SpaceX Falcon 9 : GovSat-1 (SES-16) : Jan 31. 2018 - Discussion

[FlokiViking]

Here's hoping they got some UAV video of this splashdown, and SpaceX feels the urge to share it with us! 

[intrepidpursuit]

What's the ideal expansion ratio for firing a rocket engine under water? We have not considered the the sail back return method...

[Kabloona]

So they were testing a “high retrothrust” burn? 3 engine burn at 100% thrust or something like that? How would a high retrothrust burn help future recoveries?

The problem with a full 3-engine burn is that the timing window for the burn is very short and there isn't time to make much throttle adjustment, so it's difficult not to crash. This test should help them verify/fine tune the control software for the 3-engine burn and make it less likely they'll punch a hole in the ASDS in future.

[AUricle]

HOLY MOLY!

Watch for a droneship to show up on Craigslist any day now

[Jim]

So what recovery vessel was getting AOS and why?

To get landing data

[Jim]

Another perfect deployment by SpaceX's payload adapter ;-)

Not SpaceX but RUAG

[eriblo]

I would guess they have thought about how to tow it or at least sink it since they've tried a few soft splashdowns. In this case they also have a deadline with the next launch coming up. It would be ironic if this stage is expended (scuttled) due to FH even though the original reason for splashing it was to protect the droneship rather than FH schedule conflicts... 

[Jim]

[Tweet from Eric Berger]:

So that's how a payload adapter is supposed to work.

Yep. And a big Flying Fickle Finger of Fate to the ZUMA whiners.

Too bad it wasn't spacex adapter but RUAG

[TorenAltair]

This is a clear mission failure! The booster was to be thrown away and not towed back. 
In case they manage to get enough missions in the future they'll need another drone ship.

[docmordrid]

[Tweet from Eric Berger]:

So that's how a payload adapter is supposed to work.

Yep. And a big Flying Fickle Finger of Fate to the ZUMA whiners.

Too bad it wasn't spacex adapter but RUAG

Ant least it wasn't......

[abaddon]

So, it’s gotta be the legs, right?  This is the only attempt with them. 

[John Alan]

So, it’s gotta be the legs, right?  This is the only attempt with them.

I believe the landing radar is mounted on a leg... 
If you want to simulate a real landing... it's gotta have legs I guess...

I am LMAO it survived... and may make it back into port under tow...     
A support ship or Drone landing video (if it exists) would make for some interesting watching... 

[rpapo]

So, it’s gotta be the legs, right?  This is the only attempt with them.

There were legs on some of the water landings.  Don't you remember the video the guys here reconstructed?  Even so, that stage blew up after tipping over.

[Grendal]

I would guess they have thought about how to tow it or at least sink it since they've tried a few soft splashdowns. In this case they also have a deadline with the next launch coming up. It would be ironic if this stage is expended (scuttled) due to FH even though the original reason for splashing it was to protect the droneship rather than FH schedule conflicts... 

This is one of the ships.  They should be able to chain it to the back of the boat and tow it in much quicker than the ASDS moves with a booster on top.  They could also have the other ship out there join this one to help with the tow.  I would think that recovering this floating booster would become a high priority so they can see what damage is caused by an ocean landing and then being in the ocean.  That would be useful data for SpaceX to have.

[Prettz]

And, once again, SpaceX proves us doubters wrong.

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/958847818583584768

This rocket was meant to test very high retrothrust landing in water so it didn’t hurt the droneship, but amazingly it has survived. We will try to tow it back to shore.

How in the f...? That's incredible.

[ZachS09]

This is super amazing that B1032 survived the ocean descent!

When I first saw that photo on the SpaceX Party Thread, I thought someone photoshopped a booster that landed on LZ-1 and laid it sideways on a normal picture of the sea.

[abaddon]

So, it’s gotta be the legs, right?  This is the only attempt with them.

There were legs on some of the water landings.  Don't you remember the video the guys here reconstructed?  Even so, that stage blew up after tipping over.

Ah, now that you mention it, you’re right of course.  Thanks for the correction.

[Kabloona]

I would guess they have thought about how to tow it or at least sink it since they've tried a few soft splashdowns. In this case they also have a deadline with the next launch coming up. It would be ironic if this stage is expended (scuttled) due to FH even though the original reason for splashing it was to protect the droneship rather than FH schedule conflicts... 

The schedule is a serious consideration. Assuming GO Quest could tow the stage at around 5 knots without breaking it, it could take them 3 days or so to make port, ie Saturday. Then they'd have to turn right around and head out for FH, probably on Sunday.

[TripD]

So, this booster would not be denied her victory lap. 

If they manage to successfully tow the booster back, will it be the first?  If so, I wonder how much useful info they can glean from it.

[AncientU]

So, it’s gotta be the legs, right?  This is the only attempt with them.

Nope.  Strong soot.