to prove that they can (with room for 1 more!)?  :)

-Iain
I thought the same thing but the racks inside the CRS Dragon might make it hard to do so.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: plank on 05/26/2012 12:45 pm
Are there windows on the dragon? I never saw one on it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/26/2012 12:49 pm
Are there windows on the dragon? I never saw one on it.

Not on the cargo Dragon.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/26/2012 12:50 pm
I missed the hatch opening, but I'm finally caught up on sleep.

What an amazing week this has been!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space Pete on 05/26/2012 12:57 pm
Are there windows on the dragon? I never saw one on it.

Nope - not on this mission (and likely not on any future cargo Dragons)

There were windows on the C1 Dragon, but I think they realised that having windows on operational cargo Dragons would be pointless, since they'd all be blocked anyway by the internal cargo carrying structure.

From photos I've seen, there is now an attachment point for late cargo loading access hardware where the hatch window used to be.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/26/2012 01:20 pm
Just waking up here in California, nice to see astronauts inside Dragon for inspection. I guess that makes them technically, the first astronauts to fly in space on the spacecraft. It kind of all seems like a dream at this point. Let's hope the rest of the mission goes well.

 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/26/2012 01:46 pm
I found a short video clip of the hatch opening and Don Pettit's quote "Smells like a brand new car."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjYXzAfN6tM

Also see André Kuipers' photos taken during the approach yesterday. What a beautiful spacecraft!

https://secure.flickr.com/photos/astro_andre/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/26/2012 01:56 pm
Good to see the hatch open now.

Dragon doing a great job.  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 02:06 pm
I'm curious - what's the need for the gas masks they're wearing? Is there some danger of fumes? Microbes? Dust? What?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/26/2012 02:08 pm
I'm curious - what's the need for the gas masks they're wearing? Is there some danger of fumes? Microbes? Dust? What?

They're dust masks. The masks and goggles are to protect against any potential floating debris, large or small!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 02:13 pm
They're dust masks. The masks and goggles are to protect against any potential floating debris, large or small!

Gee, seems a bit overdone. Why don't they just use the simple cheap stuff from Wal-Mart:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUPfS1Z7bEg
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: douglas100 on 05/26/2012 02:41 pm
It's not a big deal. They don't wear them very long.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/26/2012 04:06 pm
Well, the ISS press thingy went well (nice view of the Dragon internals). Shame about the poor quality of questions though - I can see why the ISS crew wouldn't be too fond of them.

One question: does the Dragon come with those cool lights??

BTW: masks are the latest ISS fashion. Get with the times...  :P (Nothing says I'm a brave explorer like a surgical dust mask)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/26/2012 04:23 pm
They look like they're busting into Fort Knox, or something.

If dust and metal splinters, etc are such a concern, then they really should have some kind of powerful vacuuming and filtration system. Too bad the ISS isn't set up for artificial gravity.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/26/2012 04:42 pm
They look like they're busting into Fort Knox, or something.

If dust and metal splinters, etc are such a concern, then they really should have some kind of powerful vacuuming and filtration system. Too bad the ISS isn't set up for artificial gravity.

The whole point of the ISS is that is has no gravity - or atleast only microgravity  ;)

No need for a powerful vacuuming system - this works just fine, and it's only a precaution.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/26/2012 04:44 pm
Are there windows on the dragon? I never saw one on it.

Nope - not on this mission (and likely not on any future cargo Dragons)

There were windows on the C1 Dragon, but I think they realised that having windows on operational cargo Dragons would be pointless, since they'd all be blocked anyway by the internal cargo carrying structure.

From photos I've seen, there is now an attachment point for late cargo loading access hardware where the hatch window used to be.

Correct. Window to return for crewed version. You don't really that huge window otherwise and it messes with the thermal constraints.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/27/2012 12:29 am

Don't mess with Don. He'll shove a Canadarm where the sun don't shine.


Wouldn't dream of it.

Very proud for him being the first to berth a Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/27/2012 12:49 am
Love his philosophy in a pocket remark.

Then comes up with the "golden spike".

That will be the bit that gets replayed lol
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Antares on 05/27/2012 01:22 am
I would argue that SpaceX is fast in its execution by any other metric but comparison to its own predictions.

Salience.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/27/2012 01:52 am
I would argue that SpaceX is fast in its execution by any other metric but comparison to its own predictions.

Salience.

Haha, true enough, but I hope the SpaceX people won't stop promising their fast timelines in spite of that, because it sure pumps up the rest of us and keeps us watching.

I absolutely love how quick and agile SpaceX is - they're turning aerospace into a spectator sport!  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/27/2012 02:12 am
I absolutely love how quick and agile SpaceX is - they're turning aerospace into a spectator sport!  8)

All the thrills of Cricket. All the recreational drinking of Baseball.


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: joek on 05/27/2012 03:25 am
Long time away, but had to check in to say this made my week; wish I could have joined the party earlier.

A great week for spaceflight.  Kudos to SpaceX and NASA, and as always many thanks to Chris & crew for excellent coverage.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Moe Grills on 05/27/2012 03:33 am
So is the 'special' cargo surprise revealed yet?
Someone indicated an encore for cheese. :)

My guess is that amongst the clothing brought up in the Dragon
are some SpaceX t-shirts.

One day they will be on Ebay.
Cleaned and laundered back on Earth first of course.   
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: starsilk on 05/27/2012 03:42 am
So is the 'special' cargo surprise revealed yet?
Someone indicated an encore for cheese. :)

My guess is that amongst the clothing brought up in the Dragon
are some SpaceX t-shirts.

One day they will be on Ebay.
Cleaned and laundered back on Earth first of course.   Cheesy

given Elon's thing for Monty Python, it's more likely to be a 'resting' parrot (pining for the fjords), or maybe some knotted handkerchiefs...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gumbys
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 05/27/2012 03:45 am
For folks worrying about media coverage, CNN was tweeting aggressively about it, and when I mentioned it to my (decidedly non-nerd) wife, she replied that EVERYONE had been talking about it.

According to a @SpaceX retweet, the LA Times led with a huge 2/3-width photo of the capture.

Et cetera. I think this hit the mainstream more than this thread indicates.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/27/2012 03:47 am
My favorite Python skit was the one with the corporate raider pirates ("The Crimson Permanent Assurance"). It would be awesome if Musk could put a pirate's Jolly Roger on a vehicle.  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: starsilk on 05/27/2012 03:51 am
My favorite Python skit was the one with the corporate raider pirates ("The Crimson Permanent Assurance"). It would be awesome if Musk could put a pirate's Jolly Roger on a vehicle.  :D

ahh.. perhaps:

Quote
NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... Our *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... Our *four*...no... *Amongst* our weapons.... Amongst our weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise.... I'll come in again.

http://people.csail.mit.edu/paulfitz/spanish/script.html
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: catdlr on 05/27/2012 03:56 am
For folks worrying about media coverage, CNN was tweeting aggressively about it, and when I mentioned it to my (decidedly non-nerd) wife, she replied that EVERYONE had been talking about it.

According to a @SpaceX retweet, the LA Times led with a huge 2/3-width photo of the capture.

Et cetera. I think this hit the mainstream more than this thread indicates.

LA Times Front Page:
http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/hr.asp?fpVname=CA_LAT&ref_pge=lst
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/27/2012 04:02 am
My favorite Python skit was the one with the corporate raider pirates ("The Crimson Permanent Assurance"). It would be awesome if Musk could put a pirate's Jolly Roger on a vehicle.  :D

ahh.. perhaps:

Quote
NOBODY expects the Spanish Inquisition! Our chief weapon is surprise...surprise and fear...fear and surprise.... Our two weapons are fear and surprise...and ruthless efficiency.... Our *three* weapons are fear, surprise, and ruthless efficiency...and an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope.... Our *four*...no... *Amongst* our weapons.... Amongst our weaponry...are such elements as fear, surprise.... I'll come in again.

http://people.csail.mit.edu/paulfitz/spanish/script.html


Heh, actually this is it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=errwLVgHpXY

In a way, SpaceX is kind of like this - a plucky upstart setting sail and fighting for progress in an era of "ruthless monetarist policy".  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/27/2012 09:04 am
Not sure that this is the right place for that, but with all the praise that has been (deservedly) heaped on spacex:

I think the guys who designed the common berthing mechanism deserve some praise as well. And of course the guys that came up with the robotic arm and the grapple fixture.

We have witnessed orbital assembly. The thing that Michael Griffin thinks is so hard that we have to spend countless billions to build a heavy lift vehicle that launches every second year just to avoid it. And it seemed pretty routine.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 12:41 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth to ULA/RWR to make noise over.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: aero on 05/27/2012 01:19 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth make noise over.

Oh I disagree. In fact, I think its time we started planning how the future will honor Elon Musk and SpaceX. I've started a list of place names for future reference, that is, places and things that could exist on Mars in a few hundred years. Its the party thread so help by adding to or modifying the list.

Future things/places on or about Mars.

Elon City 300 instances
Dragonville 140 instances
Falconton 95 instances
Falcon Station 1 big one
Muskberg 238 instances


Need some SpaceX in there ...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 05/27/2012 01:34 pm
Oh I disagree. In fact, I think its time we started planning how the future will honor Elon Musk and SpaceX. I've started a list of place names for future reference, that is, places and things that could exist on Mars in a few hundred years. Its the party thread so help by adding to or modifying the list.

Future things/places on or about Mars.

Elon City 300 instances
Dragonville 140 instances
Falconton 95 instances
Falcon Station 1 big one
Muskberg 238 instances


Need some SpaceX in there ...

I think Elon Musk will be remembered, but I think he is just the beginning.  Like most things, the start is not nearly as interesting as the response to the start.

SpaceX's success clears the air for P&W, Boeing, LM, ULA, etc etc to shop proposals they have had on the books for years and in some cases decades.

My greatest hope is that SpaceX has continued success, and that leads to a better funding environment for the ULA exploration program, Atlas Heavy, CST-100, man rating Atlas, ACES upper stages, Fuel depots, etc etc, etc.

Commercial investment in HSF endeavors just lost a lot of its giggle factor; I sincerely hope that a few of the other 1000+ Billionaires in the world decide to out do Mr Musk.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: aero on 05/27/2012 01:42 pm
Oh I disagree. In fact, I think its time we started planning how the future will honor Elon Musk and SpaceX. I've started a list of place names for future reference, that is, places and things that could exist on Mars in a few hundred years. Its the party thread so help by adding to or modifying the list.

Future things/places on or about Mars.

Elon City 300 instances
Dragonville 140 instances
Falconton 95 instances
Falcon Station 1 big one
Muskberg 238 instances


Need some SpaceX in there ...

I think Elon Musk will be remembered, but I think he is just the beginning.  Like most things, the start is not nearly as interesting as the response to the start.

SpaceX's success clears the air for P&W, Boeing, LM, ULA, etc etc to shop proposals they have had on the books for years and in some cases decades.

My greatest hope is that SpaceX has continued success, and that leads to a better funding environment for the ULA exploration program, Atlas Heavy, CST-100, man rating Atlas, ACES upper stages, Fuel depots, etc etc, etc.

Commercial investment in HSF endeavors just lost a lot of its giggle factor; I sincerely hope that a few of the other 1000+ Billionaires in the world decide to out do Mr Musk.


Oh yes, there will most likely be a facility named Atlas Stadium and maybe even a ULA Mall on SpaceX Blvd. somewhere in Elon City, but until one of those 1000+ billionaires gets off the stick and does something for Mars, he won't be remembered with a place name on Mars.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/27/2012 01:54 pm
Elon's next generation rocket
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/27/2012 02:57 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth to ULA/RWR to make noise over.
ULA and PWR don't make any spacecraft, nationally important or otherwise.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oldAtlas_Eguy on 05/27/2012 02:59 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth to ULA/RWR to make noise over.
ULA and PWR don't make any spacecraft, nationally important or otherwise.

ULA/Boeing would love to build and operate cryo depots and a cryo lunar lander based on ACES. But the business case still eludes them.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 07:34 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth to ULA/RWR to make noise over.
ULA and PWR don't make any spacecraft, nationally important or otherwise.

And neither does Apple, GM, IBM, etc.  What is your point?

The comparison is about launch vehicles and flying.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 07:55 pm

Jim I really wish you'd post longer responses. You're clearly one of the most knowledgable people on here and you always have interesting things to say but I need to spend a lot of time reading tea leaves. Not so much this post but in general, comparing SpaceX fans to American Idol fans and things like that. Thanks anyway, back to lurking.  ;)

Here is a longer comment.

Those SpaceX fans, who think that this flight as equivalent Apollo 11 and STS-1, are those who I compare to American Idol fans.  This achievement, which is no where close to those two mission, still warrants acknowledgement and there is a rightful place in the NASM for a Dragon capsule.  Much like SS1, this mission is a milestone, but it is not an major one. 

There have been many before along these lines.
First commercial US spacecraft launched -   WESTAR 1
First commercial US  launch -  Delta 187

Also, Dragon was not the first commercial logistics carrier to visit the ISS, that honor goes to Spacehab in 1999.  And it was developed completely with private money. There was no NASA "COTS" money for it.

The current mission will be a footnote in history, to be taken over by other milestones much like what happened to the ones mentioned above.  If you don't believe me, go look in the NASM at all the commercial aviation firsts and see which ones you know. 


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/27/2012 08:20 pm

Jim I really wish you'd post longer responses. You're clearly one of the most knowledgable people on here and you always have interesting things to say but I need to spend a lot of time reading tea leaves. Not so much this post but in general, comparing SpaceX fans to American Idol fans and things like that. Thanks anyway, back to lurking.  ;)

Those SpaceX fans, who think that this flight as equivalent Apollo 11 and STS-1, are those who I compare to American Idol fans.  This achievement, which is no where close to those two mission, still warrants acknowledgement and there is a rightful place in the NASM for a Dragon capsule.  Much like SS1, this mission is a milestone, but it is not an major one. 


For those of us in our 20's, we weren't alive to see Apollo or STS-1.  We've only read about that in books and watched videos of it long after the fact.  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/27/2012 08:20 pm


Also, Dragon was not the first commercial logistics carrier to visit the ISS, that honor goes to Spacehab in 1999.  And it was developed completely with private money. There was no NASA "COTS" money for it.

The current mission will be a footnote in history, to be taken over by other milestones much like what happened to the ones mentioned above.  If you don't believe me, go look in the NASM at all the commercial aviation firsts and see which ones you know. 

This is going into the weeds, but I'd argue that spacehab was not an independent vehicle as it was dependent on the shuttle.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 08:22 pm
  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.

nowhere close to the impact of Apollo or shuttle.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 08:24 pm

This is going into the weeds, but I'd argue that spacehab was not an independent vehicle as it was dependent on the shuttle.

That doesn't matter, Dragon isn't a technical achievement.
Spacehab used the same words in its achievements as Spacex.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/27/2012 08:25 pm
  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.

nowhere close to the impact of Apollo or shuttle.

True, but its better that just seeing the retirement of the Shuttle and cancellation of Constellation.  I would like to think that our space program is in something other than a perpetual decline.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/27/2012 08:37 pm
For those of us in our 20's, we weren't alive to see Apollo or STS-1.  We've only read about that in books and watched videos of it long after the fact.  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.

I'm in my 50s, and I'm old enough to remember playing hooky from school to watch Gemini launches.  I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing for Apollo 11, and I remained glued to the TV set for the rest of the Apollo missions.

I haven't been this excited about spaceflight since the 1970s.

I remember STS-1, but my excitement was tempered by the fact that NASA had no plans to return to the Moon.  The Shuttle was a magnificent machine, but the system was not readily upgradable.  It's not like you could bolt on a couple more SRBs and fly it to Mars.

By contrast, SpaceX has some very ambitious plans for future Falcon and Dragon upgrades. 

This flight was just the beginning, and that's what has me so excited.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/27/2012 08:43 pm
We need one of those eye doctor chart thingies, the one used to make side by side comparisons.

You know.  Is COTS 2/3 more, or less historic than X?

X could be Apollo 11 (for which most would agree the answer is NO), or Voyager 1/2 (NO), or Viking 1/2 (NO), or Gemini 2 (Hmmmm), or ATV 1 (Hmmmmm), or HTV 1 (Hmmmm) and so on. 

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 08:47 pm

I remember STS-1, but my excitement was tempered by the fact that NASA had no plans to return to the Moon.  The Shuttle was a magnificent machine, but the system was not readily upgradable.  It's not like you could bolt on a couple more SRBs and fly it to Mars.

By contrast, SpaceX has some very ambitious plans for future Falcon and Dragon upgrades. 


Huh?   Upgradeable?  Not needed for lunar and Mars missions.  See ISS construction. 

Look at all the books from the 70's and 80's, they were full of space settlements, lunar bases, etc using the shuttle. 

Look at all the books from the 60's too.  Gatland and Bono's books.  Everybody had grandiose plans. 

There is no guarantee that it will still happen or that Spacex will even lead the way.




Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/27/2012 08:51 pm
  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.

nowhere close to the impact of Apollo or shuttle.

As someone in my early 30s this is my Apollo as well.  My first memory of shuttle was watching challenger so shuttle has been great but there has never been that hope due to the baggage.  This gives us something that is inspirational obviously not Apollo but the inspiration and hope that we've never had about spaceflight in our lifetimes.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/27/2012 08:55 pm

X could be Apollo 11 (for which most would agree the answer is NO), or Voyager 1/2 (NO), or Viking 1/2 (NO), or Gemini 2 (Hmmmm), or ATV 1 (Hmmmmm), or HTV 1 (Hmmmm) and so on. 

It's the promise of a bright future for spaceflight that has people more excited.  No offense to ATV and HTV, they are great vehicles, but we see the cargo missions of SpaceX to be stepping stones to eventual manned flight and perhaps Mars missions in the distant future.  I know that SpaceX is a long way away from manned flight, and very, very far from Mars flight.  However, you have to admit the excitement of the idea is pretty intoxicating.   ;D

Speaking of which, since this is a party thread.. would you and Jim like a beverage?  Kool aid perhaps?  It's quite tasty.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/27/2012 09:00 pm

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth to ULA/RWR to make noise over.

Would you agree that Crew Dragon* would be of national importance?


* yes, I realize Crew Dragon does not, and may never, exist or fly.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 09:02 pm
Where you guys for the first launch of Delta IV and Atlas V? No different than Falcon 9.  The companies spent 2.5 billion and the gov't 1 billion, so the cost sharing was similar.  Everybody was hopped up about the internet in the sky and all the launches.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: joek on 05/27/2012 09:03 pm
Kinda reminds me of watching friends debating sports after a few beers...

Is it the game, the team, or the player?  For me it's the game; teams and players come and go, and with few exceptions, what was historic one day is a footnote the next.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 09:05 pm
Kinda reminds me of watching friends debating sports after a few beers...

Is it the game, the team, or the player?  For me it's the game; teams and players come and go, and with few exceptions, what was historic one day is a footnote the next.

good post
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/27/2012 09:12 pm
Ah, "no-fun-allowed Jim" can always be relied upon to precipitate heavily on any parade taking place on NSF.  ::)

In my opinion, Elon Musk has the makings of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel of the space age, between PayPal, Solar City, Tesla and SpaceX. And it would be reasonable to describe him as a genius billionaire playboy philanthropist too.  ;) Other people talk a very good talk about green power, low-carbon transport and interplanetary space travel; Elon walks the walk to the extent of investing his last his dollar in his startups if he thinks it necessary. It's quite refreshing. I have absolutely no qualms about expressing my heartfelt support for a company that is, by all appearances, united in commitment to a vision of mankind settling the solar system.

To me, Dragon berthing with the ISS is not an "Apollo 11 moment". It is more like Carpenter's Aurora 7 flight. People had flown to orbit before, in the USA and USSR. The Redstone launcher didn't include any particularly groundbreaking new technology, having been well proven in the PGM-11 programme. Even the capsule was already flight proven by Glenn. But Carpenter's flight was important because, in cementing the capability of the Gemini capsule to sustain manned orbital flight and safely return, it opened the door to the continuation of the US manned programme and the realisation of Werner von Braun's vision of man on the moon. Similarly, Dragon's success last week validates SpaceX's credibility as a company designing, constructing and operating both launchers and spacecraft, and in doing so, brings the company's stated goal of "making mankind multiplanetary" a very big step closer.

For me, that is a very big deal indeed.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/27/2012 09:15 pm
When Dragon lands, only Russia, the US and SpaceX will have had a vehicle go to the ISS and return.
That is an exclusive club that ULA PWR are not members of.
Who's making noise now? :D

Spacex is not launching spacecraft that are of national importance yet.  So going to the ISS is not worth to ULA/RWR to make noise over.
ULA and PWR don't make any spacecraft, nationally important or otherwise.

And neither does Apple, GM, IBM, etc.  What is your point?

The comparison is about launch vehicles and flying.
My point is that as far as launch vehicles and flying are concerned, SpaceX as a company, is now doing things that as a company ULA and PWR cannot do.

Edit to add:    If they return successfully, they will have a capability no other company anywhere other than the Russians have.
PS I know the Chinese could IF they were allowed, but they are not.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/27/2012 09:29 pm
Kinda reminds me of watching friends debating sports after a few beers...

Is it the game, the team, or the player?  For me it's the game; teams and players come and go, and with few exceptions, what was historic one day is a footnote the next.

Completely agree and you will notice that I did not say spacex had me excited, it is all the activity combined.  So many crewed possibiliities including the possible SLS.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mader Levap on 05/27/2012 10:29 pm
Mission in itself is not that important and I agree that comparison with Shuttle or Apollo are a bit ridiculous. What is interesting is promise, potential, feeling that we maybe witness beginning of something big.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 10:31 pm


To me, Dragon berthing with the ISS is not an "Apollo 11 moment". It is more like Carpenter's Aurora 7 flight. People had flown to orbit before, in the USA and USSR. The Redstone launcher didn't include any particularly groundbreaking new technology, having been well proven in the PGM-11 programme. Even the capsule was already flight proven by Glenn. But Carpenter's flight was important because, in cementing the capability of the Gemini capsule to sustain manned orbital flight and safely return, it opened the door to the continuation of the US manned programme and the realisation of Werner von Braun's vision of man on the moon. Similarly, Dragon's success last week validates SpaceX's credibility as a company designing, constructing and operating both launchers and spacecraft, and in doing so, brings the company's stated goal of "making mankind multiplanetary" a very big step closer.

For me, that is a very big deal indeed.

+1.

That is perfect sentiment, except for being more like Gemini 10 (2nd docking in space)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/27/2012 10:33 pm
That is perfect sentiment, except for being more like Gemini 10 (2nd docking in space)
This is also a good example.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 10:33 pm
My point is that as far as launch vehicles and flying are concerned, SpaceX as a company, is now doing things that as a company ULA and PWR cannot do.


wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/27/2012 10:46 pm
My point is that as far as launch vehicles and flying are concerned, SpaceX as a company, is now doing things that as a company ULA and PWR cannot do.


wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability

Not until Orion comes online.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: pippin on 05/27/2012 10:55 pm
My point is that as far as launch vehicles and flying are concerned, SpaceX as a company, is now doing things that as a company ULA and PWR cannot do.


wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability

Sorry, Jim, but I beg to disagree.
Isn't it you who keeps pointing out that ULA is only a launch service provider?

There is a bit of a fundamental change of the game going on here with commercial cargo, crew, whatever in that what NASA now asks for are no longer providers of launch services and suppliers of spacecraft hardware, designed to NASA specs but now they are asking for an integrated space supply service.
So far, SpaceX are the ONLY ones who have demonstrated this, Orbital will probably be next, Boeing, let's see when they join the game.

And this is indeed very different from what was there before, probably similar to the move from NASA or the AirForce buying launch vehicles or even launch vehicle stages from suppliers and then integrating and flying them themselves towards buying launch services.

Sure, Boeing certainly has all the single capabilities somewhere in their conglomerate if you count partnerships and minority stakeholdings but that's still different from actually doing it.
We could see this very clearly in this case: when it comes to supplying services that involve complex technology the operational side is just as important as the technology. You can see this in other cases as well, like in IT, public service outsourcing and so on. It's not enough to know how to build components, to know how to fly them and how to put together your business cases and keep your supply chains running and get all the bureaucracy on the ground fed to actually be able to launch and all this is just as important. ULA knows how to do that for launching spacecraft but launching and operating them to deliver a service in space is actually something only SpaceX has done so far.

I would not underestimate that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/27/2012 11:07 pm
My point is that as far as launch vehicles and flying are concerned, SpaceX as a company, is now doing things that as a company ULA and PWR cannot do.


wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability
Sorry Jim, I must call you out on this. Boeing does not currently possess the capability of berthing to the ISS and returning.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 11:18 pm

wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability
Sorry Jim, I must call you out on this. Boeing does not currently possess the capability of berthing to the ISS and returning.
[/quote]

It has multiple vehicles capable of rendezvous and docking with other vehicles.  ISS capability on matters to NASA and not to others
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/27/2012 11:20 pm
My point is that as far as launch vehicles and flying are concerned, SpaceX as a company, is now doing things that as a company ULA and PWR cannot do.


wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability

Not until Orion comes online.

Boeing does X-37 and Orbital Express, not Orion which is LM.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 05/27/2012 11:36 pm

This is going into the weeds, but I'd argue that spacehab was not an independent vehicle as it was dependent on the shuttle.

That doesn't matter, Dragon isn't a technical achievement.
Spacehab used the same words in its achievements as Spacex.

For me the excitement is the return of a sense of dynamic plan of action, which is akin to Apollo. Whether this is more than a footnote depends on what SpaceX does from here. If they deliver against their goals, this will be their Gemini rocket. Their Apollo moment would be getting a human on Mars. However it plays out, they will help drive change and new development in space. For that we all win.
Thanks and congrats to SpaceX and NASA.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/27/2012 11:43 pm
:D :D

This is the SpaceX party thread, not the "I've come to your party and I don't like the brand of ice cream you have so I'm going to stick my bottom lip out" thread.

Good to know the X-37 has docked with the ISS. Must have missed that memo.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/27/2012 11:47 pm
I want a sample of that Dragon New Car Smell, so that I can market it as a scent to all the space-hungry nerd masses. Seriously, I think it could become a top-seller on ThinkGeek.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: pippin on 05/27/2012 11:49 pm
Good to know the X-37 has docked with the ISS. Must have missed that memo.

Black operation. Secret, you know.
You never asked yourself why there are all these LOS conditions? Blackout zones, yikes, you are soooo naive ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/27/2012 11:52 pm

Boeing does X-37 and Orbital Express, not Orion which is LM.

Good point about the X-37, I keep forgetting about that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/28/2012 12:15 am
I want a sample of that Dragon New Car Smell, so that I can market it as a scent to all the space-hungry nerd masses. Seriously, I think it could become a top-seller on ThinkGeek.


Oh, it's probably one of those things you hang from your rearview mirror... ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 05/28/2012 12:21 am


In my opinion, Elon Musk has the makings of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel of the space age, between PayPal, Solar City, Tesla and SpaceX.
I was thinking howard Hughes. An entrepreneur engineer building big things in America.
The first and, for now, only man in the world with his own spaceship!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/28/2012 12:28 am
I'm in my late 20s.

