kcowing - 25/11/2005 1:42 PMJust got another SpaceX update:Update 24 Nov 2005 9:10 pm EST: All prelaunch preparation is complete. The final task of test firing the torch igniters worked on the first attempt, making us green for launch. Since our launch was bumped by a day to Saturday (California time), we will make tomorrow a shorter day and do some of the optional checkouts of systems that might cause a halt in the countdown.
lmike - 26/11/2005 10:20 AMSome new photos of the beast: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon/f1/prelaunch.html (sorry if it's been posted) As an engineer, I just marvel at the PURE SIMPLICITY of their infrastructure... Check out their "erector truck" (and it traveled like that--the rocket on the truck, on a barge from the mainland!!!), and the "flame pit" really a deflection plate, a dozen people for the operations in the trailer with some PCs, all in all. Granted for a half-a-tonne payload, but still WOW! If NASA can strive to same standards from the beginnings I'll be happy.
Chris Bergin - 26/11/2005 5:56 AMQuotelmike - 26/11/2005 10:20 AMSome new photos of the beast: http://www.spaceflightnow.com/falcon/f1/prelaunch.html (sorry if it's been posted) As an engineer, I just marvel at the PURE SIMPLICITY of their infrastructure... Check out their "erector truck" (and it traveled like that--the rocket on the truck, on a barge from the mainland!!!), and the "flame pit" really a deflection plate, a dozen people for the operations in the trailer with some PCs, all in all. Granted for a half-a-tonne payload, but still WOW! If NASA can strive to same standards from the beginnings I'll be happy.Those haven't been posted before, but they're off the SpaceX website where there's a few more - including on of the "rocket on a truck" outside a building in a US city (which I forgot).Elon's people basically drove their rocket into town! Now one for you engineers out there. Do you feel this is the best low cost "does what it says on the tin" type of rocket? I keep hearing these doubts about the Merlin. Anything you would personally have done different with the mandate they plan for their family of rockets?