Author Topic: Falcon 9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion  (Read 486926 times)

Offline octavo

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #380 on: 12/20/2017 05:05 am »
I wonder how much of this naming confusion has come about due to deliberate avoidance of the number V2

Offline cscott

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #381 on: 12/20/2017 12:49 pm »
That was Dragon/Crew Dragon's problem, not Falcon.

Offline AncientU

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #382 on: 12/20/2017 02:48 pm »
I wonder how much of this naming confusion has come about due to deliberate avoidance of the number V2

I think it best to consider the earlier Blocks (especially Block 4) as 'Beta' versions of the fully and rapidly reusable rocket long ago promised.

Once the final product is ready to hit the streets, all Beta versions are discarded as quickly as possible.
"If we shared everything [we are working on] people would think we are insane!"
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Online gongora

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #383 on: 12/22/2017 02:39 pm »
Iridium 4 and Falcon Heavy Demo vehicles are not Block 5, and this really isn't the thread to be discussing them in.

Offline Norm38

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #384 on: 12/27/2017 10:19 pm »
I second Block 5 being called v1.3.

So given that this is a "few months away", which core number and which launch do people think that will be?

And a side thought...  Does getting NASA on used cores mean SpaceX can get three flights on v1.3?  Or do the changes not warrant that?

Offline IanThePineapple

Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #385 on: 12/27/2017 10:21 pm »
I second Block 5 being called v1.3.

So given that this is a "few months away", which core number and which launch do people think that will be?

And a side thought...  Does getting NASA on used cores mean SpaceX can get three flights on v1.3?  Or do the changes not warrant that?

I'd guess around Core 1055

Offline dorkmo

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #386 on: 12/27/2017 11:17 pm »
I think it will be called Falcon 9 Mark II

Offline mme

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #387 on: 12/27/2017 11:31 pm »
I second Block 5 being called v1.3.

So given that this is a "few months away", which core number and which launch do people think that will be?

And a side thought...  Does getting NASA on used cores mean SpaceX can get three flights on v1.3?  Or do the changes not warrant that?
Please don't call Block 5 v1.3.  It's Block 5.  It is quite possibly F9 v1.2 Block 5. The LAST thing we need to do is invent our own naming conventions that could conflict with future SpaceX version names.
Space is not Highlander.  There can, and will, be more than one.

Offline IanThePineapple

Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #388 on: 12/27/2017 11:35 pm »
I second Block 5 being called v1.3.

So given that this is a "few months away", which core number and which launch do people think that will be?

And a side thought...  Does getting NASA on used cores mean SpaceX can get three flights on v1.3?  Or do the changes not warrant that?
Please don't call Block 5 v1.3.  It's Block 5.  It is quite possibly F9 v1.2 Block 5. The LAST thing we need to do is invent our own naming conventions that could conflict with future SpaceX version names.

True, but it has huge amounts of changes from Full Thrust

Offline old_sellsword

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #389 on: 12/27/2017 11:52 pm »
I second Block 5 being called v1.3.

So given that this is a "few months away", which core number and which launch do people think that will be?

And a side thought...  Does getting NASA on used cores mean SpaceX can get three flights on v1.3?  Or do the changes not warrant that?
Please don't call Block 5 v1.3.  It's Block 5.  It is quite possibly F9 v1.2 Block 5. The LAST thing we need to do is invent our own naming conventions that could conflict with future SpaceX version names.

True, but it has huge amounts of changes from Full Thrust

It is Full Thrust (v1.2). Each “Version” has its own set of “Blocks,” and v1.2 has 5 Blocks. There is no such thing as v1.3.

Offline AncientU

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #390 on: 12/28/2017 12:00 am »
With consolidation down to a single design going forward, it will be called... wait for it... Falcon 9.
"If we shared everything [we are working on] people would think we are insane!"
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Offline old_sellsword

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #391 on: 12/28/2017 12:09 am »
With consolidation down to a single design going forward, it will be called... wait for it... Falcon 9.

As far as SpaceX’s public relations are concerned, it’s been that way since they introduced v1.2. But for most of us here, that doesn’t cut it. It’s a bit ridiculous to call this and this the same name.

Offline Coastal Ron

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #392 on: 12/28/2017 12:20 am »
With consolidation down to a single design going forward, it will be called... wait for it... Falcon 9.

As far as SpaceX’s public relations are concerned, it’s been that way since they introduced v1.2. But for most of us here, that doesn’t cut it. It’s a bit ridiculous to call this and this the same name.

Why not? We call this and this the same name and they are separated by 47 years of design modifications. Falcon 9 v1.0 and Falcon 9 Block 5 are separated by only about 7 years.

Falcon 9 seems appropriate.
If we don't continuously lower the cost to access space, how are we ever going to afford to expand humanity out into space?

Offline old_sellsword

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #393 on: 12/28/2017 12:33 am »
Why not? We call this and this the same name...

