Quote from: MP99 on 10/16/2015 11:08 pmThis could simply be to reassure that the Vac still operates as expected. Could someone please summarize the changes between the RTF MVac and the MVac that most recently performed in space? Are there any?
This could simply be to reassure that the Vac still operates as expected.
Converted this into the discussion thread for the ORBCOMM-2 mission, as it covers both RTF and what is now the RTF mission.Update only thread is live.Party thread will be later.
Quote from: guckyfan on 10/16/2015 09:35 pmI wonder about that restart test. Even if it is on the extremely cautious side. Maybe there are larger changes than we knew about in the restarting tech? Maybe it is only the new upper stage that is capable of loiter time long enough to do direct GEO insertion? Both Elon Musk and Gwynne Shotwell emphasized Falcon 9 can do it but maybe the ability is there only now? It would be still in time for any Airforce launch.It's not possible for SpaceX to do a vacuum test on Merlin at McGregor.
I wonder about that restart test. Even if it is on the extremely cautious side. Maybe there are larger changes than we knew about in the restarting tech? Maybe it is only the new upper stage that is capable of loiter time long enough to do direct GEO insertion? Both Elon Musk and Gwynne Shotwell emphasized Falcon 9 can do it but maybe the ability is there only now? It would be still in time for any Airforce launch.
Preps for the Full Duration Static Fire are now taking place. Upcoming potentially later this week.
From the Update Thread:Quote from: Chris Bergin on 10/21/2015 11:46 amPreps for the Full Duration Static Fire are now taking place. Upcoming potentially later this week.Does that mean that we're into the pad flow for OG-2? Have the payloads arrived at the Cape?
Quote from: Ben the Space Brit on 10/22/2015 08:28 amFrom the Update Thread:Quote from: Chris Bergin on 10/21/2015 11:46 amPreps for the Full Duration Static Fire are now taking place. Upcoming potentially later this week.Does that mean that we're into the pad flow for OG-2? Have the payloads arrived at the Cape?The Full Duration Static Fire spoken of is the one at McGregor...
Quote from: rpapo on 10/22/2015 10:19 amQuote from: Ben the Space Brit on 10/22/2015 08:28 amFrom the Update Thread:Quote from: Chris Bergin on 10/21/2015 11:46 amPreps for the Full Duration Static Fire are now taking place. Upcoming potentially later this week.Does that mean that we're into the pad flow for OG-2? Have the payloads arrived at the Cape?The Full Duration Static Fire spoken of is the one at McGregor......and since this is a the first full duration firing of a 9-engine F9 FT ("v1.2") config, there is obviously a considerable chance that they may have to try this a couple of times if problems show up. Individual engines they of course have already tested a lot, but not with a full 9-engine flight stage config.
Quote from: Jarnis on 10/22/2015 10:42 amQuote from: rpapo on 10/22/2015 10:19 amQuote from: Ben the Space Brit on 10/22/2015 08:28 amFrom the Update Thread:Quote from: Chris Bergin on 10/21/2015 11:46 amPreps for the Full Duration Static Fire are now taking place. Upcoming potentially later this week.Does that mean that we're into the pad flow for OG-2? Have the payloads arrived at the Cape?The Full Duration Static Fire spoken of is the one at McGregor......and since this is a the first full duration firing of a 9-engine F9 FT ("v1.2") config, there is obviously a considerable chance that they may have to try this a couple of times if problems show up. Individual engines they of course have already tested a lot, but not with a full 9-engine flight stage config.Will the full duration firing include coast and restart to simulate re-entry and landing?
Might be awhile on the next burn, Texas is really getting hammered with rain right nowhttp://www.cnn.com/2015/10/25/us/texas-louisiana-flooding/index.html
The M1-VAC is tested in McGregor without the niobium skirt extension. The longer bell and higher pressure should be giving it 180,000 lb thrust in vacuum. >
Based on typical range rules, can SpaceX target 12/1 before the Atlas launch on 12/3? Would they if it only gave them one try before having to stand down?
https://twitter.com/pbdes/status/658913128420384768 SpaceX President Shotwell Oct 27 at CASBAA convention: Current target is early Dec for Falcon 9 v1.2 Full Thrust upgrade w/ Orbcomm sats.
Because Shotwell said "early Dec" and not specifically Dec 1, this looks like an unsurprising acknowlegement that SpaceX is getting in line behind the OA-4 Atlas launch.