Author Topic: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread  (Read 52398 times)

Offline JAFO

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Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« on: 10/09/2017 04:31 am »
We've gained NASA confirmation that the SNC Dream Chaser ETA vehicle recently completed a *second* Captive Carry test and is now preparing for the big milestone of the free flight Approach and Landing #2 (ALT-2) test in the second half of October!

With the Mod's permission, I think it's time we got this party started while there's still time to order your party clothes   https://spaceshirts.com/snclogoshop/T-Shirts-Products/1000003






Anyone with video skiils able to redo the 6 Million Dollar Man intro to suit rebuilding Dream Chaser?




« Last Edit: 10/09/2017 05:24 am by JAFO »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #1 on: 10/11/2017 01:57 pm »
« Last Edit: 10/11/2017 02:03 pm by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline yg1968

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #2 on: 10/13/2017 12:04 am »
Hopefully, it will be webcasted.

Offline JazzFan

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #3 on: 10/15/2017 01:57 am »
Any bird can have a bad day.

« Last Edit: 10/15/2017 01:28 pm by JazzFan »

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #4 on: 10/16/2017 09:28 pm »
Any bird can have a bad day.


At least he found a kindred spirit...

"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline nacnud

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #5 on: 10/16/2017 09:34 pm »
Those birds should know that the black side should be on the bottom, no wonder they crashed.

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #6 on: 10/18/2017 08:03 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
— Ernest K. Gann

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #7 on: 10/19/2017 02:47 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.
Is he inflatable??
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline deruch

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #8 on: 10/19/2017 05:34 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.
Is he inflatable??
 
The preferred aerospace term is expandable, not inflatable (ask Bigelow).  Just like barges with thrusters are ships (ask Musk).
Shouldn't reality posts be in "Advanced concepts"?  --Nomadd

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #9 on: 10/19/2017 08:24 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.
Is he inflatable??


Before and after pics from 12 years of long haul flying have proven it to be the case. (We serve excellent brownies in upper class, and sometimes the FAs make me eat the leftovers.)
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
— Ernest K. Gann

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #10 on: 10/20/2017 03:24 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.
Is he inflatable??


Before and after pics from 12 years of long haul flying have proven it to be the case. (We serve excellent brownies in upper class, and sometimes the FAs make me eat the leftovers.)
Duty calls... ;)
« Last Edit: 10/20/2017 03:27 pm by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline rayleighscatter

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #11 on: 10/20/2017 11:19 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.

Make sure you get plenty of practical experience in landing without engines. If anyone complains, or screams, just point out it's for science!

Offline mgeagon

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #12 on: 10/21/2017 01:18 pm »
I fly boxes. They don't complain but the catering is very dry and we can never raise any FAs over the PA.

Offline Heinrich

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #13 on: 10/21/2017 06:28 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.
Is he inflatable??
 
The preferred aerospace term is expandable, not inflatable (ask Bigelow).  Just like barges with thrusters are ships (ask Musk).

Is this called a dutch pilot in the uk?

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #14 on: 10/22/2017 02:12 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.

Make sure you get plenty of practical experience in landing without engines. If anyone complains, or screams, just point out it's for science!
Whenever I needed a check-ride I would go up with an instructor and while in the circuit on the downwind leg he would pull the power to idle and state "engine failure"... My eyes would light-up and a smile spread across my face as I made the turn towards the runway for a gentle touch down on the mains. As we taxied back to the ramp he would call me "weird" as most other pilots would be soaked in sweat after the exercise to which I would respond "No big deal, the Shuttle lands dead-stick every time" and besides I had glider experience... ;) ;D
« Last Edit: 10/22/2017 02:13 pm by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #15 on: 10/22/2017 06:44 pm »
Ready in case they need a pilot.

