Author Topic: SpaceX Dragon 2 Updates and Discussion - Thread 2 (Read 754391 times)

dhHopkins · « **Reply #1060 on:** 03/15/2018 02:13 pm »

Looking at these pics of the practice recovery, I had 2 thoughts (a pro and a con). 1. Astronauts/Cosmonauts will certainly like the warm weather landing better than the frigid temps where Soyuz normally lands. 2. They might not appreciate the pitching ocean/deck after a 6 - 12 month stay on the station. How much of an issue would that actually cause? I apologize if these have been commented on before.

CameronD · « **Reply #1061 on:** 03/15/2018 11:03 pm »

Quote from: dhHopkins on 03/15/2018 02:13 pm

................
2. They might not appreciate the pitching ocean/deck after a 6 - 12 month stay on the station. How much of an issue would that actually cause?

Meh. Space-sick, Sea-sick - the results are the same... might need to pack an extra-large supply of sick-bags, that's all. Just so long as they don't puke on the capsule or the support crew everything should be fine.

AbuSimbel · « **Reply #1062 on:** 03/16/2018 01:05 pm »

From reddit, the first short video of Dragon 2's final interior (at least very likely).
It's still gorgeous, you can see what I assume are cargo compartments (can anyone confirm?), a slightly updated seat design.
It doesn't seem like it's gonna get 'ugly and cluttered' when flying like some assumed.

Overall it's still the most elegant crew capsule ever built (maybe with New Shepard's), it feels like something from 2001: a space odissey.
A dare to companies (like Bigelow) that want to develop space hardware for tourists: you have to get inspiration from this, very few will pay to visit an ugly, windowless can of foam and steel. You have to make it elegant and attractive. Maybe make your designers watch and rewatch 2001

.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/84r5n2/paul_wooster_principal_mars_development_engineer/dvrogar/?st=jeu0hvan&sh=144cd6e7

woods170 · « **Reply #1063 on:** 03/16/2018 01:20 pm »

Quote from: AbuSimbel on 03/16/2018 01:05 pm

From reddit, the first short video of Dragon 2 final interior (at least very likely).
It's still gorgeous, you can see what I assume are cargo compartments, a slightly updated seat design.
It doesn't seem like it's gonna get 'ugly and cluttered' when flying like some assumed.

Overall it's still the most elegant crew capsule ever built (maybe with New Shepard's), it feels like something from 2001: a space odissey.
A dare to companies (like Bigelow) that want to develop space hardware for tourists: you have to get inspiration from this, very few will pay to visit an ugly, windowless can of foam and steel. You have to make it luxurious and attractive. Maybe make your designers watch and rewatch 2001 .

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/84r5n2/paul_wooster_principal_mars_development_engineer/dvrogar/?st=jeu0hvan&sh=144cd6e7

YouTube version of the entire intro containing the Dragon 2 clips:

AbuSimbel · « **Reply #1064 on:** 03/16/2018 04:27 pm »

Frames from the video:
- View of said numbered compartments
- Very 2001 view of the cockpit
- Headrests and flight suit gloves

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #1065 on:** 03/26/2018 07:30 pm »

From the Commercial Crew briefing at today’s NASA Advisory Council:

Quote

SpaceX accomplishments in the commercial crew program.

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/978333370726920193

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #1066 on:** 03/26/2018 07:38 pm »

Quote

And here are the details on development of the first crew vehicle SpaceX will fly with astronauts, probably in about a year.

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/978336424108883968

Edit to add earlier tweet:

Quote

SpaceX's first commercial crew demonstration vehicle (no crew) will be shipped to NASA in May for testing.

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/978335789309407232?s=21

gongora · « **Reply #1067 on:** 03/26/2018 07:45 pm »

A couple details that aren't on the slides (and we'll be posting more slides as soon as NASA puts them on their web site).
The DM-1 vehicle will be sent to NASA Plum Brook Station for environmental testing around the end of May.
Crew arm installation is expected in the Fall now.
They mentioned adding six service structure levels on the LC-39A FSS. Does that mean six more levels on top, or equipment/work platforms at six areas on the tower?

docmordrid · « **Reply #1068 on:** 03/26/2018 07:57 pm »

An old NASA site says FSS is 247 ft with levels at 20 ft intervals. Adding six 20 ft levels would seem to take it to 367 ft, or 111.86 meters.

