Vector Launch (formerly Vector Space Systems)

[ringsider]

<SNIP>
Now, apart from this dick measuring contest, perhaps there is an agenda here.

I'm not measuring anything. I'm explaining my rationale. Yours just seems to be "It's not fair to make rational comments based on facts."

If so, its not uncommon for ppl to run down a rival ... so as to buy time for another. Which is why "be excellent to others" means "uniformly give others the benefit of the doubt".

I present facts, you present baseless, snide insinuations. The truth is I just think what Vector is doing stinks.

Maybe you have an agenda in asking people to soft soap the horse manure they are spreading across the farm?
 

This is not a investment or entrepreneurship forum, this is a space interest forum. So its not our place to judge any of these firms as investment, because there is no "voir dire" to empanel an effective, impartial "technical jury" .

I have judged them as to whether they are honest or not. It's really interesting you won't say they are wrong, in fact quite the opposite - almost like you have a vested interest...

Which is why won't take this further than this post. Because it can become unfair to all space start-up companies due to non-uniform treatment.

Vector is a problem in the making, and I think you are irresponsible to support their ethically questionable approach.

[savuporo]

Vector is a problem in the making..

There aren't many teams around that can get a rocket on the pad. Any rocket. So maybe just dial back the sniping a bit and see where they go.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Vector have released a notice of intent (NOI) to solicit bids to build its new manufacturing facility in Tucson, Arizona: https://vectorspacesystems.com/notice-intent-noi/

Earliest estimated start date for chosen contractor is June 19, 2017.

Some example details from the NOI on the facility:

General Description:

Main purpose is the use for aerospace component, sub-systems and systems manufacturing, test and integration
Facility produces “small launch vehicles” (up to 60’ length)
Final integration is horizontal (no high bay areas required)
[...]

Building Assumptions:

[...]
Mfg floor space, sqft approx.: 56,000
Corporate offices, Eng, Sales, sqft approx.: 20,000
[...]

[FutureSpaceTourist]

This tweet is just over an hour old:

Vector-R ready to go... t-minus 17hrs

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/849756879358054400

There's a brief video with the tweet of the rocket and launch site.

[savuporo]

17h just about over.. no signs on Twitter yet

[Jarnis]

"Vector-R first launch ready to go t-minus ~20mins 5 drones ready to capture the action"

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/850014385313464320

(that was 15min ago)

Doesn't look like there will be a live stream.

[savuporo]

Slight delay announced

[FutureSpaceTourist]

About 13 mins ago:

@vectorspacesys team ready for launch this morning.  We are at T-50 minutes #space

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/850030086547849216

[Lars-J]

Am I the only one who thinks it is a bit weird that @jamesncantrell tweets Vector updates and hashtags the tweets with #SpaceX? See https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/849781206149341184

Hopefully we'll see a launch today.

[Davidthefat]

Am I the only one who thinks it is a bit weird that @jamesncantrell tweets Vector updates and hashtags the tweets with #SpaceX? See https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/849781206149341184

Hopefully we'll see a launch today.

Trying to get more coverage probably. And yes it is weird.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Fueling is complete .... restarting countdown clock

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/850044401820749824

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Launch abort ...main engine valve issue.  Recycling countdown thirty to 60 minutes

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/850048689817083904

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Scrub for today.  Retry tomorrow

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/850051573493276672

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Weather issues:

@vectorspacesys vehicle post pad abort.  Winds picked up just now to beyond range limits from incoming storm. Possible retry next week

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/850059447514808320

Edit to add:

Automated pad abort vehicle fine issue being investigated wind too high & storm coming will attempt again at the earliest next week

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/850063615054856192

[FutureSpaceTourist]

She lives to fly another day. Will update once data is analyzed on the auto abort reason and date for next scheduled attempt.

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/850077996345991169

[ChrisWilson68]

The tiny size of the engine nozzle compared to the diameter of the rocket body makes it look very strange.  Even if we didn't already know the body was mostly empty, this would give it away.

[ChrisWilson68]

I would guess they're using the #SpaceX hashtage because they want more people to see their tweets, and lots of people already are interested in SpaceX, so they can increase their audience by doing this.  This seems pretty slimy to me, because the tweets aren't really about SpaceX at all.  That would, to me, seem like an abuse of the hashtag to help themselves at the expensive of spamming people who are interested in SpaceX.

[Rik ISS-fan]

Vector-R has three 25 000 lb engines on the first stage. This rocket only has one.
So this is a scaled down Vector-R. An most likely only the first stage.
I guess they are flight testing the aerodynamics of the Vector-R with this launch.

edit: That's why they call it Vector-R Block 0.1. Block 1 is most likely the full launch vehicle.

[ChrisWilson68]

I guess they are flight testing the aerodynamics of the Vector-R with this launch.

Some of us think it's really more about PR than about testing aerodynamics.

[Katana]

I guess they are flight testing the aerodynamics of the Vector-R with this launch.

Some of us think it's really more about PR than about testing aerodynamics.

Or worse:  incapable of testing with full scale propulsion and simple "boiler plate" tanks.