Interesting use of VC funds - Vector is sponsoring Jimmy's race car habit:I vaguely remember that kind of my-company-sponsors-my-CEO-hobby-thing is a tax nightmare.
Vector-R MEU on her way to Kodiak for launch operations dress rehearsal... Stay tuned...https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/1003776162974142465
New animation showcasing the mobile/rapid launch capabilities of our Vector-R vehicle. Includes launch, stage separation, and example micro satellite deployments
We interrupt the hypefest for an important update:Jim Cantrell @jamesncantrell 17 Nov 2017First orbital launch mid 2018 !Jonathan A. Goff @rocketrepreneur 17 Nov 2017So you're planning on going from a bare factory to a flight vehicle in only ~7mos? Doesn't that seem at least a little optimistic to you?VECTOR @vectorspacesys 17 Nov 2017Nope, its only a optimistic for old aerospace -- its all in a days work for new space. "I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm asking you to watch me'" - Vector CEO @jamesncantrell..[7 months pass]..Jim Cantrell @jamesncantrell 11 June 2018 [i.e. today, mid 2018...]Set first orbital launch date to October 2018 but still working FAA license & range schedule for exact days.Everybody is watching, Jimmy, but you aren't delivering.
Elon Musk did / does the same thing. Vector reminds me a lot of SpaceX in the early days.
Quote from: whitelancer64 on 06/11/2018 09:55 pmElon Musk did / does the same thing. Vector reminds me a lot of SpaceX in the early days. Not exactly the same, though.
Remember who was VP of Business Development at that time...
We are working as fast as possible to go to orbit; range availability and FAA licensing dictate as much the launch date as the rocket itself being ready (which will be very soon...)
Another @vectorspacesys first stage engine test success last week @ AZ Test Site. Using @NASA designed/produced 3D printed injectors we are hitting performance targets with unique pressure fed propylene/LOX engines begun under Garvey Spacecraft in 2005 http://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/article/vector-space-systems-3d-printed-engine-010417/
Progress continues @vectorspacesys where our 1st & 2nd Stage dev units are being assembled. You can see our carbon fiber filament wound tanks (developed by Tom DeLay & NASA in 2005) using low cost fab technique differing from conventional autoclave units https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/an-update-on-composite-tanks-for-cryogens
Are the actual dates of the above tests known? Thanks.
Quote from: Yeknom-Ecaps on 07/04/2018 07:39 pmAre the actual dates of the above tests known? Thanks.I believe there's a suborbital test out of Kodiak before end of year, but I don't know details. Been following Vector a bit, but I don't really grok all the negativity to them on here.
That’s because Vector’s accomplishment-to-hype ratio is quite a bit lower than anyone else in the business. Add missed deadlines to that (orbital test this summer?), and negativity is a natural result.
More progress as our @vectorspacesys second stage of the Vector-R launch vehicle comes together. Wiring and components being installed on interstage structures. The Vector-R traces heritage & design back to the Garvey Nanosat Launch Vehicle (NLV) which Vector acquired in 2016