Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to LEO:Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to GTO:Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to Moon:Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to Mars:
Quote from: M.E.T. on 04/04/2017 02:56 pmFalcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to LEO:Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to GTO:Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to Moon:Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS - Payload to Mars:This configuration will never fly. Boosters will either RTLS or be expended. (they'll need a fleet of ships)For FH with recovery, there are only two options. Either the core will RTLS, or land on ASDS.
OK. I was wondering about that when I posted it, as I haven't ever seen this configuration discussed before. I just thought that if it managed to squeeze some extra payload into a recoverable set of boosters, the cost benefit might be there. But ok, I'm happy to remove this option.
Quote from: M.E.T. on 04/04/2017 05:25 pmOK. I was wondering about that when I posted it, as I haven't ever seen this configuration discussed before. I just thought that if it managed to squeeze some extra payload into a recoverable set of boosters, the cost benefit might be there. But ok, I'm happy to remove this option.I'll grant you that it is a theoretical option that is available, but the need for multiple ships and SpaceX's clear preference for RTLS makes it very unlikely.
It could easily happen if SpaceX adds another ASDS operating out of Brownsville. It would only take a week or two to tow OCISLY and JTRI to the Gulf to catch 3 cores.
I could imagine they need two ASDS on the eastcoast when the flight rate increases. To really maximise performance and expend only the central core they could do downrange landing of the 2 side boosters. Probably rare if ever needed but possible. Like if they need a lot of throw mass to Mars for Red Dragon with heavy payload and lots of fuel for Mars EDL.
Would it be possible to estimate the payload gain from booster ASDS landing vs booster RTLS? For both ASDS centre core landing and expendable centre core flights? Would the payload percentage gain be in double digits or not?
since differential GPS is much better than regular GPS
And if the steering authority is enough, and the structure can stand it, you could imagine an even wilder strategy where they burn the side boosters at different rates. (Current missions launch with asymmetrical solids, so this is not completely unprecedented.)
Quote from: M.E.T. on 04/04/2017 05:36 pmWould it be possible to estimate the payload gain from booster ASDS landing vs booster RTLS? For both ASDS centre core landing and expendable centre core flights? Would the payload percentage gain be in double digits or not?Here are some estimates by user nadreck from before the Block 5 thrust upgrades were announced:http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=39181.msg1521480#msg1521480The thrust upgrades will bump payloads to high energy orbits up about 10% across the board.
Quote from: LouScheffer on 04/04/2017 06:37 pmGiven the accuracy they have demonstrated, and since differential GPS is much better than regular GPSWhat differential GPS?
Given the accuracy they have demonstrated, and since differential GPS is much better than regular GPS
Quote from: LouScheffer on 04/04/2017 06:37 pmAnd if the steering authority is enough, and the structure can stand it, you could imagine an even wilder strategy where they burn the side boosters at different rates. (Current missions launch with asymmetrical solids, so this is not completely unprecedented.) yes, it is completely unprecedented. Not liquid boosters and not ones as large as the core. The upper attach points have some role in opposing each other.
Our four Falcon Heavy options are:1) Falcon Heavy Side Boosters RTLS, Centre Core ASDS2) Falcon Heavy 3 Cores ASDS3) Falcon Heavy Side Boosters ASDS, Centre Core Expendable4) Falcon Heavy Expendable.Options 2 and 3 require multiple ASDS, so they should be labeled "theoretical" or something like that.We're missing an option, Falcon Heavy Side Boosters RTLS, Centre Core Expendable.