Apollo moment? Massive overreaction.

I get more excitement out of a Soyuz launch.

Why?

This has already been over by others but it's obvious.

Put a man inside the machine and everything take on a different character.

The first real commercial crew flight will be a big moment. This is just delivering underwear, socks and breakfast to the station.

It's exciting for somebody following spaceflight but it's hardly revolutionary.

When SpaceX launches men with their liquid abort system then they've pushed the boundaries. ESA and JAXA have done cargo, sure they were governments but not with the massive budget of NASA.

HSF is where the excitement is at and always will be.

I do also get a kick out of the robotic probe launches if they're going somewhere cool. (Juno, MSL).

Cargo to the station? I couldn't be less inspired.

SpaceX themselves and all the work they've done and the media hype around it is very nice to see though and I'm enjoying it. Just not getting too carried away.  :-\
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/28/2012 12:32 am
1. you're being a party pooper.. stop it! You do not have the right to come onto this thread and say you are not having fun. If you don't like the party, leave!

2. Whenever I find myself thinking "it's been done before", I try to imagine myself doing it. I wouldn't care if it had been done before, and I would look down on anyone who said it wasn't significant that I was doing it just because someone else had done it. That's why people still run marathons, even though they know they'll never beat the world record.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/28/2012 12:34 am
:D :D



Good to know the X-37 has docked with the ISS. Must have missed that memo.

 ;D :D ;D :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/28/2012 01:00 am
Isn't the party over yet?

Not until splashdown?

Maybe for some. I have confidence in PICA-X, not the hardest part of the mission.

I'm just saying what we all know. Spaceflight is very much split between HSF and non-HSF one being much more exciting than the other.

ESA, CSA and JAXA all seem to be waiting for USA Commercial Crew to take them to orbit rather than developing their own HSF systems. This is fine but it's not very inspiring. Exchange of funds will become the norm and barters will go out the window if everybody wants US companies to make all the investment. (Elon's pocket)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/28/2012 01:02 am
Isn't the party over yet?

Not until splashdown?

Not even then.. this is the party thread.. if you want to naysay, there's plenty of threads for that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/28/2012 01:18 am
Since when was I a naysayer?

I had better go sink the boot through ULA some more  ::)

I love SpaceX and have very much enjoyed the last week or so.

Just trying to say this party would be much bigger if they were launching crew.

Cargo flights are going to get boring fast.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 05/28/2012 01:54 am
Since when was I a naysayer?

I had better go sink the boot through ULA some more  ::)

I love SpaceX and have very much enjoyed the last week or so.

Just trying to say this party would be much bigger if they were launching crew.

Cargo flights are going to get boring fast.

I still expect aborts, explosions, impacts, fuel lines not releasing, & 2nd stages spinning out of control every time I see a rocket with SpaceX on the side of it launch.

I have been pleasantly surprised 5 times now, hope to continue to be surprised.  SpaceX launches will always be dramatic for my paranoid brain.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/28/2012 02:05 am
I would expect failures from SpaceX.

Just not when they're launching once every 18 months.

Flight rates can cause slip ups. They're in no danger at that right now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/28/2012 02:19 am

I still expect aborts, explosions, impacts, fuel lines not releasing, & 2nd stages spinning out of control every time I see a rocket with SpaceX on the side of it launch.

I have been pleasantly surprised 5 times now, hope to continue to be surprised.  SpaceX launches will always be dramatic for my paranoid brain.


F'ing up is the best way to learn.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 05/28/2012 02:27 am

I still expect aborts, explosions, impacts, fuel lines not releasing, & 2nd stages spinning out of control every time I see a rocket with SpaceX on the side of it launch.

I have been pleasantly surprised 5 times now, hope to continue to be surprised.  SpaceX launches will always be dramatic for my paranoid brain.


F'ing up is the best way to learn.
Planning and testing is a better way to learn. F'ing up is not without merit, but it is in third place at best. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mlorrey on 05/28/2012 02:43 am
Hey everybody, I took several months off from the forum to keep from spamming my annoyance at the continued OldSpace curmudgeon BS. I haven't bothered to hunt for it, but have any of the usual suspects done a mea culpa yet or have they drawn new lines in the sand and denied the existence of the old ones?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mlorrey on 05/28/2012 02:50 am

wrong again.  ULA is part of Boeing, which does have the capability
Sorry Jim, I must call you out on this. Boeing does not currently possess the capability of berthing to the ISS and returning.

It has multiple vehicles capable of rendezvous and docking with other vehicles.  ISS capability on matters to NASA and not to others
[/quote]

Oh LOL, WOW, Jim, just WOW. I could, I suppose, go hunting for a quote of you saying something to the effect that capabilities undemonstrated are fiction, but I will just satisfy myself with an irony dance...  :P

C'mon, show me ONE Boeing vehicle that is capable RIGHT NOW of going to orbit that isn't just a 40 years obsolete museum display.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 05/28/2012 02:53 am
C'mon, show me ONE Boeing vehicle that is capable RIGHT NOW of going to orbit that isn't just a 40 years obsolete museum display.

1. Not on this thread.. I'd prefer you and Jim go fight outside.. this is a party!

2. X-37B, now shut up. ;)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/28/2012 02:56 am
:D :D

This is the SpaceX party thread, not the "I've come to your party and I don't like the brand of ice cream you have so I'm going to stick my bottom lip out" thread.

Good to know the X-37 has docked with the ISS. Must have missed that memo.

It must be aliens stealing your memos.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mlorrey on 05/28/2012 02:57 am
C'mon, show me ONE Boeing vehicle that is capable RIGHT NOW of going to orbit that isn't just a 40 years obsolete museum display.

1. Not on this thread.. I'd prefer you and Jim go fight outside.. this is a party!

2. X-37B, now shut up.



X-37B is not a manned or even man ratable vehicle....

I'm partying, I'm partying! See? Happy ironic dancing underway....

(I believe in Karma, and this week, Dragon is her metaphorical hammer)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 02:58 am
I want a sample of that Dragon New Car Smell, so that I can market it as a scent to all the space-hungry nerd masses. Seriously, I think it could become a top-seller on ThinkGeek.


Oh, it's probably one of those things you hang from your rearview mirror... ;)

That's exactly what I meant - it would make a great scent freshener for the car.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/28/2012 02:58 am
C'mon, show me ONE Boeing vehicle that is capable RIGHT NOW of going to orbit that isn't just a 40 years obsolete museum display.

1. Not on this thread.. I'd prefer you and Jim go fight outside.. this is a party!

2. X-37B, now shut up.



X-37B is not a manned or even man ratable vehicle....

I'm partying, I'm partying! See? Happy ironic dancing underway....

(I believe in Karma, and this week, Dragon is her metaphorical hammer)


You said show me one vehicle that is capable of going to orbit right now that is by Boeing and he did.

You mentioned nothing about manned flight capabilities.

Which is ridiculous anyway because X37 was not built to ever be manned and never will.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mlorrey on 05/28/2012 03:00 am
Good to know the X-37 has docked with the ISS. Must have missed that memo.

Black operation. Secret, you know.
You never asked yourself why there are all these LOS conditions? Blackout zones, yikes, you are soooo naive ;)

Yes, good to see those trusty Russians are so good at keeping America's secrets..... I'll have to congratulate Putin on his cosmonauts American patriotism....
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mlorrey on 05/28/2012 03:04 am
Where you guys for the first launch of Delta IV and Atlas V? No different than Falcon 9.  The companies spent 2.5 billion and the gov't 1 billion, so the cost sharing was similar.  Everybody was hopped up about the internet in the sky and all the launches.

Lessee, SpaceX invested $300 million, which, last time I checked, was... multiply by 8.167, carry the 3.... significantly less than what the oldspacers spent.... same goes for NASA spending on this too... C'mon Jim, time to man up and drink the kool aid.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 03:05 am
Yes, good to see those trusty Russians are so good at keeping America's secrets..... I'll have to congratulate Putin on his cosmonauts American patriotism....

Those are actually clones of Russian cosmonauts. The real ones are floating in the upper atmosphere along with Scotty's ashes.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/28/2012 03:16 am


Quote
fuel lines not releasing, & 2nd stages spinning out of control


My personal favorites.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/28/2012 03:25 am

Jim I really wish you'd post longer responses. You're clearly one of the most knowledgable people on here and you always have interesting things to say but I need to spend a lot of time reading tea leaves. Not so much this post but in general, comparing SpaceX fans to American Idol fans and things like that. Thanks anyway, back to lurking.  ;)

Those SpaceX fans, who think that this flight as equivalent Apollo 11 and STS-1, are those who I compare to American Idol fans.  This achievement, which is no where close to those two mission, still warrants acknowledgement and there is a rightful place in the NASM for a Dragon capsule.  Much like SS1, this mission is a milestone, but it is not an major one. 


For those of us in our 20's, we weren't alive to see Apollo or STS-1.  We've only read about that in books and watched videos of it long after the fact.  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.

^^ This is exactly how I feel. Great quote!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/28/2012 03:42 am
Yep, time to suck it up Jim :)

Well done to SpaceX and all who sail in her.  Looking forward to the next developments:
FH
Dragon Crew
Reusable LV

And Bigelow/SpaceX on the way to Mars with or without NASA.  Let's dream a little.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 04:43 am
Here is a longer comment.

Those SpaceX fans, who think that this flight as equivalent Apollo 11 and STS-1, are those who I compare to American Idol fans.  This achievement, which is no where close to those two mission, still warrants acknowledgement and there is a rightful place in the NASM for a Dragon capsule.  Much like SS1, this mission is a milestone, but it is not an major one. 

This is a cost revolution, Jim - and the passing of the torch to a new generation. Look at the youngsters in this new company. Do you see that kind of generation at LockMart or Loral? Maybe as gofers getting coffee.

These people are going to bring down the cost of space access, and that's going to stampede the market in their direction, at some point not too far down the road.

This is One Small Step, which will lead to the Next Giant Leap.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrmandias on 05/28/2012 04:49 am
I don't know how the NSF folk collectively managed to turn a party thread into a dreary wrangle.  To many boo-birds and braggarts, I guess.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 05/28/2012 04:58 am
Totally Space Cadet retired military bum here, who's been watching the space program since Mercury. All I care about is "what works". I remember going out as a kid and looking at the moon on the night Eagle landed and thinking about how exciting it was going to be when we got to Mars. 43 years later, I don't expect to see anyone speaking English doing it in my lifetime, unless something or someone shakes up the system and provides the spark to make it a goal people can believe in.

I've seen more excitement around here than I have in a long time, and the reason that an unmanned flight to the same old LEO destination has generated that excitement is that we see there's a glimmer of hope that we just aren't getting from the bureaucrats and system that eats up so much money and time, and in 2012 is still decades away from Mars.

We don't have statesmen anymore with leadership and vision. We have pollwatchers. And for all their faults, those pollwatchers have to keep an eye on what we, the people who pay for all this, are excited about and want, because they'd like to keep their positions. If Elon Musk and those like him can generate some excitement by launching rockets and selling t-shirts, then that will do more than NASA and the various big corporations have done in a long time to get us out into space in a big way. If we, the people who PAY FOR THIS, want to drink the Kool-Aid, and go explore space, then some entrenched interests are going to have to either get with the program or get out of the way.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/28/2012 05:10 am
[snip] been watching the space program since Mercury. All I care about is "what works".
[snip]
I've seen more excitement around here than I have in a long time, and the reason that an unmanned flight to the same old LEO destination has generated that excitement is that we see there's a glimmer of hope


Born before Sputnik and I couldn't agree more!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/28/2012 05:14 am
If Elon Musk and those like him can generate some excitement by launching rockets and selling t-shirts

Ironically, I had to go to the Kennedy Space Center website to get my t-shirt.  I tried to find them numerous times on the SpaceX website without success.   ;)

darkenfast:  Great comment.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/28/2012 05:15 am
[snip] been watching the space program since Mercury. All I care about is "what works".
[snip]
I've seen more excitement around here than I have in a long time, and the reason that an unmanned flight to the same old LEO destination has generated that excitement is that we see there's a glimmer of hope


Born before Sputnik and I couldn't agree more!

Here, here!  Let the party begin  :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: savuporo on 05/28/2012 06:18 am
So anyway, has anyone asked Don Pettit yet if he ever was much of a Bruce Lee fan ?
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0070034/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sfjcody_ on 05/28/2012 06:30 am
If Elon Musk and those like him can generate some excitement by launching rockets and selling t-shirts

Ironically, I had to go to the Kennedy Space Center website to get my t-shirt.  I tried to find them numerous times on the SpaceX website without success.   ;)




I wandered into the SpaceX facility at Hawthorne back in January (I was in LA for a few days) to see if they had any memorabilia (t-shirts etc) for sale to NewSpace fans. No luck, but the receptionist did give me a few stickers.

Pic I took outside:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49925488@N04/6789631869/in/photostream


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/28/2012 07:28 am
  In the context of our lives, what SpaceX is doing is our Apollo.

nowhere close to the impact of Apollo or shuttle.

James Oberg (http://"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Oberg") (Red Star In Orbit) on NBC News: "I think this is one of the top ten days of space exploration. It's when we've gone to a new level of space access."
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 07:36 am
Presented Stanley Kubrick-style, for your listening pleasure:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrMSVq5A8bw


Btw, if you look exactly 5:00min into it, you'll see that the strobe is flashing against the back of solar panel, and not the front reflective side. I'd suggested that they position the strobe so that its flashing would reflect off the front reflective surface of the solar panels, in order to increase its visibility, since the solar panels have a larger reflective area to be more noticeable.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jorge on 05/28/2012 07:41 am
Btw, if you look exactly 5:00min into it, you'll see that the strobe is flashing against the back of solar panel, and not the front reflective side. I'd suggested that they position the strobe so that its flashing would reflect off the front reflective surface of the solar panels, in order to increase its visibility, since the solar panels have a larger reflective area to be more noticeable.

I've already (gently) hinted to you on the general discussion thread that you're going down the wrong path; less gentle hinting will follow on that thread - no point in harshing the mellow of the party thread.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/28/2012 08:30 am
In my opinion, Elon Musk has the makings of the Isambard Kingdom Brunel of the space age, between PayPal, Solar City, Tesla and SpaceX.
I was thinking howard Hughes. An entrepreneur engineer building big things in America.
The first and, for now, only man in the world with his own spaceship!
Good point. In fact, Garrett Reisman actually directly likened Musk to Hughes in that 60 Minutes segment a few months ago.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 11:28 am
And just imagine - at least Hughes had WW2 sending money his way. Musk has to work in much more money-starved conditions. I dunno if Hughes was necessarily known for cost-cutting, but Musk has achieved so much with so little.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/28/2012 01:04 pm
Agreed, and that should be celebrated as well.  If we look at this early period of SpaceX life as a project in it's own right, separate from say future operational aspects of the organisation, we can identify a number of deliverables, one of which is lowering the cost of access to space. 
Onya Elon. Keep up the great work. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2012 01:15 pm
Keep watching the live thread. Elon's about to pop out of one these bags - in a Lady Gaga Egg Vessel Stylee - with his ray gun and take over the ISS, before reboosting to Mars - cause we know that's possible ;)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/28/2012 01:23 pm
Elon's about to pop out of one these bags

Spanish Inquisition would be hella funnier  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: psloss on 05/28/2012 01:25 pm
Elon's about to pop out of one these bags

Spanish Inquisition would be hella funnier  ;D
Yeah, nobody expec--
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/28/2012 01:27 pm

This is a cost revolution,

That has yet to be seen
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/28/2012 01:29 pm
Look at the youngsters in this new company. Do you see that kind of generation at LockMart or Loral


Yes, every day
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 05/28/2012 02:02 pm
Totally Space Cadet retired military bum here, who's been watching the space program since Mercury. All I care about is "what works". I remember going out as a kid and looking at the moon on the night Eagle landed and thinking about how exciting it was going to be when we got to Mars. 43 years later, I don't expect to see anyone speaking English doing it in my lifetime, unless something or someone shakes up the system and provides the spark to make it a goal people can believe in.

I've seen more excitement around here than I have in a long time, and the reason that an unmanned flight to the same old LEO destination has generated that excitement is that we see there's a glimmer of hope that we just aren't getting from the bureaucrats and system that eats up so much money and time, and in 2012 is still decades away from Mars.

We don't have statesmen anymore with leadership and vision. We have pollwatchers. And for all their faults, those pollwatchers have to keep an eye on what we, the people who pay for all this, are excited about and want, because they'd like to keep their positions. If Elon Musk and those like him can generate some excitement by launching rockets and selling t-shirts, then that will do more than NASA and the various big corporations have done in a long time to get us out into space in a big way. If we, the people who PAY FOR THIS, want to drink the Kool-Aid, and go explore space, then some entrenched interests are going to have to either get with the program or get out of the way.
Well said.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/28/2012 02:07 pm

This is a cost revolution,

That has yet to be seen
Well no it doesn't.  What's it cost to develop the entire company including their vehicles and systems as compared to an equivalent exercise using NASA and/or existing major players?  No comparison.  SpaceX wins hands down against their local and international competition.

Three cheers for SpaceX.  The party goes on.  Looking forward to splashdown and September when the first CRS flight launches with a bit of luck.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/28/2012 02:44 pm

Well no it doesn't.  What's it cost to develop the entire company including their vehicles and systems as compared to an equivalent exercise using NASA and/or existing major players?  No comparison.  SpaceX wins hands down against their local and international competition.

Wrong, it doesn't matter how much it cost to develop the systems. It is how much it costs to operate the systems.  That is what remains to be seen.  Also, OSC isn't finished either. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mduncan36 on 05/28/2012 03:03 pm
I've seen more excitement around here than I have in a long time, and the reason that an unmanned flight to the same old LEO destination has generated that excitement is that we see there's a glimmer of hope that we just aren't getting from the bureaucrats and system that eats up so much money and time, and in 2012 is still decades away from Mars.

We don't have statesmen anymore with leadership and vision. We have pollwatchers. And for all their faults, those pollwatchers have to keep an eye on what we, the people who pay for all this, are excited about and want, because they'd like to keep their positions. If Elon Musk and those like him can generate some excitement by launching rockets and selling t-shirts, then that will do more than NASA and the various big corporations have done in a long time to get us out into space in a big way. If we, the people who PAY FOR THIS, want to drink the Kool-Aid, and go explore space, then some entrenched interests are going to have to either get with the program or get out of the way.

I've seen several comments to this effect and they mirror my thoughts about all of this. In a world filled with unreal "reality" entertainment, lawyers, unprincipled politicians, terrorists who want to return us to the stone age, endless paper studies, we are at last presented with someone who is actually doing something that will drive humanity forward. Obviously there is much to do and a long way to go but Spacex has opened a path for the beginning of this long journey. Nothing is certain but for the first time since I listened to the book of Genesis being read from the moon there is a bit of hope driving away the cynicism and doubt. A motivated young man is leading a very determined band of people toward a frontier ripe for exploitation and discovery. A single test flight to LEO isn't much but the potential, which we can now see and touch, is the stuff of a million romantic dreams. What thinking person could not be enthusiastic about that?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/28/2012 04:23 pm
Can we turn this back into a party thread please?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: just-nick on 05/28/2012 04:33 pm
Can we turn this back into a party thread please?
Create a new thread: "Jim vs. SpaceX Fans"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/28/2012 04:48 pm
Well, sometimes heated arguments can break out at parties.  (Gunfire, too, but let's not go there.)  :o

I still think this is one of the best threads evah.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/28/2012 04:59 pm
Can we turn this back into a party thread please?
Create a new thread: "Jim vs. SpaceX Fans"

Spacex vs. SpaceX
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/28/2012 05:10 pm
Totally Space Cadet retired military bum here, who's been watching the space program since Mercury. All I care about is "what works". I remember going out as a kid and looking at the moon on the night Eagle landed and thinking about how exciting it was going to be when we got to Mars. 43 years later, I don't expect to see anyone speaking English doing it in my lifetime, unless something or someone shakes up the system and provides the spark to make it a goal people can believe in.

I've seen more excitement around here than I have in a long time, and the reason that an unmanned flight to the same old LEO destination has generated that excitement is that we see there's a glimmer of hope that we just aren't getting from the bureaucrats and system that eats up so much money and time, and in 2012 is still decades away from Mars.

We don't have statesmen anymore with leadership and vision. We have pollwatchers. And for all their faults, those pollwatchers have to keep an eye on what we, the people who pay for all this, are excited about and want, because they'd like to keep their positions. If Elon Musk and those like him can generate some excitement by launching rockets and selling t-shirts, then that will do more than NASA and the various big corporations have done in a long time to get us out into space in a big way. If we, the people who PAY FOR THIS, want to drink the Kool-Aid, and go explore space, then some entrenched interests are going to have to either get with the program or get out of the way.

As some one who grew up watching the Apollo missions [I was wasn't born until the Mercury program was just about over- you do the math ;)] this post really resonates with me.

It has been a long time since I have experienced the excitement & wonder of spaceflight so strongly. It should be like this every time, no matter who is doing it!

And if that is drinking Kool-Aid well so be it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/28/2012 05:17 pm
I agree with both Jim and with those excited about COTS C2/3. 

Pragmatically, I see this as another launch, by another NASA contractor, demonstrating another new payload.  It is a first flight for Dragon, so I'm interested in it from that perspective, and I'm impressed that it has gone so smoothly, especially on orbit.  I'm also becoming more impressed with the design skills of this contractor.

But as a space junkie, I'm totally stoked.  This was really cool, and I can't quite explain why.  Something about the energy in the room, if you know what I mean.  (And I don't buy the hype about cities on Mars and nearly free launches.)

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mongo62 on 05/28/2012 05:46 pm
I feel the need to put in my two cents as well.

I still vividly recall watching the live TV images from Eagle as it landed on the Moon. Later my father and I stepped outside and stared up at the Moon, and I still remember thinking, "there are living human beings on its surface right now!" At that moment I was sure that by the year 2000 the human colonization of the Solar System would be well underway. Sadly, that did not happen, but the Apollo landings still rank as the supreme accomplishment in space to date, in my opinion.  Decades later, my father told me that he considered the Apollo 11 landing and first moonwalk to be the most memorable moments in his life -- as an avid SF reader, he had been waiting his whole life for that moment.  I myself might have been a little too young to properly appreciate it (lacking the proper perspective at the time), but it still ranks right up there as well.

The second most memorable moment in HSF for me has to be the STS-1 launch. The main thing I remember from watching the launch was feeling incredibly nervous. I was old enough to appreciate the tremendous risk the crew was taking. In fact, the TV cameras used in the broadcast were not capable of handling the tremendous brightness of the SRB exhaust, making the plumes look like they were flashing or pulsating. For a few moments I was convinced that something terrible was happening, before I realized that what I was seeing was simply an artifact of the old Vidicon systems used in the camera (later launches did not have this problem).

This Dragon cargo resupply flight is obviously not nearly as dramatic, or as directly historic, as those two events. It will likely be almost forgotten by all except hardcore spaceflight fans within a few years. But I still felt an incredible sense of significance, due to the future potential that this first test flight represents.  You see the same pattern in other areas of history as well -- the first initial steps into some new territory are very famous, but in themselves not terribly significant.  But eventually, those first steps turn into a flood of followers, who DO transform their destination and the civilization they left behind.  In a way, the entire history of HSF to date has been included in those "first small steps", and now, the coming commercialization of launch access and space resource development (I.E. Planetary Resources Inc.) promises to turn those first few steps into a stampede.

So yes, the actual mission and ISS activities are not all that dramatic in themselves, but to me they represent the start of the truly large-scale Space Age.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ArbitraryConstant on 05/28/2012 06:29 pm
One of the reasons it's subjectively significant is that SpaceX talks big, but to date their pace of actually launching hasn't been anything to crow about.

For them to be seen to be making progress towards more routine launches is entirely worthy of celebration, even if this mission isn't anything new. We all know their larger goals won't go anywhere if they can't settle down and fulfill their launch contracts.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: billh on 05/28/2012 06:45 pm
I still vividly recall watching the live TV images from Eagle as it landed on the Moon. Later my father and I stepped outside and stared up at the Moon, and I still remember thinking, "there are living human beings on its surface right now!" At that moment I was sure that by the year 2000 the human colonization of the Solar System would be well underway. Sadly, that did not happen, but the Apollo landings still rank as the supreme accomplishment in space to date, in my opinion.  Decades later, my father told me that he considered the Apollo 11 landing and first moonwalk to be the most memorable moments in his life -- as an avid SF reader, he had been waiting his whole life for that moment.

Reminds me of my own experience. I have been a space nut as long as I can remember. One of my most vivid early childhood memories was watching John Glenn's flight. I was five years old. Shortly thereafter we moved to Houston because my dad got a job at NASA. He worked on the high mach number launch and reentry aerodynamics for Apollo. When we watched the Apollo 11 landing he wasn't with us, because he was on his two weeks of active duty in the Army Reserves. But my grandfather was there. He was born in 1892 in the Oklahoma Territory. One of his earliest memories was of being frightened by some of the Indians who still lived in the area. I don't think I can really imagine what it was like for him to sit there watching astronauts walk on the moon.

I ate, breathed and slept Apollo. I have always loved the shuttle - a beautiful, amazing machine. But along the way something was lost. Politics and budgets intervened. Bureaucracy increased. Risk-taking decreased. The space-faring world of science fiction that we were so confident was just around the corner receded further and further into a hazy, uncertain future. It slowly dawned on me that I might not actually live to see humans once again walking on the moon - let alone Mars. Constellation didn't get me excited. It was too much like Apollo, and seemed too likely to get canceled because of the tremendous expense (which did indeed happen).

But something happened in the last few years that got me excited again about our future in space. It was the X-Prize that first got my attention. I began to follow the many New Space companies that were springing up around that time. A generation of Internet entrepreneurs entered the field. They and the young enthusiasts who worked for them truly believed that hoary old sci-fi vision of a space-faring civilization, and dared to imagine they could bring it about. No more viewgraphs; they were actually flying rockets!

Once again I am a huge space enthusiast. The accomplishments of New Space were very small at first, but they are building. The current SpaceX mission to ISS is the biggest yet - but the best is yet to be.  I am glad that NASA is a partner in that future. Their enlightened leadership has led to COTS, commercial crew, the suborbital Flight Opportunities program, the Centennial prizes, data contracts with the GLXP contestants and more. This is getting to be fun again. I dare to dream again.

A huge thank you to SpaceX and all the other young companies pouring their energies into making an exciting new future in space for all of us. And thank you to NASA for deciding to get behind it and encourage it instead of standing in the way of it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/28/2012 07:23 pm
This party needs some rejuvenation. How about every time Jim posts "Spacex," I post an updated version with "SpaceX" and we all take a drink. We stop when he posts correctly or I get banned.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 05/28/2012 07:27 pm

Well no it doesn't.  What's it cost to develop the entire company including their vehicles and systems as compared to an equivalent exercise using NASA and/or existing major players?  No comparison.  SpaceX wins hands down against their local and international competition.

