Quote from: CameronD on 01/11/2017 12:50 amQuote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 01/11/2017 12:23 amI find this very hard to believe with no actual progress seen on their 1st actual launch campaign. A successful WDR or static fire in launch configuration on the actual pad would go a long way as to proving their readiness. Until then..... Hmm... Given their current level of readiness, I have some faith that they could possibly carry off a *test* launch by the end of the month. This isn't exactly a Falcon 9 remember, it's more in the "big amateur" category.. and given the number they have in build (we've seen 3 in some photos) six launches this year isn't out of the question either...but the underlying assumption is that the first and subsequent launches will ALL be a resounding success and hit the target right on the money, and as we all know (and SpaceX testify) "Space is Hard". ..but Peter Beck is also an optimist. I was more thinking about the road to the 1st launch of the Falcon 1 - lots of issues popped out close to launch back then. RL probably won't have to suffer from that much of delays as SpaceX did (was it really delayed by a year back in 2005-6? ) but lots of things still seems to be yet to be done so.....
Quote from: Galactic Penguin SST on 01/11/2017 12:23 amI find this very hard to believe with no actual progress seen on their 1st actual launch campaign. A successful WDR or static fire in launch configuration on the actual pad would go a long way as to proving their readiness. Until then..... Hmm... Given their current level of readiness, I have some faith that they could possibly carry off a *test* launch by the end of the month. This isn't exactly a Falcon 9 remember, it's more in the "big amateur" category.. and given the number they have in build (we've seen 3 in some photos) six launches this year isn't out of the question either...but the underlying assumption is that the first and subsequent launches will ALL be a resounding success and hit the target right on the money, and as we all know (and SpaceX testify) "Space is Hard". ..but Peter Beck is also an optimist.
I find this very hard to believe with no actual progress seen on their 1st actual launch campaign. A successful WDR or static fire in launch configuration on the actual pad would go a long way as to proving their readiness. Until then.....
Rocket Lab tells me “no test this month but we’re certainly getting close.”
A followup tweet from Jeff Foust:QuoteRocket Lab tells me “no test this month but we’re certainly getting close.”
Quote from: gongora on 01/11/2017 02:24 amA followup tweet from Jeff Foust:QuoteRocket Lab tells me “no test this month but we’re certainly getting close.”So they're not quite as close as I thought they were?.. bummer.Reminds me of what the mechanic said last time I went to pick up the car: "No sir, your car isn't ready yet - but we're working on it."
My money is still on circa September for a full orbital attempt.
Quote from: ringsider on 01/11/2017 05:18 amMy money is still on circa September for a full orbital attempt.You'd put money on a set date for a platform that hasn't got to static fire, leave alone demonstrated to leave the pad without vanishing in a ball of flame?!?? Oh boy, have I got some schemes investment opportunities for you!
Quote from: CameronD on 01/11/2017 10:53 pmQuote from: ringsider on 01/11/2017 05:18 amMy money is still on circa September for a full orbital attempt.You'd put money on a set date for a platform that hasn't got to static fire, leave alone demonstrated to leave the pad without vanishing in a ball of flame?!?? Oh boy, have I got some schemes investment opportunities for you! Rocket Lab has static fired the Electron first stage:
I think his concern was that the Electron didn't go through a full up static fire like SpaceX does. Like with the second stage mated with the first. Although, I don't think any launch vehicle does full up static tests like SpaceX does. Someone can correct me on that if I'm wrong.
I think "attempt" is the operative word, there.
And, a recent WSJ article:http://www.wsj.com/articles/welcome-to-new-zealand-gateway-to-outer-space-1483982532At least they didn't call Peter Beck a "space nut" and torpedo his upcoming IPO (if he had one). NewSpace not so nutty any more...except for the legislator singing "Rocket Man" in Parliament.
"We went to all the launch ranges in America,” said Peter Beck, a wiry-haired engineer who a decade ago founded Calif.-based aerospace company Rocket Lab....
Whilst not incorrect AIUI, after watching RL develop from the sidelines almost from the very start, the way that's worded kinda grates for some reason. Probably because there were very good reasons this is happening in NZ that didn't quite make that article ...(or at least not the bit that can be accessed without subscription).
Quote from: CameronD on 01/12/2017 09:59 pmWhilst not incorrect AIUI, after watching RL develop from the sidelines almost from the very start, the way that's worded kinda grates for some reason. Probably because there were very good reasons this is happening in NZ that didn't quite make that article ...(or at least not the bit that can be accessed without subscription). Enter the link in Google and then click the Google link. That gives you full access.
...Others are a touch underwhelmed, being more attuned over the years to other legendary exploits along the coast here. Mahia is where the folkloric Maori hero Maui is said to have punched himself in the nose to draw blood and lure a fish that turned out to be New Zealand’s North Island.“I have been to Cape Canaveral to see a rocket go up once,” said Pauline Tangiora, a Maori elder from Mahia’s Rongomaiwahine Tribe. “It didn’t impress me at all.”
Quote"We went to all the launch ranges in America,” said Peter Beck, a wiry-haired engineer who a decade ago founded Calif.-based aerospace company Rocket Lab....Whilst not incorrect AIUI, after watching RL develop from the sidelines almost from the very start, the way that's worded kinda grates for some reason. Probably because there were very good reasons this is happening in NZ that didn't quite make that article ...(or at least not the bit that can be accessed without subscription).
Hello! Thanks for all the interest in the meeting. To clarify, these sessions are part of an ongoing series that have been held at Mokotahi Hall for local residents. They’re primarily focussed on local operations and logistics. Much of the information is likely not of interest to the general public. No major new information is being discussed. Public updates will continue to come through – we just like to keep in touch with our neighbours! Thanks
This is about Moon Express but some info on Rocket Lab.http://spacenews.com/moon-express-fully-funded-for-google-lunar-x-prize-bid/"The company’s current schedule calls for integrating the spacecraft in July, and then shipping it to Rocket Lab’s New Zealand launch site in October. The launch, scheduled for late this year, will be the seventh or eighth operational flight of the Electron, Richards said, shortly after a NASA mission under a Venture Class Launch Services contract Rocket Lab received in late 2015. - "All going well they will be launching about 10 Electrons in 2017, 2-3 test launches plus 7-8 operational launches. Given launch site delays, they have had time build enough LVs and scheduling at range shouldn't be issue. The only show stopper will be Electron reliability. First launch is Feb, which makes sense as they have to wait for bulk of holiday makers to leave. Which will be end of school holiday at end of Jan.