BFR: 106 meters.

How convenient....

wannamoonbase · « **Reply #1069 on:** 03/26/2018 08:44 pm »

Quote from: docmordrid on 03/26/2018 07:57 pm

An old NASA site says FSS is 247 ft with levels at 20 ft intervals. Adding six 20 ft levels would seem to take it to 367 ft, or 111.86 meters.

BFR: 106 meters.

How convenient....

There is plenty of room for levels in between the existing 20 ft levels to install intermediate levels. They do this on other LV structures and in the VAB/VIF to more precisely match the required service elevations required.

This is all very exciting news and sure makes this feel like its coming up quickly.

jak Kennedy · « **Reply #1070 on:** 03/26/2018 09:10 pm »

Does the crew access arm need to be installed for the uncrewed test?

Inoeth · « **Reply #1071 on:** 03/26/2018 10:22 pm »

Quote from: jak Kennedy on 03/26/2018 09:10 pm

Does the crew access arm need to be installed for the uncrewed test?

Given that the dates are (apparently) holding with regards to DM 1 in August and CAA in 'Fall' (which I take to be September-November) I would guess not... Tho the fact that the CAA instillation is happening then and not this Spring as i originally thought was going to happen is surprising (this despite the additions/modifications to the FSS).

gongora · « **Reply #1072 on:** 03/26/2018 10:24 pm »

No one at the NASA meeting seemed very certain about the dates holding...

Joffan · « **Reply #1073 on:** 03/26/2018 10:25 pm »

Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 03/26/2018 07:30 pm

From the Commercial Crew briefing at today’s NASA Advisory Council:

Quote
SpaceX accomplishments in the commercial crew program.

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/978333370726920193

for anyone like me puzzled by this item:

Quote

Falcon 9 (Block 5)

- Demonstrated significant run time on Crew Configuration engines including new blisk turbine wheel

a blisk is a "bladed disk", a one-piece item within the turbine rather than the alternative of a rotor disk with fitted blades.

vaporcobra · « **Reply #1074 on:** 03/27/2018 12:10 am »

A nice photo (relatively recent, at least per the FY17Q4 provider updates) of the DM-2 Dragon

gongora · « **Reply #1075 on:** 03/27/2018 12:41 am »

The full set of Commercial Crew Update slides from the NAC meeting today. Other presentations can be found at:
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/heo/nac-heoc

JBF · « **Reply #1076 on:** 03/27/2018 01:09 am »

Can anyone provide clarification on "Trunk doublers for radiator mounting complete (late change)" from page 9?

gongora · « **Reply #1077 on:** 03/27/2018 01:25 am »

Quote from: JBF on 03/27/2018 01:09 am

Can anyone provide clarification on "Trunk doublers for radiator mounting complete (late change)" from page 9?

They said it was to make the structure stronger. I just Googled "doubler structural" and there are lots of mentions of "doublers" in aerospace and shipbuilding. Basically an additional piece of material to reinforce an area. I guess they needed to reinforce where the radiators are mounted.

Nomadd · « **Reply #1078 on:** 03/27/2018 02:58 am »

Quote from: gongora on 03/27/2018 01:25 am

Quote from: JBF on 03/27/2018 01:09 am
Can anyone provide clarification on "Trunk doublers for radiator mounting complete (late change)" from page 9?

They said it was to make the structure stronger. I just Googled "doubler structural" and there are lots of mentions of "doublers" in aerospace and shipbuilding. Basically an additional piece of material to reinforce an area. I guess they needed to reinforce where the radiators are mounted.

Even if the mounts didn't require a strong spot, doublers are often used for any type of compromised hull, like mounting penetration or damage repair. I'd guess "Late change" might mean the production hulls may have integral reinforced mounting points.

pospa · « **Reply #1079 on:** 03/27/2018 06:45 am »

Is there any audio or video recording from yesterday's meeting?
Thx