Wrong, it doesn't matter how much it cost to develop the systems. It is how much it costs to operate the systems.  That is what remains to be seen.  Also, OSC isn't finished either. 
In a normal business the cost of development would be captured in future business revenues. So SpaceX captures their 1 billion in development costs from their CRS and commercial contracts. Compare to SLS, which would account for its 25-50 billion in development in its 5-10 launches over 20 years. You would also count the cost of funds, so you would count the interest paid to the foreigners funding our deficit. So add perhaps 5 billion to each SLS launch plus the rocket and operations costs and compare to Falcon 9. 
Make those numbers work and we can start a new party thread.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/28/2012 07:36 pm
Can we turn this back into a party thread please?
Create a new thread: "Jim vs. SpaceX Fans"


Can we please drop this argument.

Jim is very knowledgeable in his field (rocketry, spacecraft prep among many other things) and is an industry expert. His points are valid but they are beyond the scope or point of this thread.

Drop it. This is a party thread and by definition its for spacex fans. It is not intended for serious debate, if you want to do that take to the discussion threads.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: arnezami on 05/28/2012 07:37 pm
I agree with both Jim and with those excited about COTS C2/3. 

Pragmatically, I see this as another launch, by another NASA contractor, demonstrating another new payload.  It is a first flight for Dragon, so I'm interested in it from that perspective, and I'm impressed that it has gone so smoothly, especially on orbit.  I'm also becoming more impressed with the design skills of this contractor.

But as a space junkie, I'm totally stoked.  This was really cool, and I can't quite explain why.  Something about the energy in the room, if you know what I mean.  (And I don't buy the hype about cities on Mars and nearly free launches.)

 - Ed Kyle

Amen.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mgreb on 05/28/2012 07:42 pm
"OMG SpaceX Party Thread" brings up an image in my head of a wasted Elon running around in the Hawthorne factory wearing an Iron Man suit.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: joek on 05/28/2012 07:44 pm
But as a space junkie, I'm totally stoked.  This was really cool, and I can't quite explain why.  Something about the energy in the room, if you know what I mean.  (And I don't buy the hype about cities on Mars and nearly free launches.)

Anticipation? Months/years of foreplay? [cue Carly Simon]
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JNobles on 05/28/2012 07:47 pm
Quote
Create a new thread: "Jim vs. SpaceX Fans"

How about "Jim vs. the Volcano"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: aero on 05/28/2012 07:51 pm
I think the significance of this launch/mission is that it very clearly breaks the 8 year cycle from birth to defunding that has strangled the space program since pre Apollo days.

No one believes that Elon Musk will change his mind after 8 years and go off to do something else. But who can name a NASA program that has lasted more than 8 years other than by extended operations.

I'm jazzed, Mankind to Mars in my lifetime!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Nate_Trost on 05/28/2012 07:57 pm
When they reach their projected flight rate we can refer to them as sPACEx.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/28/2012 08:00 pm
I was preparing a reply to this thread but when I read Mongo62 and billh's posts I decided that said it all for me too (and indicates my age!  ;D)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 08:09 pm
Since we're partying here, I really wanted to shift the discussion towards Elon's or SpaceX's naming convention - ie. discussion of why things were named what they were, alternative name suggestions, brainstorming of future names, etc, etc.

Or can we just have a dedicated thread for that?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/28/2012 08:29 pm
Since we're partying here, I really wanted to shift the discussion towards Elon's or SpaceX's naming convention - ie. discussion of why things were named what they were, alternative name suggestions, brainstorming of future names, etc, etc.

Or can we just have a dedicated thread for that?


We do have dedicated threads for that. One of them is called general spacex discussion (thread 5).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/28/2012 08:34 pm
I've just thought of a new title for Musk's unauthorized biography:

Mars is a Harsh Mistress  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: alexw on 05/28/2012 08:44 pm
Quote
Create a new thread: "Jim vs. SpaceX Fans"
How about "Jim vs. the Volcano"
Guys,
       I think it's pretty clear from his posts that Jim *is* a SpaceX fan, by any reasonable definition of "fan" -- e.g. most recently: getting up to watch the first launch attempt in the night, putting COTS2/3 on a par with Gemini 10, saying that Dragon has earned its place in the NASM. There are other posts, too, going back a long way.
       What he is not is what is (derisively) referred to around here as a "fan boi". There's a difference, undoubtedly born from a combination of a deep knowledge of space history, insider knowledge about the costs and movements within the industry, and a degree of cynicism (or realism, take your pick) about too many previous hopes flickered out or unacknowledged by those new.
       What we all hope, I think, is that Jim turns out to have been insufficiently optimistic (for good and deep reasons, at present) about the extent to which space exploration is ultimately changed by the Space Exploration Technologies Corporation. We all yearn for "this time, it's different". Some day it will be. Is that this?
       For the moment, party on, SpaceX!
             -Alex
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: krytek on 05/28/2012 08:57 pm
Jim is awesome. Period.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: joek on 05/28/2012 08:59 pm
I think it's pretty clear from his posts that Jim *is* a SpaceX fan...

No need for taking sides...  I think Jim, like most of us, is a Space[X] fan; emphasis on the "space".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/28/2012 09:10 pm

I still think this is one of the best threads evah.

(http://inthecac.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/are-you-serious1.jpg)

:D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/28/2012 09:19 pm

In a normal business the cost of development would be captured in future business revenues. So SpaceX captures their 1 billion in development costs from their CRS and commercial contracts. Compare to SLS, which would account for its 25-50 billion in development in its 5-10 launches over 20 years. You would also count the cost of funds, so you would count the interest paid to the foreigners funding our deficit. So add perhaps 5 billion to each SLS launch plus the rocket and operations costs and compare to Falcon 9. 
Make those numbers work and we can start a new party thread.

SLS is not part of this discussion and is not a valid comparison.  ULA and OSC are Spacex peers and not govt managed systems.

For all those who think I am anti Spacex, read my posts about SLS or Ares 1
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/28/2012 09:42 pm
Spacex,
I'm taking a drink
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/28/2012 09:53 pm
For all those who think I am anti Spacex, read my posts about SLS or Ares 1

I don't. I just think you're anti-verbosity.

As for me, I'm happy for SpaceX. Personally, I thought the whole "Elon! Elon!" chant thing was creepy.

But, "Go SpaceX!" It's your party.

Memorial Day beer post over. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/28/2012 10:01 pm

For all those who think I am anti Spacex, read my posts about SLS or Ares 1
Your posts on Ares 1 were great and you convinced me it was a kludge early on.
 I'm glad you provide a counter balance to fan_boi'ism but please don't  take it to the extreme.

Cheers  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sfjcody_ on 05/28/2012 10:19 pm
I love critical posters even though I'm a basically a starry eyed fan. It's good to get a splash of cold water now and again. Does Jeffrey Bell post here at all?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/28/2012 10:29 pm
This party needs some rejuvenation. How about every time Jim posts "Spacex," I post an updated version with "SpaceX" and we all take a drink. We stop when he posts correctly or I get banned.

I'll drink to that  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 05/28/2012 10:55 pm

In a normal business the cost of development would be captured in future business revenues. So SpaceX captures their 1 billion in development costs from their CRS and commercial contracts. Compare to SLS, which would account for its 25-50 billion in development in its 5-10 launches over 20 years. You would also count the cost of funds, so you would count the interest paid to the foreigners funding our deficit. So add perhaps 5 billion to each SLS launch plus the rocket and operations costs and compare to Falcon 9. 
Make those numbers work and we can start a new party thread.

SLS is not part of this discussion and is not a valid comparison.  ULA and OSC are Spacex peers and not govt managed systems.

For all those who think I am anti Spacex, read my posts about SLS or Ares 1
Apologies of I was a party troll. Appreciate your knowledge. You seem to have the history of the space program in your head.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/29/2012 02:06 am
I love critical posters even though I'm a basically a starry eyed fan. It's good to get a splash of cold water now and again. Does Jeffrey Bell post here at all?

Thankfully, no.  He thinks he knows more than he does.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/29/2012 05:07 am
But as a space junkie, I'm totally stoked.  This was really cool, and I can't quite explain why.

I remember Apollo 4, Apollo 11, and STS-1.  I've seen Shuttles and cargo vehicles dock and berth with the ISS.

Yet I was thrilled beyond belief by this unmanned test flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Cinder on 05/29/2012 11:54 am
The bottom line for me is that SpaceX is getting more traction on positive public awareness of space than any other company, despite any of those having better industrial track record by some or all metrics.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/29/2012 04:28 pm
Heavy Heavy!!! First contract just signed!!!

Okay, I now return the thread to arguing with Jim and that boring ISS stuff ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/29/2012 04:47 pm
Heavy Heavy!!! First contract just signed!!!

Okay, I now return the thread to arguing with Jim and that boring ISS stuff ;)

Huh, what? !!!!!

edit:  ooo!!
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29021.msg619105#new
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/29/2012 05:49 pm

In a normal business the cost of development would be captured in future business revenues. So SpaceX captures their 1 billion in development costs from their CRS and commercial contracts. Compare to SLS, which would account for its 25-50 billion in development in its 5-10 launches over 20 years. You would also count the cost of funds, so you would count the interest paid to the foreigners funding our deficit. So add perhaps 5 billion to each SLS launch plus the rocket and operations costs and compare to Falcon 9. 
Make those numbers work and we can start a new party thread.

SLS is not part of this discussion and is not a valid comparison.  ULA and OSC are Spacex peers and not govt managed systems.

For all those who think I am anti Spacex, read my posts about SLS or Ares 1
Apologies of I was a party troll. Appreciate your knowledge. You seem to have the history of the space program in your head.


Jim is a 22 Plus year veteran of the space launch industry. He posted many pictures of himself working on vehicles being prepared for launch not too long ago. Not sure where the thread is however.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/29/2012 05:53 pm

Huh, what? !!!!!

edit:  ooo!!
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29021.msg619105#new

Yep, definitely the new long poll on which to hang a lamp shade and sip the cool aid!!!! 

:) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/29/2012 06:05 pm
One can only hope the opening test flight occurs on schedule........
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/29/2012 06:10 pm
I hope to eventually work a mission with NASA spacecraft on a Falcon vehicle on the east coast.  (also hoping for a Delta IV and Antares mission too)

Order of likeliness:
1. Falcon
2. Antares
3.  Delta IV (EFT-1 does not count)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/29/2012 06:12 pm
I hope to eventually work a mission with NASA spacecraft on a Falcon vehicle on the east coast.  (also hoping for a Delta IV and Antares mission too)

Order of likeliness:
1. Falcon
2. Antares
3.  Delta IV (EFT-1 does not count)


Although this probably isn't the case I'll ask anyway:

If crew dragon happens, since NASA astros will be flying it would you be involved in that at all or are you singularly non-manned field at this time?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mmeijeri on 05/29/2012 06:13 pm
3.  Delta IV (EFT-1 does not count)

Why is Delta at the bottom of the list? Because it isn't competitive with Atlas?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/29/2012 06:30 pm
I hope to eventually work a mission with NASA spacecraft on a Falcon vehicle on the east coast.

Seeing an F9 launch a NASA planetary mission would be a very satisfying moment for me and I'm looking forward to that day very much.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edkyle99 on 05/29/2012 06:33 pm
The bottom line for me is that SpaceX is getting more traction on positive public awareness of space than any other company, despite any of those having better industrial track record by some or all metrics.

My web site has already seen a 30+% jump in total monthly visitors - and there are still a few days left in May.  May 22 set a new daily record, and my site has been online since 1998.  The busiest pages are all about SpaceX.  It's pretty simple, really.  The more I write about SpaceX, the more visitors I have.

In early May, I uploaded a full page on Liberty, chock full of details, nice images, and so forth. 

Not a blip.

 - Ed Kyle
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/29/2012 06:45 pm

If crew dragon happens, since NASA astros will be flying it would you be involved in that at all or are you singularly non-manned field at this time?

Only unmanned, since I worry only about the spacecraft support.  Since Commercial Crew will be a service, the spacecraft support is done by the contractor.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: baldusi on 05/29/2012 07:29 pm
I hope to eventually work a mission with NASA spacecraft on a Falcon vehicle on the east coast.  (also hoping for a Delta IV and Antares mission too)

Order of likeliness:
1. Falcon
2. Antares
3.  Delta IV (EFT-1 does not count)


Although this probably isn't the case I'll ask anyway:

If crew dragon happens, since NASA astros will be flying it would you be involved in that at all or are you singularly non-manned field at this time?
I guess because Delta IV is not currently offered under the NLS II program?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: PahTo on 05/29/2012 07:42 pm

My web site has already seen a 30+% jump in total monthly visitors - and there are still a few days left in May.  May 22 set a new daily record, and my site has been online since 1998.  The busiest pages are all about SpaceX.  It's pretty simple, really.  The more I write about SpaceX, the more visitors I have.

In early May, I uploaded a full page on Liberty, chock full of details, nice images, and so forth. 

Not a blip.

 - Ed Kyle

What is the link to your website, Mr. Kyle?  (sorry to go OT, if you want, send as PM).
Thanks!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/29/2012 08:15 pm
What is the link to your website, Mr. Kyle?  (sorry to go OT, if you want, send as PM).
Thanks!

Click on the WWW link for each of his post: http://www.spacelaunchreport.com/
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/29/2012 08:51 pm

My web site has already seen a 30+% jump in total monthly visitors - and there are still a few days left in May.  May 22 set a new daily record, and my site has been online since 1998.  The busiest pages are all about SpaceX.  It's pretty simple, really.  The more I write about SpaceX, the more visitors I have.

In early May, I uploaded a full page on Liberty, chock full of details, nice images, and so forth. 

Not a blip.

 - Ed Kyle

What is the link to your website, Mr. Kyle?  (sorry to go OT, if you want, send as PM).
Thanks!

Go to any of Ed's posts, find the "WWW" link under his user-name, and that will take you to his site.

NB, this works for anyone who has defined a website in their user profile (Forum Profile / Website URL).

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/29/2012 08:51 pm

Huh, what? !!!!!

edit:  ooo!!
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29021.msg619105#new

Yep, definitely the new long poll on which to hang a lamp shade and sip the cool aid!!!! 

:) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(

Actually, AFAICT, FH is no longer (taller) than F9 v1.1!   :D

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/29/2012 10:17 pm

Huh, what? !!!!!

edit:  ooo!!
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29021.msg619105#new

Yep, definitely the new long poll on which to hang a lamp shade and sip the cool aid!!!! 

:) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(

Actually, AFAICT, FH is no longer (taller) than F9 v1.1!   :D

cheers, Martin


Yeah, what Martin said.  ... and "Kool-Aid" is spelled with a "K"  ;)

Here's hoping we have a Dragonrider party thread in our future where we can drink a mix of Kool-Aid and Tang!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 05/29/2012 10:53 pm
Roll-on the LAS testing!

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/30/2012 01:44 am

Huh, what? !!!!!

edit:  ooo!!
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29021.msg619105#new

Yep, definitely the new long poll on which to hang a lamp shade and sip the cool aid!!!! 

:) ;) :D ;D >:( :( :o 8) ??? ::) :P :-[ :-X :-\ :-* :'(

Actually, AFAICT, FH is no longer (taller) than F9 v1.1!   :D

cheers, Martin


Yeah, what Martin said.  ... and "Kool-Aid" is spelled with a "K"  ;)

Here's hoping we have a Dragonrider party thread in our future where we can drink a mix of Kool-Aid and Tang!

Well, if you want to really nit pick...

1. The Falcon Heavy can lift an upper stage that has more fuel in it. Stretch that upper stage!

-Chalk up one for a longer pole!

2. The Falcon Heavy can lift a larger payload.

-Hence a larger and taller lamp shade.

3. If they develop a dual payload adapter, The fairing will most likely be longer than the current fairing.

-It can wear two lamp shades, and that trumps any Kool-Aid v1.1 induced long rocket envy :P'''

Personally I wouldn't mind another glass of Kombucha!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: alexw on 05/30/2012 05:56 am
3.  Delta IV (EFT-1 does not count)
Why is Delta at the bottom of the list? Because it isn't competitive with Atlas?
     We "know" it isn't cost-competitive (not in NLS-II, Delta withdrawn from the commercial market; pricing hints from HEFT; and Jim has said as much).
      Performance-wise, to lower-energy orbits the differential between M+(5,4) and AV551 isn't so terrible (looks like C3=+20 is ~3700kg vs. ~4500+kg), but to higher-energies the already-flown Star48V really pulls ahead (C3=80 is more like ~500kg vs. ~1800kg), if I'm not misreading the PPGs. AV551 is of course already nuclear-rated, and DIVH wasn't used for PNH and appears utterly cost-prohibitive absent some massive international Flagship mission like Cassini where the US is on the hook instead of Ariane V.
      In fact, absent a political turnabout to cancel SLS and fly Orion on DIVH by mid- to late-decade, and assuming that F9 and FH continue to make visible progress towards eventually being viable launchers for NASA missions, it seems remarkably likely (IMO) that EFT-1 may be the only Delta IV of any kind flown for NASA (vs. NOAA), ever.
     Basically, Atlas has the low, medium, and high ends right now, Antares and F9 both seek the low end and will probably get there, and FH seeks the medium and high ends and may someday get there.

     But you didn't ask in order to hear it from me ;)
    -Alex
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 05/30/2012 06:20 am
Hey, just heard that SpaceX landed a contract for Falcon Heavy. Since they don't have a customer for the first test flight, how about using Dragon on a Lunar BEO shakeout flight or how about a totally insane idea like launching a Tesla Model S into orbit for publicity. Yeah, I know totally insane but why not.  :D (I didn't dare post this on the Falcon Heavy board, I'd never hear the end of it LOL)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/30/2012 07:02 am
Hey, just heard that SpaceX landed a contract for Falcon Heavy. Since they don't have a customer for the first test flight, how about using Dragon on a Lunar BEO shakeout flight or how about a totally insane idea like launching a Tesla Model S into orbit for publicity. Yeah, I know totally insane but why not.  :D (I didn't dare post this on the Falcon Heavy board, I'd never hear the end of it LOL)

Given that mr. musk likes monty python, what about crashing a 16t weight into the moon (and watching the debris plume, deep impact style)  ;)

Realistically, taking a dragon stuffed full of spacex memorabilia like t-shirts and models on a free return trajectory around the moon would be their best option. It would validate BEO operations and reentry from BEO. Also, every spacex employee could have a t-shirt that has been around the moon: how is that for motivation.

Stick a few HD cameras in the trunk and sell the video as well.

(http://www.ideasden.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/16-tons-weight.jpg)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Confusador on 05/30/2012 07:41 am
Realistically, taking a dragon stuffed full of spacex memorabilia like t-shirts and models on a free return trajectory around the moon would be their best option. It would validate BEO operations and reentry from BEO. Also, every spacex employee could have a t-shirt that has been around the moon: how is that for motivation.

You know how they've been hedging on when the IPO will be?  I'll bet they're going to load it up with stock certificates.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris-A on 05/30/2012 07:51 am
With the Twitter comments I read, if I can, wanted to make a funny.

The future Mad Scientist's exploration architecture plan is a plague of the next-generation Falcon 9 Bacteriophage virus - landing legs with both stages powered by methane, invading Earth, Mars, and SLS. Sorry, I had to do it. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 05/30/2012 07:54 am
As long as we're engaging in wild speculation about what Falcon Heavy could do on it's test flight, how about this: put a Dragon (perhaps a used one), into an unused geosynchronus slot. After demonstrating that they can get a vehicle into an announced position, then the Dragon can demonstrate a re-entry at higher than the normal LEO velocity. This shows commercial customers that SpaceX can get a vehicle to the valuable comsat orbit, and shows everyone else that Dragon just might have potential beyond LEO. Could a Falcon Heavy do this?

Edit to add: Crud, forgot that they're going from Vandenberg!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: douglas100 on 05/30/2012 08:09 am
A lunar flyby and return is doable from Vandenberg. They don't have to demonstrate a launch to GTO on the first flight. All that would require is for the top stage to restart. And that has already been demonstrated on the second F9 flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/30/2012 08:12 am
You're all forgetting, again, that launching a Dragon on the first Falcon Heavy would mean that the 5m fairing would not have been demonstrated on that flight. Customers don't care if some random capsule loops around the Moon etc, they want to see the configuration *they'll* fly on be demonstrated.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/30/2012 08:16 am
I agree with both Jim and with those excited about COTS C2/3. 

Pragmatically, I see this as another launch, by another NASA contractor, demonstrating another new payload.  It is a first flight for Dragon, so I'm interested in it from that perspective, and I'm impressed that it has gone so smoothly, especially on orbit.  I'm also becoming more impressed with the design skills of this contractor.

But as a space junkie, I'm totally stoked.  This was really cool, and I can't quite explain why.  Something about the energy in the room, if you know what I mean.  (And I don't buy the hype about cities on Mars and nearly free launches.)

 - Ed Kyle

Quote from: Anne Elk bracket Miss brackets
My theory, which belongs to me, is mine...

All Dragons are thin at one end, much, much thicker in the middle, and then thin again at the far end.

No, wait, that's Brontosauruses.



Ed,

I think it's because SpaceX's ambitions are so inspiring, but that 17 month gap since COTS C1 instead left the impression that they were struggling. A gap between ambition and ability.

Then, suddenly, they have a reportedly flawless launch, and their Dragon/MCC-X performance has been just so damned competent, with some of our insiders saying nice things instead of bursting the bubble. If nothing else, this is looking like a solid foundation for a crewed service.

I think what you're feeling is "you know, maybe they have a chance to pull off that other stuff, too". Doesn't mean the unrealistic expectations are gonna happen, but I think this mission is really changing some attitudes towards SpaceX.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: douglas100 on 05/30/2012 08:47 am
You're all forgetting, again, that launching a Dragon on the first Falcon Heavy would mean that the 5m fairing would not have been demonstrated on that flight. Customers don't care if some random capsule loops around the Moon etc, they want to see the configuration *they'll* fly on be demonstrated.

Good point.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/30/2012 08:51 am
10 ton ceramic teacup launched into BEO.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/30/2012 08:55 am
Then just do a Soyuz and put the Dragon inside a fairing.

(I know, I know....)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/30/2012 09:24 am
Then just do a Soyuz and put the Dragon inside a fairing.

(I know, I know....)

I asked earlier whether that would actually be feasible.

It's not like it would be carrying a crew, so it doesn't need the ability to abort.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: woods170 on 05/30/2012 12:38 pm

Quote from: Anne Elk bracket Miss brackets
My theory, which belongs to me, is mine...

All Dragons are thin at one end, much, much thicker in the middle, and then thin again at the far end.

No, wait, that's Brontosauruses.

Make that Apatosauruses. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatosaurus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apatosaurus)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/30/2012 02:18 pm
Then just do a Soyuz and put the Dragon inside a fairing.

(I know, I know....)

I asked earlier whether that would actually be feasible.

It's not like it would be carrying a crew, so it doesn't need the ability to abort.

cheers, Martin

There is no technical reason why a ~3.7m diameter Dragon cannot fit inside a ~5.2m diameter fairing flight. But I agree it is very unlikely to occur.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/30/2012 02:32 pm
I want to thank all of those with the kind words
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rklaehn on 05/30/2012 03:38 pm
Here is another crazy idea about what to do with the first falcon heavy flight: since phobos grunt didn't work we still have no idea at all if there is water on phobos. So do a phobos impactor. Basically a copper weight like what was used with deep impact, but obviously much heavier.

If the funding is available, do a copy of deep impact with an observation spacecraft and a larger impactor. If not, just do an impactor without an observer spacecraft, and time the impact so that one of the spacecraft currently in mars orbit can observe the plume.

An 8000kg impactor impacting phobos with ~6km/s should create a nice, big crater. And spectral observation of the plume would give a very good idea of the composition of phobos (not just the surface, but a few meters down as well).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jded on 05/30/2012 03:55 pm
Ok, crazy ideas for Dragon Heavy test flight:

Send a chunk of asteroid-resembling rock into a slowly decaying orbit. Sell it to Planetary Resources, for ISRU/asteroid transport equipment testing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/30/2012 04:23 pm
Ok, crazy ideas for Dragon Heavy test flight:

Send a chunk of asteroid-resembling rock into a slowly decaying orbit. Sell it to Planetary Resources, for ISRU/asteroid transport equipment testing.

And if PRI doesn't offer to buy it, then...  Sell it to whoever doesn't want it impacting their territory when the orbit decays.

Price: One MEEEEELion dollars.

Er no, that can't be right. But I'm not sure I'm keen on a dumb rock in a decaying orbit unless there's a very solid plan in place. Rocks are more dense than spacecraft and theoretically survive reentry better.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ugordan on 05/30/2012 05:14 pm
After watching John Couluris' appearances on NASA TV so far, I have to say I like what I'm seeing. Even though he's obviously not completely relaxed in front of the camera, he's concise and to the point, sounds confident in his team and the vehicle, but is still cautious and maintains a down-to-earth attitude. One does get the impression they assembled a capable team over there and are not just a bunch of rocket hobbyists as some would have you believe.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/30/2012 05:38 pm

And if PRI doesn't offer to buy it, then...  Sell it to whoever doesn't want it impacting their territory when the orbit decays.

Price: One MEEEEELion dollars.

Er no, that can't be right. But I'm not sure I'm keen on a dumb rock in a decaying orbit unless there's a very solid plan in place. Rocks are more dense than spacecraft and theoretically survive reentry better.

Well considering asteroids are really just piles of rubble, why not instead launch several tonnes of pea gravel in orbit instead. Uncontrolled reentry issue mitigated ;)

<Humor tag> <Humor tag> <everyone>
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mongo62 on 05/30/2012 05:39 pm
This might get me ridiculed as a SpaceX person, but it's a serious question.  How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?

To me, the biggest gap is in man-rating, something which SpaceX has not yet done but which they are clearly working hard to achieve.  And obviously, they have no lunar lander in development that we know of.  Other than that, they have:

Designed and built numerous rocket engines (Kestral, various Merlin variants, Draco) with work continuing on at least three others (Raptor, SuperDraco, a staged-combustion light hydrocarbon engine, possibly Merlin 2).

Designed, built and flown two launchers (F1 and F9 v1.0) with several more due to fly within a year (F9 v1.1 and FH) and work progressing on a super-heavy lifter (~150mt to LEO).

Designed, built and flown a reusable cargo carrier (Dragon Cargo) and working to make it human-rated.

Working on fly-back technology (Grasshopper) with the goal of making their launchers (almost) completely reusable.

Long-term goal of cheap human access to Mars, with an intermediate goal of drastically reducing the cost per kg to LEO.

As part of the above goal, they have proposed a means of landing a tonne of payload on Mars for a much lower cost than currently offered.

All of the above for a much lower development cost than we have seen elsewhere.

That is one very impressive list.  Sure, it took longer to get where they are now than their initial projections indicated it would, but still...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: baldusi on 05/30/2012 05:56 pm
This might get me ridiculed as a SpaceX person, but it's a serious question.  How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?
So, you're comparing the Titanic to the 400:1 model?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mongo62 on 05/30/2012 05:59 pm
So, you're comparing the Titanic to the 400:1 model?

No, I am not asking about passenger liners, or models of them.  I am asking about how what SpeceX has done and is planning to do compares with what NASA did in the 1960s.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dragon44 on 05/30/2012 06:38 pm
After watching John Couluris' appearances on NASA TV so far, I have to say I like what I'm seeing. Even though he's obviously not completely relaxed in front of the camera, he's concise and to the point, sounds confident in his team and the vehicle, but is still cautious and maintains a down-to-earth attitude. One does get the impression they assembled a capable team over there and are not just a bunch of rocket hobbyists as some would have you believe.

