Haven't seen anyone on this thread suggesting NRO-76 needs upgraded thrust. But the point of the RS-68As for NRO-15 proves that the NRO is not adverse to flying on the first mission using upgraded engines/thrust.
Quote from: edkyle99 on 04/28/2017 04:11 pmI'm not sure what to think. The Orbcomm OG2 flight featured RTLS and its first stage burned for 2 minutes 20 seconds (according to the press kit). The deployed payloads only weighed about 1.9 tonnes, but the orbit was higher than Dragon insertions (620 x 660 km x 47 deg). The CRS RTLS missions saw the first stage burn for 2 min 21 sec with a probably 9-ish tonne payload. Those insertion orbits are typicaly 200 x 360 km x 51.6 deg. So, not much of a burn time difference despite the payload mass difference. Now we have NROL 76 with a shortest-ever 2 min 17 sec burn.I'm not prophet, but that seems to suggest uprated engines. They're dumping fuel a lot faster.
I'm not sure what to think. The Orbcomm OG2 flight featured RTLS and its first stage burned for 2 minutes 20 seconds (according to the press kit). The deployed payloads only weighed about 1.9 tonnes, but the orbit was higher than Dragon insertions (620 x 660 km x 47 deg). The CRS RTLS missions saw the first stage burn for 2 min 21 sec with a probably 9-ish tonne payload. Those insertion orbits are typicaly 200 x 360 km x 51.6 deg. So, not much of a burn time difference despite the payload mass difference. Now we have NROL 76 with a shortest-ever 2 min 17 sec burn.
There's also the possibility that F9 Block IV has some mods required by NRO, but the launch doesn't need the extra performance. For all we know, the engine hasn't changed at all for higher thrust, but there are other changes.It could be the first Block IV launch, but running the engine with Block III limits.Its also possible the NRO requested SpaceX fly a Block IV on a prior launch but do so 100% silently.That's the unfortunate world of maximum secrecy that drives us fans MAD !
Only just tweeted but presumably from earlier this week?Quote#NROL76 will carry a classified payload designed, built and operated by @NatReconOfc. @SpaceX @45thSpaceWinghttps://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/858007929252974592
#NROL76 will carry a classified payload designed, built and operated by @NatReconOfc. @SpaceX @45thSpaceWing
Would they be using it for polar sub comms?
Looks like Go Quest is leaving the port: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=1155515Fairing recovery is a go?
Quote from: Nomadd on 04/28/2017 03:44 pm Would they be using it for polar sub comms?That seems like reasonable speculation. High dwell time over the poles could aid with that, among other things.But general sigint over the poles is at least as compelling of a purpose.
Now we have NROL 76 with a shortest-ever 2 min 17 sec burn.
Quote from: iamlucky13 on 04/29/2017 01:30 amQuote from: Nomadd on 04/28/2017 03:44 pm Would they be using it for polar sub comms?That seems like reasonable speculation. High dwell time over the poles could aid with that, among other things.But general sigint over the poles is at least as compelling of a purpose.The two implements on the patch seem significant. In the foreground is the spyglass, meaning "we're watching you." In the background is the gun, not drawing a bead, but ready if needed. Both messages meant for our friend, Boris the polar Bear, as he sniffs around the arctic?
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 04/28/2017 05:29 pmOnly just tweeted but presumably from earlier this week?Quote#NROL76 will carry a classified payload designed, built and operated by @NatReconOfc. @SpaceX @45thSpaceWinghttps://twitter.com/natreconofc/status/858007929252974592Well, so much for it being a BSS702. I think this is looking more and more like a technology demonstrator bound for LEO.
Fairing recovery is a go?
Quote from: edkyle99 on 04/28/2017 04:11 pmNow we have NROL 76 with a shortest-ever 2 min 17 sec burn.Don't forget that main engine cut-off could be early because more fuel is required for the boost-back, reentry and landing burns.
Quote from: tvg98 on 04/28/2017 09:54 pmFairing recovery is a go?Do we know that fairing recovery is on this flight?I would expect SpaceX to want video documentation of the whole process, but NRO are strongly averse to cameras near their birds.