I don't really get the need for this thread, there are already threads where this has been discussed. Also based on the first two posts it seems to be for rampant speculation, not updates. Landing cradles and barge flyback of Block 5, really? You seriously think that might happen? RTLS of GTO missions? This is Block 5 of Falcon 9, not ITS.
Quote from: DAZ on 03/05/2017 12:19 am It appears it will incorporate all of the changes that both NASA and that DOD will require for their contractsNo, it will incorporate mostly the changes that Spacex requires for an efficient flight rate. NASA and DOD changes are secondary.
It appears it will incorporate all of the changes that both NASA and that DOD will require for their contracts
I think that Block 4 and 5 will enable almost all LEO missions to RTLS
Without a tank stretch, and with the same ISP, the total impulse will be the same.Improvements can be a result of higher thrust, or of reduced structural mass.
Quote from: IanThePineapple on 03/05/2017 01:51 amI think that Block 4 and 5 will enable almost all LEO missions to RTLSBefore you speculate Block 5 will bring this, please show us a single LEO mission that can't RTLS with block 4. I think you'll find that all LEO missions can RTLS without block 5.
Quote from: macpacheco on 03/06/2017 02:06 pmQuote from: IanThePineapple on 03/05/2017 01:51 amI think that Block 4 and 5 will enable almost all LEO missions to RTLSBefore you speculate Block 5 will bring this, please show us a single LEO mission that can't RTLS with block 4. I think you'll find that all LEO missions can RTLS without block 5.It's actually not clear yet whether Iridium missions can RTLS, they are heavier and to a higher orbit than the current Dragon missions. (I somehow missed the "LEO" part of Ian's post.)
...What we don't know is what they're planning to include with F9B5Will F9B5 have features that will help with BFR development (e.g. an option for cradle landing?)Will there be provisions for barge fly-back? (as per an isolated comment from Musk a while back?)Also in-scope: FHB5Stay tuned!
Quote from: meekGee on 03/05/2017 01:49 am...What we don't know is what they're planning to include with F9B5Will F9B5 have features that will help with BFR development (e.g. an option for cradle landing?)Will there be provisions for barge fly-back? (as per an isolated comment from Musk a while back?)Also in-scope: FHB5Stay tuned!1. I doubt there will be experiments for cradle landing for F9 at all. But if there are, I see them being done with one off, highly modified rockets. I don't see them modifying their whole design and production around them.2. Same for fly back. The amount of infrastructure required on the barge is the long poll and I just don't see it being a priority.I especially don't see them holding up Block 5 for these when they need to get in a bunch of Block 5 flights before they start carrying humans.
That said, B5 can follow the F9 1.1 model.
I can't rule out that legless/cradle flights.....
Quote from: mme on 03/06/2017 04:48 pmQuote from: meekGee on 03/05/2017 01:49 am...Will F9B5 have features that will help with BFR development (e.g. an option for cradle landing?)...1. I doubt there will be experiments for cradle landing for F9 at all. But if there are, I see them being done with one off, highly modified rockets. I don't see them modifying their whole design and production around them.......That said, B5 can follow the F9 1.1 model. Remember the big argument of whether F9 1.1 would have reusability hardware in it?What happened was that when it was rolled out, the avionics was ready, the design was there, but legs and grid fins were only added a few flights later.I can't rule out that legless/cradle flights are "designed in", but that the bottom-side thrusters are not even designed yet, just anticipated in the design.
Quote from: meekGee on 03/05/2017 01:49 am...Will F9B5 have features that will help with BFR development (e.g. an option for cradle landing?)...1. I doubt there will be experiments for cradle landing for F9 at all. But if there are, I see them being done with one off, highly modified rockets. I don't see them modifying their whole design and production around them....
...Will F9B5 have features that will help with BFR development (e.g. an option for cradle landing?)...
I still have this thought... I can't shake on B5... Speculation and my opinion... repeating my earlier thought from weeks ago...
Quote from: John Alan on 03/06/2017 06:30 pmI still have this thought... I can't shake on B5... Speculation and my opinion... repeating my earlier thought from weeks ago... B5 is not going to change tank sizes. They have already fixed the TEL to the current vehicle And the change in tank sizes would negate any certification work again.