From his GSAW 2012 Bio:
Quote
John Couluris is the Director of Launch and Mission Operations at SpaceX. He joined the company in 2007 and plays a key role in SpaceX's launch, on-orbit and recovery operations. Mr. Couluris interfaces with NASA Johnson, Goddard, Kennedy and Marshall space flight centers for all operational matters, including on-orbit/ISS operations, range coordination, tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS), and ground station operations including establishing SpaceX's growing network of high data rate ground stations. As the Mission Director for SpaceX's Dragon C1 flight, he was responsible for the entire mission of the world's first commercial launch and recovery of a spacecraft. Prior to joining SpaceX, Mr. Couluris was a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, where he served for nine years. He went on to JetBlue Airways, where he worked as the Manager of Flight Operations Planning and before becoming the Director of Crew Operations. Mr. Couluris has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in aeronautical engineering, both from New York's Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mr. Couluris has authored multiple professional papers. He is the recipient of two Air Medals for his service in Bosnia and Kosovo and is an honors graduate of the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Safety School.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JBF on 05/30/2012 07:02 pm
Guys you are not framing the question properly. The question should be what would an "Evil Genius"  send up. The answer is obvious, a doomsday weapon of course. What I want to know is what type of doomsday weapon. Has anyone spotted anything on the factory tours?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/30/2012 07:12 pm
Guys you are not framing the question properly. The question should be what would an "Evil Genius"  send up. The answer is obvious, a doomsday weapon of course. What I want to know is what type of doomsday weapon. Has anyone spotted anything on the factory tours?

Evil Genius like blocking out the sun, look for a very, very large tarp during the factory tour!

It might be disguised as a large solar sail ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/30/2012 08:20 pm
Guys you are not framing the question properly. The question should be what would an "Evil Genius"  send up. The answer is obvious, a doomsday weapon of course. What I want to know is what type of doomsday weapon. Has anyone spotted anything on the factory tours?

Speaking of factory tours, anyone see the SpaceX / Tesla comparo that was posted somewhere (cheering crowds inside the factory because of the launch of  F9+D(COTS 2/3) | Model S respectively...)

I was struck by how CLEAN the Tesla factory was. At the resolution on offer I couldn't spot anything. Old style car factories were much dirtier... even though all of them are now getting cleaner it really was a contrast.

At least to me. YMMV...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 05/30/2012 08:27 pm
Their projected timelines are similar but which will launch first, EFT 1 or FH?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: 93143 on 05/30/2012 08:32 pm
So, you're comparing the Titanic to the 400:1 model?

No, I am not asking about passenger liners, or models of them.  I am asking about how what SpeceX has done and is planning to do compares with what NASA did in the 1960s.

Well, for starters, NASA has already done it, and has given SpaceX a substantial amount of help...

From one perspective, that's what NASA is for.  Where would aircraft design be if it weren't for NACA?  And aircraft design has much lower entry barriers than space vehicle design...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/30/2012 08:57 pm
Guys you are not framing the question properly. The question should be what would an "Evil Genius"  send up. The answer is obvious, a doomsday weapon of course. What I want to know is what type of doomsday weapon. Has anyone spotted anything on the factory tours?

Speaking of factory tours, anyone see the SpaceX / Tesla comparo that was posted somewhere (cheering crowds inside the factory because of the launch of  F9+D(COTS 2/3) | Model S respectively...)
Got a link? I'm curious. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: david1971 on 05/30/2012 09:08 pm
This might get me ridiculed as a SpaceX person, but it's a serious question.  How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?

...

Designed, built and flown a reusable cargo carrier (Dragon Cargo) and working to make it human-rated.

Included in the idea of a cargo carrier is the demonstration of rendezvous capability.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 05/30/2012 09:10 pm
Speaking of factory tours, anyone see the SpaceX / Tesla comparo that was posted somewhere (cheering crowds inside the factory because of the launch of  F9+D(COTS 2/3) | Model S respectively...)
Got a link? I'm curious. :)

I can't remember where I saw it. I thought maybe here on NSF somewhere?

Here's a pic from last year I found on flickr with a quick search

(http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=tesla%20factory )

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/6220891466/

Sorry I can't be more specific.

Interesting factory tour article:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/we-visit-the-tesla-factory-and-it-looks-a-lot-like-a-real-car-company%E2%80%99s/

Their plant used to be part of the NUMMI plant so maybe that's why it was clean??? Note that they are vertically integrated... they make a lot of their subassemblies that other companies might farm out... hmm, who do we know like that?


Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/30/2012 09:13 pm
How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?

One engine of 5 on the Saturn V in it's first of 3 stages has double the thrust of a whole Falcon 9.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 05/30/2012 09:26 pm
This might get me ridiculed as a SpaceX person, but it's a serious question.  How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?


It's a very hard comparison to make because (as noted above), SpaceX is benefitting from decades of other's experiences, especially NASA's, as they have repeatedly acknowledged. What impresses me the most is that they have done this list of accomplishments with under 2,000 employees, which includes operations in Texas, Florida, and sometimes other locations. The big hurdle will be transitioning to higher rate flight ops without losing the characteristics (culture?) that have made it work so far.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mongo62 on 05/30/2012 09:35 pm
How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?

One engine of 5 on the Saturn V in it's first of 3 stages has double the thrust of a whole Falcon 9.

Let me quote from my own post a couple days ago:

Quote
I still vividly recall watching the live TV images from Eagle as it landed on the Moon. Later my father and I stepped outside and stared up at the Moon, and I still remember thinking, "there are living human beings on its surface right now!" At that moment I was sure that by the year 2000 the human colonization of the Solar System would be well underway. Sadly, that did not happen, but the Apollo landings still rank as the supreme accomplishment in space to date, in my opinion.  Decades later, my father told me that he considered the Apollo 11 landing and first moonwalk to be the most memorable moments in his life -- as an avid SF reader, he had been waiting his whole life for that moment.  I myself might have been a little too young to properly appreciate it (lacking the proper perspective at the time), but it still ranks right up there as well.

And evidently, since there was more to NASA HSF in the 1960s than just Apollo, the total achievement was even greater.  I am not knocking what NASA did in the 1960s, I think it surpasses any other HSF decade or project in history (including the Shuttle).

But what SpaceX has done and intends to do in the coming years is not chickenfeed either.  They have gone from literally nothing to producing a heavy-lift launcher in ten years, along with a cargo-rated (and in a few years human-rated) spacecraft, numerous rocket engines -- and yes, none are as huge as the Saturn V main engines but not for lack of ability, the Merlin 2 would have been in that size range, but there are very good reasons not to produce an engine that large -- and a superheavy likely to be unveiled next year that Elon describes as having a substantially greater payload to LEO than Saturn V.  And if SpaceX is successful with reusability, they will have initiated a revolution in HSF that will be as significant as ANYTHING that has been done to date.

Admittedly, a lot of this has not been done yet.  But they are not just Powerpoints either, engineering teams are no doubt hard at work trying to make these projects into working hardware.  And keep in mind that all of this is being done with a budget that is a fraction of what the rest of the industry demands.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 05/30/2012 09:47 pm
Just for the record... not that I imagine anyone cares... but I'm aware of Jim's qualifications, and respect him for it.  Just thought it was weird to be slapped down for stating my *personal* feelings on what was supposed to be this big happy party thread.

The importance of SpaceX isn't that NASA, or Boeing, or Lockheed, or ULA did this stuff years or decades before.  It's the hope (not certainty--I didn't say certainty) that SpaceX will cause a change in the way the aerospace business works.  We all want to see prices come down and flight rates go up and cool missions being flown, right?  And COTS 2+ is an indicator that it just might happen.

Now I compared my excitement at this launch, to my excitement at STS-1, which Jim took offense to, and seems to have derived from that single statement that I'm some kind of rocket flower child or something.  But when STS-1 launched, it was the beginning of a revolution--a new manned spacecraft after several years of nothing, the first winged orbital spacecraft, the first reusable spacecraft, that was going to fly many times a year, bring costs down and open up space in a big way.  Why not be excited by that?  But then it didn't happen--there were only a few launches every year, the famous Get-Away Specials turned out to be bust, teachers in space was a bust, our overlord Congressmen got free rides, costs only increased and new entrants were swatted down with extreme prejudice.   NASA, rightly perhaps from their view, wanted nothing to do with space tourists--i.e., ordinary people--and I distinctly remember how the space station crew members warmly hugged all the arriving astronauts, except for Dennis Tito, who got a lukewarm handshake and turned backs.

SpaceX launched a medium-size rocket with a capsule, something the other guys did in the 1960s, no big deal.  But SpaceX is headed by an honest-to-goodness space fanatic who by all accounts wants to open space to the rest of us, and that is exciting after 30 years of status quo.  I don't understand why that sort of idea would make me a witless fan b**.  Don't we all want (mostly) the same thing here?

Okay, we now return you to your regularly scheduled partying.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: neilh on 05/30/2012 10:22 pm
NASA, rightly perhaps from their view, wanted nothing to do with space tourists--i.e., ordinary people--and I distinctly remember how the space station crew members warmly hugged all the arriving astronauts, except for Dennis Tito, who got a lukewarm handshake and turned backs.

Slightly OT, but is there video of this?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/30/2012 10:47 pm
Just catching up after a long weekend away.

 
Look at all the books from the 70's and 80's, they were full of space settlements, lunar bases, etc using the shuttle. 
Look at all the books from the 60's too.  Gatland and Bono's books.  Everybody had grandiose plans. 

There is no guarantee that it will still happen or that Spacex will even lead the way.


Those prior failures are precisely why many people here are very excited over this. This time might have a different outcome.

Some might say that since those grandiose plans failed to succeed before, that that is it. Game over. Just look at the comments section of a space article in the Wall Street Journal.  "It is a waste, destined to fail. Tried before with no sustainable result." They see anything beyond commercial communication and imaging satellites as a great folly.

But here we go again. Space settlement attempt #3.

There is something about our psychology about celebrating something before it happens, sometimes more so than after it happens.  Tom Wolfe mentions this about all the irrational attention given to the Mercury 7 before they flew.

It is time for the "sons" (or maybe grandsons it's been so long) of Gatland and Bono to re-write & re-draw those books so young people can once again get excited about the promise of today's technology, including architecture which is hopefully right around the corner.

But sometimes I see Jim's point of view. With two failed programs (not missions mind you, the missions were great successes) I can see how some folks may be jaded. "fool me once (or twice)..."

This is a cost revolution,
That has yet to be seen

I guess my point is if you are waiting to see something to celebrate it, you'll be late to the party. And by the time everyone else catches up, Elon will already be talking about the next "yet to be seen" goal.

And Spacex is also going to fix the Euro and US debt.
Jeesh.
come on, let's get real. 

They may fail. They may fail not so much with their rockets at this point but maybe with lowering the cost of space access and opening the frontier. Failure is certainly a possibility. That is why I am here I think, rooting for my chosen team, or quarterback, and the "team" is this new push that includes several players. But forgive me, I feel that sports analogies are beneath rocket science. Although it does make me wish I was with some other like minded folks a week ago to "high five" and the such, when Dragon made it to orbit.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DavidH on 05/30/2012 10:52 pm
Just for the record... not that I imagine anyone cares... but I'm aware of Jim's qualifications, and respect him for it.  Just thought it was weird to be slapped down for stating my *personal* feelings on what was supposed to be this big happy party thread.

Yeah, I've felt that slap-down too, as have many others, and with all due respect to someone's credentials, the "old curmudgeon show" is a little old.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/30/2012 11:05 pm
You are quite right that what SpaceX and the other new space folks (and I'll throw some of the dinospace folks in there... Raptorspace:)) are attempting is NOT a zero sum game. They are trying to grow the market, make new markets. That is why you'll see competitors like Orbital cheering SpaceX on, and probably SpaceX cheering others like Blue Origin and XCOR on as they get closer to their goals. Coopetition, as ridiculous as the word sounds, is the key term here.

Orbital has a lot to gain, for instance, from a cheap medium class launch vehicle since they make more money on spacecraft manufacture and need a modern domestic alternative to the likes of delta 2.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/30/2012 11:08 pm
Heck, even ULA used Falcon 9 (as a cheap refueling tanker) in their depot study. This isn't (and shouldn't be) a tribalistic zero sum game.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JNobles on 05/30/2012 11:09 pm
Quote
Quote from: punder on Today at 03:47 PM

    Just for the record... not that I imagine anyone cares... but I'm aware of Jim's qualifications, and respect him for it.  Just thought it was weird to be slapped down for stating my *personal* feelings on what was supposed to be this big happy party thread.


Yeah, I've felt that slap-down too, as have many others, and with all due respect to someone's credentials, the "old curmudgeon show" is a little old.

Never stop cheering about something you feel like cheering about.  If other people don't like your cheering, no matter who they are, they can learn to deal with it.  It probably represents personal issues they have that you most likely wouldn't be able to help them work through anyway.  Maybe you are cheering for something they don't really like or maybe they don't have anything themselves to cheer about and it bothers them that other people do.

Or maybe they are just grumps.  Never stop cheering about something you feel like cheering about.



Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 05/30/2012 11:11 pm
NASA, rightly perhaps from their view, wanted nothing to do with space tourists--i.e., ordinary people--and I distinctly remember how the space station crew members warmly hugged all the arriving astronauts, except for Dennis Tito, who got a lukewarm handshake and turned backs.

Slightly OT, but is there video of this?

Haven't found it yet, but I did find a couple of quotes:

http://video.answers.com/learn-about-the-first-space-tourist-dennis-tito-311597050
"Although the flight went very smoothly, reception at the ISS was a little cooler than usual, in part because NASA doesn’t support the idea of space tourism."

http://news.yahoo.com/10-years-ago-dennis-tito-became-first-space-205800512.html
"Tito's trip was not without controversy, primarily due to opposition from NASA, which was decidedly cool to the whole idea of commercial space flight at the time. Then-NASA administrator Dan Goldin was not pleased by the visit of a paying customer to the ISS. Former astronaut and Sen. John Glenn denounced the Tito space trip. Tito is said to have gotten a rather cool reception on the ISS from the American crew present at the time."
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 12:10 am
This might get me ridiculed as a SpaceX person, but it's a serious question.  How would you say what SpaceX has done to date, plus what we know (or have had hinted to us) about their future plans, compares to the 1960s NASA HSF program, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo?

Well, of course NASA did things in the 1960s that no one knew was possible, such as manned spaceflight, spacewalks, rendezvous, and moon landings.  They were making it up as they went along.  Before the first Vostok and Mercury flights, there was some concern that prolonged exposure to zero g would cause such vertigo as to be incapacitating. 

From what I've heard, Elon Musk and SpaceX give full credit to those pioneers.  I think Elon said somewhere, "we stand on the shoulders of giants".  The people of SpaceX are trying to learn to do what is now known to be possible, but to do it in a more economical way, which will make it more commonplace.

But when STS-1 launched, it was the beginning of a revolution--a new manned spacecraft after several years of nothing, the first winged orbital spacecraft, the first reusable spacecraft, that was going to fly many times a year, bring costs down and open up space in a big way.  Why not be excited by that?  But then it didn't happen--there were only a few launches every year

I said earlier that I was fortunate enough to read Tom Wolfe's book "The Right Stuff" just before STS-1, which made me appreciate it more.  It seemed like spacecraft were finally coming around full circle to what they were working towards in the 1950s, before being detoured by "Spam in a can" capsules.  But the Shuttle was a compromise design and it never lived up to its promise of making spaceflight cheap and routine.  The decision to use it for launching satellites was probably a mistake, since it made every satellite launch a manned flight, which did nothing for economy.

There were plenty of memorable moments in the early Shuttle flights:  satellite releases, untethered spacewalks, satellite retrieval and repair missions.  But after Challenger, I found myself holding my breath for every launch.  Not exactly routine spaceflight.  The EELVs took over satellite launching.  The Shuttles were then tasked to build the ISS.  Then, after Columbia, the Shuttles were deemed so fragile that they were restricted to only flying to the ISS.  The last Hubble repair mission was nearly cancelled because of safety concerns. 

And 30 years of NEO flights tended to cause the general public to lose interest.

I've decided that what makes Dragon so exciting is that it is the first new manned spacecraft to be developed in a generation.  True, it hasn't flown manned yet, but neither did Mercury, Gemini, or Apollo on their first few flights.  Shenzhou is more or less a Soyuz knockoff.  And SpaceX has very ambitious plans for Dragon, which include going beyond Earth orbit.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2012 12:18 am
57,000 posts in the SpaceX section - wowzers. I think we need two sections for SpaceX. One for mission specific (update threads, specific mission discussion threads, party threads (one per mission)) and one section for everything else (FH, New Engines, General, etc ;)). Plus the mission specific would be useful to bump on all the F1 Update threads, because - personally - success (C2+) is a bigger deal when one considers how the F1 fails nearly brought down the whole show.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 05/31/2012 01:18 am
57,000 posts in the SpaceX section - wowzers. I think we need two sections for SpaceX. One for mission specific (update threads, specific mission discussion threads, party threads (one per mission)) and one section for everything else (FH, New Engines, General, etc ;)). Plus the mission specific would be useful to bump on all the F1 Update threads, because - personally - success (C2+) is a bigger deal when one considers how the F1 fails nearly brought down the whole show.

It could be a good idea to make a seperate section for mission updates in the future (when SpaceX has 12 flights a year).  At that point, we would doing pretty much one mission after another.  (Hope that doesn't tire you guys out.  ;D).  However I don't really see the need for it right now.  Maybe at some point when there are more missions.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jnc on 05/31/2012 03:33 am
There were plenty of memorable moments in the early Shuttle flights:  satellite releases, untethered spacewalks, satellite retrieval and repair missions.

I think my best memory is when the 3 astronauts grabbed that mis-fired satellite by hand when the grappling mechanism didn't work (checks online - it was Intelsat-VI, on STS-49 (http://uu.cx/flight/49/)). I want to see a robot system do that!

Our Cable TV system carried the NASA channel back then (lucky us!), so I watched live as the first two capture attempts failed, after hours of trying. When they tried (on the third day) an unplanned (prior to flight) totally manual 'catch', that was just mindblowing.

And the first Hubble repair mission (again, watched the whole thing live), that was pretty awesome too.

Sigh. The STS was a huge blind alley, but... the memories...

Noel
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: allfiredup on 05/31/2012 07:49 am
Not sure if its been posted or not but did you see this,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KburnQRulRQ&feature=player_embedded

A guy filmed the launch from his RC plane!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 08:22 am
How could he find his way back to his takeoff point at night? Was he using GPS?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: allfiredup on 05/31/2012 08:29 am
How could he find his way back to his takeoff point at night? Was he using GPS?

Yes. They all use on screen displays with GPS, autopilot, return to home etc..
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/31/2012 08:49 am
How could he find his way back to his takeoff point at night? Was he using GPS?

Yes. They all use on screen displays with GPS, autopilot, return to home etc..
The comments he made on the YouTube video indicate that he was using a flashing beacon for return navigation, without GPS.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: allfiredup on 05/31/2012 08:58 am
How could he find his way back to his takeoff point at night? Was he using GPS?

Yes. They all use on screen displays with GPS, autopilot, return to home etc..
The comments he made on the YouTube video indicate that he was using a flashing beacon for return navigation, without GPS.

Oh ok maybe he did with that one. They usually do have OSd's (me included)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Maciej Olesinski on 05/31/2012 09:33 am
If they swing Canada Arm fast enough and drop Dragon there would be no need for deorbit burn ;)
<joke off>
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: floron on 05/31/2012 09:52 am
whoa! those thrusters!

i'm humming blue danube right now...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bugfix on 05/31/2012 10:19 am
i'm humming blue danube right now...

Hehe, that's what I did too!  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/31/2012 10:20 am
They unleashed the Dragon!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MATTBLAK on 05/31/2012 10:37 am
i'm humming blue danube right now...

Hehe, that's what I did too!  ;D

(Indignantly) You need a Spaceplane for that!!  >:(   ;) ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 10:51 am
i'm humming blue danube right now...

Hehe, that's what I did too!  ;D

Thanks for nothing, guys.  Everone in the office is looking at me weird for humming a Strauss waltz as I allegedly work!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MadameConcorde on 05/31/2012 12:43 pm
It is nice to see that the Dragon capsule has accomplished her mission to the ISS successfully and is now making her way back to Earth and the Pacific Ocean where she will be splashing down.

I have been way too busy to follow this other than superficiially but I am sure there will be plenty more.

Safe splashing to the Dragon!

:-)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 12:45 pm
I wish somebody would say whether the GNC door has closed or not.  Someone on the update thread said it should have happened by now, although I can't find a time for it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: beancounter on 05/31/2012 12:51 pm
I wish somebody would say whether the GNC door has closed or not.  Someone on the update thread said it should have happened by now, although I can't find a time for it.

It's goodbye mission if they don't isn't it?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Airlock on 05/31/2012 12:56 pm
I wish somebody would say whether the GNC door has closed or not.  Someone on the update thread said it should have happened by now, although I can't find a time for it.

Per Spaceflightnow:

07:07 AM...Unlatch/close/latch GNC cover

Appears to be Eastern time.

Edit: This is not a confirmation, merely responding to your request for the estimated time. I'm anxiously awaiting confirmation on this too :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 12:57 pm
I wish somebody would say whether the GNC door has closed or not.  Someone on the update thread said it should have happened by now, although I can't find a time for it.

It's goodbye mission if they don't isn't it?

I seem to remember reading somewhere that they think they could re-enter successfully with it open, but I don't remember where.

I'm sure they'd rather it close.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 01:41 pm
John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth, says that this has been a good first step for SpaceX:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0eB32Rv4BM
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: archipeppe68 on 05/31/2012 01:58 pm
Fingers crossed, here in Italy.
A real thrilling moment...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 02:09 pm
Quote
Quote from: punder on Today at 03:47 PM

    Just for the record... not that I imagine anyone cares... but I'm aware of Jim's qualifications, and respect him for it.  Just thought it was weird to be slapped down for stating my *personal* feelings on what was supposed to be this big happy party thread.


Yeah, I've felt that slap-down too, as have many others, and with all due respect to someone's credentials, the "old curmudgeon show" is a little old.

Never stop cheering about something you feel like cheering about.  If other people don't like your cheering, no matter who they are, they can learn to deal with it.  It probably represents personal issues they have that you most likely wouldn't be able to help them work through anyway.  Maybe you are cheering for something they don't really like or maybe they don't have anything themselves to cheer about and it bothers them that other people do.

Or maybe they are just grumps.  Never stop cheering about something you feel like cheering about.




Let’s give this “Jim as a piñata thing” at rest… He knows his stuff… Positive energy only is needed for entry and splashdown.

Go Dragon!

~Robert
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 05/31/2012 02:13 pm
It's a beautiful day for a dip in the Pacific.  Here's too a happy wet Dragon.   Nice job SpaceX! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/31/2012 02:16 pm
It's not a party until someone ends up in the pool... A guess it's Dragon's turn!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/31/2012 02:20 pm
Notice the box o joe and bagel boxes at Houston, it must be a spacex party there as well.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: butters on 05/31/2012 02:21 pm
Ok, time for the best-tested phase of the mission for Dragon! Trunk separation is new, though, so hopefully that works as expected.

So landing accuracy: less than 800m from the target like last time?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/31/2012 02:23 pm
Should we do a guess how acurate a landing contest. Winner fetes a year subscription to l2?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/31/2012 02:26 pm
Notice the box o joe and bagel boxes at Houston, it must be a spacex party there as well.
If you spot an athletic cooler full of GatorDragonAid I suspect Mr. Musk will be soaked on splash down...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/31/2012 02:26 pm
Trunk separation is new, though, so hopefully that works as expected.

Happened last time, just with the trunk connected to the second stage.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 02:37 pm
Should we do a guess how acurate a landing contest. Winner fetes a year subscription to l2?

We need a big target to plop down in the ocean, like they did for Mir.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/31/2012 02:38 pm
Just posted this in the discussion thread:

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Thrusters will also fire during reentry to adjust touchdown point. Next version will land w helicopter precision #Dragon

Is this new news? I didn't realize Dragon could do that...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/31/2012 02:42 pm
This is a lot more exciting that the rather anticlimactic destructive reentry of other visiting vehicles...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 02:43 pm
Is this new news? I didn't realize Dragon could do that...

The full plan, as of last autumn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSF81yjVbJE
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 02:43 pm
Just posted this in the discussion thread:

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Thrusters will also fire during reentry to adjust touchdown point. Next version will land w helicopter precision #Dragon

Is this new news? I didn't realize Dragon could do that...

Isn't he talking about LAS-Dragon with SuperDracos? He said "next version" and not "next mission" - so he was referring to the crewed Dragon with SuperDracos, I think.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2012 02:44 pm
Just posted this in the discussion thread:

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Thrusters will also fire during reentry to adjust touchdown point. Next version will land w helicopter precision #Dragon

Is this new news? I didn't realize Dragon could do that...

I thought it was worthy of the live thread. At least the discussion thread. People really struggling to work out what thread to post on today, God knows why lol.

He's also referencing to F9r too! :)

SpaceX entry trending sixth on the BBC site, first trend for its mission (surprising, thought it would be trend for berthing).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/31/2012 02:48 pm
Just posted this in the discussion thread:

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Thrusters will also fire during reentry to adjust touchdown point. Next version will land w helicopter precision #Dragon

Is this new news? I didn't realize Dragon could do that...

Isn't he talking about LAS-Dragon with SuperDracos? He said "next version" and not "next mission" - so he was referring to the crewed Dragon with SuperDracos, I think.

Oops! Was referring to the first part of the tweet - that *this* Dragon can fire Draco in atmo to target splashdown area. I just thought it was all parachutes and the de-orbit burn.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 02:48 pm
Phew! If a regular non-SuperDraco Dragon could land with helicopter precision, I'd wonder what sort of parachutes it has.  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 02:50 pm
Oops! Was referring to the first part of the tweet - that *this* Dragon can fire Draco in atmo to target splashdown area. I just thought it was all parachutes and the de-orbit burn.

That's interesting - is there any danger or risk of firing the Draco thrusters during the descent thru atmosphere? Or is that no problem?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/31/2012 02:51 pm
Revelations 1:23
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth...
~ 98AD

No mention of drogue chutes.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 02:51 pm
Burn!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: seawolfe on 05/31/2012 02:53 pm
Burn!
No.... DRAGONFIRE!!!  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/31/2012 02:58 pm
Dragon dropping out of orbit now.

The real flames haven't begun yet.

PICA-X time to do it's job.  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 02:58 pm
Dragon dropping out of orbit now.

The real flames haven't begun yet.

PICA-X time to do it's job.  8)

Not PICA-X... DragonScales   :-*
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 03:01 pm
Burn!
No.... DRAGONFIRE!!!  :D
YES! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/31/2012 03:04 pm
Is there a video of how trunk sep is suppose to happen?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:11 pm
Revelations 1:23
And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth...
~ 98AD

No mention of drogue chutes.


