SpaceX Falcon 9 FT - ORBCOMM-2 - Dec. 21, 2015 (Return To Flight) DISCUSSION

[vanoord]

It would be a fair assumption to make that there is approval, given Elon's comment about intending to land at the Cape; and the ASDS showing no signs of being sent out to sea.

The latter point is just as relevant - if the approval wasn't in place but was expected, surely the ASDS would be at sea just in case the approval didn't come through in time?

No approval, no ASDS deployment and the first stage goes swimming. And that's not something SpaceX are going to be doing, given their business is going to rely on a source of used first stages.

[macpacheco]

The fact we're seeing safety notices associated with a return stage landing at the cape indication SpaceX got the permissions they need ?

[Kabloona]

The fact we're seeing safety notices associated with a return stage landing at the cape indication SpaceX got the permissions they need ?

The majority opinion here seems to be yes.

[Johnnyhinbos]

Go Quest has left the harbor...!

[philw1776]

The fact we're seeing safety notices associated with a return stage landing at the cape indication SpaceX got the permissions they need ?

Most certainly, but just in case to be safe please wear a football helmet to watch the launch.  Stay safe.

[brettreds2k]

What is Go Quest used for?

[QuantumG]

The way I heard it, if the FAA signed off on the launch license for Falcon 9 v1.2 then they signed off on the land landing.

My question is, are there cameras at the land landing site? Will we get a stream?

[brettreds2k]

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

[S.Paulissen]

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

Orbital dynamics.

[Herb Schaltegger]

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

Because the first launch where they're ready for an actually landing (on land), with regulatory approval, is this one, which has a night launch window. You can't fool too much with orbital mechanics.

[SpaceEng]

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

ORBCOMM has a constellation of satellites. These new satellites are meant to replenish the constellation, so it's necessary to launch at a time which would put the new satellites in an optimum orbit to support the current constellation and provide continuous global coverage of the ORBCOMM service.

[QuantumG]

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

I wouldn't worry too much, there's a big light on the end of the rocket.

[brettreds2k]

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

ORBCOMM has a constellation of satellites. These new satellites are meant to replenish the constellation, so it's necessary to launch at a time which would put the new satellites in an optimum orbit to support the current constellation and provide continuous global coverage of the ORBCOMM service.

That makes sense, Thanks. Wish we could get a better view of the return, but regardless, tomorrow night I hope to see Space X make history.

[DecoLV]

Is that an accurate definition of sonic boom, in the release? I thought it was a transition to or from supersonic and subsonic.

[Kabloona]

What is Go Quest used for?

Go Quest is a communications/support ship.

Now heading downrange, so she may be monitoring telelemetry from the stage during boostback.

[Kabloona]

Is that an accurate definition of sonic boom, in the release? I thought it was a transition to or from supersonic and subsonic.

The description is accurate. Sonic boom is not from transition, it's from the shock wave produced during supersonic flight.

[kevinof]

Space x rockets ain't afraid of the dark.

On a more serious note, it's all about orbital timing and good lighting isn't needed for landing.

My questions is, for 2 huge events... RTF and a first time land landing attempt, why do a night launch and not a day launch?

[Antilope7724]

When the F9 lands, someone is going to have to say,

"Houston, Canaveral Base here, the Falcon has landed!" 

[Herb Schaltegger]

When the F9 lands, someone is going to have to say,

"Hawthorne, Canaveral Base here, the Falcon has landed!" 

Fixed that for you.

[Lars-J]

My question is, are there cameras at the land landing site? Will we get a stream?

Oh there will be plenty of cameras set up covering the landing zone. But I doubt it will be live-streamed.