SpaceX Falcon 9 / Dragon 2 : SpX-DM2 : May 27, 2020 : DISCUSSION

[gongora]

Discussion Thread for SpX-DM2 (crewed demo) mission.

NSF Threads for SpX-DM2 : Discussion / Updates
NSF Articles for SpX-DM2 :
https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/?s=DM-2

May 27, 2020 at 16:32 EDT (20:32 UTC) on Falcon 9 (new booster 1058) from LC-39A.


https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/08/02/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-3/
Targeted Test Flight Dates:
SpaceX Demo-2 (crewed): April 2019

[mgeagon]

It is interesting that DM2 moved four months to the right, while DM1 slipped only three. We know the D2 for DM1 has passed its various tests and is at the cape now for integration. It left Plum Brook in early July, so it will be at least five months from the beginning of integration unti launch. Will the DM2 capsule have the same power-on, microgravity tests? If so, we should probably look to see it begin its testing in October. That's only two months from now folks.

[marsbase]

This is apparently the crew assignment.  I haven't seen this anywhere else.
https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/08/03/meet-the-astronauts-flying-spacexs-demo-2/

[Rondaz]

NASA, SpaceX Agree on Plans for Crew Launch Day Operations

We are finalizing plans with SpaceX for launch day operations at Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center as they prepare for the company’s first flight test with astronauts on board.

A key question the program and the company have been assessing is whether the astronauts will climb aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft before or after SpaceX fuels the Falcon 9 rocket. NASA has made the decision to move forward with SpaceX’s plan to fuel the rocket after the astronauts are in place. While the agreement makes this plan the baseline for operations, it is contingent upon NASA’s final certification of the operation.

“To make this decision, our teams conducted an extensive review of the SpaceX ground operations, launch vehicle design, escape systems and operational history,” said Kathy Lueders, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. “Safety for our personnel was the driver for this analysis, and the team’s assessment was that this plan presents the least risk.”

Additional verification and demonstration activities, which include five crew loading demonstrations of the Falcon 9 Block 5, will be critical to final certification of this plan. These loading demonstrations will verify the flight crew configuration and crew loading timeline prior to Demo-2. After these conditions have been met, NASA will assess any remaining risk before determining that the system is certified to fly with crew.

If all goes according to plan, on launch day, the Falcon 9 composite overwrap pressure vessels, known as COPVs, will be loaded with helium and verified to be in a stable configuration prior to astronaut arrival at the launch pad. The astronauts then will board the spacecraft about two hours before launch, when the launch system is in a quiescent state. After the ground crews depart the launch pad, the launch escape systems will be activated approximately 38 minutes before liftoff, just before fueling begins. SpaceX launch controllers then will begin loading rocket grade kerosene and densified liquid oxygen approximately 35 minutes before launch. The countdown and launch preparations can be stopped automatically up to the last moment before launch. In the unlikely event of an emergency at any point up to and after launch, the launch escape systems will allow the astronauts to evacuate safely.

This timeline is consistent with the fueling procedures SpaceX uses for its commercial resupply missions and satellite launches.

The crew launches of NASA’s Commercial Crew partners SpaceX and Boeing will return the nation’s ability to launch our astronauts from the United States to and from the International Space Station on American spacecraft.

edit/gongora:  Link your sources!
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-spacex-agree-on-plans-for-crew-launch-day-operations
(this is already being discussed in the Dragon 2 thread)

[gongora]

Moved the helium loading discussion to SpaceX Dragon 2 Updates and Discussion - Thread 3 as it is not specific to a particular mission and this isn't the first flight to which it applies.

[Tomness]

Can someone explain this detail from the DM1 presentation? Landing Legs???

NASA, in these slides, used a generic, and out-of-date, SpaceX flow diagram for Crew Dragon.
People seem to be forgetting that landing legs were only deleted from NASA missions AFTER the design for Crew Dragon was almost completely done.

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

[Jakusb]

Can someone explain this detail from the DM1 presentation? Landing Legs???

NASA, in these slides, used a generic, and out-of-date, SpaceX flow diagram for Crew Dragon.
People seem to be forgetting that landing legs were only deleted from NASA missions AFTER the design for Crew Dragon was almost completely done.

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

It would be one of the best quick get-away cars available with easy access on the back seats..
The Falcon doors do come in handy for assisting the crew being lifted by Falcon rocket..

And probably far fetched, but they could be custom programmed to drive without driver if needed...
Crew could get in the back and be driven without need of support crew...
But that is just me dreaming I guess...