Make sure you get plenty of practical experience in landing without engines. If anyone complains, or screams, just point out it's for science!
Whenever I needed a check-ride I would go up with an instructor and while in the circuit on the downwind leg he would pull the power to idle and state "engine failure"... My eyes would light-up and a smile spread across my face as I made the turn towards the runway for a gentle touch down on the mains. As we taxied back to the ramp he would call me "weird" as most other pilots would be soaked in sweat after the exercise to which I would respond "No big deal, the Shuttle lands dead-stick every time" and besides I had glider experience... ;) ;D

I think we'd be able to have a cuppa and talk flying for a long time. If you ever get to Sun 'n Fun PM me. :cheers:

I started off in hang gliders and learned real good habits there that I'm always surprised other pilots don't have, like flying from LZ to LZ. When I did my glider rating I was impressed by the performance of sailplanes, but bored by the lack of intimacy with the air. You can't hear thermals, smell the grass, feel the temperature changes of the air,  slow down enough to fly with most birds.

I finally quit hang gliding when the risk/reward curve went negative for me, and flying a 77 with more thrust than a Redstone rocket (my previous ride) was impressive, but truly, the only pilots I envy are the astronauts.


Now, will Joe Engle finally write a damn book? I'd love to hear his take on DC, wonder if they've invited him to see her?
« Last Edit: 10/22/2017 08:16 pm by JAFO »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
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Offline CameronD

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #16 on: 10/26/2017 03:14 am »
Ready in case they need a pilot.

Make sure you get plenty of practical experience in landing without engines. If anyone complains, or screams, just point out it's for science!
Whenever I needed a check-ride I would go up with an instructor and while in the circuit on the downwind leg he would pull the power to idle and state "engine failure"... My eyes would light-up and a smile spread across my face as I made the turn towards the runway for a gentle touch down on the mains. As we taxied back to the ramp he would call me "weird" as most other pilots would be soaked in sweat after the exercise to which I would respond "No big deal, the Shuttle lands dead-stick every time" and besides I had glider experience... ;) ;D

Fortunately for some, they're not allowed to do that at controlled airports over here (it freaks out the guys in the tower!) ..but I see gliding experience is being touted more often as a great thing to have if your engine really does quit on you.

Not that 'go around' would mean much to a DC pilot..  8)
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline Lar

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #17 on: 10/26/2017 04:33 am »
I thought cargo DC was unpiloted. Why are a bunch of pilots hanging out in this party thread? OK hotshots... I'm not a pilot but who knows what I'm sitting in?
"I think it would be great to be born on Earth and to die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact." -Elon Musk
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Offline CameronD

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #18 on: 10/26/2017 06:19 am »
I thought cargo DC was unpiloted. Why are a bunch of pilots hanging out in this party thread? OK hotshots... I'm not a pilot but who knows what I'm sitting in?

Umm.. an aeroplane?!?!! 8)  ;D

Well, you DID ask.
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #19 on: 10/26/2017 07:03 am »
 
I thought cargo DC was unpiloted. Why are a bunch of pilots hanging out in this party thread?
Because..... I have a DREAM!!!!! (With the greatest Respect to Dr. King)

That even though SNC is facing the pressure of a successful ALT-2 flight test and we are waiting patiently for the words “Wheels stop”, I still have a dream. It is a dream of winged spaceflight.
I have a dream that one day we will not be rescued from outer space, but will fulfill Dale Reed's dream of flying back in style.
I have a dream, that one day we will undo the decision of HR Halderman, who asked Bill Anders which shuttle would bring the most jobs to California, and thus picked a large shuttle instead of the small one Anders advocated.
I have a dream, that one day the skies over Edwards will once again echo with a double sonic boom announcing the arrival of a Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft.
 
And I have a dream, that one day someone will realize how valuable a manned Dream Chaser is, and they will approve funding.




OK hotshots... I'm not a pilot but who knows what I'm sitting in?

