There were some mentions about an ISAT demonstrator as part of the STP-2 mission. But now I can't find any information about it. So are they still going to launch the ISAT on FH?
Known as the Space Test Program-2, or STP-2, mission, the Falcon Heavy launch will launch with 25 spacecraft inside its nose cone, according to a spokesperson from the U.S. Air Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center....Most of the STP-2 payloads will go into circular low-altitude orbits around 447 miles (720 kilometers) above Earth, inclined 24 degrees to the equator. Then the Falcon Heavy will boost the DSX satellite into an unusual elliptical orbit ranging in altitude between 3,728 miles (6,000 kilometers) and 7,456 miles (12,000 kilometers), with a ground track shifting between 43 degrees north and south of the equator.
A Celestis space burial mission will also fly on this mission.
Quote from: OnWithTheShow on 03/04/2018 04:54 amA Celestis space burial mission will also fly on this mission.Do the you know the mission or name for this Celestis payload?
Is there any confirmation that SpaceX has been cleared by the Air Force to use flight-proven side boosters on this mission?
Quote from: Nehkara on 03/09/2018 08:28 pmIs there any confirmation that SpaceX has been cleared by the Air Force to use flight-proven side boosters on this mission?It is previously stated that the next launch which is now this flight will use all block-5 cores which in earlier announcement were to be all new. I have not come across anything different information wise.
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 03/09/2018 08:41 pmQuote from: Nehkara on 03/09/2018 08:28 pmIs there any confirmation that SpaceX has been cleared by the Air Force to use flight-proven side boosters on this mission?It is previously stated that the next launch which is now this flight will use all block-5 cores which in earlier announcement were to be all new. I have not come across anything different information wise.I know the center core will be a new Block 5 as it has to be custom-built for FH. Where's the link to the announcement that both side cores (regular F9 Block 5s with nose cones instead of interstages) are going to be new Block 5s for this mission?
CG, going from other posts that reported after the first mixmaster FH launch, all FH would be constructed using Block 5.But nothing has stated the side F9s would be new. I inferred there would not be any flight proven Block 5 available for the next FH. Just to little time.Still, the SX tempo could mean flight proven Block 5s could be available.Fun to watch!
Quote from: Kansan52 on 03/09/2018 10:34 pmCG, going from other posts that reported after the first mixmaster FH launch, all FH would be constructed using Block 5.But nothing has stated the side F9s would be new. I inferred there would not be any flight proven Block 5 available for the next FH. Just to little time.Still, the SX tempo could mean flight proven Block 5s could be available.Fun to watch!Gotcha. Could be wrong, but I would imagine that the first Block 5 would be available. If it flies around 5 April as intended, that would that would be 2.5 month before the FH-2 flight. If they're serious about rapid reuse, that core should be available.
SpaceX can't just stick a used booster on a flight unless the contract allows it.
Quote from: gongora on 03/10/2018 02:08 pm SpaceX can't just stick a used booster on a flight unless the contract allows it.Is it enough if the contract doesn't forbid it?
To settle the above discussion, all cores on this FH mission will be Block V.
Quote from: Michael Baylor on 03/10/2018 06:31 pmTo settle the above discussion, all cores on this FH mission will be Block V.We've known that for months, it doesn't settle anything.
Quote from: jpo234 on 03/10/2018 03:15 pmQuote from: gongora on 03/10/2018 02:08 pm SpaceX can't just stick a used booster on a flight unless the contract allows it.Is it enough if the contract doesn't forbid it?It would not be enough, but I am very sure they all have in contracts something about reuse (even if it amounts to "[BLEEEP] NO"). It is not like SpaceX's reuse ambitions were secret.
Quote from: Mader Levap on 03/12/2018 02:01 pmQuote from: jpo234 on 03/10/2018 03:15 pmQuote from: gongora on 03/10/2018 02:08 pm SpaceX can't just stick a used booster on a flight unless the contract allows it.Is it enough if the contract doesn't forbid it?It would not be enough, but I am very sure they all have in contracts something about reuse (even if it amounts to "[BLEEEP] NO"). It is not like SpaceX's reuse ambitions were secret.STP-2 was awarded in 2012. It's possible there is nothing in the contract about re-use.http://www.spacex.com/press/2012/12/19/spacex-awarded-two-eelv-class-missions-united-states-air-force