OMG it's the SpaceX Party Thread!

[rickl]

Got it!

"You see, Dragon has these things called "lay-zers" - there are two of them..."

(edit: added the requisite Dr. Evil pic, for reference  )

Wow, even the background looks similar!

[MKremer]

I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

I don't think anyone said anything about one being bad or non-usable. It's more a working out any fine tuning via focusing and s/w tweaks so both will work with changing lighting and reflections off the station on approach.

[AnimatorRob]

[rst]

I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

They've demonstrated some capability along those lines, in narrowing the LIDAR units' field of view to avoid the false returns they were getting from parts of the station structure.  But even assuming NASA's not worried about an undocked Dragon still hanging around at close range doing sensor tests, they'd still need propellant to manage the stationkeeping, and after all the maneuvering today, they might be running a bit low...

[Robotbeat]

I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

I don't think anyone said anything about one being bad or non-usable. It's more a working out any fine tuning via focusing and s/w tweaks so both will work with changing lighting and reflections off the station on approach.

Yes, that was my thinking.

I wonder if they can reprogram the faulty LIDAR in orbit, so they can test it after they unberth.

They've demonstrated some capability along those lines, in narrowing the LIDAR units' field of view to avoid the false returns they were getting from parts of the station structure.  But even assuming NASA's not worried about an undocked Dragon still hanging around at close range doing sensor tests, they'd still need propellant to manage the stationkeeping, and after all the maneuvering today, they might be running a bit low...

I was thinking it wouldn't stop in order to do any tests, just look at ISS as it departs to see if the tweak works.

Probably not really necessary.

[tigerade]

I am not surprised that SpaceX berthed today, but I am surprised at the general smoothness with the operation.  With the exception of the LIDAR tweak, there has been very little bad news regarding this mission... that means either we don't know the full story, or this is a very successful mission.  I mean... wow.  Way to hit a home run here.    

[A_M_Swallow]

LIDAR - the Dragon sees in the dark by firing lasers.

[rst]

I don't think anyone said anything about one being bad or non-usable. It's more a working out any fine tuning via focusing and s/w tweaks so both will work with changing lighting and reflections off the station on approach.

You might want to check out the discussion in the post-berthing press conference, starting at about 19:30, and going about four minutes, with a description of the state at the grapple point towards the end of that...

[TOG]

Soooo, they launched in the dark, were captured by the ISS in the dark, and berthed during a ku blackout...

I don't know what they were embarrissed about, they actually did a fine job!

Oh, and Musk one ups Dr Evil - instead of sharks with lasers,  DRAGONS with lasers!  Is that cool or what?!?!

[Space Pete]

Well, from one former Shuttle hugger, thank you SpaceX for giving me back some of the magic.

I never doubted you, but today I was awed by you. Your professionalism, dedication and passion rivals that of the old Shuttle teams.

This could be the start of something big.

[peter-b]

Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in jail has so much more public interest. 

[tigerade]

Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in gaol has so much more public interest. 

Check American websites.  I haven't seen it as headlines at ALL over here.  I've seen it in science/technology sections, but that's it.  Apparently our media can't take a break from celebrity gossip and partisan politics to report on a story of national significance.   

[Space Pete]

Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in gaol has so much more public interest. 

At one point earlier today, two of the three main headlines on the BBC news website were space stories (SpaceX and SKA) - very very good for mainstream media.

Sad though that it didn't last long.

[peter-b]

Check American websites.  I haven't seen it as headlines at ALL over here.  I've seen it in science/technology sections, but that's it.  Apparently our media can't take a break from celebrity gossip and partisan politics to report on a story of national significance.   

Hmm, it seems to be the very top story in pride of place on http://CNN.com at the moment

[tigerade]

Hmm, it seems to be the very top story in pride of place on http://CNN.com at the moment

Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-

[peter-b]

Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-

Wat.    I think the USA may have issues. 

[tigerade]

Oh wow... it's the top story on the "international" side of CNN, but not on the U.S. regional section.... what the... -_-

Wat.    I think the USA may have issues. 

I believe you are right on that one.   

[sanman]

I didn't see this posted anywhere, so...

[Chris Bergin]

Well, less that 6 hours later and this isn't headline news on the BBC any more. Some nobody girl getting thrown in jail has so much more public interest. 

Not even top 10. BBC Space stories usually always get into the top 10. Don't get it, really I don't!

Won't stand a chance tomorrow either with the England game and Roy "I can't speak properly" Hodgson's first game in charge!

Today's article's on 72,000 anyway, and the related thread is on 120,000, so there's obviously interest.

[Halidon]

An idea for toasting Dragon tonight if you're not a champagne drinker:
http://www.food.com/recipe/white-dragon-254950