Uh oh ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/31/2012 03:12 pm
Fire can not harm a Dragon  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/31/2012 03:15 pm
Fire can not harm a Dragon  8)
It is known.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:22 pm
Ten minutes between entry interface and drogue deployment.  That's shorter than on Shuttle, isn't it?  Of course Dragon isn't making those banking turns.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/31/2012 03:25 pm
Ten minutes between entry interface and drogue deployment.  That's shorter than on Shuttle, isn't it?  Of course Dragon isn't making those banking turns.

Well...shuttle didn't deploy it chute until it was on the runway...

waka waka waka.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:26 pm
Ten minutes between entry interface and drogue deployment.  That's shorter than on Shuttle, isn't it?  Of course Dragon isn't making those banking turns.

Well...shuttle didn't deploy it chute until it was on the runway...

waka waka waka.

That must be what made it seem so long.   :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:30 pm
Ten minutes between entry interface and drogue deployment.  That's shorter than on Shuttle, isn't it?  Of course Dragon isn't making those banking turns.

IIRC that is about how long it took for Apollo spacecraft to deploy their drogues,maybe even less. But don't quote me as that was a loooooooong time ago! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 03:31 pm
Dragon at EI (Entry Interface).

Am I the only one who's getting a serious Apollo/Gemini vibe from this? ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: seawolfe on 05/31/2012 03:31 pm
Dragon's just taking time to soar through the air before having to slow down for a water landing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:32 pm
Dragon at EI (Entry Interface).

Am I the only one who's getting a serious Apollo/Gemini vibe from this? ;)

Nope I'm right there with you :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: seawolfe on 05/31/2012 03:34 pm
Hope no hatch blow like Grissom's Mercury flight.  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:34 pm
Hope no hatch blow like Grissom's Mercury flight.  :D

Ssshhhhh...don't jinx it!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:35 pm
I think I can see the chutes.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:35 pm
Drogues are out and looking good!! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:37 pm
Here come the mains!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 03:38 pm
Awesome!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: PahTo on 05/31/2012 03:39 pm

Woot!  Fantastic--the mains are deployed and she's almost home.
Congrats to all--this is a great moment, and an amazing mission.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/31/2012 03:39 pm
What a week.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/31/2012 03:39 pm
The IR images are so cool!

Seeing the chutes open was spectacular
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/31/2012 03:39 pm
http://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/208218804558372864/photo/1/large
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 03:40 pm
* Does a jig *

"And that, gentlemen, is how you do that!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/31/2012 03:40 pm
SOMEBODY BREAK OUT THE KOOL-AID!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/31/2012 03:40 pm
Amazing live views - Woohoo!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: apace on 05/31/2012 03:40 pm
What a great coverage of the splash-down... great NASA!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:41 pm
What a week.

Almost two weeks, if you count the ignition abort.  And I do.   :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:41 pm
2 minutes 30 seconds to go...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/31/2012 03:42 pm
What a week.

Almost two weeks, if you count the ignition abort.  And I do.   :)

There's still an ATK firing today if I understand correctly.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 03:43 pm
Dragon, feet wet!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 03:43 pm
Done!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:43 pm
Splashdown!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Beemer on 05/31/2012 03:43 pm
Woooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!


Congratulations SpaceX
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Confusador on 05/31/2012 03:43 pm
SOMEBODY BREAK OUT THE KOOL-AID!
I had been drinking beer, but I think some Kool-aid can be arranged. :)

Aaaand SPLASHDOWN.  That's all, folks!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/31/2012 03:44 pm
SPLASHDOWN!!!!!!!!!

Congrats SpaceX!!!!!!!!

GREAT JOB!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/31/2012 03:44 pm
MORE congrats to SpaceX !!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/31/2012 03:45 pm
It's going to be an epic press briefing.

Funny how both Elon and Shotwell are on phones/twitter.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 05/31/2012 03:45 pm
Wow, Elon finished his beverage in a hurry!

I thank you Elon, for taking the initiative to make this day a reality, and giving the ISS real downmass (cargo return) capability once again.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/31/2012 03:46 pm
Congrats SpaceX! succesfull splashdown! Looking forward to the pictures from the recovery ships!

Now lets get CRS-1 on it's way  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: R.Simko on 05/31/2012 03:46 pm
What and incredable mission, simply amazing from start to finish.  Well done SpaceX.  Crew Dragon next on the list.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 03:46 pm
That Elon! The first thing I see him do is whip out his iPhone to write a Tweet! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/31/2012 03:46 pm
Elon looks like he's sending out another tweet...wait for it...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 03:47 pm
I had been drinking beer, but I think some Kool-aid can be arranged. :)

08:45 is a might bit early for beer (or champagne), but I can only imagine how much coffee Hawthorne has gone through...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: NavySpaceFan on 05/31/2012 03:48 pm
Well done again SpaceX!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/31/2012 03:50 pm
Elon looks like he's sending out another tweet...wait for it...

Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Splashdown successful!! Sending fast boat to Dragon lat/long provided by P3 tracking planes #Dragon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 03:50 pm
Now I believe in Dragons, ok pass me some Kool-Aid… ;D

Congrats SpaceX!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/31/2012 03:51 pm
Elon Musk ‏@elonmusk
Quote
P3 planes are meant to track submarines, so should be able to find Dragon either way ‪#Dragon‬

LOL!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 03:53 pm
Congratulations, SpaceX!

I'm going to have to leave for work in a few minutes.  Half a day is better than none.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/31/2012 03:53 pm
U.S.A., got Tien Lung first. Sry.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/31/2012 03:54 pm
SOMEBODY BREAK OUT THE KOOL-AID!

Hence forth to be called DRAGON-AID!!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/31/2012 03:54 pm
Sounds like a BULLSEYE on the landing target!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: david1971 on 05/31/2012 03:58 pm
What do they do with the chutes after splashdown?  I'd imagine that small patches would make a hot souvenir...

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/31/2012 03:59 pm
Anybody else singing "Puff, the Magic Dragon" ?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/31/2012 04:00 pm
Is it me, or does Musk sitting in the front watching the landing with his back to the rest of the company just strike anyone else as a pre-Vatican II mass?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:01 pm
WOW! WHAT A RIDE!  :D

Can't wait to see this done with a crew onboard!
Will it be a splashdown at sea, or landing on land?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/31/2012 04:02 pm
Is it me, or does Musk sitting in the front watching the landing with his back to the rest of the company just strike anyone else as a pre-Vatican II mass?
Speaking as someone who gets to sing at missa cantata fairly regularly, it's just you.  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 04:03 pm
I'm pretty sure the Latin Missal did not involve the celebrant tweeting...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: plank on 05/31/2012 04:03 pm
Nobody a SpaceX MC seems to be celebrating something went wrong?   :-X
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/31/2012 04:03 pm
CONGRATULATIONS SPACEX!!

Mission 100% successful, what an achievement. That's something else.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 04:03 pm
WOW! WHAT A RIDE!  :D

Can't wait to see this done with a crew onboard!
Will it be a splashdown at sea, or landing on land?

That's still TBD.  They may use splash-down initally or use the superdracos to brake to near-zero velocity and near-zero altitude after a parachute descent over the way the Soyuz does.  After a while, it will be fully-propulsive - braking and landing will be carried out under superdraco thrust.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/31/2012 04:03 pm
Nobody a SpaceX MC seems to be celebrating something went wrong?   :-X

They just did you missed it
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 05/31/2012 04:05 pm
The Orion should drop to the deck to get a good view. Just do a fly by to get good video
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 04:06 pm
I have a hunch that all future LEO Dragons besides the contracted 12 CRS flights will use propulsive landing. Once they've got it working, it's much cheaper operationally for SpaceX.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 04:06 pm
It sounds like they wait for the recovery forces to arrive in the area before detaching the parachutes, perhaps to improve chances of recovering them.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/31/2012 04:07 pm
Congratulations to SpaceX once again.    Cots 2/3 mission success is in the books.

I can see the capsule in the water from the P3 images.   It's certainly there.
I wonder if the early landing threw off the ablity to film it from the ship.  If that was possible at all.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mikes on 05/31/2012 04:09 pm
It sounds like they wait for the recovery forces to arrive in the area before detaching the parachutes, perhaps to improve chances of recovering them.

Also maybe to help get the first visual - big red parachutes are easier to see than the little capsule.

Huge congrats to SpaceX on a very smooth mission.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hodapp on 05/31/2012 04:09 pm
Congrats to SpaceX!
A new era in spaceflight has begun!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 05/31/2012 04:10 pm
I have a hunch that all future LEO Dragons besides the contracted 12 CRS flights will use propulsive landing. Once they've got it working, it's much cheaper operationally for SpaceX.
One day, perhaps, fully propulsive landing from BEO...
sswa
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: stockman on 05/31/2012 04:10 pm
that was about as perfect a mission one could hope for given all the "firsts" that had to happen... Well done SpaceX...   


now.... when is the next launch  :)  :)   
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: K-P on 05/31/2012 04:11 pm
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)
 :o

edit: not counting Mir of course  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/31/2012 04:11 pm

Wonder how far the goalposts will move in
Congress after a mission like this ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:11 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: bad_astra on 05/31/2012 04:12 pm
Fantastic mission! Definately one for the record books.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 04:12 pm
now.... when is the next launch  :)  :)   

Mission CRS-1 (SpX) - September 2012, all going well.

As for the goalposts? Look for these talking-points:

"It was three years late!" ((c) Sen. Richard Shelby)
"There weren't any crew!"
"It can't go BEO!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/31/2012 04:12 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P

Or a cell phone!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/31/2012 04:13 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P

Those are IR cams designed for other purposes where resolution isn't a big deal.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 04:13 pm
Regular camcorders aren't transmitting live from a little airplane in the middle of the ocean.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: butters on 05/31/2012 04:13 pm
That was fun. Let's do it again!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:14 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P

Or a cell phone!

Yeah, I guess I just wanted some better visuals for an historic moment like this, which should be kept for posterity.

Oh well, plenty more launches where that can happen. Makes me glad that things are shifting to the private sector, because you know that little equipment things like this will also upgrade faster. I'm sure they'll be renting their own spotter planes, etc eventually.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 05/31/2012 04:14 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P

Or a cell phone!

Yeah, sure, filming with a cell phone (or regular camcorder) from a distant P3 Orion would be far superior.  ::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 04:15 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rex Chan on 05/31/2012 04:15 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P

Those are IR cams designed for other purposes where resolution isn't a big deal.

I'm going to guess these cams have a REALLY BIG zoom lens. So for the pic to be that stable, is actually very good. That plane is prob a few miles away from the Dragon? SO to be able to even see it is amazing.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:15 pm
Well, I hope that some better quality images are coming up, then
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: corrodedNut on 05/31/2012 04:16 pm
I wonder how long PRW will keep running those ads. So far, SpaceX has stayed on the "high road". If they change their minds, they can have this one from me, no charge:

At SpaceX, we don't make attack ads...we make HISTORY.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lee Jay on 05/31/2012 04:16 pm
Great mission, SpaceX.  Well done!

Now all you have to do is repeat this, every time, without failure.  No problem.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/31/2012 04:18 pm
Boats!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/31/2012 04:18 pm
that was about as perfect a mission one could hope for given all the "firsts" that had to happen... Well done SpaceX...   


now.... when is the next launch  :)  :)   
To be honest, far more perfect than probably anyone could've hoped for. Yes, minor glitches, but you'll always have those on a complicated vehicle. Having redundant systems, in my experience, means you're much more likely to see those glitches in the first place.... and the nice thing about redundancy is that you can see the glitches well before they imperil your mission.

It increases the number of "near misses" and decreases the number of actual failures. You can learn as much from the near misses as from failures, allowing you to perfect the systems faster without having the pain of real failure.

Single-string is simpler, and you won't see as many glitches, which also means you won't be able to learn from them... plus the lack of redundancy means a glitch can much more easily kill you.


Wooo, SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 05/31/2012 04:19 pm
Is there any chance that Elon's mini-me will jump out of the Dragon? :o
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 05/31/2012 04:20 pm
Is it me, or does Musk sitting in the front watching the landing with his back to the rest of the company just strike anyone else as a pre-Vatican II mass?

Or, since he's looking forward he's not "looking over the shoulders" of MCC-X's crew.

cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/31/2012 04:21 pm
Does anyone else feel like a regular camcorder is capable of superior visual quality than some of these spotter cameras are providing?  :P

Those are IR cams designed for other purposes where resolution isn't a big deal.

I'm going to guess these cams have a REALLY BIG zoom lens. So for the pic to be that stable, is actually very good. That plane is prob a few miles away from the Dragon? SO to be able to even see it is amazing.

Processed it a bit. Better?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:21 pm
What's that Mission Elapsed Time again?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveJ576 on 05/31/2012 04:22 pm
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)

Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.



 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:22 pm
Oh, and are we going to hear about any special secret payload, like Wheel of Cheese? Is there something like that this time?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/31/2012 04:24 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D


Agreed.

Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Anyway does not give me alot of hope for commercial when a presidential candidate that has a fairly good chance of winning has mike griffin advising him on space policy, and griffin once again proves how much of an idiot he is.


This mission is ground breaking, and it has really opened a new era, now sit back and watch as the usual suspects on the hill try and sabotage it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 05/31/2012 04:24 pm
Oh, and are we going to hear about any special secret payload, like Wheel of Cheese? Is there something like that this time?


Its classified cheese. Cheese that can be used to destroy ICBMS and things like that.


Also the cheese is nuclear.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 04:25 pm
Oh, and are we going to hear about any special secret payload, like Wheel of Cheese? Is there something like that this time?
Maybe it’s the white cat… ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 04:26 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D


Agreed.

Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Anyway does not give me alot of hope for commercial when a presidential candidate that has a fairly good chance of winning has mike griffin advising him on space policy, and griffin once again proves how much of an inaccurate he is.


This mission is ground breaking, and it has really opened a new era, now sit back and watch as the usual suspects on the hill try and sabotage it.
One serving of crow for the man please…  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 04:27 pm
Oh, and are we going to hear about any special secret payload, like Wheel of Cheese? Is there something like that this time?

The Expedition 31 crew looked pretty carefully and didn't find anything.  If there was anything like that aboard, it was in a compartment they didn't know about or couldn't access (like the avionics bay or SIM ring).

Maybe a copy of the MCC-X fluffy Spiro?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:28 pm
What's also so deeply satisfying about this mission is that it combined the original COTS2+COTS3 together into a single mission - and yet still went perfectly in all relevant ways!  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrmandias on 05/31/2012 04:28 pm
Hootenanny.  That far exceeded my expectations from start to finish.  Way to go, SpaceX.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 04:29 pm
Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Well remember, COTS was really Mike Griffin's baby in the first place...

Also, strictly interpreted, 6 more flights is where they'll likely be by the end of 2014. Since the crew test flight wouldn't happen until 2015 anyway that makes sense.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Skylab on 05/31/2012 04:31 pm
A great job, congrats to the SpaceX team(s) and others involved!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: flymetothemoon on 05/31/2012 04:31 pm
Wow! Well done to SpaceX. Thanks to NASA and congratulations to everyone involved. Particularly that Mr Musk chap. Enormous achievement.

Is the best time to point out that they had to comply with all Nasa's requirements before they could get this flight underway? Governments are pariticularly onerous to work with - and sure that's a good thing. But they've got all that certified now. Can we leave the 'what a rubbish flight rate SpaceX has' nonsense until they've actually had a chance to do some flights please?

This is big history folks.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Space OurSoul on 05/31/2012 04:32 pm
Yay splashdoon! Too bad nasa tv cut off before they had the ship out of the water....

I just bought 2 spacex tshirts: http://www.thespaceshop.com/spacex.html

:-)

What a roaring success of a mission. Again! Again again!


-Jeff
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 04:32 pm
Yo Bergin! Let us post our congrats on the Live Update thread, to have them preserved for posterity!  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: K-P on 05/31/2012 04:34 pm
Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.

Oh, come on...  ;)

I was not able to control my birth year no matter how much I wanted.
Of course I would have LOVED to be there to witness Apollo 11 first hand but for us, post Apollo 18 (or Soyuz 23) generation, Dragon splashdown represents something nouveau!  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 05/31/2012 04:34 pm
What an amazing mission that was.

Loved the coverage, got caught up in the hype at times.

Dragon did a great job. Can't wait to see some close up images post splash down.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 04:34 pm
Weird thing...

I've got the post-splashdown music from Apollo 13 playing in my head and I hear Jim Lovell's closing monologue: "I look up at the Moon and I wonder... when are we going back? And who will it be?"

I look at Dragon, I look at Falcon Heavy and I look at Morpheus.  Just hang on, Jim.  I wonder if it might be closer than anyone thinks. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2012 04:34 pm
Well done to everyone who kept their thoughts in the party thread and not all over the live thread.

You can now post a note of congrats in there - like post berthing - if you want:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=29037.msg909033#msg909033
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 05/31/2012 04:36 pm

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D



HA! That's brilliant! :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr_magoo on 05/31/2012 04:39 pm
According to the story I read it was Scott Pace,  not Mike Griffin,  who suggested that Dragon needed 6-7 flights before carrying people.

I'm not aware that Griffin has said a word about the flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jnc on 05/31/2012 04:40 pm
Well remember, COTS was really Mike Griffin's baby in the first place...

Something I think too many Constellation-haterz don't remember often enough.

Noel
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 05/31/2012 05:08 pm
I'm not aware that Griffin has said a word about the flight.

He congratulated them as head of the AIAA.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Idiomatic on 05/31/2012 05:13 pm
I'm sure they'll be renting their own spotter planes, etc eventually.

:P Why do that when they can just film from the landing pad?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 05:18 pm
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)

Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.



 
Young David!

I saw them all from Mercury-Redstone…  :)

~Robert
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/31/2012 05:18 pm
Well remember, COTS was really Mike Griffin's baby in the first place...

Something I think too many Constellation-haterz don't remember often enough.

Maybe some fellow CxP-haters forget that Mike Griffin actually did one or two smart things during his time at NASA HQ, but I'm not one of those. My only beef was that discussions pre-Griffin had made it sound like they were going to pursue commercial cargo and crew in parallel, not as a "let's do cargo first, and only think about solving the crew situation down the road" deal like we ended up getting.

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 05/31/2012 05:23 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D


Agreed.

Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Anyway does not give me alot of hope for commercial when a presidential candidate that has a fairly good chance of winning has mike griffin advising him on space policy, and griffin once again proves how much of an inaccurate he is.


This mission is ground breaking, and it has really opened a new era, now sit back and watch as the usual suspects on the hill try and sabotage it.
One serving of crow for the man please…  ;)

I don't think Mike actually deserves a serving of crow. More like Andy Pazstor, and Sen. Shelby.

~Jon
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: yg1968 on 05/31/2012 05:27 pm
Well remember, COTS was really Mike Griffin's baby in the first place...

Something I think too many Constellation-haterz don't remember often enough.

Maybe some fellow CxP-haters forget that Mike Griffin actually did one or two smart things during his time at NASA HQ, but I'm not one of those. My only beef was that discussions pre-Griffin had made it sound like they were going to pursue commercial cargo and crew in parallel, not as a "let's do cargo first, and only think about solving the crew situation down the road" deal like we ended up getting.

~Jon

I sort of wonder. If COTS-D had been exercised, would we have saved much more time? The other thing is that COTS-D was likely underfunded. Even Elon Musk admits that he underestimated the cost of commercial crew. But it seems that Mike Griffin became anti-commercial crew when he realized that it could become a direct threat to Ares I.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 05:30 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D


Agreed.

Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Anyway does not give me alot of hope for commercial when a presidential candidate that has a fairly good chance of winning has mike griffin advising him on space policy, and griffin once again proves how much of an inaccurate he is.


This mission is ground breaking, and it has really opened a new era, now sit back and watch as the usual suspects on the hill try and sabotage it.
One serving of crow for the man please…  ;)

I don't think Mike actually deserves a serving of crow. More like Andy Pazstor, and Sen. Shelby.

~Jon
Hi Jon,

Only with respect to the alleged comments… But hey, there is enough crow for everyone! I’ve waited for SpaceX to “show me” as well… ;)

~Robert

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28808.210
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 05/31/2012 05:31 pm
Maybe some fellow CxP-haters forget that Mike Griffin actually did one or two smart things during his time at NASA HQ, but I'm not one of those. My only beef was that discussions pre-Griffin had made it sound like they were going to pursue commercial cargo and crew in parallel, not as a "let's do cargo first, and only think about solving the crew situation down the road" deal like we ended up getting.

IIRC the failure of COTS-D was down a combination of limited resources and not wanting to get Orion (and thus the Moon) canceled. They did, though, purposely pick two crew-capable vehicles in the original selection. And, in the second round to replace Kistler, Boeing's proto-CST only barely lost out to Cygnus because NASA also wanted a Delta II replacement. So, for the practical constraints they had, NASA did pretty well.

At any rate, SpaceX COTS complete! The ball in now in Orbital Sciences' court...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 05/31/2012 05:37 pm
I wonder how long PRW will keep running those ads. So far, SpaceX has stayed on the "high road". If they change their minds, they can have this one from me, no charge:

At SpaceX, we don't make attack ads...we make HISTORY.

High Road?  Until this week, Spacex had nothing.
It was a legimate ad campaign that now has run it course.

Also, PWR has made history many times over
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 05/31/2012 05:40 pm
History by different paths is still history.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mmeijeri on 05/31/2012 05:40 pm
Also, PWR has made history many times over

Let's hope PWR won't be history soon...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 05/31/2012 05:56 pm
Yay for more epic music on NASA TV. I've greatly enjoyed their selections this week.  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tea Party Space Czar on 05/31/2012 05:57 pm
Great day for COTS and Space Act Agreements, not to mention SpaceX, NASA, Elon Musk, and Alan Lindenmoyer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taMmv7FpPzQ

We are all winners today.

Respectfully,
Andrew Gasser
TEA Party in Space
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: zinfab on 05/31/2012 06:00 pm
Congrats to Elon&Co. This is a very big milestone. All mission objectives accomplished! This is very very impressive. Wow.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tcommon on 05/31/2012 06:21 pm
Small point, but shouldn't this party thread be held after SpaceX successfully completes its mission? Just sayin...

OK, now it's time for a party thread.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Silmfeanor on 05/31/2012 06:36 pm
Now without the new-car smell, and a little less brilliant white!
https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/208264591887712257/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/208264591887712257/photo/1)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 05/31/2012 06:40 pm
Now without the new-car smell, and a little less brilliant white!


I hope that Elon's cheese has a high melting point! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/31/2012 06:43 pm
tears. happy tears.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 05/31/2012 06:56 pm
Finally, after months of anticipation and even doubt, we have seen SpaceX perform and succed. 

I only hope that the next few launches succed, if this happens then I think we could be seeing a game changer in spaceflight.  Maybe we wont see SpaceX lead the way to Mars but if SpaceX can drop the cost to space access then their will be room for others to carry the torch. 

Bravo SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 05/31/2012 07:21 pm
Since this is the SpaceX Party Thread, let's raise some glasses.

Here's to Elon Musk and SpaceX.

Here's to NASA.

And Here's to Gary Hudson and all the others who have worked tirelessly, with little recognition or thanks, to "fall on the barbed wire" so commercial space can move forward.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 07:42 pm
What's the next big thing to look forward to from SpaceX? The Grasshopper tests?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/31/2012 07:43 pm
CRS-1!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Retired Downrange on 05/31/2012 07:53 pm
Via FB

SpaceX
Dragon is on the barge and heading home. Great job by the recovery crew.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: sanman on 05/31/2012 07:56 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1. Frankly, I think that'll be more interesting than just watching the ISS get resupplied all over again.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 05/31/2012 08:06 pm
I half-expected Elon to pop out of the Dragon (on orbit, or after splashdown) like a stripper pops out of a cake... ;)

Man, I'm all out of Kool-Aid... gotta run to the store!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 05/31/2012 08:24 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: apace on 05/31/2012 08:24 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.

Don't forget, Elon told about powered landing tests with Dragon also this year.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/31/2012 08:28 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.
Tough to say, but it's just a test-bed. There'll likely be several test firings first. Might do a short hop before CRS-1. Also sort of depends on how quickly CRS-1 gets off the pad. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Ben the Space Brit on 05/31/2012 08:44 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.

Tough to say, but it's just a test-bed. There'll likely be several test firings first. Might do a short hop before CRS-1. Also sort of depends on how quickly CRS-1 gets off the pad. ;)

Tethered hover isn't too hard to do; we might see that over the summer.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 05/31/2012 08:46 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.

Tough to say, but it's just a test-bed. There'll likely be several test firings first. Might do a short hop before CRS-1. Also sort of depends on how quickly CRS-1 gets off the pad. ;)

Tethered hover isn't too hard to do; we might see that over the summer.
Can they even tether that thing? Grasshopper is much bigger than ANY other VTVL vehicle ever. And I don't think the closest one (DC-X) was ever fired while tethered (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!).

(EDITed for clarity)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrhuggy on 05/31/2012 08:58 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.

Tough to say, but it's just a test-bed. There'll likely be several test firings first. Might do a short hop before CRS-1. Also sort of depends on how quickly CRS-1 gets off the pad. ;)

Tethered hover isn't too hard to do; we might see that over the summer.
Can they even tether that thing? It's much bigger than ANY other VTVL vehicle ever. And I don't think the closest one (DC-X) was ever fired while tethered (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!).

I could see a dragon hanging from a crane been used for a hover test. As for a LAS test, the first tests would be a basic dragon for size and mass fasten to a tower to test engine performance with out it flying off.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 05/31/2012 09:19 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.

Tough to say, but it's just a test-bed. There'll likely be several test firings first. Might do a short hop before CRS-1. Also sort of depends on how quickly CRS-1 gets off the pad. ;)

Tethered hover isn't too hard to do; we might see that over the summer.
Can they even tether that thing? It's much bigger than ANY other VTVL vehicle ever. And I don't think the closest one (DC-X) was ever fired while tethered (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!).

I could see a dragon hanging from a crane been used for a hover test. As for a LAS test, the first tests would be a basic dragon for size and mass fasten to a tower to test engine performance with out it flying off.


just how tall is the stage on top of the grasshopper as seen in that recent photo (taken at night)? Is it the full height of a V1.1 Falcon first stage? That would be a tall crane if they are going to tether it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrhuggy on 05/31/2012 09:34 pm
CRS-1!

Yeah, but Grasshopper testing will start before CRS-1.

But will it fly before CRS-1? I'll believe that one when I see it.

Tough to say, but it's just a test-bed. There'll likely be several test firings first. Might do a short hop before CRS-1. Also sort of depends on how quickly CRS-1 gets off the pad. ;)

Tethered hover isn't too hard to do; we might see that over the summer.
Can they even tether that thing? It's much bigger than ANY other VTVL vehicle ever. And I don't think the closest one (DC-X) was ever fired while tethered (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!).

I could see a dragon hanging from a crane been used for a hover test. As for a LAS test, the first tests would be a basic dragon for size and mass fasten to a tower to test engine performance with out it flying off.


just how tall is the stage on top of the grasshopper as seen in that recent photo (taken at night)? Is it the full height of a V1.1 Falcon first stage? That would be a tall crane if they are going to tether it.

