I wonder what sort of plan SpaceX is hatching to recover the stage?...
Freedom star is in reserve with the USDOT, Liberty Star is now TV Kings Pointer with the USMMA.
Could they use a cargo crane helicopter to fly it to shore?
Quote from: penguin44 on 02/04/2018 06:48 amCould they use a cargo crane helicopter to fly it to shore?Nope, way too heavy.
It will be a difficult task to tow that booster if they attempt it at all. Not as simple as attaching a cable. I doubt it has any cathodic protection either. Those are the sacrificial blocks of metal that corrode in lieu of the hull. In this case the hull is very thin aluminum. If it makes it back, it will look like moths have been chewing on it. Another first for SpaceX. First flown booster done in by electrolysis.
Quote from: pb2000 on 02/04/2018 07:02 amQuote from: penguin44 on 02/04/2018 06:48 amCould they use a cargo crane helicopter to fly it to shore?Nope, way too heavy.Agreed... not even close... if still in one piece... I cited sources...F9 Stage 1 dry [1] is over weight for even the mighty Mi-26 [4] to budge... And the CH-47 [2] and CH-53 [3]?... no way...
And still sitting there. So no role in FH, apparently. I guess not terribly surprising there's no fairing recovery attempt this mission.
Quote from: Rangertech1 on 02/04/2018 12:04 amIt will be a difficult task to tow that booster if they attempt it at all. Not as simple as attaching a cable. I doubt it has any cathodic protection either. Those are the sacrificial blocks of metal that corrode in lieu of the hull. In this case the hull is very thin aluminum. If it makes it back, it will look like moths have been chewing on it. Another first for SpaceX. First flown booster done in by electrolysis.Just to be pedantic, it's anodic protection that is required. And aluminium is actually reasonably tolerant of corrosion. It depends on the exact alloy used, but bare aluminium hulls can last for decades in seawater (I use such a vessel everyday at work).
Has anyone else noticed that SpaceX still hasn't posted the launch webcast on their youtube page?Maybe they're just busy right now... can't imagine what that might be... but it still seems a little odd.
it is there, just unlisted as all livestreams are after they conclude. that is so copyrighted music can be removed before making it public again.
Quote from: russianhalo117 on 02/06/2018 06:45 pmit is there, just unlisted as all livestreams are after they conclude. that is so copyrighted music can be removed before making it public again.Right, usually they make it public within an hour or so of mission completion, so it's just a little weird.
QuoteWhatever the case, trusted anonymous sources have confirmed to AmericaSpace that the U.S. Air Force carried out an air strike to blow up the floating booster.http://www.americaspace.com/2018/02/08/air-force-strike-takes-out-spacexs-floating-govsat-booster/
Whatever the case, trusted anonymous sources have confirmed to AmericaSpace that the U.S. Air Force carried out an air strike to blow up the floating booster.