Author Topic: SpaceX's Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship Updates and Discussion Thread 3  (Read 1424231 times)

Offline ChrisC

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It's pretty awesome that the ASDS is underway and it's become so ho-hum that this thread is barely updating.

Agreed :)  And in that spirit ...

According to MarineTraffic, both Go Searcher and Go Quest had left Port Canaveral, were well out to sea and heading east at around 8 knots, as of the last data point at around midnight last night (local time).

Looks like all hands on deck for this one, therefore I'm hoping we'll see fairing recovery on this flight (see that thread for more discussion on that topic).
« Last Edit: 03/28/2017 10:52 pm by ChrisC »
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Offline cscott

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Here's a quick question for the thread: how many of the ASDSes currently have clovers painted on them?

Offline Chris Bergin

Ok, so we need a thread 4. This one is nearly 100 pages (400.000+ views :o)

I do think we should start moving to master threads for all ASDS returns, given the frequency, but I'm thinking about a standalone thread for 1021's return, given its historic milestone.

Let me work it all out :)
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Offline Confusador

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Ok, so we need a thread 4. This one is nearly 100 pages (400.000+ views :o)
...

For a barge.  On a space forum.  It really is amazing, isn't it?

Offline ChrisC

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For anyone following just this thread, Chris B did create a separate thread for updates / discussion of the ASDS now carrying the SES-10 / B1021 first stage:

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=42646.0

Per his comment above and in that thread, there will be a Thread 4 of this general discussion, probably after the current ASDS return completes.
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Offline ClayJar

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From the "roomba" thread (which is still at sea in the general section instead of here with its brethren):

First pics I know of of roomba in its garage, taken by photographer John Kraus who engaged a helicopter to get these and posted to the FB SpaceX group.

Also first good pics of the welded chain-down brackets on the deck, and great proof of landing spot.

Instagram: @johnkrausphotos
Website: www.johnkrausphotos.com -- prints available

https://www.facebook.com/groups/spacexgroup/permalink/10155301586611318/

Would I be correct in stating that the metal framework on the deck in the second and third photos looks like it's one of the emergency tow cable "ramps" that are normally over the top of the Thrustmasters to allow the tow cable to deploy without snagging.  Is there a reason to have that removed and on the deck other than for unfettered access to one of the azimuth thrusters?

(I suppose they could be replacing the cable ramps with an upgrade, but since all they have to do is guide the tow cable over the thrusters, I can't think of a reason off-hand to have to upgrade them.  I wouldn't think they'd require sufficient maintenance already for removal and replacement to be necessary.)

Offline sierra tango

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Looks like the forward starboard thruster has been removed as is sitting on the quay.

Offline cscott

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Looks like the forward starboard thruster has been removed as is sitting on the quay.
Wild speculation: of the Roomba is hydraulically powered, they might be doing an upgrade of the hydraulic power unit for that thruster, so it can handle the Roomba as well as its normal duties.  Of course, I don't know why you'd need to *remove* the thruster to do this...

Edit: nevermind, the removed thruster is in the wrong quadrant to be related to the Roomba, and it's pretty clear which HPU would power the Roomba (the one directly behind it).
« Last Edit: 04/16/2017 10:27 pm by cscott »

Offline Comga

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Looks like Go Quest is leaving the port: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=1155515

(snip)

Anyone got eyes/cams on OCISLY?
What kind of wastrels would dump a perfectly good booster in the ocean after just one use?

Offline Scylla

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Looks like Go Quest is leaving the port: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=1155515

(snip)

Anyone got eyes/cams on OCISLY?
This launch will be RTLS, not drone ship.
I reject your reality and substitute my own--Doctor Who

Offline Jdeshetler

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Looks like Go Quest is leaving the port: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=1155515

(snip)

Anyone got eyes/cams on OCISLY?
This launch will be RTLS, not drone ship.

So Go Quest's role is to pick up the recoverable fairings?

Offline envy887

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Elsbeth III hasn't moved recently, and no other vessels appear to be accompanying Go Quest, so it would seem OCISLY is still in port.

Offline Comga

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Looks like Go Quest is leaving the port: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=1155515

(snip)

Anyone got eyes/cams on OCISLY?
This launch will be RTLS, not drone ship.
I knew that.
Oops :P
What kind of wastrels would dump a perfectly good booster in the ocean after just one use?

Offline Johnnyhinbos

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Fairings...
John Hanzl. Author, action / adventure www.johnhanzl.com

Offline maximlevitsky

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Any update on our loved ship?  :)

Offline maximlevitsky

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Found bunch of new pictures on the Reddit:

https://imgur.com/a/5LKqj

Nothing changed, except that they seems to have painted one of bow thrusters partially white  :(

Offline Alastor

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Found bunch of new pictures on the Reddit:

https://imgur.com/a/5LKqj

Nothing changed, except that they seems to have painted one of bow thrusters partially white  :(
https://i.imgur.com/gZCRKwZ.jpg : Good view of the RoombX, I believe ! That thing is definitely pretty big !


Offline CameronD

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Found bunch of new pictures on the Reddit:

https://imgur.com/a/5LKqj

Nothing changed, except that they seems to have painted one of bow thrusters partially white  :(

They haven't painted it.. for some reason the thruster has been left in the 'down' position too long and the blue anti-foul has started to work.
With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine - however, this is not necessarily a good idea. It is hard to be sure where they are
going to land, and it could be dangerous sitting under them as they fly overhead.

Offline MarekCyzio

Updated photo

Offline leetdan

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Elsbeth II is underway, with destination given as Jacksonville.  Go Twins are still in port.

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