LIVE: SpaceX Dragon CRS-2 (SpX-2) EOM (Unberth, Entry, Splashdown) UPDATES

[yg1968]

Here is a synopsis of the press conference with very detailed notes on the Q&A:
http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/03/28/musk-spacex-to-attempt-falcon-9-first-stage-water-landing/

[oiorionsbelt]

I loved this quote from Elon Musk

"SpaceX and NASA teams are deeply integrated and working closely with each other. It’s great to work with NASA. NASA was so cool, I was far more anxious than NASA was. We have one cool customer."

[Kabloona]

Here's a series of photos of Dragon returning to port, some of which were posted in the Spaceflight Now article:

http://photos.dailynews.com/2013/03/photos-space-x-dragon-back-home-2/

[douglas100]

Musk's comment about Dragon Version 2 (not DragonRider) having larger windows was interesting. I remember some discussions on the forum about whether the new vehicle would have docking windows. I wonder if it will.

[QuantumG]

Musk's comment about Dragon Version 2 (not DragonRider) having larger windows was interesting. I remember some discussions on the forum about whether the new vehicle would have docking windows. I wonder if it will.

DragonRider is the name of the program to make Dragon v2.

[MP99]

Not sure if this was already posted else, but saw the tail end of it on TV a few minutes ago...

"SpaceX Dragon, NASA Science Cargo Back On Dry Land"
[Youtube video]

Many thanks.

cheers, Martin

[mr_magoo]

I may have this wrong but I didnt realize that both the crew and cargo versions are going to return to land.  I guess that means that they'll both have the integrated launch escape system.

[mjv.theory]

Musk's comment about Dragon Version 2 (not DragonRider) having larger windows was interesting. I remember some discussions on the forum about whether the new vehicle would have docking windows. I wonder if it will.

I sincerely hope that there is no intention of allowing humans any meaningful control of spaceships. Let computers do the jobs they do best and refrain from designing human error into the system.

[krytek]

What are the silver sleeves for?

[corrodedNut]

What are the silver sleeves for?

Air conditioning ducts. One in, one out.

[mlindner]

Musk's comment about Dragon Version 2 (not DragonRider) having larger windows was interesting. I remember some discussions on the forum about whether the new vehicle would have docking windows. I wonder if it will.

I sincerely hope that there is no intention of allowing humans any meaningful control of spaceships. Let computers do the jobs they do best and refrain from designing human error into the system.

Welcome to the forums! Also it is likely it will be dual controllable. The automated systems will be the primary system, but there will be a manual backup if the crew wants to take control. For example with the most recent flight the crew could have cycled the thruster pods themselves rather than having to have the ground scramble to get communication and code new software on the fly in order make the valves cycle to release them.

[yg1968]

Musk's comment about Dragon Version 2 (not DragonRider) having larger windows was interesting. I remember some discussions on the forum about whether the new vehicle would have docking windows. I wonder if it will.

I sincerely hope that there is no intention of allowing humans any meaningful control of spaceships. Let computers do the jobs they do best and refrain from designing human error into the system.

Welcome to the forums! Also it is likely it will be dual controllable. The automated systems will be the primary system, but there will be a manual backup if the crew wants to take control. For example with the most recent flight the crew could have cycled the thruster pods themselves rather than having to have the ground scramble to get communication and code new software on the fly in order make the valves cycle to release them.

That's a good point. It is also important to have manual controls as a backup if the goal is to get to Mars where real time adjustments from Earth will not be possible.

[Raul]

DragonRider is the name of the program to make Dragon v2.

I guess that,
Dragon v2 will be fully reusable cargo ship with SuperDraco propulsive touchdowns on land.
DragonRider will be crewed versions of the Dragon v2 to be able to perform fully autonomous rendezvous and docking via NDS, with manual override capability.

... and they will present Dragon 2 later this year.

Pad Abort Test of Dragon v2 is planned for December 2013 - CCiCAP Milestone 11.

[Robotbeat]

Musk's comment about Dragon Version 2 (not DragonRider) having larger windows was interesting. I remember some discussions on the forum about whether the new vehicle would have docking windows. I wonder if it will.

I sincerely hope that there is no intention of allowing humans any meaningful control of spaceships. Let computers do the jobs they do best and refrain from designing human error into the system.

Welcome to the forums! Also it is likely it will be dual controllable. The automated systems will be the primary system, but there will be a manual backup if the crew wants to take control. For example with the most recent flight the crew could have cycled the thruster pods themselves rather than having to have the ground scramble to get communication and code new software on the fly in order make the valves cycle to release them.

That's a good point. It is also important to have manual controls as a backup if the goal is to get to Mars where real time adjustments from Earth will not be possible.

In fact, manual controls as a backup is a requirement. The suitable windows for docking are also a requirement (though arguably a suitable substitute system could be accepted by NASA, ala a periscope).

[russianhalo117]

DragonRider is the name of the program to make Dragon v2.

I guess that,
Dragon v2 will be fully reusable cargo ship with SuperDraco propulsive touchdowns on land.
DragonRider will be crewed versions of the Dragon v2 to be able to perform fully autonomous rendezvous and docking via NDS, with manual override capability.

... and they will present Dragon 2 later this year.

Pad Abort Test of Dragon v2 is planned for December 2013 - CCiCAP Milestone 11.

Where are they planning two test that? WSMR or McGregor or Elsewhere?

[Lars_J]

DragonRider is the name of the program to make Dragon v2.

I guess that,
Dragon v2 will be fully reusable cargo ship with SuperDraco propulsive touchdowns on land.
DragonRider will be crewed versions of the Dragon v2 to be able to perform fully autonomous rendezvous and docking via NDS, with manual override capability.

... and they will present Dragon 2 later this year.

Pad Abort Test of Dragon v2 is planned for December 2013 - CCiCAP Milestone 11.

Where are they planning two test that? WSMR or McGregor or Elsewhere?

At their Florida launch pad.

[Lars_J]

This thread should be an update thread...

Here is a new tweeted picture by SpaceX, highlighting a 'dragon tamer':

[Space Pete]

Two new images up at SpaceX's gallery:

http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p190296859/h59c8c650#h59c8c650

http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p190296859/h59c8c65c#h59c8c65c

In the second image, we can see that the gold MLI cover for the CBM hatch appears to have been lost during re-entry and splashdown. Interestingly though, the triple seals on the CBM berthing collar look to be okay (i.e. not completely scorched away as I had expected).

[mlindner]

Two new images up at SpaceX's gallery:

http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p190296859/h59c8c650#h59c8c650

http://spacexlaunch.zenfolio.com/p190296859/h59c8c65c#h59c8c65c

In the second image, we can see that the gold MLI cover for the CBM hatch appears to have been lost during re-entry and splashdown. Interestingly though, the triple seals on the CBM berthing collar look to be okay (i.e. not completely scorched away as I had expected).

It appears that the open area the top edge (where the parachutes were?) is almost open to the internal skin of the spacecraft. As if the water could get in and flow under the skin of the dragon in-between the pressure hull and the outer skin of the spacecraft.

[Lars_J]

It appears that the open area the top edge (where the parachutes were?) is almost open to the internal skin of the spacecraft. As if the water could get in and flow under the skin of the dragon in-between the pressure hull and the outer skin of the spacecraft.

Oh no, that's not where the parachutes were stored. That is just the parachute attachment point. And I don't think they are too concerned about water coming in-between there. The unpressurized service section (ring around the base) have received additional waterproofing measures for the needed systems, and apparently they worked as designed this time.

SpaceX also mentioned that a small redesign to further waterproof those areas will be place for the next Dragon. (from the CRS2 pre-flight press conference)