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#280
by
zubenelgenubi
on 14 Jun, 2015 22:30
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Follow-up re: LightSail-A
Ted Molczan reports that his calculations from various observations today that LightSail-A:
>>>
would have reached the altitude when decaying objects typically become self-luminous (96 km), on Jun 14 near 17:22 UTC, and would have passed through the typical altitude of "main-break-up" (78 km) near 17:23 UTC.
<<<
http://www.satobs.org/LightSail-A.htmlZubenelgenubi
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#281
by
Star One
on 06 Jul, 2015 17:25
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Article containing some further official information that's been released about this flight.
Now we know just a little more through official channels. We were told before launch that the spacecraft was testing a Hall Thruster, which uses electricity instead of chemical combustion for propulsion.
The thruster is believed to be stored inside the X-37B's payload bay. We have now been told that the thruster has "completed initial on-orbit validation testing" in a media release from Aerojet Rocketdyne, makers of the thruster. This may seem like a small point, but it's the only solid news we have received on this mission since its launch.
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Open_Secrets_from_X_37B_999.html
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#282
by
DaveS
on 31 Jul, 2015 11:09
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This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:
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#283
by
Galactic Penguin SST
on 31 Jul, 2015 11:28
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This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:
Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far.
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#284
by
Star One
on 31 Jul, 2015 12:28
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This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:
Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far.
If you don't mind me asking where was it reported?
All I saw was that it would be at least 200 days long.
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#285
by
DaveS
on 31 Jul, 2015 12:31
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This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:
Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far.
If you don't mind me asking where was it reported?
All I saw was that it would be at least 200 days long.
Could be that they have a serious system problem that require a next PLS de-orbit and landing.
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#286
by
Star One
on 31 Jul, 2015 12:34
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This just showed on the KSC weather channel. I don't know if it is for a simulation or a training exercise:
Could it even be fore real? IIRC it was reported that this flight might be the shortest of the 4 so far.
If you don't mind me asking where was it reported?
All I saw was that it would be at least 200 days long.
Could be that they have a serious system problem that require a next PLS de-orbit and landing.
Could be related to the speculated experimental propulsion system its alleged to be using. Wonder if we'll see it land or will that be kept from public view as it was at launch.
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#287
by
Orbiter
on 31 Jul, 2015 12:42
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Doesn't sound like they're going to be able to land it at KSC per that weather report. 90% of a weather violation.
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#288
by
DaveS
on 31 Jul, 2015 13:56
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From a weather briefing being conducted right now. I really think this real, the X-37B is coming home rather soon.
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#289
by
saliva_sweet
on 31 Jul, 2015 14:06
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I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.
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#290
by
Chris Bergin
on 31 Jul, 2015 14:07
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I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.
I was thinking this seems sooner enough for it to be a contingency return. I'd ask around, but it's a super secret mission, so that won't get any responses.
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#291
by
DaveS
on 31 Jul, 2015 14:13
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I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.
I was thinking this seems sooner enough for it to be a contingency return. I'd ask around, but it's a super secret mission, so that won't get any responses.
Do we have any sources at KSC that can see any convoy actions either the Skid Strip (CCAFS) or the SLF? That should be indicative of which runway they're targeting and if a landing is imminent.
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#292
by
Chris Bergin
on 31 Jul, 2015 14:14
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I guess if they really come down today it would indicate some sort of emergency.
I was thinking this seems sooner enough for it to be a contingency return. I'd ask around, but it's a super secret mission, so that won't get any responses.
Do we have any sources at KSC that can see any convoy actions either the Skid Strip (CCAFS) or the SLF? That should be indicative of which runway they're targeting and if a landing is imminent.
That's a good shout. I'll ask....and report back if so.
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#293
by
daveglo
on 31 Jul, 2015 14:42
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If the Air Force is evaluating landing opportunities at KSC, wouldn't that be counter to prior landings, that were all conducted at Edwards? Does that imply they don't think it can make an Edwards landing attempt?
Would they attempt a landing even if conditions are No Go?
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#294
by
douglas100
on 31 Jul, 2015 14:50
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Previous landings were at Vandenberg.
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#295
by
DaveS
on 31 Jul, 2015 15:00
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Previous landings were at Vandenberg.
Yes. I think that was just the interim landing site. Now that they have X-37B processing facilities at KSC (former OPF-1 and 2) KSC/CCAFS would be the prime landing site to speed up processing by not having to ship the spacecraft cross-country.
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#296
by
Zaran
on 31 Jul, 2015 15:11
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Any word of Airspace Closures that would confirm they want to attempt a return today?
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#297
by
DaveS
on 31 Jul, 2015 15:24
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Any word of Airspace Closures that would confirm they want to attempt a return today?
No need for airspace closures as KSC/CCAFS is restricted airspace by default.
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#298
by
Kryten
on 31 Jul, 2015 15:55
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Mike Gruss @Gruss_SN 7m7 minutes ago
Air Force: X-37B is not landing today. Kennedy Space Center is conducting an exercise.
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#299
by
zubenelgenubi
on 31 Jul, 2015 16:54
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Any word of Airspace Closures that would confirm they want to attempt a return today?
No need for airspace closures as KSC/CCAFS is restricted airspace by default.
There have been NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) issued for the three previous OTV landings at Vandenberg AFB, IIRC.
Am I correct to say a NOTAM is not necessarily equivalent to an airspace closure, but a NOTAM could be an announcement of an airspace closure?
Zubenelgenubi