747-400
« Last Edit: 10/26/2017 07:43 am by JAFO »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
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Offline rayleighscatter

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #20 on: 10/26/2017 09:11 pm »
I thought cargo DC was unpiloted. Why are a bunch of pilots hanging out in this party thread? OK hotshots... I'm not a pilot but who knows what I'm sitting in?
A Hawaiian shirt.
« Last Edit: 10/26/2017 09:13 pm by rayleighscatter »

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #21 on: 10/27/2017 04:38 am »
And before I die I hope to hear someone say "Eddy Tower, this is DreamChaser rollin' in on final, I'll get the gear in the flare." (You might be a Space Geek if you get the reference.)
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
— Ernest K. Gann

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #22 on: 11/05/2017 04:17 pm »
Winds at KMHV currently 280 18g25. My bet is a scrub today.
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
— Ernest K. Gann

Offline Bubbinski

Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #23 on: 11/05/2017 04:26 pm »
If the Dreamchaser ALT is scrubbed today how is tomorrow looking?
I'll even excitedly look forward to "flags and footprints" and suborbital missions. Just fly...somewhere.

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #24 on: 11/06/2017 05:28 pm »
I wonder what their restrictions/agreements are with the AF regarding a weekday test? Seems like they're trying for a weekend, but can they grab an opportunity on short notice without impacting EAFB operations? They won't be able to keep the chopper down there for a month.
« Last Edit: 11/06/2017 05:31 pm by JAFO »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
— Ernest K. Gann

Offline Bubbinski

Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #25 on: 11/06/2017 05:37 pm »
Well it is my birthday today, a successful Dreamchaser ALT test would be a nice present :)
I'll even excitedly look forward to "flags and footprints" and suborbital missions. Just fly...somewhere.

Offline Lar

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #26 on: 11/06/2017 09:20 pm »
Well it is my birthday today, a successful Dreamchaser ALT test would be a nice present :)

Happy Birthday.... here's hoping.

"Hawaiian shirt"  - No. I might have been sitting ON a bit of it but not sitting IN it.
"An aeroplane" - technically correct, but not specific enough
'747-400" - winner!
"I think it would be great to be born on Earth and to die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact." -Elon Musk
"We're a little bit like the dog who caught the bus" - Musk after CRS-8 S1 successfully landed on ASDS OCISLY

Offline ejb749

Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #27 on: 11/06/2017 09:34 pm »
If the Dreamchaser ALT is scrubbed today how is tomorrow looking?
Tomorrow looks good for winds. 
https://www.wunderground.com/forecast/us/ca/mojave/93501?cm_ven=localwx_10day

Offline JazzFan

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #28 on: 11/06/2017 10:42 pm »
And before I die I hope to hear someone say "Eddy Tower, this is DreamChaser rollin' in on final, I'll get the gear in the flare." (You might be a Space Geek if you get the reference.)

From "At Home in Space: The Late Seventies into the Eighties"

By Ben Evans

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #29 on: 11/06/2017 11:32 pm »
The Chris(s) have written and posted the article so I guess we can go now... ;D
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline john smith 19

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #30 on: 11/06/2017 11:40 pm »
I have a dream, that one day the skies over Edwards will once again echo with a double sonic boom announcing the arrival of a Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft.
Or possibly Kourou.  :)

Despite what people may think DC remains the most cutting edge current vehicle that has actually been built.

A crew rated (has to be if it's berthing/docking to ISS) composite structure lifting body vehicle expected to fly from full LEO to landing automatically.

People will say "What about the X37b," but while it is automated it's not crew rated, and its design is a fairly conventional winged body (as was Shuttle, but with complex wings for the near totally unused cross range requirement).
« Last Edit: 11/06/2017 11:42 pm by john smith 19 »
MCT ITS BFR SS. The worlds first Methane fueled FFSC engined CFRP SS structure A380 sized aerospaceplane tail sitter capable of Earth & Mars atmospheric flight.First flight to Mars by end of 2022 TBC. T&C apply. Trust nothing. Run your own #s "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" R. Simberg."Competitve" means cheaper ¬cheap SCramjet proposed 1956. First +ve thrust 2004. US R&D spend to date > $10Bn. #deployed designs. Zero.

