SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon COTS Demo (C2+) VIEWING THREAD

[manboy]

Useful link, apparently the NASA Causeway will be open after all. I'm pretty envious of those that will get to see the launch from there.


http://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/guestops/spacex_c2_guests.html

[jacqmans]

Converting this into the viewing thread so give the Pre launch update thread specific to vehicle preps etc.

MEDIA ADVISORY: M12-070
 
COVERAGE SET FOR NASA/SPACEX LAUNCH AND MISSION TO SPACE STATION
 
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. 
FALCON 9 LAUNCH PAD PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

Saturday, April 28 (L-2 days): A photo opportunity of the Falcon 9
rocket and Dragon capsule on the launch pad will be available for the
news media.

SpaceX security regulations require that
media representatives attending this event be U.S. citizens.
 

 
International  Space Station.... Not for SpaceX... I would say stop the coverage for this mission now.....

[peter-b]

On at least two occasions that I'm aware of, Elon has explained that they are very worried about industrial espionage, particularly from China.

[robertross]

Whole new animal now Jacques: commercial

(seems a bit strange though, but thems the rules unfortunately)

[baldusi]

Excessive ITAR paranoid?

[jacqmans]

On at least two occasions that I'm aware of, Elon has explained that they are very worried about industrial espionage, particularly from China.

What could you see when you take photos from a rocket on the launch pad, you donīt see the inside.... And China launhes more rockets (and has a Space Staton in orbit now) then spacex does.... I do not think they would need a spacex rocket...

But I stop now, let get back to the topic....

[peter-b]

Excessive ITAR paranoid?

I don't think so; when I had a brief conversation Elon about ITAR back in November 2007, he said (and I paraphrase) that he wished ITAR would go away because it made things difficult for SpaceX (esp. recruitment and international sales), but otherwise they weren't too worried about it.  I still think this is related to industrial espionage concerns.

[jacqmans]

Can non-U.S. citizens attend pad photo sessions at Atlas or Delta sites?


 - Ed Kyle

Yes they can, I have been to some....

[QuantumG]

Excessive ITAR paranoid?

I don't think so; when I had a brief conversation Elon about ITAR back in November 2007, he said (and I paraphrase) that he wished ITAR would go away because it made things difficult for SpaceX (esp. recruitment and international sales), but otherwise they weren't too worried about it.  I still think this is related to industrial espionage concerns.

No, it's ITAR. Allowing non-US citizens next to a US spacecraft is against the law.

[peter-b]

Excessive ITAR paranoid?

I don't think so; when I had a brief conversation Elon about ITAR back in November 2007, he said (and I paraphrase) that he wished ITAR would go away because it made things difficult for SpaceX (esp. recruitment and international sales), but otherwise they weren't too worried about it.  I still think this is related to industrial espionage concerns.

No, it's ITAR. Allowing non-US citizens next to a US spacecraft is against the law.

If you say so. My personal opinion of ITAR is on record and off topic.

[jacqmans]

No, it's ITAR. Allowing non-US citizens next to a US spacecraft is against the law.

?   Since when is that, I have walked around US spacecraft manny times... Even been escorted by US Air Force and NASA....

[QuantumG]

Even been escorted by US Air Force and NASA....

Exactly.

[Chris Bergin]

Converted into the viewing thread.

[QuantumG]

Why allow U.S. citizens then?  They'll be taking pictures that could be seen by non-U.S. citizens.  Right?

For ITAR, they're required to blur certain portions.. including the engine bells.

What would prevent a U.S. citizen doing the "espionage" feared of non-U.S. citizens?

Indeed.. SpaceX isn't going to be doing complete background checks on everyone, so the espionage angle is a red herring. This is merely the legal department insisting on their ITAR requirements. Stupid law.

[Orbiter]

Launch now scheduled for May 19th, which is now a weekend night launch.

Also the first nightime launch for SpaceX.

Orbiter

[subzero788]

So am I correct that if the launch is delayed, it will only get earlier rather than later? And therefore, there is no chance of a daytime launch unless C2+ is significantly delayed by weeks/months?

[manboy]

So am I correct that if the launch is delayed, it will only get earlier rather than later? And therefore, there is no chance of a daytime launch unless C2+ is significantly delayed by weeks/months?

Yes.

[Jim]

So am I correct that if the launch is delayed, it will only get earlier rather than later? And therefore, there is no chance of a daytime launch unless C2+ is significantly delayed by weeks/months?

Approx 23 minutes earlier per day

[subzero788]

Thanks manboy and Jim

[Jorge]

NASA's sighting opportunities page:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/index.html

has been updated with Dragon sighting opportunities for the 5/19 launch date.