Quote from: AncientU on 06/05/2016 01:29 pmThe legs (and engines for that matter) are able to be refurbished in a queue, and next four go back on next up reused booster. With a significant launch rate, I suspect that SpaceX will queue up refurb'd cores, components, etc. to keep launch tempo up instead of refurbishing the returned booster as a unit -- at least until process is mature enough for something approaching gas-n-go.That is good guesswork, it sounds plausible to me if they are not yet done with changes to things that require disassembly anyway.
The legs (and engines for that matter) are able to be refurbished in a queue, and next four go back on next up reused booster. With a significant launch rate, I suspect that SpaceX will queue up refurb'd cores, components, etc. to keep launch tempo up instead of refurbishing the returned booster as a unit -- at least until process is mature enough for something approaching gas-n-go.
Quote from: Lar on 06/05/2016 01:59 pmQuote from: AncientU on 06/05/2016 01:29 pmThe legs (and engines for that matter) are able to be refurbished in a queue, and next four go back on next up reused booster. With a significant launch rate, I suspect that SpaceX will queue up refurb'd cores, components, etc. to keep launch tempo up instead of refurbishing the returned booster as a unit -- at least until process is mature enough for something approaching gas-n-go.That is good guesswork, it sounds plausible to me if they are not yet done with changes to things that require disassembly anyway....and then they reassemble the launcher like Lego elements. See, rockets are LEGOs.
<stamps foot> LEGO **elements** not "LEGOs" </stamps foot> I see what you did there. And no they aren't, the legs don't just snap on, you have to use pins or bolts, so more like Meccano/Erector Set stuff
Quote from: Lar on 06/05/2016 05:12 pm<stamps foot> LEGO **elements** not "LEGOs" </stamps foot> I see what you did there. And no they aren't, the legs don't just snap on, you have to use pins or bolts, so more like Meccano/Erector Set stuff IMHO if you must call LEGO blocks and components "LEGO elements", then you failed to properly and sufficiently enjoy your LEGOs as a child.
I suppose you never used a Band-Aid either, only a "Band-Aid brand adhesive bandage".
Do we know where the crush core is located? It seems to me the most likely location of the crush core is in the second to last portion of the extendable leg sections. The portion closest to the "foot" of the leg is much shorter than the rest of the sections.
PART# 00059670-516 REV. BSERIAL #13LANDING-LEG V2CLOCKING DEGREE 315WO# 747400/T1
I haven't been paying as close attention to the latest launches and recoveries. But I don't think they've recovered a booster without removing the legs yet.Any word or hint on what's up with not leaving the landing legs attached?
Quote from: wannamoonbase on 11/28/2018 01:57 amI haven't been paying as close attention to the latest launches and recoveries. But I don't think they've recovered a booster without removing the legs yet.Any word or hint on what's up with not leaving the landing legs attached?From what I hear from sources: the new leg design was supposed to have been "fold-n-go" but SpaceX ran into trouble when they first tried this, with the new leg design, on a flown stage. The legs wouldn't properly "sit" against the core stage body when re-folded, resulting in non-latching of the legs. So, they are back to the drawing board.For now it means that, like the original leg model, the legs will be removed before the booster stage going horizontal.
Ken Kremer, SpaceUpClose: Hi, Ken Kremer for Hans. Going back to the 24-hour recycle. What I've noticed, when you've come back to Cape Canaveral, you've had some difficulty, it seems like, with the leg retraction. I'm wondering if you could talk a little about that. They've been retracted against the side, and then they were let down flush and then they were all dissected. I thought your goal was to retract them and bring them in, and not have to disassemble them and put them back on. Some I'm wondering if you could talk a little bit about that. ...Hans Koenigsmann, SpaceX: Yeah, on the legs. I don't have the details on why we take them off right now, if what you say-- But I can confirm folding them up, basically in the launch configuration, that is the ultimate goal. Otherwise you lose too much time, obviously. So yeah, that's the goal. I'm not sure what the current process or problem is. Sorry.
Every time Falcon legs are folded after landing:- three "stay open" latches has to be unlocked,- seven "stay close" latches has to be locked,- one opening pusher has to be retracted and folded.Anyone of these devices failing is a loss of the stage.Compare it with the linear design of the ROTON legs.While successful, I find actual design of Falcon legs really complicate and I would never reuse one without a full check.Save me the usual dissing, full disclaimer is:This is only my opinion!
twitter.com/_tomcross_/status/1125853252128522240QuoteAfter SpaceX engineers retracted and locked 1 leg, they immediately moved over to leg 2. It took just 15 minutes for them to lift and lock leg 2!Here’s a closeup look at the locking mechanism, it has cables attached. Can’t see the mechanism on leg 1. @Teslarati #Falcon9block5https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1125854279808450560QuoteOne of the biggest reusability improvements was fast leg stow. Version 1 sometimes took days.
After SpaceX engineers retracted and locked 1 leg, they immediately moved over to leg 2. It took just 15 minutes for them to lift and lock leg 2!Here’s a closeup look at the locking mechanism, it has cables attached. Can’t see the mechanism on leg 1. @Teslarati #Falcon9block5
One of the biggest reusability improvements was fast leg stow. Version 1 sometimes took days.
Why not use those massive landing legs as speed brakes?...
There would be some control issues ...
Anyway, not like anyone at SpaceX ever thought of it