Author Topic: Pad 39A - Transition to SpaceX Falcon Heavy debut - Thread 1  (Read 302758 times)

Online Chris Bergin

A round up on the latest for Falcon Heavy's debut from KSC's 39A:

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/pad-39a-spacex-groundwork-falcon-heavy-debut/

Includes overview and history. L2 info. SpaceX comments to us. L2 graphics and photos and general excitement about a new rocket being added to the family! :)

Special thanks to Okan170 and Jdeshetler for their continued efforts on the visuals. Remember, these aren't SpaceX renderings, they are created in L2 via data (although we've been showing them to SpaceX - right to the top - and they really like them too!)

Giving this a standalone thread and we'll start another new FH general thread later.
« Last Edit: 11/10/2015 01:18 pm by Chris Bergin »
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Offline sigil

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Great article! Im glad to see Orkan170's amazing renders accompanied it!
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Offline tesla

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WOW This article took my breath away...  ;D Thank you!!! I will be there next summer to see the launch and I will bring my telescope with optical tracking. I should be able to capture some nice videos. ;)

Btw. "Related Articles"..... "SpaceX reveals Falcon 1 Halloween date"

This is from 2005. Maybe it's time to update this related articles section. xD
...or is this already a tradition ;)
Go SLS and Orion! God bless America.

Offline nimbostratus

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It seems that the tower is not needed either, since the TEL can provide the function.

And can some one tell me what is Boca Chica launch site intended for? Forgive me if this question has beem asked.
« Last Edit: 11/17/2014 03:53 pm by nimbostratus »
Wonders in the desert

Offline douglas100

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I'm surprised that the hangar is so close to the pad again. Since they are going to be laying new rails for the TEL and there seems to be plenty of space available, you might think it would be prudent to build it further back along the causeway to protect it from a (hopefully unlikely) failure like Antares.
Douglas Clark

Offline Rocket Science

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This article is a "tour de force" Chris... Thank you! :)
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~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline clongton

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Great article Chris - thanks.
Looking forward to continuing updates on the pad and Falcon Heavy.
:)
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Offline hpras

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I wonder if the rail system have some kind of leveling feature like the crawlers did, or will the FH be dragged up the ramp in a 'head down' position.

Offline Hog

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This article is a "tour de force" Chris... Thank you! :)
Tour de Force"
an impressive performance or achievement that has been accomplished or managed with great skill

Excellent summation.

As always Chris, great work.
Paul

Offline MTom

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Is this thread only for discussing about construction of Pad39A, or generally about FH maiden flight?

Offline JasonAW3

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Is this thread only for discussing about construction of Pad39A, or generally about FH maiden flight?

It appears to be a combination of the two.

Although, if SpaceX is planning on sharing the pad, what other modifications will be needed to accommidate other launcher types than the Falcon Heavy and the BFR?
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Offline Ben the Space Brit

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It is my understanding that LC-39A will also be used for NASA-funded Falcon-9 v.1.1 launches too, including Dragon cargo and crew. I'm sure there are lots of folk at KSC who are glad that ISS crews will launch from their side of the island rather than from CCAFS.

It occurs to me that the RSS could be re-purposed too, some structural modifications so it folds around the Falcon-9 to allow on-pad servicing rather than having to roll back to the HIF. From the article, I got the impression that this isn't in SpaceX's plans right now but it might be at least a Powerpoint proposal somewhere in the organisation.
« Last Edit: 11/17/2014 04:43 pm by Ben the Space Brit »
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Offline MattMason

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Excellent article. With stuff like that, I'm this close to looking to an L2 membership for my Christmas present.  8)
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Online Orbiter

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It is my understanding that LC-39A will also be used for NASA-funded Falcon-9 v.1.1 launches too, including Dragon cargo and crew. I'm sure there are lots of folk at KSC who are glad that ISS crews will launch from their side of the island rather than from CCAFS.

It occurs to me that the RSS could be re-purposed too, some structural modifications so it folds around the Falcon-9 to allow on-pad servicing rather than having to roll back to the HIF. From the article, I got the impression that this isn't in SpaceX's plans right now but it might be at least a Powerpoint proposal somewhere in the organisation.

That's my understanding, too. I wonder when the first CRS launch will be from LC-39A.
KSC Engineer, astronomer, rocket photographer.

Offline butters

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It seems that the tower is not needed either, since the TEL can provide the function.

And can some one tell me what is Boca Chica launch site intended for? Forgive me if this question has beem asked.

The FSS tower will be used for crew access to Dragon 2 (and emergency egress facilities). It also provides lightning protection.

Boca Chica will be for commercial GEO missions. LC-39A will be for NASA missions and manned missions. SLC-4W will be for SSO and other high-inclination missions. LC-40 will be for DoD/NRO missions and any unmanned commercial missions to orbits unsuitable for Boca Chica or Vandenberg.

Offline Jim

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It is my understanding that LC-39A will also be used for NASA-funded Falcon-9 v.1.1 launches too, including Dragon cargo and crew. I'm sure there are lots of folk at KSC who are glad that ISS crews will launch from their side of the island rather than from CCAFS.

It occurs to me that the RSS could be re-purposed too, some structural modifications so it folds around the Falcon-9 to allow on-pad servicing rather than having to roll back to the HIF. From the article, I got the impression that this isn't in SpaceX's plans right now but it might be at least a Powerpoint proposal somewhere in the organisation.

No, they are just delaying its destruction.  It is not a good idea to reuse it.

Also, there is no difference whether ISS crews launch from KSC or CCAFS.

Offline Ben the Space Brit

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Also, there is no difference whether ISS crews launch from KSC or CCAFS.

In engineering and operational terms? Quite correct. However, this is about politics, perceptions and managerial turf. In that environment, it matters very much.
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Offline rcoppola

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I would think the mentioned "reinforcements" to the FSS is future proofing for when they eventually detach the RSS and add a level or two when preparing for their first Commercial Crew launch in 2017.

We'll probably see that Phase 2 of the Pad Mods in early to mid-2016?
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Offline rcoppola

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Also, there is no difference whether ISS crews launch from KSC or CCAFS.

In engineering and operational terms? Quite correct. However, this is about politics, perceptions and managerial turf. In that environment, it matters very much.
In this case, I'm not sure about that. After all Boeing is launching CST from the CCAFS side. SpaceX wanted 39A primarily because it's a time/cost saving, pre-existing infrastructure they can economically modify to use for their Dragon2 Crewed Service Contracts as well as FH.
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Offline Jim

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Also, there is no difference whether ISS crews launch from KSC or CCAFS.

In engineering and operational terms? Quite correct. However, this is about politics, perceptions and managerial turf. In that environment, it matters very much.

No, they are subject to the same range constraints.  There is no oversight by the USAF at either site and there is no oversight by NASA at either site.   NASA has no more control on KSC than on CCAFS for commercial launches.

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