No, building a large diameter BFR+ would be better.But that is a long way off. BFR will lift 150 tonnes to leo, for less than the cost of a Falcon 1, can you think of anything sensible that weighs more than 150 tonnes but can't be launched in pieces?
Quote from: nacnud on 12/27/2017 09:18 pmNo, building a large diameter BFR+ would be better.But that is a long way off. BFR will lift 150 tonnes to leo, for less than the cost of a Falcon 1, can you think of anything sensible that weighs more than 150 tonnes but can't be launched in pieces?I'm thinking a large diameter lunar or martian habitation module might be more easily constructed on earth and transported from there rather than be constructed on site, avoiding potential problems with moon dust, or at least for initial habitation modules to be used while gaining experience with constructing things on site.
Quote from: DavidCar on 12/28/2017 12:02 amI'm thinking a large diameter lunar or martian habitation module might be more easily constructed on earth and transported from there rather than be constructed on site, avoiding potential problems with moon dust, or at least for initial habitation modules to be used while gaining experience with constructing things on site.You can use a BFS fully equipped for that purpose. It is not that expensive.
I'm thinking a large diameter lunar or martian habitation module might be more easily constructed on earth and transported from there rather than be constructed on site, avoiding potential problems with moon dust, or at least for initial habitation modules to be used while gaining experience with constructing things on site.
SpaceX is focused on the transportation part of the Mars problem, but people need somewhere to go once they arrive. I don't think it's an accident that Elon started the Boring Company, tunnels will be very important in the first steps of living on Mars, before we build domes and terraform.
Quote from: guckyfan on 12/28/2017 01:58 amQuote from: DavidCar on 12/28/2017 12:02 amI'm thinking a large diameter lunar or martian habitation module might be more easily constructed on earth and transported from there rather than be constructed on site, avoiding potential problems with moon dust, or at least for initial habitation modules to be used while gaining experience with constructing things on site.You can use a BFS fully equipped for that purpose. It is not that expensive.For lunar habitation, I suspect they'll need to go underground to avoid radiation. Same with Mars.In fact, Gwynne mentioned this at Stanford:Quote from: Gwynne ShotwellSpaceX is focused on the transportation part of the Mars problem, but people need somewhere to go once they arrive. I don't think it's an accident that Elon started the Boring Company, tunnels will be very important in the first steps of living on Mars, before we build domes and terraform.https://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/37659376821
There is always the chance that SLS is canceled after N launches and 39B is put up for lease... Not holding my breath on that option... but one that IS out there... My opinion, is SpaceX will NOT mess with 39A as long as the NASA manned D2 program and FH is operational...BFR/BFS full stack has to go somewhere else on the East Coast... and on solid ground...
Quote from: John Alan on 12/29/2017 07:23 pmThere is always the chance that SLS is canceled after N launches and 39B is put up for lease... Not holding my breath on that option... but one that IS out there... My opinion, is SpaceX will NOT mess with 39A as long as the NASA manned D2 program and FH is operational...BFR/BFS full stack has to go somewhere else on the East Coast... and on solid ground... why the east coast? Vandenburg should have better launch azimuths for starlink.
Quote from: Lar on 12/27/2017 01:49 pmI too don't see a 12m version in the cards. My expectation is that the next version after the 9m will be FAR larger than 12m. Capable of carrying thousands of tonnes of freight or thousands of passengers. But that version won't even be started till the late 2020s or (more likely) 2030s or 2040s...Yep. Think of the BFR/BFS as "small" supporting vehicles carrying stuff and people to the real future Mars Colonial Transport to and from various destinations in the Solar system.The question is whether SpaceX will build something bigger than a Sea Dragon or assemble something in orbit as the future Mars Colonial Transport.Think you can send up a 16 meter diameter vehicle component on the BFR with a new upper stage to LEO.
I too don't see a 12m version in the cards. My expectation is that the next version after the 9m will be FAR larger than 12m. Capable of carrying thousands of tonnes of freight or thousands of passengers. But that version won't even be started till the late 2020s or (more likely) 2030s or 2040s...
Any chance that the never built Pad 39C might be constructed ?
There is always the chance that SLS is canceled after N launches and 39B is put up for lease...
Lots of discussion about building something larger than BFR.Is there any basis for this, or is it purely speculation?Again, as I understand it, the 12m ITS design was scrapped in favor of the 9m BFR design.Has SpaceX mentioned anything about building something larger than the 9m BFR since September?
Quote from: MickQ on 12/29/2017 10:31 pmAny chance that the never built Pad 39C might be constructed ?There is a pad 39C now but it's for small vehicles.https://kscpartnerships.ksc.nasa.gov/Partnering-Opportunities/Capabilities-and-Testing/Physical-Assets/Launch-Pad-39CThe original proposed site for 39C is still unused but would require a lot of work as nothing was ever built not even roads.But there may be space for a new pad between LC-40 and LC-37 though ULA may be happy with something like BFR being tested near one of their pads which would be understandable.