Doing a tethered Grasshopper might be a bit too much. I was talking of Dragon 2.0
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: R.Simko on 05/31/2012 10:15 pm
Perhaps instead of a crane for tethered flights, they could use a very large tripod with a winch system, that is offset from the center line of the rocket.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 05/31/2012 11:23 pm
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)

Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.



 
Young David!

I saw them all from Mercury-Redstone…  :)

~Robert


I remember them as far back as Gemini.  I'm a little too young to remember watching Mercury, although my father always said that I was sitting in his lap for MR-3.  I was also 3 at the time.

Of course I saw those Gemini splashdowns in black & white.  In fact, my family got our first color TV on the day of Apollo 10's splashdown.  My dad plugged it in, turned it on, and...nothing.  He hooked up the B&W again and we watched it on that.

It was easier to hook up TVs in those days.  You just plugged in the cord to the electrical outlet and extended the rabbit ear antennas.   :)

Edit:  Now that I think of it, those B&W splashdowns were clearer than the color one we saw this morning.   :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 05/31/2012 11:28 pm
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)

Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.



 
Young David!

I saw them all from Mercury-Redstone…  :)

~Robert


I remember them as far back as Gemini.  I'm a little too young to remember watching Mercury, although my father always said that I was sitting in his lap for MR-3.  I was also 3 at the time.

Of course I saw those Gemini splashdowns in black & white.  In fact, my family got our first color TV on the day of Apollo 10's splashdown.  My dad plugged it in, turned it on, and...nothing.  He hooked up the B&W again and we watched it on that.

It was easier to hook up TVs in those days.  You just plugged in the cord to the electrical outlet and extended the rabbit ear antennas.   :)

Edit:  Now that I think of it, those B&W splashdowns were clearer than the color one we saw this morning.   :D
Rabbit ears!! Yup, just tweak them or add some tin-foil, 3 stations no waiting!  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 06/01/2012 12:09 am
Big time congrats to SpaceX, this was a mission of Firsts and they could hardly have done better.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 06/01/2012 12:38 am
Can they even tether that thing? Grasshopper is much bigger than ANY other VTVL vehicle ever. And I don't think the closest one (DC-X) was ever fired while tethered (PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong!).

They did ground static fires, but nothing like the modern "dangle from a crane" tether tests. The DC-X(A) did have a never-used parachute, though.

EDIT: Also, the Blue Origin vehicle is comparable in size to the Grasshopper (and showed the pitfalls of limited testing).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JAFO on 06/01/2012 01:41 am
(http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=29037.0;attach=413856;image)

Just woke up at our layover hotel in Delhi to this  news, enroute from Newark last night we flew over Norway, Sweden,  Finland, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and  Pakistan before landing. Next week I go to Tokyo and Beijing.

America  has her faults, but there aren't too many other places in the world  where a citizen can launch his own space program with a bunch of other  civilians on his own dime.

America, F yeah. Space X, double F yeah!!!

(Self-moved from the serious Space X thread to save Chris the trouble  ;D )
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/01/2012 01:59 am
I wonder how long PRW will keep running those ads. So far, SpaceX has stayed on the "high road". If they change their minds, they can have this one from me, no charge:

At SpaceX, we don't make attack ads...we make HISTORY.

High Road?  Until this week, Spacex had nothing.
It was a legimate ad campaign that now has run it course.

Also, PWR has made history many times over
Not like this they haven't not even close. Although maybe closer than the X-37 came to berthing with the ISS  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/01/2012 02:01 am
Wooo hoo! :D I need to unwind in the party thread here... I'm very excited!

And the "blind squirrels" of SpaceX are two for two, I guess. :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/01/2012 02:03 am

Not like this they haven't not even close. Although maybe closer than the X-37 came to berthing with the ISS  ;D

Huh?  Docking/berthing to the ISS is not a big deal and is not the point of the ads. 

PWR has aided in ending the Cold War and saving American lives .

'Nuff said
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/01/2012 02:19 am
obfuscation.

Nuff said
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 06/01/2012 02:25 am
What is the "blind squirrels" reference??

I agree with Jim on that one, PWR is an important, historic company. 

I didn't think the attack ad was appropriate, though, and I bet PWR management doesn't look back on it as the smartest ad campaign they've ever done.

There are a lot of people that are (or in a just world, should be) enjoying some crow today.  On the other hand...

"Don't get cocky."

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 06/01/2012 04:54 am
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)

Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.



 
Young David!

I saw them all from Mercury-Redstone…  :)

~Robert


I remember them as far back as Gemini.  I'm a little too young to remember watching Mercury, although my father always said that I was sitting in his lap for MR-3.  I was also 3 at the time.

Of course I saw those Gemini splashdowns in black & white.  In fact, my family got our first color TV on the day of Apollo 10's splashdown.  My dad plugged it in, turned it on, and...nothing.  He hooked up the B&W again and we watched it on that.

It was easier to hook up TVs in those days.  You just plugged in the cord to the electrical outlet and extended the rabbit ear antennas.   :)

Edit:  Now that I think of it, those B&W splashdowns were clearer than the color one we saw this morning.   :D

I was 4 or 5 at the time, so maybe I'm not remembering this right... but I seem to recall sitting transfixed in front of the TV, watching the Gemini gantry slowly lower itself to the ground after launch.  Did it really do that?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 06/01/2012 05:16 am
LOL
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/01/2012 05:27 am
Stay classy, San Diego! :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: savuporo on 06/01/2012 06:52 am
What's the next big thing to look forward to from SpaceX? The Grasshopper tests?
Some non-government customers getting their payloads to orbit would be absolutely AWESOME
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Cinder on 06/01/2012 07:25 am
I didn't think the attack ad was appropriate, though, and I bet PWR management doesn't look back on it as the smartest ad campaign they've ever done.
It added fuel to SpaceX' fire.  If the company's supposed to appreciate bigger picture as in Cold War and saving American lives... It ought to appreciate throwing fuel on the fire of healthy competition.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 06/01/2012 08:57 am
Wooo hoo! :D I need to unwind in the party thread here... I'm very excited!

And the "blind squirrels" of SpaceX are two for two, I guess. :D


3 for 3, if you want to talk about Falcon 9 successes.  Or is that 100% success rate (albeit only a 3-flight history) ?

PASS THE BLIND SQUIRRELS SOME KOOL-AID!  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 06/01/2012 09:08 am
What is the "blind squirrels" reference??


Based on the cliche: "even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then"

An oft-repeated Jim-ism:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22041.msg667671#msg667671


[EDIT: that reference took some serious searching!]
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/01/2012 09:28 am
come to think of it...
this was actually the first spacecraft splashdown i have seen live ever (or first in my lifetime for that matter)

Sheesh... Rookies! I remember watching all of the Apollos from 11 on hit the drink.



 
Young David!

I saw them all from Mercury-Redstone…  :)

~Robert


I remember them as far back as Gemini.  I'm a little too young to remember watching Mercury, although my father always said that I was sitting in his lap for MR-3.  I was also 3 at the time.

Of course I saw those Gemini splashdowns in black & white.  In fact, my family got our first color TV on the day of Apollo 10's splashdown.  My dad plugged it in, turned it on, and...nothing.  He hooked up the B&W again and we watched it on that.

It was easier to hook up TVs in those days.  You just plugged in the cord to the electrical outlet and extended the rabbit ear antennas.   :)

Edit:  Now that I think of it, those B&W splashdowns were clearer than the color one we saw this morning.   :D

I was 4 or 5 at the time, so maybe I'm not remembering this right... but I seem to recall sitting transfixed in front of the TV, watching the Gemini gantry slowly lower itself to the ground after launch.  Did it really do that?
Here is you answer and look it’s in color!  :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4vz4xM_4Ok
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Mader Levap on 06/01/2012 10:50 am
What is the "blind squirrels" reference??
When SpaceX managed to launch F9, Jim dismissed it as "even blind squirrel can sometimes get nut". It was after second successful launch, mind you.
Certain folks (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22041.msg668407#msg668407) never let live it down...  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 06/01/2012 11:07 am
What is the "blind squirrels" reference??
When SpaceX managed to launch F9, Jim dismissed it as "even blind squirrel can sometimes get nut". It was after second successful launch, mind you.
Certain folks (http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22041.msg668407#msg668407) never let live it down...  ;D

Don't you mean Spacex 

 :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: soldeed on 06/01/2012 11:11 am
What's the next big thing to look forward to from SpaceX? The Grasshopper tests?
Some non-government customers getting their payloads to orbit would be absolutely AWESOME

Yes, there is one big milestone yet to go, they still have not flown the satellite fairing yet! Which flight on the manifest is supposed to test that puppy?  And will the operational CRS flights include satellites on the second stage?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: MP99 on 06/01/2012 11:36 am
LOL

Antares is right - the guys with the graphics know-how often miss some important detail.

Shame that pic shows 36 mins before the launch!

Cheers, Martin
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 06/01/2012 01:12 pm
On Jimology

Jim doesn't have any patience for giddiness, and generally enjoys imposing realism (a required function on a serious board like this).  I don't think he was saying that Spacex is a blind squirrel, he was saying that a couple of lucky launches don't make a reliable spacecraft so everybody calm down.  Just like statistics, I assume his derision will trend towards zero with subsequent successful launches, and just like statistics, I doubt he'll ever throw his hat in the air for the slow process of turning something risky into something routine.  (The apocryphal "GO BABY GO" post notwithstanding.)

That having been said, he does usually seem to ignore the question about what will get him excited - that is to ask Jim, what's the smallest thing on their to-do list that you would consider historic?  Private crew -> ISS?  Retrothruster landing?  1st stage flyback?  ...Mars?

*microphone in face*
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/01/2012 01:40 pm

That having been said, he does usually seem to ignore the question about what will get him excited - that is to ask Jim, what's the smallest thing on their to-do list that you would consider historic?  Private crew -> ISS?  Retrothruster landing?  1st stage flyback?  ...Mars?

*microphone in face*

Historic and what gets me excited is two different things.  I would be excited if Spacex launched a spacecraft that I was working on.

As for Spacex is plans (I am going to add to your list)

Falcon 1, Falcon 9, C1, C2/3, CRS1, Private crew,  Retrothruster landing, 1st stage flyback, etc are too incremental to be giddy about for one lanch.  STS-1 was everything at once, not to mention the gap since ASTP.  First Pegasus was cool (it was unique).  First Titan IV (since I worked on the payload).  Apollo missions since I was young and spaceflight was still unique.  First Spacehab mission, since I was intimately involved (that was a day long blur after launch).  First Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9, not so much since they did not stray to far from standard rocket configurations. (after all, I have see more than 1/2 of the shuttle launches and maybe over 200 ELV launches)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: david1971 on 06/01/2012 02:57 pm
Historic and what gets me excited is two different things.  I would be excited if Spacex launched a spacecraft that I was working on.

As for Spacex is plans (I am going to add to your list)

Falcon 1, Falcon 9, C1, C2/3, CRS1, Private crew,  Retrothruster landing, 1st stage flyback, etc are too incremental to be giddy about for one lanch.  STS-1 was everything at once, not to mention the gap since ASTP.

What about if/when they are the company that ends "the gap".  Would that qualify for giddy?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ArbitraryConstant on 06/01/2012 03:05 pm
Falcon 1, Falcon 9, C1, C2/3, CRS1, Private crew,  Retrothruster landing, 1st stage flyback, etc are too incremental to be giddy about for one lanch.
Huh. Of that list I think first stage flyback and reuse would be a pretty significant and important first. The only stages to be recovered so far are indestructible steel tubes, and many others have wanted to do it but never been able to make it work.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/01/2012 03:16 pm
Well remember, COTS was really Mike Griffin's baby in the first place...

Something I think too many Constellation-haterz don't remember often enough.

Maybe some fellow CxP-haters forget that Mike Griffin actually did one or two smart things during his time at NASA HQ, but I'm not one of those. My only beef was that discussions pre-Griffin had made it sound like they were going to pursue commercial cargo and crew in parallel, not as a "let's do cargo first, and only think about solving the crew situation down the road" deal like we ended up getting.

~Jon

Ironically Griffin both helped and hurt commercial spaceflight. Helped by starting COTS/CRS ect but hurt it by basically railing against it on capitol hill any time someone criticized Ares in favor of commercial.


The guy still makes no sense to me to this date. He acted like he knew what he was doing half the time, and the other half of the time he directly contradicted himself.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 06/01/2012 03:24 pm
Historic and what gets me excited is two different things.  I would be excited if Spacex launched a spacecraft that I was working on.

Well, I heard SpaceX was hiring.  Maybe not your cup of tea, but just putting it out there.  ;D  I have no idea what your current job is, but it seems like it's something really important within either NASA or another space company.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 06/01/2012 03:24 pm
What is the "blind squirrels" reference??
Based on the cliche: "even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then"
An oft-repeated Jim-ism:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22041.msg667671#msg667671
[EDIT: that reference took some serious searching!]

wow. So SpaceX will be considered "blind squirrels" until their launch success rate surpasses 90% including the first three failures. That means, if they achieve a 100% launch success here on out, the 30th launch (27th success) will be when SpaceX earns it's eyesight. Looking forward to it!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/01/2012 03:36 pm
Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Well remember, COTS was really Mike Griffin's baby in the first place...

Also, strictly interpreted, 6 more flights is where they'll likely be by the end of 2014. Since the crew test flight wouldn't happen until 2015 anyway that makes sense.



Yes but the rhetoric from the Griffin/Shelby camp was essentially the same bacon sandwich we have heard before "well no no no not safe we MUST delay them as much as possible can't risk our giant pork rocket...."

You watch. Lets assume some hypotheticals here:

Assume that Mitt Romney wins the election. Assume also that he is not smart enough to understand how spaceflight actually works, so he takes whatever Mike Griffin says at face value, as opposed to having him on the team as a politcal boost to the right wing base (which is probably why he is there). This is highly unlikely, because Romney is not that stupid, but assume this for the sake of this argument.

What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything. In the mean time SLS would grow 15x as big as it is now and would not be ready until 2055 or something ridiculous like that. Liberty would be the new launcher of choice for NASA which * I guess* would technically count as something partially commercial (not really).


I know firsthand what the Griffin policy was while he ran the show. And trust me. you do not want to go back to that, ever.

The only things he did that were of any benefit were the fact that the shuttle program ran without another accident under him and the COTS/CRS programs, which largely happened in spite of him because, after initially supporting them he publicly railed against his own program on the hill and at various events.

Aside from that Mike Griffin was the single most destructive individual to American Spaceflight in history, with perhaps the exception of Nixon when he cancelled the Apollo program and all of its planned follow on's, although STS ended up bringing us unheard of advances in all realms of technology and science, so in the end in spite of his decision things worked out alright.


Griffin was to blame for why we ended up where we were in 2010, and why we are where we are now, with Mr. Obama in part who did not seek to extend shuttle despite being handed every possible opportunity to do so.

If you don't believe me go back and read the Direct threads as well as numerous articles written by Chris from 2007-2010. Everything is there as clear as day.

Or you could just ask Jim who would be happy to tell you how bad Griffin actually was.


The last thing I will say is that, for those who didn't know or who forget, Griffin had a policy of firing any engineer or specialist who disagreed with him, especially those who knew what the lower cost and ideal solution was for the CXP LV architecture or anyone who supported commercial HLV's. Many people quietly were swept out of the agency by him and his minions. Never forget that.



As this is a party thread I won't bring this issue up again. Lets enjoy the moment were in because it may not last.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chandonn on 06/01/2012 03:40 pm
What is the "blind squirrels" reference??
Based on the cliche: "even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then"
An oft-repeated Jim-ism:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=22041.msg667671#msg667671
[EDIT: that reference took some serious searching!]

wow. So SpaceX will be considered "blind squirrels" until their launch success rate surpasses 90% including the first three failures. That means, if they achieve a 100% launch success here on out, the 30th launch (27th success) will be when SpaceX earns it's eyesight. Looking forward to it!

As a company... yes.   But by the same standard: Falcon 9 alone already has a 100% success rate. ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/01/2012 03:41 pm
Faces today…

SpaceX   8)   NASA  :)  Capitol Hill  >:(

Me ;D


This party thread was made for you! :D

Faces today Update…

SpaceX  8)   NASA :)  Capitol Hill >:(  Roscosmos :o

Me  ;D


Agreed.

Mike griffin among others, who is by the romney's space policy advisor, has been quoted as saying

"well it should fly at least 6 to 7 times more before we let crew on it" ,delaying, retoric, ect. the usual.

Anyway does not give me alot of hope for commercial when a presidential candidate that has a fairly good chance of winning has mike griffin advising him on space policy, and griffin once again proves how much of an inaccurate he is.


This mission is ground breaking, and it has really opened a new era, now sit back and watch as the usual suspects on the hill try and sabotage it.
One serving of crow for the man please…  ;)

I don't think Mike actually deserves a serving of crow. More like Andy Pazstor, and Sen. Shelby.

~Jon

That's 35% of the problem. The other 65% was griffin.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: punder on 06/01/2012 04:05 pm
The TPIS vidio juxtaposing Griffin quotes with SpaceX successes is hilarious.  Too bad about the typo in the title screen.

My impression is that COTS was a political "bone" thrown by Griffin while he concentrated on Apollo-on-you-know-what.  I don't think he actually expected all the entrants to fail, but Constellation was 99% of his ballgame and COTS was a tiny little sideshow.

Wow, that's a lot of metaphors, but you see what I mean.

This has been gnawed to death, but it still blows my mind how a really, really smart guy can make such a huge and destructive mistake.  It happened to my company--new CEO of the parent company comes in, gets momentarily frakked at the top management of our company (which was the cash cow for the whole operation) and summarily fires them.  They go form a new company that is now our dangerous competitor, and they know their stuff.  Meanwhile, parent-company board realizes CEO is an (starts with i, ends with t, has dio in the middle), so he's gone.  But he's left a catastrophe behind him.  Same with Griffin.

At the time, I thought Griffin was a perfect choice.  Shame on me.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/01/2012 04:11 pm
The TPIS vidio juxtaposing Griffin quotes with SpaceX successes is hilarious.  Too bad about the typo in the title screen.

My impression is that COTS was a political "bone" thrown by Griffin while he concentrated on Apollo-on-you-know-what.  I don't think he actually expected all the entrants to fail, but Constellation was 99% of his ballgame and COTS was a tiny little sideshow.

Wow, that's a lot of metaphors, but you see what I mean.

This has been gnawed to death, but it still blows my mind how a really, really smart guy can make such a huge and destructive mistake.  It happened to my company--new CEO of the parent company comes in, gets momentarily frakked at the top management of our company (which was the cash cow for the whole operation) and summarily fires them.  They go form a new company that is now our dangerous competitor, and they know their stuff.  Meanwhile, parent-company board realizes CEO is an (starts with i, ends with t, has dio in the middle), so he's gone.  But he's left a catastrophe behind him.  Same with Griffin.

At the time, I thought Griffin was a perfect choice.  Shame on me.


I do believe that he fully intended for the entrants to fail, and yes it was a political bone. The purpose was basically to distract congress and the president by making it look as if everything was fine, so that he and his buddies in Alabama could continue what in my mind amounts to criminally negligent thuggery and keep firing and shutting up anyone with a grain of common sense in the agency.


It still boggles my mind to this date that there was not a congressional investigation into Griffin's activities specifically in addition to the Augustine commission, a legal investigation that is, as well as one into Senator Shelby's office. Someone should have gone to jail for what happened, after all griffin essentially lied to congress on multiple occasions as did the senator from Alabama.


As for the CEO analogy that is a really good comparison, but there is one major difference I think, and that is that Griffin was not an idiot, just a maniac. He knew full well what it was he wanted and how to get it, and he didn't care if it worked or not he wanted what he wanted and by god he was going to get it.

What he really wanted was to be called the next Von Braun, that was the whole point of building "Apollo on steroids". It was a quest for personal glory basically. Like I said, maniac. But not stupid. I think that's the main difference.


But I do admit he made a number of bone-headed statements and decisions in the process :)

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/01/2012 05:23 pm
The TPIS vidio juxtaposing Griffin quotes with SpaceX successes is hilarious.  Too bad about the typo in the title screen.

Which video is this??
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 06/01/2012 05:27 pm
The TPIS vidio juxtaposing Griffin quotes with SpaceX successes is hilarious.  Too bad about the typo in the title screen.

Which video is this??
Had to look for it, too... Note: if you are referring to a post several pages back, please quote it (even if just truncated)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taMmv7FpPzQ
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/01/2012 05:41 pm
The TPIS vidio juxtaposing Griffin quotes with SpaceX successes is hilarious.  Too bad about the typo in the title screen.

Which video is this??
Had to look for it, too... Note: if you are referring to a post several pages back, please quote it (even if just truncated)!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taMmv7FpPzQ


That really is perfectly done. Didn't know Andrew had posted that congrats to TPIS on a fantastic video ;D


And thanks for pointing out the obvious about Griffin, not many people really know about the guy or what he has done so the more eyes you can draw to that record the better we will all be for it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/01/2012 05:42 pm
LOL, I love that video, that brought a smile to my face. :) - As did the music, being a long-time DM fan.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/01/2012 05:49 pm
Remember what happens when politics get thrown over here.

Party thread, so no moderation, but this is not an excuse for politics. So the point (a good one) has been made, and now this is line. No politics after this post please.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 06/01/2012 05:58 pm
A guy complaining that we were using unproven rockets when he basically guaranteed that with the way he set up COTS--i.e. punishing those who used the existing EELVs. This is why lots of people don't trust Griffin farther than they can throw him. It really seems like he was expecting (and setting up) COTS/CRS to fail. (That's the impression, true or not.)

But I wouldn't worry TOO much about SpaceX's (or commercial crew's) political enemies. Politicians got where they were for a reason, and that includes being quick to jump on the bandwagon of clear success and try to make it look like they supported it all along. And many of those who are too stiff-necked to do that are retiring.

By the way, I'm excited for Orbital's Cygnus launch, too! It'll be quite spacious, especially the later versions (and they are quite far along in building them, if I recall correctly...). AND MSL's arrival! WOOOO! August and September--with SpX CRS-1--may be quite an interesting couple of months! Of course, right when we move to another city and I start graduate school...

Party on!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 06/01/2012 06:28 pm
I'm a big supporter of Antares and Cygnus. Can't wait to get their party thread started as well!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 06/01/2012 07:08 pm
I am just shocked, shocked I tell you that Chris did not get a SeaLaunch party thread going last night!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrmandias on 06/01/2012 07:17 pm

That having been said, he does usually seem to ignore the question about what will get him excited - that is to ask Jim, what's the smallest thing on their to-do list that you would consider historic?  Private crew -> ISS?  Retrothruster landing?  1st stage flyback?  ...Mars?

*microphone in face*

Historic and what gets me excited is two different things.  I would be excited if Spacex launched a spacecraft that I was working on.

As for Spacex is plans (I am going to add to your list)

Falcon 1, Falcon 9, C1, C2/3, CRS1, Private crew,  Retrothruster landing, 1st stage flyback, etc are too incremental to be giddy about for one lanch.  STS-1 was everything at once, not to mention the gap since ASTP.  First Pegasus was cool (it was unique).  First Titan IV (since I worked on the payload).  Apollo missions since I was young and spaceflight was still unique.  First Spacehab mission, since I was intimately involved (that was a day long blur after launch).  First Atlas V, Delta IV, Falcon 9, not so much since they did not stray to far from standard rocket configurations. (after all, I have see more than 1/2 of the shuttle launches and maybe over 200 ELV launches)



I will be giddy when SpaceX launches successfully at least 8 times in one year.  That would be mind-blowing for me.  And if more launches, more mindblowing.

Edit: without huge cost increases.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Nomadd on 06/01/2012 07:28 pm
Remember what happens when politics get thrown over here.

Party thread, so no moderation, but this is not an excuse for politics. So the point (a good one) has been made, and now this is line. No politics after this post please.
I managed to make inappropriate comments twice to discover that the person I commented on frequented the thread. I'm a little slow sometimes, but finally caught on. Political rants do no good and can do harm.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 06/01/2012 07:30 pm
Mr. Mark, did you get your tour yet?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tea Party Space Czar on 06/01/2012 07:45 pm
We fixed the typo... and we appologize for the typo.  Here is the updated video.  Please make sure this makes the rounds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlKph_uYJ2Y

Thank you so much and we all at TEA Party in Space hope you advocate for sound space policy that is fiscally responsible, limits government, and opens the free market in space.

Respectfully,
Andrew Gasser
TEA Party in Space
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 06/01/2012 07:51 pm
I was told we could not go until after COTS 2 operations were complete. So it will be soon for sure. Looking forward to it. I am going to write a first hand  account of my tour along with some pics. I'll hopefully post it here.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/01/2012 07:57 pm
Andrew - the video would probably be improved by showing shots of the astronauts opening and unloading Dragon. (the literal laundry delivery) Great job, though.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Tea Party Space Czar on 06/01/2012 08:08 pm
Andrew - the video would probably be improved by showing shots of the astronauts opening and unloading Dragon. (the literal laundry delivery) Great job, though.
We agree Lars...  This was our first video and we did rush on this a little.  The main thrust of the video was to compare and contrast Dr. Griffin to the successes of SpaceX in spite of what he has testified to, and others like him.  We feel we met that objective.

However, this video is bigger than SpaceX.  I cannot wait to do a video like this on Sierra Nevada... or even... dare I say... ATK.

SpaceX was first, but I would submit all of the commercial providers were riding with Falcon 9 and Dragon.  Everyone gained from COT 2+ in my estimation.

Luckily for us... there will be more awesome missions and Depeche Mode has a lot of songs that will really "Drive it Home". 

Respectfully,
Andrew Gasser
TEA Party in Space

PS If you haven't already,  I would sincerely hope you all swing by our website and sign up for our newsletter.  It is non-partisan and we are going to be doing some amazing things soon.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Go4TLI on 06/01/2012 08:11 pm
The main thrust of the video was to compare and contrast Dr. Griffin to the successes of SpaceX in spite of what he has testified to, and others like him. 

::)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/01/2012 08:23 pm
This is just fluff so I'm putting it here :)

Grasshopper is a good name for the test bed SpaceX is developing.
There's the obvious likeness of a grasshopper jumping above the grass before coming back down.
Grasshoppers eventually fly.
And then theres the TV show Kung Fu 'grasshopper' as apprentice.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Bender on 06/01/2012 08:39 pm
Does anyone have details of the Russian Space Agency visit to SpaceX headquarters. In one of the recent press conferences Elon had mentioned it. He also mentioned when he appeared on the Daily Show like a month back. I thought it was supposed to happen this week. Does anyone know about it? Was it just a PR photo op visit? Or was there talk of potential future business?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: R.Simko on 06/01/2012 08:52 pm
Andrew - the video would probably be improved by showing shots of the astronauts opening and unloading Dragon. (the literal laundry delivery) Great job, though.
We agree Lars...  This was our first video and we did rush on this a little.  The main thrust of the video was to compare and contrast Dr. Griffin to the successes of SpaceX in spite of what he has testified to, and others like him.  We feel we met that objective.

However, this video is bigger than SpaceX.  I cannot wait to do a video like this on Sierra Nevada... or even... dare I say... ATK.

