Quote from: Norm Hartnett on 04/13/2011 04:50 pmQuote from: OV-106 on 04/12/2011 03:10 pmI am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact. That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon. That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. "performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.Norm,Schedule has an impact on cost. Cost has an impact on schedule. I appreciate what you are saying but all projects must have a schedule, as does SpaceX, by the NET date they are working toward. Either way, my point is still very much valid.
Quote from: OV-106 on 04/12/2011 03:10 pmI am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact. That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon. That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. "performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.
I am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact. That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon. That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE.
Guys.. this is all very fascinating (no cheek intended) but what does it have to do with the announcement today?? should this be in a different thread?
Quote from: OV-106 on 04/13/2011 04:58 pmQuote from: Norm Hartnett on 04/13/2011 04:50 pmQuote from: OV-106 on 04/12/2011 03:10 pmI am saying, again, that $/kg is hardly a fact. That it is a target based on one speech by The Elon. That development and test will have to prove the performance, cost and schedule that is SpaceX's GOAL AND OBJECTIVE. "performance, cost and schedule" As someone here has pointed out "pick two". I would have to review Mr. Musk's speech to be sure but I am pretty positive that he said the performance and cost were the goal and objective. Schedule is not a part of that nor should it be. This is developmental science and engineering and should not be driven by schedules, NET is good enough.Norm,Schedule has an impact on cost. Cost has an impact on schedule. I appreciate what you are saying but all projects must have a schedule, as does SpaceX, by the NET date they are working toward. Either way, my point is still very much valid. Oh, I agree that cost and politics drive schedule. That is very different from making it your "GOAL AND OBJECTIVE" though. SpaceX has been beaten up quite a bit for schedule slippages here and elsewhere and has, rightly IMO, ignored such criticisms. While your point that the cost/lb is a goal and not an actuality is valid, I think that the very fact that SpaceX's goal is focused on the cost/lb is a very hopeful sign since this is the driver that will determine whether space exploration is sustainable.
I've scanned the CSF site and found no hint of any sign that there will be any online broadcast. Do any of the websites have someone at the announcement location?
Quote from: Norm Hartnett on 04/13/2011 05:23 pmI've scanned the CSF site and found no hint of any sign that there will be any online broadcast. Do any of the websites have someone at the announcement location?I can't find anything... just noticed however that the announcement is 1:30 MOUNTAIN time which is 3:30 Eastern... just FYI for anyone else that may have been watching for it right now.. (like me )
I'm a little surprised a Boeing exec isn't there, considering the preexisting ties between Bigelow and Boeing's CST-100.
Quote from: docmordrid on 04/12/2011 02:19 pmNotable is the absense of Lockheed Martin or ULA, whose Atlas V was originally to be the launcher for both Dream Chaser and Bigelow. The recent announcement of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and its $1,000/lb price point (and the possible up-rating of F9 to 16 mT) might have a bit to do with that - option exploring & all that.For goodness sake, is SpaceX even mentioned? Why do some think the world must revolve around them? The "recent announcement" is just that. It is a goal and objective for SpaceX but neither performance, cost or schedule have yet validated that target price. I think people need to cool their jets and stop assuming that everyone, everywhere is dancing the maypole and droping or terminating existing relationships just because The Elon made a speech a few DAYS ago. Besides why would ULA need to be involved? Based on the list, it would seem that Virgin Galactic will buy DreamChaser seats/vehicles for use in operations to and from Bigelow modules, which has essentially been known, or at least theorized, for some time. The method of transport to LEO is somewhat secondary in this regard.
Notable is the absense of Lockheed Martin or ULA, whose Atlas V was originally to be the launcher for both Dream Chaser and Bigelow. The recent announcement of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy and its $1,000/lb price point (and the possible up-rating of F9 to 16 mT) might have a bit to do with that - option exploring & all that.
A little over an hour away now. Looking forward to the announcement whatever it is. Wonder as well if there is any live video of the event?
Quote from: mr. mark on 04/13/2011 06:07 pmA little over an hour away now. Looking forward to the announcement whatever it is. Wonder as well if there is any live video of the event?Ah, so the Steidle thing wasn't the major announcement? I'm curious again now.~Jon
Quote from: neilh on 04/13/2011 05:37 pmI'm a little surprised a Boeing exec isn't there, considering the preexisting ties between Bigelow and Boeing's CST-100.It's not that surprising. The presence of a rep from SNC suggests that the S/C is Dreamchaser, which doesn't have anything to do with Boeing. I suspect that the announcement will basically be that Virgin is buying or (more likely) leasing some Dreamchasers and will be flying fare-paying passengers to CSS Alpha or some other Bigelow station.
Of course, things are complicated slightly due to SpaceX having their own crew capsule in development -- perhaps this might even be part of the announcement?
It's not like Falcon can't fly without Dragon. In the end SpaceX gets paid for the rocket. This is a business afterall
It could be a sign that Falcon Heavy may have it's first customer launching part of the Bigelow Station as well as having a Dreamchaser/Virgin Galactic contract for space tourism on ULA launch vehicles. A win-win all around.
Quote from: neilh on 04/13/2011 06:14 pmOf course, things are complicated slightly due to SpaceX having their own crew capsule in development -- perhaps this might even be part of the announcement?Why? It's not like Falcon can't fly without Dragon. In the end SpaceX gets paid for the rocket. This is a business afterall and the real "complication" is if verification that Falcon could fly something like DreamChaser.
Quote from: mr. mark on 04/13/2011 06:21 pmIt could be a sign that Falcon Heavy may have it's first customer launching part of the Bigelow Station as well as having a Dreamchaser/Virgin Galactic contract for space tourism on ULA launch vehicles. A win-win all around.I think that a real sign that FH may have its first customer is a customer announcement.