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #31 on: 11/06/2017 11:59 pm »
And before I die I hope to hear someone say "Eddy Tower, this is DreamChaser rollin' in on final, I'll get the gear in the flare." (You might be a Space Geek if you get the reference.)

From "At Home in Space: The Late Seventies into the Eighties"

By Ben Evans

Read the book but can't remember if it's in there or not, can you be more specific?


« Last Edit: 11/07/2017 12:56 pm by JAFO »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
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Offline Lars-J

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #32 on: 11/07/2017 04:41 am »
I have a dream, that one day the skies over Edwards will once again echo with a double sonic boom announcing the arrival of a Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft.
Or possibly Kourou.  :)

Despite what people may think DC remains the most cutting edge current vehicle that has actually been built.

...based on a Soviet test spacecraft that first flew in 1982.  ;) So be careful with that hyberbole, it is very selective.
« Last Edit: 11/07/2017 04:42 am by Lars-J »

Offline Lar

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #33 on: 11/07/2017 10:07 am »
It was advanced in 1982. The state of the art in lifting bodies maybe hasn't advanced enough to make it not advanced now.
"I think it would be great to be born on Earth and to die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact." -Elon Musk
"We're a little bit like the dog who caught the bus" - Musk after CRS-8 S1 successfully landed on ASDS OCISLY

Offline john smith 19

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #34 on: 11/07/2017 11:12 am »
It was advanced in 1982. The state of the art in lifting bodies maybe hasn't advanced enough to make it not advanced now.
I have a dream, that one day the skies over Edwards will once again echo with a double sonic boom announcing the arrival of a Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft.
Or possibly Kourou.  :)

Despite what people may think DC remains the most cutting edge current vehicle that has actually been built.

...based on a Soviet test spacecraft that first flew in 1982.  ;) So be careful with that hyberbole, it is very selective.
Why? I characterized it as "cutting edge" for the total package, not for any one feature.
a) No other design close to flight is a lifting body.
b) Crew rated (none of the Russian vehicles or the X37b is)
c) Composite construction. AFAIK only the X37b and BEAM modules are. You would not like to attempt Earth entry inside BEAM, although it's probably survivable in the payload bay of the X37b.

By contrast the both of the other CC vehicles are very technically conservative, especially so with the elimination of land landing from Dragon 2.  :(
MCT ITS BFR SS. The worlds first Methane fueled FFSC engined CFRP SS structure A380 sized aerospaceplane tail sitter capable of Earth & Mars atmospheric flight.First flight to Mars by end of 2022 TBC. T&C apply. Trust nothing. Run your own #s "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof" R. Simberg."Competitve" means cheaper ¬cheap SCramjet proposed 1956. First +ve thrust 2004. US R&D spend to date > $10Bn. #deployed designs. Zero.

Online abaddon

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #35 on: 11/07/2017 12:08 pm »
Oh goodie, the return of “lifting bodies are great and capsules are dumb”.  Lifting bodies aren’t inherently more advanced than capsules.

Also, docking with ISS doesn’t make something “crew rated” (an increasingly widely applied term these days). 

There are things to like about DC cargo without making stuff up.

Offline Lar

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #36 on: 11/07/2017 02:01 pm »
It's a party thread. Party on...
"I think it would be great to be born on Earth and to die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact." -Elon Musk
"We're a little bit like the dog who caught the bus" - Musk after CRS-8 S1 successfully landed on ASDS OCISLY

Offline JazzFan

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #37 on: 11/07/2017 11:13 pm »
It's a party thread. Party on...

I second that,  Party on..... Garth, or to quote Snoop Dogg, "drop it like it's HOT!"

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #38 on: 11/08/2017 12:36 am »
I have a dream, that one day the skies over Edwards will once again echo with a double sonic boom announcing the arrival of a Dream Chaser cargo spacecraft.
Or possibly Kourou.  :)

Despite what people may think DC remains the most cutting edge current vehicle that has actually been built.

