Quote from: eeergo on 09/07/2017 10:03 amWhat about neutrals? Ionospheric radio distortions?[...] whether the radio interference would degrade the GPS signals that let the core manage its autonomous landing sequence.
What about neutrals? Ionospheric radio distortions?
From SpaceX's homepage. Looks like there are new clamps on the top of the TEL?
Quote from: vanoord on 09/07/2017 12:14 pmFrom SpaceX's homepage. Looks like there are new clamps on the top of the TEL?They're the same 'yellow strapping' supports seen during rollout. OTV may need extra support, it was originally designed for vertical integration rather than horizontal, so solely cantilevering from the payload adapter may not be healthy for it.
Quote from: edzieba on 09/07/2017 12:22 pmQuote from: vanoord on 09/07/2017 12:14 pmFrom SpaceX's homepage. Looks like there are new clamps on the top of the TEL?They're the same 'yellow strapping' supports seen during rollout. OTV may need extra support, it was originally designed for vertical integration rather than horizontal, so solely cantilevering from the payload adapter may not be healthy for it.Usually, the payload and the fairing do not have an internal connection. If X-37B requires a support for horizontal integration, it implies that there is also an internal structure, connecting the fairing to X-37B. Much like the adapter of Ariane 5 where there is a support ring between payloads that connects to the fairing. Seeing a fairing deployment would be interesting for this launch as we would see the internal structure. But of course, we will not see that.
Some cool details on what the X-37B does up there....Hall Effect Thruster testing. Normally it's "Shhh, it's a secret" with this vehicle.
Titanium grid fins deployed.
That new grid fins feeling.
At around T+4:30 you can see the fairing falling towards earth doing a lot of flipping Quite well visible.
Typically, how long after launch does the USAF release confirmation of spacecraft separation?
Quote from: Steven Pietrobon on 09/07/2017 02:04 pmTitanium grid fins deployed.Quote from: Chris Bergin on 09/07/2017 02:04 pmThat new grid fins feeling.Those are the old Aluminum grid fins.
Quote from: toruonu on 09/07/2017 02:05 pmAt around T+4:30 you can see the fairing falling towards earth doing a lot of flipping Quite well visible. and at 3:55 jb
The commentator noted clouds were a concern (obviously didn't delay the launch). When FTS was all done by-hand (or by RUD), cloud cover was obviously important in the LCC. But does AFTS change that equation at all? Will there come a time when the only real cloud concerns in the LCC will involve lightning?