Yes, that was very informative. I never realised how many variables were involved in VV operations. And it looks like it will not get any simpler in the future...
Wow Pete. Extremely well written. One of the best articles I have read. Excellent structure and word usage. Very impressive. Great job!Write more!
Would Node 4 make any difference in all this?
ISS schedule slips Dragon launch to May 19 – future manifest outlook - by Pete Harding:http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/05/iss-schedule-dragon-launch-19-may-future-manifest-outlook/
After the beta angle cutout period ends on June 13, Dragon would have launch opportunities on June 13 and June 16, however June 19 would not be available...
Since there are only two consecutive launch opportunities here, would it make sense for SpaceX to consider launching on June 10th, which would only require delaying prox ops from FD3 to FD4?
Some of this doesn't appear to be very efficient. Meaning, we have X people at any one time, supposed to be doing X amount of scientific research. It seems many important and very expensive man-hours will be consumed with all of these logistics.Is there a more efficient way either now or in the future?(wrong thread I suppose)
Quote from: rcoppola on 05/05/2012 06:36 pmSome of this doesn't appear to be very efficient. Meaning, we have X people at any one time, supposed to be doing X amount of scientific research. It seems many important and very expensive man-hours will be consumed with all of these logistics.Is there a more efficient way either now or in the future?(wrong thread I suppose)Yup, that is just an unfortunate drawback. The only way to solve it could come when commercial crew gets online, by increasing the ISS crew to 7, and maybe launching some extra astronauts in the un-used seats who would stay aboard only for a few weeks, during which time they would devote themselves to heavy logistics (meaning commercial crew and cargo flights would have to be timed to run concurrently).
Quote from: Space Pete on 05/05/2012 07:06 pmQuote from: rcoppola on 05/05/2012 06:36 pmSome of this doesn't appear to be very efficient. Meaning, we have X people at any one time, supposed to be doing X amount of scientific research. It seems many important and very expensive man-hours will be consumed with all of these logistics.Is there a more efficient way either now or in the future?(wrong thread I suppose)Yup, that is just an unfortunate drawback. The only way to solve it could come when commercial crew gets online, by increasing the ISS crew to 7, and maybe launching some extra astronauts in the un-used seats who would stay aboard only for a few weeks, during which time they would devote themselves to heavy logistics (meaning commercial crew and cargo flights would have to be timed to run concurrently).That is an excellent thought regarding dedicated crew for heavy logistics. It's that kind of thinking that excites me for when Commercial Crew starts in ernest. So many possibilities. Perhaps we even train a contingent of astronauts for that sole purpose. On top of which, they would become part of the commercial launch services industry. Keep NASA focussed on research. (OK, back to updates)
Quote from: MP99 on 05/05/2012 05:56 pmSince there are only two consecutive launch opportunities here, would it make sense for SpaceX to consider launching on June 10th, which would only require delaying prox ops from FD3 to FD4?No, since that would involve Dragon being on-orbit during the solar beta cutout period - which doesn't just affect prox ops, but affects the entire free flight period, even when the vehicle in question is far from the ISS.
...unlike the ISS, the solar arrays on VVs do not have beta rotation capability, meaning they cannot rotate to face the side-on Sun, and thus cannot receive enough sunlight to generate adequate power.