...based on a Soviet test spacecraft that first flew in 1982.  ;) So be careful with that hyberbole, it is very selective.
Which was based on the SV-5D/X-23/PRIME from the mid 1960's but hey, the laws of physics haven't changed much for spaceflight since...
https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=36029.0
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline john smith 19

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #39 on: 11/08/2017 08:34 am »
Oh goodie, the return of “lifting bodies are great and capsules are dumb”.  Lifting bodies aren’t inherently more advanced than capsules.

The term I used was "cutting edge," because it is using approaches that have not been very well explored up to now.

I'm not saying DC is "better, " merely that it pushes the boundaries more than capsule designs. How many capsule designs have flown (AFAIK all biology sample returns and film return from reconnaissance satellites through the 1960s and 70's were capsules. That only changed with Shuttle).

Different <> Better.  DC and capsules both have attractive features, along with less attractive features.

Quote from: abaddon
Also, docking with ISS doesn’t make something “crew rated” (an increasingly widely applied term these days). 
This came up during SX's design of Dragon and Dragon 2.
Anything docking or berthing to the ISS has to be safe enough for humans to use it, in terms of the structural integrity, temperature and pressure it can maintain, basically by complying with all design standards necessary to do so.
What's no longer mandatory is a GNC and landing system with 5 9's reliability (since IIRC this will still be berthed, and ISS will be in control of most of the process) and the g limits can be relaxed.
 
IIRC Rand Simberg pointed out that "Man rating" originally applied to how to increase the reliability of re-purposed ICBM's to the level they could reasonably safely carry humans. Given that including sitting on top of several hundred tons of toxic, carcinogenic and corrosive hypergols during the Gemini programme, this is an unusual definition of the word "safe."

Your future posts would be improved if you read what I wrote, not what you think I wrote.
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Offline nacnud

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #40 on: 11/08/2017 12:00 pm »
Oh goodie, the return of “lifting bodies are great and capsules are dumb”.  Lifting bodies aren’t inherently more advanced than capsules.
The term I used was "cutting edge," because it is using approaches that have not been very well explored up to now.

I don't think you can apply cutting edge to the Dream Chaser. Smooshing edge maybe, dream chaser is far too rounded to cut anything. A bit like my wit, good job I'm only using half of it ;)

Online abaddon

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #41 on: 11/08/2017 02:09 pm »
Your future posts would be improved if you read what I wrote, not what you think I wrote.
You said Dream Chaser is "human rated".  It's not.

I'll stop there, as this is making for a really boring party.

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #42 on: 11/08/2017 02:19 pm »
Just waiting for the guest of honor to make her appearance. Help yourself to the beer and rum, but don't touch the champagne until wheel stop.


Winds are light and variable this morning with CAVU skies, according to Intellicast, sunrise at 0620 so if it's going to happen....
« Last Edit: 11/08/2017 02:32 pm by JAFO »
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Offline vt_hokie

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #43 on: 11/08/2017 04:21 pm »
Winds are light and variable this morning with CAVU skies, according to Intellicast, sunrise at 0620 so if it's going to happen....

The secrecy is high with this one.  I suppose we can surmise that if it doesn't happen today, it ain't due to weather and there's likely an issue causing extended delay.

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #44 on: 11/08/2017 04:31 pm »
While we wait something to watch... :)
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #45 on: 11/08/2017 05:20 pm »
Winds are light and variable this morning with CAVU skies, according to Intellicast, sunrise at 0620 so if it's going to happen....

