Quote from: Steve D on 12/30/2017 01:31 amMy money is on them eventually having 2 boats out there. Just catching 1 fairing half during the test phase then setting up a second ship when they go into normal recovery operations. KISS principle at workTwo boats seems the pragmatic approach. I'm not sure I'd want to bet $5 million on everything going right without any glitches. (Or would that be $2.5 million, since you'd only have to wave goodbye to the second half?)If I were trying to find ways to make things more efficient, the first thing I'd have to wonder is whether I can consolidate something *other* than fairing catching. Can I, perhaps, get a fairing catcher that can also tow an ASDS into position? Saves me the same number of boats, but doesn't require perfect timing. (Not saying a fairing catcher can be a ASDS towing craft, but you get the general idea.)
My money is on them eventually having 2 boats out there. Just catching 1 fairing half during the test phase then setting up a second ship when they go into normal recovery operations. KISS principle at work
I'm thinking it's something like this:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qF_fzEI4wU?t=1m
Personally I doubt they would do a high altitude opening (I have a Class A jump certification, but am certainly no authority). Upper level wind is pretty high and often contrary to lowers. This leads to a loss of precision in the landing zone, even when using a steerable chute. Additionally, high altitudes in turn give low air density which in turn require larger strokes over longer times to effect control authority over the wing. Low density deployment also leads to higher spring recoil where the parachute can momentarily have a higher descent velocity than the payload. Point being, I’d guess a later opening to pick up denser air with less variables re wind speed and direction.
Low density deployment also leads to higher spring recoil where the parachute can momentarily have a higher descent velocity than the payload.
I think the parachute will cut loose from the fairing before being caught.
Quote from: Johnnyhinbos on 12/29/2017 02:30 pmPersonally I doubt they would do a high altitude opening (I have a Class A jump certification, but am certainly no authority). Upper level wind is pretty high and often contrary to lowers. This leads to a loss of precision in the landing zone, even when using a steerable chute. Additionally, high altitudes in turn give low air density which in turn require larger strokes over longer times to effect control authority over the wing. Low density deployment also leads to higher spring recoil where the parachute can momentarily have a higher descent velocity than the payload. Point being, I’d guess a later opening to pick up denser air with less variables re wind speed and direction. The effects of high altitude wind could be mitigated (mostly) if Mr. Steven threw out a few weather balloons to determine what's up. Back in the 70s I made a thing of predicting the landing spot of model rockets. When there was significant wind and we were expecting a high flight I would often put up a kite. You can look up a kite line and see how the wind bows it at various levels.
The rig looks heavy enough to catch a second stage... just sayin'
Quote from: AncientU on 12/30/2017 01:01 pmThe rig looks heavy enough to catch a second stage... just sayin'Or a Dragon 2?
Quote from: Oersted on 12/31/2017 05:46 pmQuote from: AncientU on 12/30/2017 01:01 pmThe rig looks heavy enough to catch a second stage... just sayin'Or a Dragon 2?Or other folks might want to catch an engine compartment from a booster...
Quote from: yokem55 on 12/31/2017 08:08 pmQuote from: Oersted on 12/31/2017 05:46 pmQuote from: AncientU on 12/30/2017 01:01 pmThe rig looks heavy enough to catch a second stage... just sayin'Or a Dragon 2?Or other folks might want to catch an engine compartment from a booster...Can I pull a Jim say No?.... b/c do you know how heavy Dragon is?, apples to oranges of recovery of catching fairings vs catching a dragon... feather vs dumb bell.
Any clues as to whether any attempt was made at recovering one or both of the fairings from Sunday's Zuma launch?
Does anyone know if SpaceX plans to recover the Falcon Heavy fairing ?Also, what ever happened to the fairing they recovered from SES-10 ?