This demonstrates my point to a T. Those are both 737s, but as Ed noted, one is a 737-200 and the other is a 737-8 MAX. They’re the same general design but drastically different revisions, and their names clearly reflect that. Keeping the same product name is fine as long as there’s a more detailed nomenclature for revisions.

Also, the time between revisions is irrelevant.
« Last Edit: 12/28/2017 12:43 am by old_sellsword »

Offline mme

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #394 on: 12/28/2017 01:43 am »
On bended knee I beg my fellow enthusiasts not to go down the version naming rabbit hole.

On topic, any guesses when the first Block 5 rocket will fly? I heard a rumor on the MECO podcast that the next core coming off the production line will be a Block 5.
Space is not Highlander.  There can, and will, be more than one.

Online gongora

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #395 on: 12/28/2017 01:48 am »
Gwynne recently (November) said late first quarter.  Elon recently (December) said in a few months, which would be around March.  I'd expect sometime around March.

Offline Coastal Ron

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #396 on: 12/28/2017 04:36 am »
With consolidation down to a single design going forward, it will be called... wait for it... Falcon 9.

As far as SpaceX’s public relations are concerned, it’s been that way since they introduced v1.2. But for most of us here, that doesn’t cut it. It’s a bit ridiculous to call this and this the same name.

Why not? We call this and this the same name and they are separated by 47 years of design modifications. Falcon 9 v1.0 and Falcon 9 Block 5 are separated by only about 7 years.

Falcon 9 seems appropriate.
The titles of the 737 images you linked derail your argument.  One is a 737-200.  The other is a 737 MAX 8 or somesuch.

When I see a 737 at an airport or in the air, regardless of what model it is, I still call it a 737. Same for the 747.

And when I see pictures of previous Falcon 9 flights I don't say "look, a v1.0", or "look, a block 3 or 4ish". I say "look, a Falcon 9".

If it looks like a Falcon 9, it's a Falcon 9.
If we don't continuously lower the cost to access space, how are we ever going to afford to expand humanity out into space?

Offline IanThePineapple

Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #397 on: 12/28/2017 04:38 am »
With consolidation down to a single design going forward, it will be called... wait for it... Falcon 9.

As far as SpaceX’s public relations are concerned, it’s been that way since they introduced v1.2. But for most of us here, that doesn’t cut it. It’s a bit ridiculous to call this and this the same name.

Why not? We call this and this the same name and they are separated by 47 years of design modifications. Falcon 9 v1.0 and Falcon 9 Block 5 are separated by only about 7 years.

Falcon 9 seems appropriate.
The titles of the 737 images you linked derail your argument.  One is a 737-200.  The other is a 737 MAX 8 or somesuch.

When I see a 737 at an airport or in the air, regardless of what model it is, I still call it a 737. Same for the 747.

And when I see pictures of previous Falcon 9 flights I don't say "look, a v1.0", or "look, a block 3 or 4ish". I say "look, a Falcon 9".

If it looks like a Falcon 9, it's a Falcon 9.

Me too.

When I see an Atlas V 431 and a 521, I'm not like "Neat, an Atlas V 431 and 521!", rather, "Look, two Atlas Vs!"

Offline vanoord

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #398 on: 12/28/2017 10:57 am »
I respectfully disagree.  The shift from v1.1 to v1.2 included a second stage stretch.  v1.0 to v1.1 also included fuselage stretches.  Informal convention at this point would require a dimensional change in the outer mold line - especially a tank stretch - to garner a v1.3 designation.  SpaceX calls it Falcon 9 Block 5.  Why don't we?

I've come round to that point of view.

IIRC the official documentation still calls the vehicle 'Falcon 9 v1.2' and what we're about to see is the fifth (ish) iteration of that, hence 'Block 5'.

Okay, it might be something like the 7th 'block' of overall F9 production, but it remains the 5th 'block' of Falcon 9 v1.2 / Falcon 9 Full Thrust production (even though the divisions between blocks are a bit negotiable).

Anyway, it's Elon's rocket, so if he wants to call it 'Block 5', he can do.

If anyone don't like that, they can feel free to start their own rocket company and can call their rockets whatever they want - apart from Big F***ing Rocket, because that's already taken  :P

Offline Elthiryel

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Re: F9 Block 5 Updates and Discussion
« Reply #399 on: 12/28/2017 11:25 am »
Okay, it might be something like the 7th 'block' of overall F9 production, but it remains the 5th 'block' of Falcon 9 v1.2 / Falcon 9 Full Thrust production (even though the divisions between blocks are a bit negotiable).

A SpaceX employee stated on reddit that it's actually the 8th block overall, but you're generally right, of course.
Quote
What's currently referred to as Blocks 1 through 5 are all F9 Full Thrust (v1.2). Blocks 3-5 are obviously used on Heavy, so there are FH blocks as well. But v1.0 and v1.1 also had their own Blocks, with v1.0 having just one Block and v1.1 having two.
https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/7l4gzd/elon_musk_on_twitter_max_thrust_at_liftoff_is_51/drk5qpg/
GO for launch, GO for age of reflight

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