The secrecy is high with this one.  I suppose we can surmise that if it doesn't happen today, it ain't due to weather and there's likely an issue causing extended delay.
Hey, did we pull all the "remove before flight" pins..? :)
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #46 on: 11/08/2017 05:43 pm »
Still a beautiful day in Mojave with no wind. If it's not the vehicle they're probably having trouble integrating it with Eddy flight ops. Not like they can shut down the main runway and airspace for an hour or so without much notice. Good news is that the temps are still in the 60s so density altitude is no factor.
« Last Edit: 11/08/2017 05:55 pm by JAFO »
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #47 on: 11/08/2017 07:28 pm »
Still a beautiful day in Mojave with no wind. If it's not the vehicle they're probably having trouble integrating it with Eddy flight ops. Not like they can shut down the main runway and airspace for an hour or so without much notice. Good news is that the temps are still in the 60s so density altitude is no factor.
No need for "Go Fever" after all their time and effort, so we'll just continue to stand by and wish them well...
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #48 on: 11/09/2017 08:11 pm »
Thanks for the flight test date Gerst, now I can get my life back until next week... ;D
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #49 on: 11/09/2017 08:39 pm »
It's gonna be a longgggggg weekend. So close.
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #50 on: 11/11/2017 04:03 pm »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #51 on: 11/11/2017 04:06 pm »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #52 on: 11/11/2017 04:17 pm »
Lifting body song... "I'm learning to fly and I ain't got wings"... ;) ;D
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #53 on: 11/11/2017 06:35 pm »
Too quiet in here...
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #54 on: 11/11/2017 06:53 pm »
Got a bunch of guys about to turn blue...
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #55 on: 11/11/2017 06:54 pm »
Got a bunch of guys about to turn blue...
We're breathing again, thanks a lot...
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #56 on: 11/11/2017 06:56 pm »
Got a bunch of guys about to turn blue...
We're breathing again, thanks a lot...

Not until we see pics.
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #57 on: 11/11/2017 07:01 pm »
Got a bunch of guys about to turn blue...
We're breathing again, thanks a lot...

Not until we see pics.
Have faith... ;)
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #58 on: 11/11/2017 07:07 pm »
Have you heard from my son? He was supposed to solo today....
« Last Edit: 11/11/2017 07:08 pm by JAFO »
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Offline Michael Baylor

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #59 on: 11/11/2017 07:08 pm »
Who remembers that day in 2017 when we all had the same dream about a test flight of some mini-space shuttle like thing? That was one of those dreams where you wake up wishing it was real life!

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #60 on: 11/11/2017 07:43 pm »
Reminds of being a kid having to wait for the evening paper...
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #61 on: 11/12/2017 12:58 am »
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




« Last Edit: 11/12/2017 12:59 am by JAFO »
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #62 on: 11/12/2017 01:13 am »
I can't stop smiling... :)
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Offline AlexP

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #63 on: 11/12/2017 01:36 am »
This video is going to kick some serious bottom.

Been a Dream Chaser amazing people since the days people still called it vaporware, through all the ups and downs with CCDev and her previous bittersweet encounter with a runway, so seeing her finally having a proper outing with the knowledge it's a prelude to one come down from SPACE (!!) in a few years is so very satisfying. Congrats to all at SNC! Baby shuttles rule!

Offline vt_hokie

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #64 on: 11/12/2017 02:05 am »
Congrats to SNC and to all involved!  With the ATV safely back on terra firma, is that the end of her flying career?  I selfishly kind of hope so as I wouldn't mind seeing her in the Smithsonian one day as orbital DC vehicles sail overhead.

Offline MATTBLAK

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #65 on: 11/12/2017 02:13 am »
I'm very glad it went well. Hopefully, there'll be a manned version of it one day. I'm still furious they cancelled the X-38 crew return vehicle all those years ago.

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Offline Chris Bergin

Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #66 on: 11/12/2017 09:38 am »
So glad Dream Chaser completed this! Really looking forward to the video. I can say this now, that I actually get to see the crash video (but wasn't allowed to post it anywhere) and it was brutal (as much as it was surprising how the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been). But the shouts and outbursts from the folks on the loop were harrowing. I know SNC lost of lot of them after they missed out on the Commercial Crew contract, but I'm sure all those who were there at the time and still there now will be overjoyed she's now completed the test.
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Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #67 on: 11/12/2017 01:46 pm »
I'm sure all the folks that worked the HL-20 program at Langley are smiling and rightly so! :)
« Last Edit: 11/12/2017 01:47 pm by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline sghill

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #68 on: 11/12/2017 11:49 pm »
Now with 33% more landing gear!!
Bring the thunder!

