So Berger is saying that all 5 loading tests will be on the DM-1, IFA test, and DM-2 vehicles, all in the crew configuration with Dragon.
Is it possible that static fires will count toward the five events? In which case, the static fire before the crewed launch would be magic number 5.
Does this suggest that the new COPVs will not be flown on any non crew-dragon missions? Or some kind of subset of F9 missions?
Quote from: DigitalMan on 08/10/2018 02:11 amDoes this suggest that the new COPVs will not be flown on any non crew-dragon missions? Or some kind of subset of F9 missions?I wouldn't be surprised if the new COPVs have already flown on the most recent 1046.2 mission. This was suggested by Off Nominal (http://offnominal.space/11) and it seems reasonable. We know 1046 was torn completely down so replacing the COPV would not be a major addition. The new COPV is clearly ready to go because it's on the 1051 booster headed to McGregor. And 1046.2 underwent some additional load-and-go testing at its static firing. I know that Berger stated 1051 was the first of the new COPV series, but SpaceX doesn't talk about everything.
Quote from: marsbase on 08/10/2018 03:07 amQuote from: DigitalMan on 08/10/2018 02:11 amDoes this suggest that the new COPVs will not be flown on any non crew-dragon missions? Or some kind of subset of F9 missions?I wouldn't be surprised if the new COPVs have already flown on the most recent 1046.2 mission. This was suggested by Off Nominal (http://offnominal.space/11) and it seems reasonable. We know 1046 was torn completely down so replacing the COPV would not be a major addition. The new COPV is clearly ready to go because it's on the 1051 booster headed to McGregor. And 1046.2 underwent some additional load-and-go testing at its static firing. I know that Berger stated 1051 was the first of the new COPV series, but SpaceX doesn't talk about everything.I'd guess that SpaceX would stay true to their prior form and maybe fly some missions with increasing numbers of the new COPVs in various locations. And that way have loading/flight data on both versions from the same flight for better comparisons. So, it mayn't be inconsistent to say that DM-1 will be the first mission where all the COPVs will be the new type, while still allowing for the possibility that SpaceX has flown some of them already (as seems to be suggested by other statements).
I don't think it makes either organization look good.
Something tells me that the COPV situation on B1046-B1050 will remain shrouded in mystery and that even decades from now, former NASA and SpaceX personnel who were involved will be reluctant to talk about this particular episode. Whatever the situation may be, I don't think it makes either organization look good.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket looks no worse for wear after dual launchesBy Eric RalphPosted on August 12, 2018SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 Block 5 booster has returned to Port Canaveral, FL once again after the rocket’s second successful launch, likely the first of countless reuses to come over the next months and years. Of note, B1046.2 (Booster 1046, flight 2) was by all appearances in as good of condition as it was when it lifted off from Pad 40 just three days prior
QuoteSpaceX’s Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket looks no worse for wear after dual launchesBy Eric RalphPosted on August 12, 2018SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 Block 5 booster has returned to Port Canaveral, FL once again after the rocket’s second successful launch, likely the first of countless reuses to come over the next months and years. Of note, B1046.2 (Booster 1046, flight 2) was by all appearances in as good of condition as it was when it lifted off from Pad 40 just three days priorhttps://www.teslarati.com/spacex-falcon-9-block-5-no-worse-for-wear-two-orbital-launches/
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 08/13/2018 04:12 amQuoteSpaceX’s Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket looks no worse for wear after dual launchesBy Eric RalphPosted on August 12, 2018SpaceX’s first Falcon 9 Block 5 booster has returned to Port Canaveral, FL once again after the rocket’s second successful launch, likely the first of countless reuses to come over the next months and years. Of note, B1046.2 (Booster 1046, flight 2) was by all appearances in as good of condition as it was when it lifted off from Pad 40 just three days priorhttps://www.teslarati.com/spacex-falcon-9-block-5-no-worse-for-wear-two-orbital-launches/Does anyone with the time/ability feel an inclination to do a side-by-side of 1046.0 (on pad before first launch) / 1046.1 (on droneship or on pad before second launch) / 1046.2 (on droneship)That would be awesome!
Lots of little curiosities on the Merlins there. What's the green, copper-oxide looking stuff on the end of the nozzles? What's the protrusion on the side of the bell for? Why does one of the engines have a rivet or other fastener sticking out?
Do we know when the new COPVs will fly?
Shotwell: Falcon 9 first stages come back in much better shape than anticipated. Have refurbishment time down to four weeks; goal is still a one-day turnaround next year. #WSBW