[niwax]

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

Even back in the Apollo days, cars were given to the astronauts for advertising. Making sure Teslas are in all the historic videos is not too far-fetched.

[zubenelgenubi]

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

Even back in the Apollo days, cars were given to the astronauts for advertising. Making sure Teslas are in all the historic videos is not too far-fetched.

Given, no.  That would be a no-no in the civil service and military.

Sweetheart deals, like selling cars to the astronauts at the same price that the dealer pays, or that a company executive would pay for his/(her) company's product--yes.  Informal advertising for Ford or Chevy when someone drives by the astronaut parking lot during the 60's--yes.

(Caution--further conversation should be taken to a more appropriate thread, or start a new splinter thread?)

[woods170]

Can someone explain this detail from the DM1 presentation? Landing Legs???

NASA, in these slides, used a generic, and out-of-date, SpaceX flow diagram for Crew Dragon.
People seem to be forgetting that landing legs were only deleted from NASA missions AFTER the design for Crew Dragon was almost completely done.

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

In fact, under CCtCAP taking the astronauts to the pad is the responsibility of the CCP contractor. So it is up to SpaceX how the crew of Crew Dragon is taken to the pad.

[Tomness]

Can someone explain this detail from the DM1 presentation? Landing Legs???

NASA, in these slides, used a generic, and out-of-date, SpaceX flow diagram for Crew Dragon.
People seem to be forgetting that landing legs were only deleted from NASA missions AFTER the design for Crew Dragon was almost completely done.

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

In fact, under CCtCAP taking the astronauts to the pad is the responsibility of the CCP contractor. So it is up to SpaceX how the crew of Crew Dragon is taken to the pad.

I like it, looks like it going to be nominal so hoping they take out the front seats or flip them & allow it autonomously drive it up to pad & back.

[aero]

I like it, looks like it going to be nominal so hoping they take out the front seats or flip them & allow it autonomously drive it up to pad & back.

SpaceX suits, unpressurized, aren't that bulky and the Model X does seat seven, after all. One crew member drives, one rides shotgun and the two lowest rank ride in the center row. Fold or remove the rear seats and use the space for suitcases and equipment. Use the front trunk for whatever. Let ground crewmembers take the Model X back and park it.

The Model X will be intermittently broadcasting on cellular frequencies - will that cause any problems?

[jpo234]

Can someone explain this detail from the DM1 presentation? Landing Legs???

NASA, in these slides, used a generic, and out-of-date, SpaceX flow diagram for Crew Dragon.
People seem to be forgetting that landing legs were only deleted from NASA missions AFTER the design for Crew Dragon was almost completely done.

●Successful dry run Day of Launch Closeout Crew procedures with representative crew members, space suite, and [bold] Model Xs [/bold]

Talk about these slides being generic but is SpaceX trying let the Astronauts be taken to the pad in Model Xs?

via: Tesla Model X will carry first astronauts flying in SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to launch pad

Note: Linked image, originally from reddit

[Heinrich]

Will the close out crew be by space x as well?

[russianhalo117]

Will the close out crew be by space x as well?

Well STS used a combination of NASA and USA personnel for the launch day crews.

[gongora]

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2018/10/04/nasas-commercial-crew-program-target-test-flight-dates-4/

Test Flight Planning Dates:
SpaceX Demo-2 (crewed): June 2019

[gongora]

The Implications of Soyuz MS-10 launch failure on ISS, crew rotation,Commercial Crew thread might be a more appropriate place for discussions on whether the Soyuz mishap will affect Commercial Crew schedules.

[PM3]

SpX-DM2 was originally planned to launch ~ 5 month after SpX-DM1 - June vs. 18 January 2019.

rocketlaunch.live today published August 2019, which again is 5 month from currrent SpX-DM1 NET March. Usually they don't speculate but have some notable source ...

[smoliarm]

SpX-DM2 was originally planned to launch ~ 5 month after SpX-DM1 - June vs. 18 January 2019.

rocketlaunch.live today published August 2019, which again is 5 month from currrent SpX-DM1 NET March. Usually they don't speculate but have some notable source ...

As of right now rocketlaunch.live has SpX-DM2 still scheduled for June:
>> JUN 2019 - Falcon 9 - SpaceX - Crew Dragon Demo-2 (DM-2)

And for August they have the first operational flight:
>> AUG 2019 - Falcon 9 - SpaceX - Crew-1

[Orbiter]

Officially July, 2019:

https://blogs.nasa.gov/commercialcrew/2019/02/06/nasa-partners-update-commercial-crew-launch-dates/