SpaceX was first, but I would submit all of the commercial providers were riding with Falcon 9 and Dragon.  Everyone gained from COT 2+ in my estimation.

Luckily for us... there will be more awesome missions and Depeche Mode has a lot of songs that will really "Drive it Home". 

Respectfully,
Andrew Gasser
TEA Party in Space

PS If you haven't already,  I would sincerely hope you all swing by our website and sign up for our newsletter.  It is non-partisan and we are going to be doing some amazing things soon.


Are you also going to make a video for Senator Shelby?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/01/2012 09:02 pm
Remember what happens when politics get thrown over here.

Party thread, so no moderation, but this is not an excuse for politics. So the point (a good one) has been made, and now this is line. No politics after this post please.
Chris is right… Wench, bring me more Ale!! Kool-Aid!! Hydrazine!! Whateva… ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lobo on 06/01/2012 10:58 pm
The TPIS vidio juxtaposing Griffin quotes with SpaceX successes is hilarious.  Too bad about the typo in the title screen.

My impression is that COTS was a political "bone" thrown by Griffin while he concentrated on Apollo-on-you-know-what.  I don't think he actually expected all the entrants to fail, but Constellation was 99% of his ballgame and COTS was a tiny little sideshow.

Wow, that's a lot of metaphors, but you see what I mean.

This has been gnawed to death, but it still blows my mind how a really, really smart guy can make such a huge and destructive mistake.  It happened to my company--new CEO of the parent company comes in, gets momentarily frakked at the top management of our company (which was the cash cow for the whole operation) and summarily fires them.  They go form a new company that is now our dangerous competitor, and they know their stuff.  Meanwhile, parent-company board realizes CEO is an (starts with i, ends with t, has dio in the middle), so he's gone.  But he's left a catastrophe behind him.  Same with Griffin.

At the time, I thought Griffin was a perfect choice.  Shame on me.


I do believe that he fully intended for the entrants to fail, and yes it was a political bone. The purpose was basically to distract congress and the president by making it look as if everything was fine, so that he and his buddies in Alabama could continue what in my mind amounts to criminally negligent thuggery and keep firing and shutting up anyone with a grain of common sense in the agency.


It still boggles my mind to this date that there was not a congressional investigation into Griffin's activities specifically in addition to the Augustine commission, a legal investigation that is, as well as one into Senator Shelby's office. Someone should have gone to jail for what happened, after all griffin essentially lied to congress on multiple occasions as did the senator from Alabama.


As for the CEO analogy that is a really good comparison, but there is one major difference I think, and that is that Griffin was not an inaccurate, just a maniac. He knew full well what it was he wanted and how to get it, and he didn't care if it worked or not he wanted what he wanted and by god he was going to get it.

What he really wanted was to be called the next Von Braun, that was the whole point of building "Apollo on steroids". It was a quest for personal glory basically. Like I said, maniac. But not stupid. I think that's the main difference.


But I do admit he made a number of bone-headed statements and decisions in the process :)



I tend to be very skeptical of people's statements with this big of an axe to grind.  No offense Final.  Usually means a lot of emotions or politics are involved and that usually clouds things...

Griffin made some very good statements regarding the poor decision to throw away all of our development of the Apollo program for STS, that was proposed with an impossibly high flight rate, which even had that been technically feasible, there never would have been even close to that number of payloads.  He couldn’t have been more correct there.

Then he goes and passes the most obvious choices for a successor to the shuttle in utilizing existing EELV assets and evolving them, or going with as directly shuttle derived as possible with something like Direct.  Even before some of the CxP issues came up later, that 1.5 architecture wasn’t the best utilization of existing STS and EELV development. 

So I’m not sure what to think about how he seemed to know the right choices, but just didn’t make them…
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Go4TLI on 06/01/2012 11:11 pm
Quote from: Tea Party Space Czar

I cannot wait to do a video like this on Sierra Nevada... or even... dare I say... ATK.


It is pretty clear that ATK is your enemy.  Liberty is based off of Ares 1.  How does the Tea Party in Space reconcile that?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 06/01/2012 11:20 pm
Guys please.  I don't wish to be a mini-mod but Chris has clearly stated this is a Party thread and not a debate thread.

Meaning, Kool Aid and Ponies are freely given out to all.  even Jim gets a pony this time around. ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/02/2012 12:21 am
Guys please.  I don't wish to be a mini-mod but Chris has clearly stated this is a Party thread and not a debate thread.

Meaning, Kool Aid and Ponies are freely given out to all.  even Jim gets a pony this time around. ;D

I'd prefer to give Jim a beer (or twelve), and then see what comes out! ;)

Party on, SpaceX!

Party on, Wayne!

:)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/02/2012 01:14 am



I am waiting for the falcon9 v 1.1 announcement/update ect.

Want to see the new documentation for that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Alpha Control on 06/02/2012 01:57 am
Agree with the above comments - let's keep political discussions off this thread. This is a celebratory thread for SpaceX's success!

And in that spirit, did folks see the NASA homepage today? A lot of good items on commercial space.

The terrific picture of Dragon on the recovery barge, with Old Glory proudly displayed, plus a link to the P3 Chase Plane video of Dragon's descent and splashdown (labeled "Historic" by NASA!), as well as a video link to the SNC Dream Chaser Captive-Carry flight this week.

Pretty impressive!

David
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: R.Simko on 06/02/2012 02:19 am
Thankyou Alpha for posting the photo of Dragon with Old Glory flying next to it.  When I looked at Old Glory flying there, it reminded be of the famous photo of Old Glory on the moon.

SpaceX and NASA has given us all a lot to celebrate in the coming days.  Even though today is SpaceX's day, we should also recognize that there are other fine companies out there that are working very hard to extend our reach again to LEO and beyond.

My hat is off to all of you involved in extending our reach beyond Earth.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 06/02/2012 02:52 am
Personally, to be really retro, they need a 48 star flag!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Cinder on 06/02/2012 03:57 am
Wouldn't have been quite right if any at SpaceX are from Alaska or Hawaii.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Alpha Control on 06/03/2012 03:28 am
Thankyou Alpha for posting the photo of Dragon with Old Glory flying next to it.  When I looked at Old Glory flying there, it reminded be of the famous photo of Old Glory on the moon.

SpaceX and NASA has given us all a lot to celebrate in the coming days.  Even though today is SpaceX's day, we should also recognize that there are other fine companies out there that are working very hard to extend our reach again to LEO and beyond.

My hat is off to all of you involved in extending our reach beyond Earth.

Thanks for your comments, R.Simko. This is indeed a positive boost for all the companies in the commercial arena. I was glad to see that photo on the NASA homepage. It is a great image for all Americans, and all who follow spaceflight, to be proud of.

In reflecting on the spectacular success of this mission, I thought of another interesting first for it: this is the first-ever vehicle to return to earth from the ISS via ocean splashdown - all other vehicles that were designed to return (Shuttle & Soyuz) used land-based touchdowns. The last time a space station used ocean splashdown for returning vehicles was Skylab.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kirghizstan on 06/03/2012 03:30 am
Did we ever find out what the special cargo was?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 06/03/2012 05:12 am
Did we ever find out what the special cargo was?

Elon said that he was unaware of any special cargo.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JohnFornaro on 06/03/2012 03:25 pm
From:

http://www.spacepolitics.com/2012/05/28/congressional-and-other-reaction-to-the-spacex-dragon-berthing/

Quote
Not everyone was in a congratulatory mood, though. "The reality remains that SpaceX has spent hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to launch a rocket nearly three years later than planned," Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) told the Huntsville Times. "The ‘private’ space race is off to a dilatory start at best, and the commercial space flight market has yet to materialize." ...

Well.

A related reality concerns the billions of dollars wasted on Ares.  With this remark, I'd say that Mr. Nelson Shelby has made clear that his preference is to be part of the problem, and not part of the solution.

[Edit 06-04-12:  Wrong Senator!]
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: R.Simko on 06/03/2012 04:21 pm
From:

http://www.spacepolitics.com/2012/05/28/congressional-and-other-reaction-to-the-spacex-dragon-berthing/

Quote
Not everyone was in a congratulatory mood, though. "The reality remains that SpaceX has spent hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to launch a rocket nearly three years later than planned," Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) told the Huntsville Times. "The ‘private’ space race is off to a dilatory start at best, and the commercial space flight market has yet to materialize." ...

Well.

A related reality concerns the billions of dollars wasted on Ares.  With this remark, I'd say that Mr. Nelson has made clear that his preference is to be part of the problem, and not part of the solution.

John, the quote you posted was not from Mr. Nelson, did you put his name in by mistake?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: FinalFrontier on 06/03/2012 04:28 pm
From:

http://www.spacepolitics.com/2012/05/28/congressional-and-other-reaction-to-the-spacex-dragon-berthing/

Quote
Not everyone was in a congratulatory mood, though. "The reality remains that SpaceX has spent hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to launch a rocket nearly three years later than planned," Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) told the Huntsville Times. "The ‘private’ space race is off to a dilatory start at best, and the commercial space flight market has yet to materialize." ...

Well.

A related reality concerns the billions of dollars wasted on Ares.  With this remark, I'd say that Mr. Nelson has made clear that his preference is to be part of the problem, and not part of the solution.


You mean Mr. Shelby. Not Mr. Nelson.


And yes Shelby is the oldest and most original griffinite he will never change. The only thing he wants is a giant pork rocket he could care less whether it flys or not, IMO he hates SLS as well because its not as big, he was an avant defender of CXP until the very end, and was opposed to SLS until he risked his career by not changing sides.


So the best thing to do with people like him and griffin is simply turn the volume dial down to zero and ignore them as they are irrelevant considering the rest of the country is moving on without them  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/04/2012 03:55 am
Well, my SpaceX T-shirt from the KSC Gift Shop showed up as a "Youth" size M, and not an "Adult" size M. What does this mean vis-a-vis government spaceflight versus private spaceflight?  :P

Meanwhile, I'll send it back and await an exchange. Pics will follow.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/04/2012 04:09 am
Well, my SpaceX T-shirt from the KSC Gift Shop showed up as a "Youth" size M, and not an "Adult" size M. What does this mean vis-a-vis government spaceflight versus private spaceflight?  :P

Nothing, since the KSC Gift shop is run by an independent commercial contractor.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 06/04/2012 04:23 am
Nothing, since the KSC Gift shop is run by an independent commercial contractor.

Cost-plus or fixed-cost? =)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/04/2012 10:50 am
Nothing, since the KSC Gift shop is run by an independent commercial contractor.

Cost-plus or fixed-cost? =)

Fixed, at no cost to the gov't
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 06/04/2012 11:20 am
Fixed, at no cost to the gov't

Cool re: fixed (and I assumed, was just cracking wise) but does the government book any revenue from that shop? Seems like it oughtta get a cut of the merch.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robert Thompson on 06/04/2012 12:19 pm
"We Stopped Dreaming (Episode 2) - A New Perspective"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFO2usVjfQc
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/04/2012 12:32 pm
No,  all the profit (after the operator fee) goes back into the visitor center
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Alexsander on 06/04/2012 12:59 pm
What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything.

Not gonna happen. SpaceX would move to another country -- or even another celestial body -- if needed. Maybe the Moon is the REAL Galt's Gulch...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oldAtlas_Eguy on 06/04/2012 02:08 pm
What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything.

Not gonna happen. SpaceX would move to another country -- or even another celestial body -- if needed. Maybe the Moon is the REAL Galt's Gulch...

The FAA is the regulating authority not NASA. NASA is only a customer of commercial. Political policies by a political party have its roots in the support for or against certain items by the significant donor to the political campaign funds of the parties or candidates. As far as I can tell there isn't any significant donor telling them to not do commercial but there are a bunch telling them to support commercial. So policy is to allow the FAA keep doing what it’s doing (no new policies) but the funding that NASA receives that it then spends on commercial is what is at stake. Those commercial entities solely dependent on NASA spending are the ones that are threatened. Those with other sources of income besides NASA and the DOD will survive, Virgin Galactic and even SpaceX to name two of the ones not totally dependent on government money.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JohnFornaro on 06/04/2012 02:37 pm
What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything.

I don't quite see how you draw that conclusion.  I thought NASA was totally cooperative and helpful and all on the recent Dragon mission to ISS.  Why wouldn't that attitude continue into commercial crew?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: IRobot on 06/04/2012 02:46 pm
I don't quite see how you draw that conclusion.  I thought NASA was totally cooperative and helpful and all on the recent Dragon mission to ISS.  Why wouldn't that attitude continue into commercial crew?
The problem is not current NASA support. I think they are quite happy with SpaceX.

But this is not a perfect world and there are some big companies out there that don't like what SpaceX is doing and will do their best to put them out of business. It is hard to justify pork barrel projects when some other company is doing the same for a lot less.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lar on 06/04/2012 04:04 pm
What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything.

I don't quite see how you draw that conclusion.  I thought NASA was totally cooperative and helpful and all on the recent Dragon mission to ISS.  Why wouldn't that attitude continue into commercial crew?

I would think that NASA is not monolithic and there may be some folk thrilled and some folk not so much.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/04/2012 04:21 pm
Knock knock…

(SpaceX) Who’s there?

North Korea…

(SpaceX) North Korea who?

North Korea… Who wants to sell me a rocket… cheap? ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/04/2012 06:28 pm

But this is not a perfect world and there are some big companies out there that don't like what SpaceX is doing and will do their best to put them out of business. It is hard to justify pork barrel projects when some other company is doing the same for a lot less.

Most companies are kept quite busy with managing their own affairs. Plotting to put someone else out of business implies they've got their own houses in such wonderful order that they can spend the time and effort.

If SpaceX becomes a serious threat, they'll just get bought. One other reason to delay IPO until they can be assured of a valuation high enough to forestall that.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: yg1968 on 06/04/2012 06:38 pm

But this is not a perfect world and there are some big companies out there that don't like what SpaceX is doing and will do their best to put them out of business. It is hard to justify pork barrel projects when some other company is doing the same for a lot less.

Most companies are kept quite busy with managing their own affairs. Plotting to put someone else out of business implies they've got their own houses in such wonderful order that they can spend the time and effort.

If SpaceX becomes a serious threat, they'll just get bought. One other reason to delay IPO until they can be assured of a valuation high enough to forestall that.

Even if there is an IPO, Musk might still retain a controling interest.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jnc on 06/04/2012 06:46 pm
Even if there is an IPO, Musk might still retain a controling interest.

Given his long-term goals, he'd be well advised to do so...

Noel
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ArbitraryConstant on 06/04/2012 07:52 pm
Even if there is an IPO, Musk might still retain a controling interest.
He's specifically said:

-That is exactly what he's going to do.
-Anyone who invests is going to be well aware of the company's goals.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JWag on 06/05/2012 07:24 pm
I just got word that SpaceX bought one of my company's pieces of capital equipment, and someone will need to go to Hawthorne to install it.

Guess who just volunteered? :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: woods170 on 06/05/2012 07:38 pm
I just got word that SpaceX bought one of my company's pieces of capital equipment, and someone will need to go to Hawthorne to install it.

Guess who just volunteered? :D

Well, if you actually get to go over there...then there is only one thing I can say: You lucky b****rd!  ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 06/06/2012 12:47 pm
Quote
douglas100

Re: SpaceX segment on 60 Minutes tonight, 3/18, at 7pm EDT « Reply #105 on: 05/07/2012 12:53 PM »

Quote
Quote from: corneliussulla on 04/29/2012 01:39 PM
...Musk will be the true Zephram Cochrane

...comparison with a fictitious character is just silly.

Been away a few days. Impressed to see the party thread still going.

Was just reading about black holes and the universes within them on nextbigfuture. At some point my eyes glazed over and I concluded that I don't currently have the ability to get my head completely around the Einstein-Cartan-Sciama-Kibble theory of gravity. But I know of someone who might...

It reminded me of the quotes above, where I was totally in agreement with Douglas100 when I first read them several weeks ago. But Elon did choose to study physics, as he reminds us in the 60 minutes piece, which was just replayed on Sunday in timely fashion (with nice new edits that included new videos of the C2+ mission). Certainly, and I'd be willing to bet, Elon has some ideas of his own of advanced propulsion technologies. Of course, it would be very wise of him at this point to keep those ideas tucked away.

He's only 40 and he may accomplish much in years to come but life may be too short indeed for even him to tickle any of his university dreams of things beyond chemical rockets or electric propulsion 1.0 .  I think I recall some wisps of things being discussed in other threads concerning these possibilities and Musk. Perhaps next time, when Elon brings up physics, Scott Pelley will take his questions in a different direction.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dcporter on 06/06/2012 12:53 pm
That's fun and all, but please don't set him up for failure with dreams of wormholes. =( He's talked about nuclear propulsion, which is squarely in the realm of physics theory that, y'know, exists, and that's plenty enough dreaming for me!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: BrightLight on 06/06/2012 02:28 pm
I have a simple question:
can the dragon manned or unmanned berth to ISS without the aid of a the
Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS)?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 06/06/2012 02:43 pm
can the dragon manned or unmanned berth to ISS without the aid of a the
Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS)?

Berthing can only happen using SSRMS due to the design of the Common Berthing Adapter (CBM).

Manned Dragon will dock, not berth, and won't need the assistance of SSRMS.

Hope that answers your question!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: DaveH62 on 06/08/2012 04:05 am
Another win for SpaceX seems to to be an estimated doubling of SpaceX value in the secondary market. If they get reusable down and Famlcon Heavy off next year there could be a few new dot space millionaires and billionaires.

http://www.privco.com/privately-held-spacex-worth-nearly-5-billion-or-20-share-double-its-pre-mission-secondary-market-pricing-following-historic-success-at-the-international-space-station
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/08/2012 01:25 pm
Another win for SpaceX seems to to be an estimated doubling of SpaceX value in the secondary market. If they get reusable down and Famlcon Heavy off next year there could be a few new dot space millionaires and billionaires.

http://www.privco.com/privately-held-spacex-worth-nearly-5-billion-or-20-share-double-its-pre-mission-secondary-market-pricing-following-historic-success-at-the-international-space-station

Will they trade on NASDAQ or NYSE? If NYSE, it's a 3-letter symbol - SPX maybe? But NASDAQ is 4 - ELON perhaps?  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Confusador on 06/09/2012 12:30 pm
Another win for SpaceX seems to to be an estimated doubling of SpaceX value in the secondary market. If they get reusable down and Famlcon Heavy off next year there could be a few new dot space millionaires and billionaires.

http://www.privco.com/privately-held-spacex-worth-nearly-5-billion-or-20-share-double-its-pre-mission-secondary-market-pricing-following-historic-success-at-the-international-space-station

Will they trade on NASDAQ or NYSE? If NYSE, it's a 3-letter symbol - SPX maybe? But NASDAQ is 4 - ELON perhaps?  :D

TSLA is NASDAQ, so if we were betting I'd go with SPCX
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cro-magnon gramps on 06/09/2012 12:58 pm
all this hype about IPOs and Valuations is just that hype, not worth the electrons it is bothering;
Quote> In a public statement, Musk said that before an IPO, SpaceX would first need to establish a reliable rhythm of launches for NASA and other customers, a process which could take years.<End Quote

I predict that it will be at least the beginning of 2014 to mid term of that year, before Elon feels comfortable to do an IPO; and that will be based on a consistent string of successful launches; if one were to use Jim's Blind Squirrel 90% success point, it would be the first launch of 2015 before SpaceX would be considered successful, and that with NO FAILURES between now and then. How lucky do you feel SpaceX will be in those next 23 launches??

Gramps

edit, got the number of launches incorrect, forgot the 2 projected for this year to the ISS;
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: savuporo on 06/09/2012 10:12 pm
I just saw this tweeted
http://www.spacex.com/careers.php
Surprised how many engineering and development functions they are still hiring, both for design and manufacturing. I was expecting much more technicians and ops people.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/11/2012 12:49 am
TSLA is NASDAQ, so if we were betting I'd go with SPCX

So would I, but you've got to give kudos to the companies that like to get creative with their ticker symbols, like Southwest Airlines, which is LUV. :)

Maybe MARS? ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: BobCarver on 06/11/2012 03:39 am
TSLA is NASDAQ, so if we were betting I'd go with SPCX

So would I, but you've got to give kudos to the companies that like to get creative with their ticker symbols, like Southwest Airlines, which is LUV. :)

Maybe MARS? ;)

The exchanges are not following that old convention for tickers anymore. Makes it easier for companies to switch exchanges and keep their same tickers.

I remember Elon saying a year or two ago that he had made it very clear that the goal of SpaceX was not to maximize shareholder profits, so while I wouldn't guarantee SpaceX won't make investors rich, that's not the primary goal for going public. He did say that making a profit was important (otherwise, they'd go bust), but I interpreted his remarks as that he intended to maximize investments in space R&D rather than lining investors' pockets. In other words, no focusing on quarterly profit goals to the detriment of R&D. Still, I suspect that in the long run that is going to make investors one huge pile of profits. Just not quarter-to-quarter.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/11/2012 04:11 am
Its the omG sPACEx party thread so what the hey....Dream Chaser and Dragon are chosen  for full crew funding not Boeing. Over time, SNC changes fron Atlas V to Falcon.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 06/11/2012 05:05 am
FH can still be competed against and beaten.

Even rapidly reuseable rockets can be competed against and beaten.

I'd caution over any predictions of mega profits. If those profits appear market share will be eaten by the competition. This is the way all markets work.

SpaceX will not get a monopoly no matter how well their business case takes off.

I only see them as a means to an end. Keeping the launch market honest on cheap prices.

Transport to Mars? Jury is still out. I'm not that optimistic SpaceX can do it all by themselves. That hype is something I'll steer clear from.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 06/11/2012 05:15 am
FH can still be competed against and beaten.

Even rapidly reuseable rockets can be competed against and beaten.

In theory, but not likely in practice.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 06/11/2012 05:17 am
The only way to get a monopoly is by having the government grant it to you.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 06/13/2012 12:02 am
The only way to get a monopoly is by having the government grant it to you.

Nope. There are natural monopolies. If you buy up the only sources of water in a city, you get a natural monopoly. Nobody else would be able to compete. Buy up all the land, same thing.



What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything.

Not gonna happen. SpaceX would move to another country -- or even another celestial body -- if needed. Maybe the Moon is the REAL Galt's Gulch...
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest. Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness. In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained. Like District 13 in the Hunger Games (if you've read those books). Or the command economy during WW2.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/13/2012 12:28 am
The only way to get a monopoly is by having the government grant it to you.

Nope. There are natural monopolies. If you buy up the only sources of water in a city, you get a natural monopoly. Nobody else would be able to compete. Buy up all the land, same thing.



What would happen is basically the end of commercial spaceflight. NASA would begin throwing up as many regulatory road blocks to continued missions as they possibly could come up with. There would be no commercial crew, or perhaps only one flight. The usual suspects would criticize commercial as being the problem and blame them for everything.

Not gonna happen. SpaceX would move to another country -- or even another celestial body -- if needed. Maybe the Moon is the REAL Galt's Gulch...
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest. Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness. In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained. Like District 13 in the Hunger Games (if you've read those books). Or the command economy during WW2.

Well, that's depressing.   :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 06/13/2012 12:29 am
I always thought that space settlement would lead to city-states ala Greece.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/13/2012 12:46 am
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest. Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness. In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained. Like District 13 in the Hunger Games (if you've read those books). Or the command economy during WW2.

I would say more like the Mars Colony in Total Recall
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/13/2012 01:05 am
I would say more like the Mars Colony in Total Recall
Alien air production will save the day, Red Dragon will be able to use parachutes for initial descent and hopefully we won't have to pull tracking devices out our nose ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mrmandias on 06/13/2012 01:44 am
]Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest. Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness. In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained. Like District 13 in the Hunger Games (if you've read those books). Or the command economy during WW2.

You're not wrong, but close-knit communities where everyone performs useful work and where power can be easily abused tend to have robust republican institutions and a very alert citizenry.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 06/13/2012 02:23 am
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest. Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness. In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained. Like District 13 in the Hunger Games (if you've read those books). Or the command economy during WW2.

I would say more like the Mars Colony in Total Recall
That's what I was thinking of with respect to tyranny.

Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest. Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness. In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained. Like District 13 in the Hunger Games (if you've read those books). Or the command economy during WW2.

You're not wrong, but close-knit communities where everyone performs useful work and where power can be easily abused tend to have robust republican institutions and a very alert citizenry.
That's the best-case scenario (and wouldn't be bad if we tried it out here!).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 06/13/2012 02:28 am
I always thought it would interesting if humans did develop interplanetary and/or asteroid/space colonies since much of popular culture and non-sci-fi literature is based around a single planet so I've always wondered what our popular consciousness would be like if humanity had multiple space colonies.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 06/13/2012 02:57 am
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population. It's much more amenable to tyranny than on Earth, to be honest.

What's that got to do with anything? If you legally own all the air, I'll legally buy it from you in exchange for my services, or I'll go make my own air. I think you're falling into this "tyranny of the marketplace" nonsense that people use to cover what they're really afraid of: competing. In any small settlement, no matter where it is, the most valuable commodity is human labor.. there's a shortage of it, by definition.

Quote
Our founding fathers said that if you don't like the gov't, you can just go out in the wilderness.

They weren't libertarians.

Quote
In space, that means instant death so you are forced to live in a closer knit society with less individual freedom, since survival is much more difficult and resources much more constrained.

Hogwash. It is exactly when resources are more constrained that liberty thrives, because the individual's value is unquestionable.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Dave G on 06/13/2012 03:19 am
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population...

The term "settlement" implies people intend to stay there.  So we're not talking about a permenantly manned base with rotating crews.  We're talking about people raising children.  I don't think that will happen until people are making their own air, and more importantly, thier own habitats to hold the air. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 06/13/2012 03:22 am
Any settlement on a celestial body will be far /less/ libertarian in practice than possible on Earth. Think about it. On Earth, you can't buy up all the air. On a lunar settlement, whoever controls the air supply controls the population...

The term "settlement" implies people intend to stay there.  So we're not talking about a permenantly manned base with rotating crews.  We're talking about people raising children.  I don't think that will happen until people are making their own air, and more importantly, thier own habitats to hold the air. 

What if the inhabitants of a space settlement all live in a giant dome?  An O'Neil cylinder or one it's relatives could actually be a good place to be a tyrant.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: QuantumG on 06/13/2012 03:30 am
What if the inhabitants of a space settlement all live in a giant dome?  An O'Neil cylinder or one it's relatives could actually be a good place to be a tyrant.

No more than any other place!

The argument here is that somehow the limited living space or control of resources gives the tyrant more power.. well that's true of anywhere. The question is: where is there more living space, here on Earth or the vastness of space?

Tyranny is not something we've eliminated on Earth that we're somehow in danger of regaining as we go to space.. if it's not a wash, then it's more likely the opposite.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Dave G on 06/13/2012 03:41 am
What if the inhabitants of a space settlement all live in a giant dome?  An O'Neil cylinder or one it's relatives could actually be a good place to be a tyrant.

No more than any other place!

The argument here is that somehow the limited living space or control of resources gives the tyrant more power.. well that's true of anywhere. The question is: where is there more living space, here on Earth or the vastness of space?

