OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!

[Idiomatic]

Now we have to wait 3+ years for SpaceX's next similar first: Dragonrider's first docking.

They could have propulsive landing for the dragon before then which would be a pretty cool first. I'm sure grasshopper will set some records too . Falcon Heavy would set records for # of engines as well.

[simonbp]

Falcon Heavy would set records for # of engines as well.

For a successful rocket...

[Chris Bergin]

Well done to those keeping the party in here.

If you want to post a congrat note on what will be a historically referenced thread, go at it!
http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=28970.msg905131#msg905131

[kirghizstan]

What time for briefing?

[sanman]

What time for briefing?

In 15 min, I think

[robert_d]

It's good to be the Musk!

Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

[kirghizstan]

It's good to be the Musk!

Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

Crs1

Cots1 was the last launch

[Ben the Space Brit]

Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

The current schedule, AFAIK, is something like this:

Sept 2012 - CRS-1 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Dec 2012 - CRS-2 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Mar 2013 - MDA Cassiope Earth resources sat - VAFB
Mar 2013 - CRS-3 (SpcX) - CCAFS
circa 4Q FY2013 - Falcon Heavy test flight

The long gap up to CRS-1 will enable SpaceX to action any fixes needed after this flight (LIDAR reliability? Possible thrust issue? Synchro problem between LIDAR and FLIR ranging sensors?).  It is also a period when lots of other stuff is happening around the ISS that, combined with an unfavorable Solar Beta angle, rules out the mission during that time.

[corrodedNut]

[Rex Chan]

Is the Next flight a commercial satellite or COTS 1?

The current schedule, AFAIK, is something like this:

Sept 2012 - CRS-1 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Dec 2012 - CRS-2 (SpcX) - CCAFS
Mar 2013 - MDA Cassiope Earth resources sat - VAFB
Mar 2013 - CRS-3 (SpcX) - CCAFS
circa 4Q FY2013 - Falcon Heavy test flight

The long gap up to CRS-1 will enable SpaceX to action any fixes needed after this flight (LIDAR reliability? Possible thrust issue? Synchro problem between LIDAR and FLIR ranging sensors?).  It is also a period when lots of other stuff is happening around the ISS that, combined with an unfavorable Solar Beta angle, rules out the mission during that time.

So many launches! Woot! Can't wait - will be really awesome when a SpaceX launch becomes routine.

[Halidon]

thrust issue? I thought they had more propellant left than expected.

[ugordan]

Via @absolutspacegirl

[Silmfeanor]

thrust issue? I thought they had more propellant left than expected.

I think from an article in avationweek they had a signal that one thruster said for a few seconds that it was offline or failed.

Not LOM - neither where ATV or HTV problems, since docking/berthing was succesfull - but problems nonetheless. You want to understand problems like that and fix them, then retest - and that takes time and effort.

[krytek]

Via @absolutspacegirl

EPIC WIN
send it to SpaceX offices!

P.S
I just love how Elon and SpaceX seem so "real".

[mr_magoo]

Very happy people at the presser.   NASA rep seemed close to crying.   Elon as happy as Ive ever seen him.

[Halidon]

"Dragon has these things called 'Lasers...'"

And suddenly he sounds like a supervillain again.

[dcporter]

Via @absolutspacegrl

It's "absolutspacegrl" (corrected); I tracked her down and retweeted.  She baked two awesome cakes, let's make her famous 

[rst]

Would be interesting to hear what Couluris has to say about the lidar glitches... but I could understand if he's a little drained right at the moment!

[Beemer]

Via @absolutspacegirl

That is terrific

[Beemer]

Needless to say I haven't gotten much accomplished today but it is a wonderful day anyway