Offline CameronD

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #69 on: 11/14/2017 03:51 am »
Quote
Wings. Are. Back.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/930232118491471872

..with added Fluffy Dice. 

You want some rocket with that?!?? ;D


EDIT: (With apologies to any Asian cooks in our midst.)
« Last Edit: 11/14/2017 03:54 am by CameronD »
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #70 on: 11/14/2017 01:12 pm »
Quote
Wings. Are. Back.

https://twitter.com/sierranevcorp/status/930232118491471872

..with added Fluffy Dice. 

You want some rocket with that?!?? ;D


EDIT: (With apologies to any Asian cooks in our midst.)
Yes please... :) Next stop space... 8)
« Last Edit: 11/14/2017 01:14 pm by Rocket Science »
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline wannamoonbase

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #71 on: 11/16/2017 04:37 pm »
Now with 33% more landing gear!!

3/2 = 150%, minor correction.

I just watched the video for the first time.  Great test, very cool.  Nice to see the success.

Congrats to SNC and all those involved. 

Looking forward to flights into space.
Wildly optimistic prediction, Superheavy recovery on IFT-4 or IFT-5

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #72 on: 11/16/2017 05:05 pm »
Technically 2 main gear, one nose skid... ;) ;D
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Offline deruch

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #73 on: 11/17/2017 12:25 am »
Technically 2 main gear, one nose skid... ;) ;D
So, what you're saying is that this was actually, Now with 33% less landing gear!!

How would one describe the percentage increase in nose skids?  Now with an infinite amount more nose skid?!!
Shouldn't reality posts be in "Advanced concepts"?  --Nomadd

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #74 on: 11/17/2017 01:14 am »
Technically 2 main gear, one nose skid... ;) ;D
So, what you're saying is that this was actually, Now with 33% less landing gear!!

How would one describe the percentage increase in nose skids?  Now with an infinite amount more nose skid?!!
100% more nose skid from when it was the HL-20 design... ;D
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
~Rob: Physics instructor, Aviator

Offline Steven Pietrobon

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #75 on: 11/17/2017 05:00 am »
Now with 33% more landing gear!!

3/2 = 150%, minor correction.

3/2 is 50% more landing gear. :-)
Akin's Laws of Spacecraft Design #1:  Engineering is done with numbers.  Analysis without numbers is only an opinion.

Offline deruch

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #76 on: 11/17/2017 07:20 am »
Given all the answers being put forward, I think we should all take a quick math primer: 



Shouldn't reality posts be in "Advanced concepts"?  --Nomadd

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #77 on: 11/17/2017 02:05 pm »
Perhaps this chap can be of assistance... ;D
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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Offline JAFO

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #78 on: 11/17/2017 04:52 pm »
Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.
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Offline rayleighscatter

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #79 on: 11/17/2017 10:10 pm »
Now with 33% more landing gear!!

3/2 = 150%, minor correction.

3/2 is 50% more landing gear. :-)
It's not rocket science!  ;)

Offline deruch

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #80 on: 11/18/2017 05:08 am »
It's not rocket science!  ;)
or even brain surgery.

« Last Edit: 11/18/2017 05:08 am by deruch »
Shouldn't reality posts be in "Advanced concepts"?  --Nomadd

Offline Rocket Science

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Re: Dream Chaser ALT-2 Party thread
« Reply #81 on: 11/18/2017 02:34 pm »
Now with 33% more landing gear!!

3/2 = 150%, minor correction.

3/2 is 50% more landing gear. :-)
It's not rocket science!  ;)
You rang?? ;D
"The laws of physics are unforgiving"
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