1% and 0.2% of 250 km means +2.5 km and +/-0.5 km. To those on here who know the numbers, how does this compare to other launch vehicles like Delta II, Atlas V, and Delta IV? How much delta-V would it take to correct that? (If I were home I could open an old textbook and do the calculation, but I am not.) Edit: 34.5 deg inclination Darn! I am too far north to see it passing overhead.
Quote from: Comga on 06/04/2010 08:37 pm1% and 0.2% of 250 km means +2.5 km and +/-0.5 km. To those on here who know the numbers, how does this compare to other launch vehicles like Delta II, Atlas V, and Delta IV? How much delta-V would it take to correct that? (If I were home I could open an old textbook and do the calculation, but I am not.) Edit: 34.5 deg inclination Darn! I am too far north to see it passing overhead.These are the expected accuracy numbers from the F9 User Guide:Low Earth Orbit• Perigee ±10 km• Apogee ±10 km• Inclination ±0.1 deg• Right Ascension of Ascending Node ±0.15 degWith the caveat "Until verified by actual operations, SpaceX expects to achieve the following minimum target orbital insertion accuracy"Not bad, especially when you consider that they probably didn't know exactly how much of a shutdown transient kick MVac would give.
This first successful test flight of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is a belated sign that efforts to develop modest commercial space cargo capabilities are showing some promising signs. While this test flight was important, the program to demonstrate commercial cargo and crew transport capabilities, which I support, was intended to enhance not replace NASA’s own proven abilities to deliver critical cargo and humans to low Earth orbit. Make no mistake, even this modest success is more than a year behind schedule, and the project deadlines of other private space companies continue to slip as well. This test does not change the fact that commercial space programs are not ready to close the gap in human spaceflight if the space shuttle is retired this year with no proven replacement capability and the Constellation program is simultaneously cancelled as the President proposes.
The successful test launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is a significant step in the development of the commercial space industry. There is no doubt that commercial spaceflight will play an important role in the future of our efforts in space, and I believe private companies can bring new job opportunities for the Space Coast’s highly-skilled workforce. But we must both support the emerging commercial space industry and ensure a robust, NASA-led human spaceflight program in order to maintain our international leadership in space and keep our economy strong. I will continue fighting at every opportunity to minimize the human spaceflight gap, protect jobs, and ensure a bright future for the Space Coast.
Falcon 9 Maiden Voyage to Orbit:Will have the downloadable video up shortly.
The pieces of information I can't wait to see.-How will this effect the Fy2011 debate, I honestly don't think it will change any minds.
There are a lot of aspects yet to be learned about this flight. I hope that SpaceX is good about releasing details about what they have learned today. This vehicle made me think of a combination between the Titan II and the Saturn IB. Could become a real workhorse.
In Tweeter, NASA Watch informs that the first stage hit the water pretty hard, http://nasawatch.com/archives/2010/06/falcon-9-nails.html
