SpaceX Falcon I Launch III - Build-up Thread

[iphitus]

I'm the same. I'm studying engineering now, but I always make sure I get to proofread/check all group assignments before submitting. I've seen some shocking spelling and grammar....... and that's way OT.

I'm looking forward to this launch, not only for SpaceX, but also the solar sail minisat that's going up on it.

[aero313]

That said, it looks like a staged photo op to me (possibly with mockup hardware but who knows).  I also have never seen a close-up of the "ferring" before.   The faceted shape is obviously easy to fab, but it makes for some interesting aerodynamics.  I'd love to see some visualizations in transonic and supersonic wind tunnels to see how the strong each of the shocks is.

If by "faceted" you mean the bi-conic shape, this is very common in launch vehicle fairings.  The Peacekeeper, Titan IV, Skylab, and Taurus I all used similar shape fairings.  The drag is slightly higher than for an ogive, but not enough to matter.  The advantage is in manufacturing.  It's much easier to make a cone than an ogive out of flat stock.

[Herb Schaltegger]

I'm a spelling pedant. What can I say?  I was the exception as an undergraduate engeering major: I actually got A's in English and took high-level humanities courses as electives.

Engeering, great! But...what is it?

Rule #1 of teh internets - "All spelling flames must contains a misspelling."

[Herb Schaltegger]

If by "faceted" you mean the bi-conic shape, this is very common in launch vehicle fairings.  The Peacekeeper, Titan IV, Skylab, and Taurus I all used similar shape fairings.  The drag is slightly higher than for an ogive, but not enough to matter.  The advantage is in manufacturing.  It's much easier to make a cone than an ogive out of flat stock.

Drag differences may or may not be enough to matter, given the application.  Which is why I stated that I'd love to see the transonic and supersonic flow and shock visualizations.  I also said I know that it's easier to fabricate.  Thanks for restating it. 

[HIPAR]

The FireFox spell checker has added about 10 points to my actual 'Just good enough to get by' IQ.  I still get exposed by the likes of:  lose vs loose, super vs supper, hoping vs hopping, desert vs dessert!

However, 'ferring' is being flagged.

--- CHAS

[Ronsmytheiii]

SpaceX PAO are doing their best impression of NASA PAO with an inability to respond to e-mails. Will go direct to Elon later today.

So, hear anything back?

[tobi453]

Falcon 1 is vertical, weather looks good:
http://www.kimbalmusk.com/weblog/2008/07/falcon-1-is-ver.html

[spectre000]

Excellant news!  I can't wait to see this thing fly.  Good luck SpaceX!

[Comga]

Falcon 1 is vertical, weather looks good:
http://www.kimbalmusk.com/weblog/2008/07/falcon-1-is-ver.html

Thank you, Kimbal!
There is something to be said for the semi-controlable younger brother of the sole owner vs. the several professional, official "media people" within the organization. 

[Cretan126]

Falcon 1 is vertical, weather looks good:
http://www.kimbalmusk.com/weblog/2008/07/falcon-1-is-ver.html

It's interesting that the vehicle is vertical.  Since this obstensibly a Responsive launch demo, I would think they would use their advertised roll-erect-launch scenario, not is the pad while vertical for a week or more.

[clongton]

Falcon 1 is vertical, weather looks good:
http://www.kimbalmusk.com/weblog/2008/07/falcon-1-is-ver.html

It's interesting that the vehicle is vertical.  Since this obstensibly a Responsive launch demo, I would think they would use their advertised roll-erect-launch scenario, not is the pad while vertical for a week or more.

The only thing they are concentrating on this time is orbital insertion. If you try to run before you learn to walk, you'll trip up and break your neck.

[aero313]

I also said I know that it's easier to fabricate.  Thanks for restating it. 

Thanks for asking a question you already knew the answer to.  Sea Launch says that an ogive fairing gives them an 8.1% drag improvement over a biconic.  Feel free to buy the AIAA paper and read it for yourself:

http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=406&gTable=mtgpaper&gID=11952

[Chris-A]

Kimbal is becoming a great (or the opposite) PAO guy.
http://kwajrockets.blogspot.com/

Falcon 1 under the stars (Full res): http://bp0.blogger.com/_JPsEdStxV08/SI-EqI8ffFI/AAAAAAAAADo/xN79474ZOVk/s1600-h/stars.jpg

[Damon Hill]

SpaceX's web site is gearing up for the launch.


http://www.spacex.com

[Comga]

SpaceX's web site is gearing up for the launch.

A large black on-demand box is hardly "gearing up".  Still no update.  Still no photos.  Still no official listing of the launch windows or a target time.

Speaking of photos, does anyone have an idea what those red-orange rings and stripe are on the F1-003 in the "under the stars" image linked above?  They were not present in the photo of the rocket lying down in the tent. 

[Hootz]

Best of luck to all involved in the mission. I'll be pullin' for ya....

[nobodyofconsequence]

SpaceX's web site is gearing up for the launch.

Speaking of photos, does anyone have an idea what those red-orange rings and stripe are on the F1-003 in the "under the stars" image linked above?  They were not present in the photo of the rocket lying down in the tent. 

Are also present in the first "vertical" image. Looks like a plastic film like Kapton? Perhaps this is some kind of vapor barrier to keep out the water vapor/mist to minimize corrosion.

[Jim]

SpaceX's web site is gearing up for the launch.

Speaking of photos, does anyone have an idea what those red-orange rings and stripe are on the F1-003 in the "under the stars" image linked above?  They were not present in the photo of the rocket lying down in the tent. 

Are also present in the first "vertical" image. Looks like a plastic film like Kapton? Perhaps this is some kind of vapor barrier to keep out the water vapor/mist to minimize corrosion.

Wouldn't be kapton.  Look like regular plastic sheeting

[Herb Schaltegger]

I also said I know that it's easier to fabricate.  Thanks for restating it. 

Thanks for asking a question you already knew the answer to.  Sea Launch says that an ogive fairing gives them an 8.1% drag improvement over a biconic.  Feel free to buy the AIAA paper and read it for yourself:

http://www.aiaa.org/content.cfm?pageid=406&gTable=mtgpaper&gID=11952

Go back and read my post - I didn't ask any questions at all.  You just felt the need to butt in.

[Diagoras]

SpaceX.com has now removed their webcast tester. Second thoughts, or did someone put it up to soon?