Blue Origin seems to have filed a protest: http://www.gao.gov/docket/B-408823.1. So i assume SpaceX won.
Quote from: Zond on 09/05/2013 06:10 pmBlue Origin seems to have filed a protest: http://www.gao.gov/docket/B-408823.1. So i assume SpaceX won. Nice find. heh I wonder if they will now wait for the resolution of the protest before a formal announcement.
Blue Origin filing a protest may not speak well for their future relationship with NASA though there have been other famous or infamous protests in the past. Good like to SpaceX on Pad 39. maybe
If indeed SpaceX has won use of Pad39A, I wonder how long it will take them to integrate the pad and what would be the first launch from there?
NASA believes that the argument for or against one operating concept over another is secondary to the demonstrated capability of any proposer to undertake the financial and technical challenges of assuming an asset of this magnitude.
QuoteNASA believes that the argument for or against one operating concept over another is secondary to the demonstrated capability of any proposer to undertake the financial and technical challenges of assuming an asset of this magnitude. I think this is the key point, one that Blue Origin has yet to demonstrate.
Quote from: JBF on 09/09/2013 10:13 pmQuoteNASA believes that the argument for or against one operating concept over another is secondary to the demonstrated capability of any proposer to undertake the financial and technical challenges of assuming an asset of this magnitude. I think this is the key point, one that Blue Origin has yet to demonstrate.Really,When has Blue Origin demonstrated that it does not have the financial resources to get the job done ? Do you think BO is in-capable of hiring the right managers to operate LC 39A ?? If it was me, I might even find the ex-United Space Alliance folks who used to maintain the pad, and bring them in as consultants. They might just be available.
When has Blue Origin demonstrated that it does not have the financial resources to get the job done ? Do you think BO is in-capable of hiring the right managers to operate LC 39A ?? If it was me, I might even find the ex-United Space Alliance folks who used to maintain the pad, and bring them in as consultants. They might just be available.
BO does a lot of stuff, I'm sure, but almost all of it is secret. Who knows. SpaceX is actually flying missions - And I do believe that NASA wants LC-39A to be USED rather than just "managed". What is the point of giving it to BO, if they are just going to turn around and offer it to others? Especially if the only realistic (current) potential customer is not interested in the complexity of flying from a shared pad.
(Not that I necessarily favour SpaceX taking over 39A... Inheriting legacy infrastructure does have its drawbacks, and the launch rate doesn't require another pad yet)
Reading between the lines SpaceX wants it primarily for manned and FH use. That way they don't have to worry about upgrading the LC-40.
Quote from: JBF on 09/10/2013 02:19 amReading between the lines SpaceX wants it primarily for manned and FH use. That way they don't have to worry about upgrading the LC-40.They want it for MCT. I thought this was common knowledge.
Quote from: QuantumG on 09/10/2013 02:58 amQuote from: JBF on 09/10/2013 02:19 amReading between the lines SpaceX wants it primarily for manned and FH use. That way they don't have to worry about upgrading the LC-40.They want it for MCT. I thought this was common knowledge.I've heard it speculated maybe once or twice. Do you have any specific reason for thinking they want it for MCT?
You mean other than that they told me on the tour?
Quote from: QuantumG on 09/10/2013 03:55 amYou mean other than that they told me on the tour?How long till MCT goes up? Since people here are saying that SpaceX's ability to use the pad sooner rather than later helps them in the selection process...