Tyranny is not something we've eliminated on Earth that we're somehow in danger of regaining as we go to space.. if it's not a wash, then it's more likely the opposite.


I agree.

50 years ago there were many movies showing how computers would take over the world and control us.  Now that the internet is ubiquitous, we have the Arab Spring.  Exactly the opposite is happening.  Computers are freeing people from tyranny.

If there were a real settlement on the Moon or Mars, I believe that would include production capable of expanding the settlement.  Sure, there may be large domes, but there wouldn't be only 1, and there would be smaller domes where the settlement is expanding.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Wyvern on 06/13/2012 03:52 am
Alright alright I admit defeat, I accept that space colonization wouldn't necessarily be beneficial to tyranny.

Perhaps the opposite is a more likely and interesting subject.  What if a moon colony suddenly declared independence from Earth's nations?  Not much Earth could do could it?  Especially if a whole bunch of moon colonies do it in mass.  Would be cool if Heinlein and other writers were right about space independence (like they were about many other things.)

Mars independence has always been a favorite of mine personally, I just like the idea of a whole planet becoming independent from it's former "masters." 

BTW it may be a good idea to move this discussion to another thread since this doesn't exactly involve SpaceX anymore. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 06/13/2012 06:42 am
Return on investment. US taxpayers/Congress may not just want to let Mars go independent.

Will there eventually be indentured servants on Mars our other space colonies? What rights will those individuals have versus the wealthy settlers who may have funded the lesser's trip? I foresee complications.

Ever since seeing Thiel (an old Elon Musk business partner) on 60 minutes I've been following seasteading. I'm no Libertarian but I once worked in the marine industry so   I am intrigued. I hope seasteading has a legitimate attempt in the next decade or two because it may act as a laboratory for many of the issues that people are discussing here.  Besides the work that is supposed to take place on the ships/platforms, work that is very similar to what Elon envisions will take place on Mars (idea incubator stuff), they will also act as labs for self governance. The best will emerge in an evolutionary process, so they say. Irony may win out with the best model being the Kibbutz, who knows?

  I think it's been too long since America had a frontier (homesteaders) to use it as a good analogy for space. Seasteading may involve "citizens" with many similarities to those who may eventually be spacesteaders. The style of gov't that wins that process and works best on a platform 12-200 miles out at sea that's full of smart people may be examined as a possibility for those same type of individuals in space. Of course, all that goes out the window when their children grow up, seriously.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jim on 06/13/2012 10:49 am
Return on investment. US taxpayers/Congress may not just want to let Mars go independent.


That has been my point all along, there is no reason for the US govt to fund a Mars colony because there is no ROI for the US Govt.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: apace on 06/13/2012 11:01 am
Return on investment. US taxpayers/Congress may not just want to let Mars go independent.


That has been my point all along, there is no reason for the US govt to fund a Mars colony because there is no ROI for the US Govt.

Return of Investment or Region of Interest?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/13/2012 08:26 pm
Man you guys really know how to party!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/15/2012 04:29 pm
The SpaceX party has gone on to Mars???  :D

I'll have some of what you guys are drinking! :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/16/2012 01:29 am
We'll be sitting here on Mars waiting to greet Elon when he finally gets here.   :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 06/17/2012 05:35 am
A very nice tribute video for this mission, with music:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuHfsA79JRc

 :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: mr. mark on 06/17/2012 05:42 am
Just a note about the video.. Orbital's Pegasus launch vehicle was the first commercial rocket to reach orbit. The Falcon 1 was the first liquid fuel commercial launch vehicle to reach orbit from the ground. Even that claim is suspect as almost all launch vehicles have been designed by commercial companies. I guess SpaceX could say that they are the first in house designed non government commercial launch vehicle to reach orbit from the ground. ::) I must be getting older. I find the music track for the video annoying.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/17/2012 05:49 am
Very nice!  The only thing missing in my opinion was the remark about Dragon having a "new car smell".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 06/17/2012 05:55 am
Just a note about the video.. Orbital's Pegasus launch vehicle was the first commercial rocket to reach orbit. The Falcon 1 was the first liquid fuel commercial launch vehicle to reach orbit from the ground. Even that claim is suspect as almost all launch vehicles have been designed by commercial companies. I guess SpaceX could say that they are the first in house designed non government commercial launch vehicle to reach orbit from the ground. ::) I must be getting older. I find the music track for the video annoying.

Yeah, but I am figuring this video was made by someone who was pretty good at making videos like this, and not so good at spaceflight history.  So stuff like that we can generally "let it slide".
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/17/2012 09:53 am
Uh, what happened?  "This video has been removed by the user."
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Thunderbird5 on 06/17/2012 11:30 am
Yeah, where'd it go?   :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: tigerade on 06/17/2012 02:56 pm
Uh, what happened?  "This video has been removed by the user."

Ok I have fixed the original link with the new video.  It should be viewable now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/17/2012 08:00 pm
So what is the "next milestone" for SpaceX?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wolfpack on 06/17/2012 08:59 pm
So what is the "next milestone" for SpaceX?

CRS-1
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/17/2012 10:37 pm
So what is the "next milestone" for SpaceX?

CRS-1
That's not a milestone, is it? I thought it'd be more likely to do with CCDEV/ CCiCAP or whatever it's called now.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: docmordrid on 06/17/2012 11:06 pm
I would say the upcoming Grasshopper hops, a ground abort test of the DragonRider thruster pack and F9 v. 1.1 flt 1.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Zed_Noir on 06/17/2012 11:12 pm
So what is the "next milestone" for SpaceX?
Manned Dragon Rider
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/17/2012 11:15 pm
Every flight is the "next milestone" - thus CRS-1.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/18/2012 01:40 am
I'm sure they have lots of internal milestones, some  that we aren't privy to.
Do they have another NASA milestone, that's in play that they need to meet before they get X?
What do/did they have to achieve in regard  to the $75 million for the for the LAS, as far as NASA is concerned?
I assumed they meet all their 'milestones' as far as Cargo resupply was concerned, making the CRS flights 'operational' flights to fulfill their contract, no?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/18/2012 01:47 am
I assumed they meet all their 'milestones' as far as Cargo resupply was concerned, making the CRS flights 'operational' flights to fulfill their contract, no?

Is NASA going to make an official announcement whether or not they've met all of the COTS 2 & 3 requirements?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 06/19/2012 10:37 am
I really like SpaceX, but I think their next milestone needs to be: launching at or really close to the currently scheduled date. If they can get a couple of CRS flights off the ground without major delays, then they will have made a serious statement about their approach to all this.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 06/19/2012 02:25 pm
No earlier than. Do we understand this meaning?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/19/2012 11:54 pm
Everyone seems to be misunderstanding the term milestone (or maybe it's me)
I get the whole they need to get a launch tempo, they need to deliver on CRS and all that good stuff, NET etc, but.....
 
Is there a milestone set by NASA that SpaceX signed on to, that they have not yet completed?
If so what is it?

(I'm assuming NASA signed off on all COTS 2+ milestones. If NASA didn't I'd like to know that also)
Thanks, party on.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AnalogMan on 06/20/2012 12:21 am
(I'm assuming NASA signed off on all COTS 2+ milestones. If NASA didn't I'd like to know that also)
Thanks, party on.

From the latest 60-day NASA report on Commercial Spaceflight:

"[...] The program has confirmed that SpaceX successfully completed all COTS demonstration mission objectives.

As originally envisioned, the COTS project has two major goals: 1) demonstrate crew and cargo transportation services that NASA could potentially purchase in the future and 2) enable the U.S. to become more competitive in the global launch marketplace. Successful completion of this demonstration mission, along with SpaceX’s recent announcements of commercial launch agreements with other customers, indicate both goals are being accomplished.
"

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/660802main_June_2012_60_Day_Report_508.pdf
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Retired Downrange on 06/20/2012 12:36 am
So what is the "next milestone" for SpaceX?

CRS-1
That's not a milestone, is it? I thought it'd be more likely to do with CCDEV/ CCiCAP or whatever it's called now.


CCDev2 milestones shown in this chart

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/660801main_CCDev2_Public_20120613_508.pdf
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/20/2012 12:50 am
Thanks guys and to Ben the Space Brit over in SpaceX general discussion thread 5. (man you miss one day of reading every thread in NSF and you have some catching up to do :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/20/2012 08:48 pm
So what's the next event we need a party thread for? MSL?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/20/2012 08:51 pm
So what's the next event we need a party thread for? MSL?
Or a Dream Chaser drop test... ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 06/20/2012 08:53 pm
NROL-15 of course!!! You can not get a larger launch event ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: edfishel on 06/20/2012 08:56 pm
Chris...Love these party threads. Great idea! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: quark on 06/20/2012 08:59 pm
Just a note about the video.. Orbital's Pegasus launch vehicle was the first commercial rocket to reach orbit. The Falcon 1 was the first liquid fuel commercial launch vehicle to reach orbit from the ground. Even that claim is suspect as almost all launch vehicles have been designed by commercial companies. I guess SpaceX could say that they are the first in house designed non government commercial launch vehicle to reach orbit from the ground. ::) I must be getting older. I find the music track for the video annoying.

Huh??  what about Atlas I, II, IIA, IIAS, IIIA, IIB & V?  All were designed in house by GD or LM with no (or minimal for Atlas V) government funding.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 06/20/2012 09:14 pm
Antares launch! And MSL landing!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 06/20/2012 09:55 pm
Antares launch! And MSL landing!

Concur.

Now to think up another funny thread title for the "..........Party Thread". I'll try and suprise you. "OMG" was fun for SpaceX, as people tend to act like that with SpaceX stuff :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/20/2012 11:22 pm
This party thread has been good for me.  I had about 160 total comments before this flight.  This one is #259.

Since I'm not an engineer or space industry veteran, there is not much that I can contribute to many threads, other than asking questions.  And likely as not, I'll be told, "That question has already been answered in X thread."   ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 06/20/2012 11:30 pm
OK, a Mars landing does sort of trump a Dream Chaser drop test and landing… I guess I could have just one for DC… ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/20/2012 11:30 pm
High five rickl :)

I agree, Antares and MSL EDL for next non techno thread. MSL is particularly exciting to me. CRS-1 will be hot on it's heels. (he said hopefully)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 06/21/2012 01:32 am
but, but, NROL-15 on a Delta IV Heavy with new uprated  engines will be the largest thing to fly this year. Name one thing that be larger, heavier, or cost more in 2012!

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 06/21/2012 01:45 am
Well, how about a parallel party thread for every launch?

Maybe that would be a PITA for the administrators, but at least it would keep the serious update threads clean(er), and give the rest of us a place to play.  Just a thought.

(For this particular flight, Chris, the party thread was a stroke of genius.  121 pages proved the necessity for it.  Without it, the thread trimmers would have been very busy indeed.  I'm sure most other party threads won't come close to that.)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jongoff on 06/21/2012 02:26 am
Antares launch! And MSL landing!

Concur.

Now to think up another funny thread title for the "..........Party Thread". I'll try and suprise you. "OMG" was fun for SpaceX, as people tend to act like that with SpaceX stuff :D

How about "zOMG!!!1!!one!!!eleven!!! ..... Party Thread" ?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: scienceguy on 06/21/2012 04:13 am
what about "LOL! MSL Landing party thread!"
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: IanO on 06/21/2012 04:28 am
what about "LOL! MSL Landing party thread!"

A/S/L? MSL!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Lars_J on 06/21/2012 05:34 am
We most definitely need an MSL landing party thread!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: oiorionsbelt on 06/21/2012 08:16 pm
what about "LOL! MSL Landing party thread!"
That sounds like MSL is going to beam down a landing party. 8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: go4mars on 06/21/2012 08:43 pm
what about "LOL! MSL Landing party thread!"
That sounds like MSL is going to beam down a landing party. 8)
The Mars Society and Planetary Society are doing a joint convention coinciding with the MSL landing timeframe. 

I suspect that will be the biggest and best MSL party going!!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: darkenfast on 08/04/2012 04:36 am
Congratulations to SpaceX for being one of the companies selected for the next round of the Commercial Crew program! While there's obviously a lot of hard work ahead for them, we are one step closer to once more seeing astronauts flying on an American spacecraft launched by an American rocket with our own engines.

I greatly admire the Russians and their long string of accomplishments, even as they struggled through the collapse of the USSR. I respect the Chinese program, even though I am leery of their government. And while the Europeans have not launched their own manned spacecraft, their contribution to space in general and to international programs such as the ISS is huge. Japan's recent flawless launch of its cargo carrier to the ISS speaks for itself.

All that said, I remain an American, and I will root for the home team! I am a SpaceX fan because of what I think they can accomplish. So dust off the party hats for one evening and, "Go, SpaceX!"   
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wechose on 08/04/2012 05:38 am
Congratulations to SpaceX for being one of the companies selected for the next round of the Commercial Crew program! While there's obviously a lot of hard work ahead for them, we are one step closer to once more seeing astronauts flying on an American spacecraft launched by an American rocket with our own engines.

I greatly admire the Russians and their long string of accomplishments, even as they struggled through the collapse of the USSR. I respect the Chinese program, even though I am leery of their government. And while the Europeans have not launched their own manned spacecraft, their contribution to space in general and to international programs such as the ISS is huge. Japan's recent flawless launch of its cargo carrier to the ISS speaks for itself.

All that said, I remain an American, and I will root for the home team! I am a SpaceX fan because of what I think they can accomplish. So dust off the party hats for one evening and, "Go, SpaceX!"   

That really is the spirit I like to see about spaceflight,it should transcend borders,so I think we should also congratulate South Africa where Elon Musk was born and lived until he was at least eighteen years old, and without whom Space-X would never have happened.
Hats off to Space-x.South Africa, and the USA.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: marsavian on 08/04/2012 05:40 am
Don't forget his Canadian mother ;).
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: wechose on 08/04/2012 05:50 am
Don't forget his Canadian mother ;).

Ah I did'nt,but sure Canada gets an odd bone thrown its way for the Canadarms! ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: majormajor42 on 08/04/2012 12:15 pm
Yes, it was a great reason to bump the party thread. Lots to look forward to. Besides the scheduled launches of CRS and other F9' s this year and next, there is the upgraded Falcon, the FH, and Grasshopper flights. But now we also get to look forward to a pad abort, a flight abort too before the eventual unmanned and manned Dragonrider orbital flights.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ArbitraryConstant on 08/04/2012 05:15 pm
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/08/nasa-ccicap-funding-spacex-boeing-sncs-crew-vehicles/

I guess most of us saw this coming, but congratulations to SpaceX on getting named as a fully funded commercial crew participant.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: JWag on 08/14/2012 05:22 pm
This is exciting.  My trip to Hawthorne to install our equipment is still on and tentatively scheduled for September sometime.  The Dragon for SPX-1 will probably have left by then (dang). 

One of my colleagues recently went in there, and all he was able to see was offices.  He doesn't drip raw space-nerd enthusiasm like I do, so I have some small hope of seeing the production floor.

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 08/14/2012 05:29 pm
This is exciting.  My trip to Hawthorne to install our equipment is still on and tentatively scheduled for September sometime.  The Dragon for SPX-1 will probably have left by then (dang). 

One of my colleagues recently went in there, and all he was able to see was offices.  He doesn't drip raw space-nerd enthusiasm like I do, so I have some small hope of seeing the production floor.
Best of luck with that! I dropped by on vacation, but all I got to see was the lobby, so...hope you can do better. :)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 09/22/2012 01:40 pm
1820 posts and 123,000 reads for a party thread!?! No wonders I'm on bread and water after paying the hosting costs each month! ;D

So I guess this was a good idea, based on keeping the specific threads clear of randomness, but the size of this thread suggests we need a second party thread for this CRS-1/SpX-1 mission....

....might need to think up a new, humorous - but topical to the mission - thread title.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Rocket Science on 09/22/2012 02:24 pm
1820 posts and 123,000 reads for a party thread!?! No wonders I'm on bread and water after paying the hosting costs each month! ;D

So I guess this was a good idea, based on keeping the specific threads clear of randomness, but the size of this thread suggests we need a second party thread for this CRS-1/SpX-1 mission....

....might need to think up a new, humorous - but topical to the mission - thread title.
We’ll get Hamilton to spot you a few quid… ;D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Orbiter on 09/30/2012 06:26 pm
L-7 days!

Go Falcon 9! Give Dragon a nice ride uphill, look forward to orbit!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kch on 09/30/2012 06:39 pm

So I guess this was a good idea, based on keeping the specific threads clear of randomness ...

A *very* good idea!


... but the size of this thread suggests we need a second party thread for this CRS-1/SpX-1 mission....

Absolutely -- thanks, Chris!  :D
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 09/30/2012 06:50 pm
Yes, there should definitely be a new party thread.

I don't think we'll ever see another thread like this one.  It was a one-of-a-kind, because of the pent-up anticipation.  It was a year and a half between COTS-1 and COTS-2+, and also the first all-up Dragon mission.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 09/30/2012 08:15 pm
Yes, there should definitely be a new party thread.

I don't think we'll ever see another thread like this one.  It was a one-of-a-kind, because of the pent-up anticipation.  It was a year and a half between COTS-1 and COTS-2+, and also the first all-up Dragon mission.

Ohh, there is plenty to person yourself to death with on SpaceX

1st Falcon Heavy Static Fire (squee)
1st Dragon ground abort
1st Dragon in flight abort (sqeeee!)
1st Vandenberg Falcon 1.1 with 1st Fairing
1st Dragon Lab

Yea I think the next Party thread will be even more interesting given the hopefully steady background of CRS flights.  Like a party with a steady delivery of new beer.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 09/30/2012 08:19 pm
The abort tests and anything to do with Heavy are likely to generate the sort of heavy traffic that made the Party Thread such a good idea.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cambrianera on 09/30/2012 08:28 pm


Yea I think the next Party thread will be even more interesting given the hopefully steady background of CRS flights.  Like a party with a steady delivery of new beer.


That's why I like Spacex, a steady flow of new things coming !
(and I would add Grasshopper high jumps in the list !)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: jtrame on 10/01/2012 12:07 am
Maybe something new later this week when they finally show the Dragon for this flight.

Typically SpaceX would have posted prep pictures on the company website and Facebook.  Could be they are saving something back to surprise us with.

Or could be a different explanation.  Ok, back to the party...

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: SpacexULA on 10/01/2012 12:14 am
Maybe something new later this week when they finally show the Dragon for this flight.

Typically SpaceX would have posted prep pictures on the company website and Facebook.  Could be they are saving something back to surprise us with.

Or could be a different explanation.  Ok, back to the party...

Considering they are ejected anyway they could paint the Solar panel and nose cap fairings bright Red White and blue with huge SpaceX logos in the middle.

No way it's happening, but would be fun.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: dragon44 on 10/01/2012 03:23 pm
SpaceX shop just opened. No patches  :(


http://shop.spacex.com/ (http://shop.spacex.com/)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ChefPat on 10/01/2012 04:01 pm
SpaceX shop just opened. No patches  :(


http://shop.spacex.com/ (http://shop.spacex.com/)

I just sent them a question about patches. I see the KSC Gift shop doesn't any for this mission either.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: simonbp on 10/01/2012 04:53 pm
I, for one, am greatly disappointed that they don't sell the Merlin shown with the models. False advertising! ;)

Also, their shipping & handling ain't cheap...
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 10/01/2012 05:42 pm
I, for one, am greatly disappointed that they don't sell the Merlin shown with the models. False advertising! ;)

Also, their shipping & handling ain't cheap...

What, you expect free shipping & handling on a Merlin?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Hopalong_Chris on 10/01/2012 05:49 pm
I, for one, am greatly disappointed that they don't sell the Merlin shown with the models. False advertising! ;)

Also, their shipping & handling ain't cheap...

What, you expect free shipping & handling on a Merlin?

Alas, they do not ship across the pond as yet.  :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Chris Bergin on 10/01/2012 05:51 pm
I, for one, am greatly disappointed that they don't sell the Merlin shown with the models. False advertising! ;)

Also, their shipping & handling ain't cheap...

What, you expect free shipping & handling on a Merlin?

Alas, they do not ship across the pond as yet.  :(

Well that's a pile of bollocks then. :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 10/01/2012 06:06 pm
ITAR ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: peter-b on 10/01/2012 06:21 pm
Does any NSF forumite feel like setting up a clandestine intercontinental t-shirt smuggling ring?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Nomadd on 10/01/2012 06:28 pm
Does any NSF forumite feel like setting up a clandestine intercontinental t-shirt smuggling ring?
Actually, there was a huge one being run out of L2, but now that you've mentioned it on the public side they'll have to shut it down.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 10/01/2012 06:29 pm
SpaceX shop just opened. No patches  :(


http://shop.spacex.com/ (http://shop.spacex.com/)


Its about time!  Just ordered a Navy SpaceX T-shirt.  Can't wait to watch a launch while sport'n it.  ;D  Its starting to feel like party time again.  ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: ChefPat on 10/01/2012 10:55 pm
SpaceX shop just opened. No patches  :(


http://shop.spacex.com/ (http://shop.spacex.com/)

I just sent them a question about patches. I see the KSC Gift shop doesn't any for this mission either.
I just got a response from the SpaceX Shop. This Mission Patch is not yet finished. They'll have this one & patch "Collections" soon.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: robertross on 10/02/2012 12:16 am
I, for one, am greatly disappointed that they don't sell the Merlin shown with the models. False advertising! ;)

Also, their shipping & handling ain't cheap...

What, you expect free shipping & handling on a Merlin?

Alas, they do not ship across the pond as yet.  :(

Well that's a pile of bollocks then. :(

Indeed! Not even to Canada!  :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Zed_Noir on 10/02/2012 12:27 am
I, for one, am greatly disappointed that they don't sell the Merlin shown with the models. False advertising! ;)

Also, their shipping & handling ain't cheap...

What, you expect free shipping & handling on a Merlin?

Alas, they do not ship across the pond as yet.  :(

Well that's a pile of bollocks then. :(

Indeed! Not even to Canada!  :(

Wonder if SpaceX shipped to APO, FPO, HI, AK & PR addresses? Or just to Continental US addresses only for now. They are not that specified on their web site.

More info: The SpaceX shop will only accept an US billing address  :(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: cosmicvoid on 10/02/2012 07:20 am
Quote
More info: The SpaceX shop will only accept an US billing address  :(
I guess they haven't set up any currency conversion yet(?). Or maybe they don't think there's a world market for their goods.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: spectre9 on 10/02/2012 08:34 am
I wouldn't read too much into it.

I'm sure they're more doing this for the fans than to actually make money.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: e of pi on 10/04/2012 05:27 am
Quote
More info: The SpaceX shop will only accept an US billing address  :(
I guess they haven't set up any currency conversion yet(?). Or maybe they don't think there's a world market for their goods.

Maybe it's ITAR? :P
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 10/04/2012 11:43 pm
"Thank you for shopping at Shop SpaceX! Due to a high volume of orders one or more of your current items is on backorder (doh!)."

What was the SpaceX multiplier again?  I think I'm seeing a pattern.  :'(
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 10/05/2012 12:37 am
I bought two SpaceX pens (one for home, one for work) and the "X" cap.

While the pens don't exactly resemble the Falcon 9, I do like fat pens better than thin ones.  Since they're made of metal, I'm assuming that they're refillable.

I don't habitually wear baseball caps, but I love the "X" logo.  Most baseball teams have a single letter on their cap.

I also bought the flying Falcon 9 rocket model, just because I could.  I haven't flown rockets since I was a teenager, so I'll probably just keep this one unopened as a collectible.

I already have a couple of SpaceX/Dragon T-shirts that I bought from the KSC gift shop at the time of the COTS 2+ flight.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: KSC Engineer on 10/05/2012 01:54 am
I waded through several pages and gave up (124 pages for a party thread) but would like to know if there is a SpaceX launch party.  I arrive Saturday night at 7:30pm and will be working the launch so any tips would be appreciated and sorry I gave up looking for the punch line. 
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: rickl on 10/05/2012 02:06 am
I waded through several pages and gave up (124 pages for a party thread) but would like to know if there is a SpaceX launch party.  I arrive Saturday night at 7:30pm and will be working the launch so any tips would be appreciated and sorry I gave up looking for the punch line. 

Hopefully there will be a new party thread for this launch.  This thread was for the May launch.  The idea was to keep the serious update threads clear of idle chatter, and it worked pretty well.

As for an actual launch party at the Cape, I don't know.  I guess you'll have to ask around.  But anyway, good luck to you and SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Jason1701 on 10/05/2012 02:28 am
I bought two SpaceX pens (one for home, one for work) and the "X" cap.

While the pens don't exactly resemble the Falcon 9, I do like fat pens better than thin ones.  Since they're made of metal, I'm assuming that they're refillable.

I don't habitually wear baseball caps, but I love the "X" logo.  Most baseball teams have a single letter on their cap.

I also bought the flying Falcon 9 rocket model, just because I could.  I haven't flown rockets since I was a teenager, so I'll probably just keep this one unopened as a collectible.

I already have a couple of SpaceX/Dragon T-shirts that I bought from the KSC gift shop at the time of the COTS 2+ flight.

I saw a flashlight today that projects the Dragon logo. I hope they start selling it.
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: daver on 10/05/2012 02:03 pm
I bought two SpaceX pens (one for home, one for work) and the "X" cap.

While the pens don't exactly resemble the Falcon 9, I do like fat pens better than thin ones.  Since they're made of metal, I'm assuming that they're refillable.

I don't habitually wear baseball caps, but I love the "X" logo.  Most baseball teams have a single letter on their cap.



I also bought the flying Falcon 9 rocket model, just because I could.  I haven't flown rockets since I was a teenager, so I'll probably just keep this one unopened as a collectible.

I already have a couple of SpaceX/Dragon T-shirts that I bought from the KSC gift shop at the time of the COTS 2+ flight.

I saw a flashlight today that projects the Dragon logo. I hope they start selling it.

I'm looking forward to the SpaceX glasses.  8)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: kevin-rf on 10/05/2012 02:18 pm
So do they still have the spaceX cool-aid in stock?
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 10/05/2012 06:34 pm
So do they still have the spaceX cool-aid in stock?
Heh, that would be hilarious! Especially if it shipped late with the SpaceX multiplier... ;)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Halidon on 10/05/2012 06:57 pm
Was the patch already posted?
From Ralph Ewig's Tumblr:
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbflz4Yr2U1qiiz3qo1_1280.png?.jpg)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AS-503 on 10/05/2012 07:33 pm
At T-minus 2 days the NSF Forum is showing the pre-launch buzz.

Go SpaceX!
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: AS-503 on 10/05/2012 07:36 pm
Is that a 4 leaf clover on the mission patch (near Florida for some reason)?

Possibly signifying the 4th launch of Falcon 9?

Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Zed_Noir on 10/05/2012 08:49 pm
Is that a 4 leaf clover on the mission patch (near Florida for some reason)?

Possibly signifying the 4th launch of Falcon 9?

Yes, that's a 4-leaf clover. More on the patch in article link below.
http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-100412b.html (http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-100412b.html)
Title: Re: OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!
Post by: Robotbeat on 10/05/2012 09:46 pm
At T-minus 2 days the NSF Forum is showing the pre-launch buzz.

Go SpaceX!
I spend too much time on here.  :(

(And on to the new Party thread:
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=30041.0 - Chris)