Author Topic: Discussion with Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO, SpaceX (Read 42883 times)

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #60 on:** 06/04/2014 03:22 pm »

Have to get out of Mindset the the best engineering and best rocket are those that were created decades ago.

woods170 · « **Reply #61 on:** 06/04/2014 03:24 pm »

Gwynne: Investing in a RD-180 is not necessarily a good idea. Investing in development of next generation liquid propulsion is a great idea on the other hand.

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #62 on:** 06/04/2014 03:25 pm »

Someone who works for congressman on one committee asking a question.

"Hopes that discussion on what the new Liquid propulsion investment is still open"

Pushing Raptor, or pieces of that as relevant in that discussion.

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #63 on:** 06/04/2014 03:27 pm »

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #64 on:** 06/04/2014 03:29 pm »

Going to Mars and moving off the planet is "Risk Management for Humans"

woods170 · « **Reply #65 on:** 06/04/2014 03:29 pm »

First reason for going to Mars: Disappointment if Earth would be the only place for humans. "Is this just it?" Seems uninspirational.
Second reason for going to Mars: Risk management for humanity.

woods170 · « **Reply #66 on:** 06/04/2014 03:30 pm »

Gwynne: I don't have a crystal ball. Hate to predict future, will always be wrong. (Eat that Prober

)

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #67 on:** 06/04/2014 03:31 pm »

Question on Investment: Given the focus on Operation and production

Gwynne says she "Doesn't have a Crystal Ball"

Elon makes sure we continue to push Innovation.

woods170 · « **Reply #68 on:** 06/04/2014 03:31 pm »

Gwynne: No need to raise capital in near term (no IPO). Every SpaceX employee shares in company.

woods170 · « **Reply #69 on:** 06/04/2014 03:33 pm »

Gwynne: finishing up EIS for Brownsville (Texas). Last bureaucratic hurdle before moving there.

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #70 on:** 06/04/2014 03:33 pm »

Space.com question.

Brownsville site?
"Finishing up final throws of the Environmental work" "Still keeping options open" Going to need lots of launch sites.

Falcon Heavy?
Working on Tanks and engines right now.

sublimemarsupial · « **Reply #71 on:** 06/04/2014 03:33 pm »

Tanks and engines for first heavy vehicle are in production

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #72 on:** 06/04/2014 03:35 pm »

SpaceX absorbed cost of Range issues.. doesn't think ULA had to absorb that cost.

Says SpaceX now certified to fly using their own telemetry resources. (New news?)

woods170 · « **Reply #73 on:** 06/04/2014 03:35 pm »

Gwynne: great relations with folks at both eastern and western ranges. Delays due to range issues not burdened on customer; it's business risk.
SpaceX certified to fly on Eastern range on their own telemetry.

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #74 on:** 06/04/2014 03:36 pm »

Thinks Chinese will be "fierce competitors" "Need to keep an eye on them"

woods170 · « **Reply #75 on:** 06/04/2014 03:36 pm »

Gwynne: new entrants are always disadvantaged when entering an established market. SpaceX will keep pushing to take a share of the DoD market.

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #76 on:** 06/04/2014 03:37 pm »

We're at disadvantage.. ULA has more money to spend on lobbyists and on Marketing.

woods170 · « **Reply #77 on:** 06/04/2014 03:38 pm »

TrueBlueWitt · « **Reply #78 on:** 06/04/2014 03:40 pm »

Question about lawsuit:

Where are roadblocks? Institutional issue?

Two elements.. procurement and certification.

Moving forward.. learned a lot of lessons.

Certification process is NEW for Air Force and SpaceX.. paving the way.

woods170 · « **Reply #79 on:** 06/04/2014 03:40 pm »

Gwynne: Two issues: procurement (block buy) and certification. Certification process is new for USAF. Paving the way together. USAF adding staff to keep up with SpaceX.

Procurement side: all we asked for is the chance to compete.