Found article today by Mr Pasztor that wasn't critical of SpaceX. https://www.wsj.com/articles/probes-point-to-northrop-grumman-errors-in-january-spy-satellite-failure-1523220500?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1Looks like the data is pointing towards a issue with the payload adapter.QuoteBut now, these people said, two separate teams of federal and industry investigators have pinpointed reasons for the high-profile loss to problems with a Northrop-modified part -- called a payload adapter -- that failed to operate properly in space.
But now, these people said, two separate teams of federal and industry investigators have pinpointed reasons for the high-profile loss to problems with a Northrop-modified part -- called a payload adapter -- that failed to operate properly in space.
Sensors on board failed to immediately report what happened, this person said, so officials tracking the launch weren’t aware of the major malfunction until the satellite was dragged back into the atmosphere by the returning second stage. The satellite ultimately broke free, but by then had dropped to an altitude that was too low for a rescue.
Found article today by Mr Pasztor that wasn't critical of SpaceX.
Basic run-down of the article (for what it's worth):- NG bought a payload adapter from a third party.- NG modified the payload adapter to suit Zuma.- NG tested the modified payload adapter with positive results- Modified adapter however failed to function properly in zero-G- Both government and industry investigation teams have reached same conclusion: NG is to blame for loss of Zuma
If the problem had been detected at the time, could the sat have been saved before deorbiting the second stage?Also, I guess they would only have video on the payload if the video data was sent via secure encrypted link.
There is no way to delay reentry. It flies a preprogramed course flight profile regardless of what they may see.
It really fills me with confidence that they'll ever manage to get the JWST sorted.
However this scenario is an argument for having the ability to interrupt/override/update program, before deorbit begins.
Quote from: jjyach on 04/09/2018 11:32 amThere is no way to delay reentry. It flies a preprogramed course flight profile regardless of what they may see.Then what happened on CRS-1? The second burn for Orbcomm was cancelled from the ground. That tells me the programming can be preempted from the ground.
Quote from: rpapo on 04/09/2018 12:36 pmQuote from: jjyach on 04/09/2018 11:32 amThere is no way to delay reentry. It flies a preprogramed course flight profile regardless of what they may see.Then what happened on CRS-1? The second burn for Orbcomm was cancelled from the ground. That tells me the programming can be preempted from the ground.We can't assume that it was probably a preprogramed limit. If < X amount of fuel is present switch to program B.
Quote from: Nomadd on 04/09/2018 11:12 am It really fills me with confidence that they'll ever manage to get the JWST sorted.Would be interesting to know if there was/is any commonality with the JWST adaptor NG is using...