Its been a week since we've had any images other than the grainy ones from the port cam. I'm withering away for lack of information. Someone please feed us.
OCISLY From a Helicopter : http://imgur.com/42k1kjYSource : https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/4d2wk4/ocisly_from_a_helicopter/
OCISLY From a Helicopter
Direct linkPicture 1 : https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfDSmd7WAAA0qiV.jpg:largePicture 2 : https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfDR_XeWQAA985_.jpg:large
Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Boost-Backs and Landings of Rockets at Vandenberg Air Force Basehttps://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/03/31/2016-07191/takes-of-marine-mammals-incidental-to-specified-activities-taking-marine-mammals-incidental-to
In the event that a contingency landing action is required, SpaceX has considered the likelihood of the First Stage missing the barge and landing instead in the Pacific Ocean, and has determined that the likelihood of such an event is so unlikely as to be considered discountable. This is supported by three previous attempts by SpaceX at Falcon 9 First Stage barge landings, none of which have missed the barge.
In the event of an unsuccessful barge landing, the First Stage would explode upon impact with the barge; the explosion would not be expected to result in take of marine mammals, as described below. The explosive equivalence with maximum fuel and oxidizer is 503 pounds of trinitrotoluene (TNT) which is capable of a maximum projectile range of 384 m (1,250 ft) from the point of impact. Approximately 25 pieces of debris are expected to remain floating in the water and expected to impact less than 0.46 km2 (114 acres), and the majority of debris would be recovered. All other debris is expected to sink. These 25 pieces of debris are primarily made of Carbon Over Pressure Vessels (COPVs), the LOX fill line, and carbon fiber constructed legs. During previous landing attempts in other locations, SpaceX has performed successful debris recovery. All of the recovered debris would be transported back to Long Beach Harbor for proper disposal. Most of the fuel (estimated 50-150 gallons) is expected to be released onto the barge deck at the location of impact.
IMO, this is the most interesting bit from that document:QuoteIn the event of an unsuccessful barge landing, the First Stage would explode upon impact with the barge; the explosion would not be expected to result in take of marine mammals, as described below. The explosive equivalence with maximum fuel and oxidizer is 503 pounds of trinitrotoluene (TNT) which is capable of a maximum projectile range of 384 m (1,250 ft) from the point of impact. Approximately 25 pieces of debris are expected to remain floating in the water and expected to impact less than 0.46 km2 (114 acres), and the majority of debris would be recovered. All other debris is expected to sink. These 25 pieces of debris are primarily made of Carbon Over Pressure Vessels (COPVs), the LOX fill line, and carbon fiber constructed legs. During previous landing attempts in other locations, SpaceX has performed successful debris recovery. All of the recovered debris would be transported back to Long Beach Harbor for proper disposal. Most of the fuel (estimated 50-150 gallons) is expected to be released onto the barge deck at the location of impact.So stage explosion = 500 lb bomb, more or less.
No. More like a 1500 lb bomb since only a minor fraction of a bomb's mass is the explosive filler.
IMO, this is the most interesting bit from that document: <snip>So stage explosion = 500 lb bomb, more or less.
Quote from: Kabloona on 04/04/2016 08:38 amIMO, this is the most interesting bit from that document: <snip>So stage explosion = 500 lb bomb, more or less.This is assuming all of the oxidiser and fuel mix perfectly. This is not going to happen.
Quote from: speedevil on 04/04/2016 03:41 pmQuote from: Kabloona on 04/04/2016 08:38 amIMO, this is the most interesting bit from that document: <snip>So stage explosion = 500 lb bomb, more or less.This is assuming all of the oxidiser and fuel mix perfectly. This is not going to happen.The oxidizer left in the tanks doesn't matter, it is exploding at sea level where there is abundant O2 available.
Speaking of booms and marine mammals, let's pause for a moment to remember the poor seal who was subjected to the Government-mandated sonic boom experiment via headphones to see if it would interfere with his (her?) libido.https://mobile.twitter.com/TalulahRiley/status/320422298618302464And Elon's hilarious comment:https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHJd3GQCAAA5uqa.pngCan't make this stuff up. The good news is, thanks to the seal's noble sacrifice, SpaceX has been granted permission for one year of RTLS attempts at VAFB.Now back to regular ASDS programming...