SpaceX Falcon 9/Dragon COTS Demo (C2+) GENERAL DISCUSSION

[Lars_J]

Thanks for that video catdlr.
PICAX is on MSL not PICA! 
SpaceX to Mars 

Hmm, I don't think the video states that MSL uses PICA-X. Just that it uses PICA.

[manboy]

I don't think they have to remove anything else. The thruster coverings are thin ones (like ones that covered Shuttle thrusters) that will blow off during ascent or first firing.

The COTS1 Dragon thrusters also had white covers like that during launch.

After looking back at the COTS 1 launch pictures it appears you are correct, thanks.

[oiorionsbelt]

Thanks for that video catdlr.
PICAX is on MSL not PICA! 
SpaceX to Mars 

Hmm, I don't think the video states that MSL uses PICA-X. Just that it uses PICA.

Watching and listening again, I think you are correct. (darn that's twice I've acted like a person) 

OK that forum filter is weird, now you can't say Fan_boi it get changed to person

[manboy]

I haven't seen this patch before.

[Geron]

Can anyone please explain what is being vented while the rocket is waiting for launch and why?

[psloss]

Can anyone please explain what is being vented while the rocket is waiting for launch and why?

Gaseous oxygen, which is boil off from liquid oxygen.

[AJA]

I just looked at the Launch Commit Criteria live-status snapshot on the other updates thread, and happened to notice that Tribo was N/A for this launch. Now my understanding WAS that this is a Range safety constraint, and tribo-electric interference might result in "jamming" of a destruct signal in case of a mal. Therefore, it's an issue for unmanned spacecraft, but obviously not for manned spacecraft, since a) The crew would have to first exit b) They would be able to activate such systems from on-board anyway.

Now, what's poking holes in that is a) Challenger's post break-up detonation from the ground by RSO and b) that it's N/A for this launch.

Now I'm starting to think that Tribo issues depend (amongst a few other things) on the trajectory, and speed - and a craft that's man-rated (limited g-loading, max-Q, etc.) doesn't reach the conditions necessary for significant tribo-electrification issues to crop up. Would any meteorologists clarify? Thanks (and sorry for the length )

[AJA]

Also, while I'm at bugging people; can anyone clarify how instantaneous the instantaneous launch window is? And is it because Falcon/Dragon carries lesser propellant for delta-v's than the shuttle?

[manboy]

Its interesting how radically different SpaceX and NASA's coverage of the flight is. NASA's announcer is wonderful as always. SpaceX has great camera quality and lighting but the rest of their presentation is lacking.

Also, while I'm at bugging people; can anyone clarify how instantaneous the instantaneous launch window is? And is it because Falcon/Dragon carries lesser propellant for delta-v's than the shuttle?

Because this is a test mission it will use more propellent then it will on nominal resupply missions (its required to perform two aborts and do a few other maneuvers that it won't need to in the future).

[krytek]

Master sequence Yoda?   

[manboy]

So close.

[manboy]

This is not that big of a deal guys, better to abort today than have a bad day.

Agreed.

[AJA]

Master sequence Yoda?   

Damn it Yoda. It's all because of the way you speak.

"High, Five Engine Pressure" IS NOT THE SAME AS Engine Pressure - High Five!

[Halidon]

I seem to recall engine pressure sensor abort on the previous flights. Be interesting to see how it bears out.

[kirghizstan]

Is a high pressure reading an easy fix?

[MATTBLAK]

This is a pic my wife took of the same vehicle, July 2011. The shaven headed guy holding the camcorder is me. Damn! I sure wish this bird had flown! Still; safe it and fly another day...

[Halidon]

This is a pic my wife took of the same vehicle, July 2011. The shaven headed guy holding the camcorder is me. Damn! I sure wish this bird had flown! Still; safe it and fly another day...

Shoulda rubbed your head on #5 for good luck 

[Rhyshaelkan]

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=26616.msg868368#msg868368

on: 03/01/2012 08:20 PM
Am I mistaken? The last two launches had a last second abort due to over-pressure in the engines. Any word on whether they solved that problem?

 

[Kabloona]

http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=26616.msg868368#msg868368

on: 03/01/2012 08:20 PM
Am I mistaken? The last two launches had a last second abort due to over-pressure in the engines. Any word on whether they solved that problem?

 

I could be wrong, but I thought one of the aborts was due to underpressure, not overpressure...

[dcbecker]

I don't believe trunk items are headed indoors at all.

Correct no cargo in trunk, they are just going to do a try run with the Dextre to make sure that it could recover payload/load trash into the trunk.

I understand that this flight doesnt have "stuff", but what about future flights?  and will future flights have stuff that needs to be brought inside or sent back in the trunk? so how do they plan on getting it in and out of the ISS?