Vector Launch (formerly Vector Space Systems)

[Steven Pietrobon]

Promise of livestreamed launches in the future

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/867952998781140994

That's not what the tweet said.

"Vector communication trailer being built as we speak; live video streams of launches in the near future? Stay tuned..."

It would be awesome if Vector does do a livestream though.

[Gliderflyer]

Here's a video I've not seen:

It's another promo video by Vector.

It looks like that video has been removed and re-uploaded, but without the rapid descent shot at the end.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

Successful test today towards a pyro-free vehicle 2nd stage motor & new spark igniter developed w/@UAHuntsville sponsored by @NASA_Marshall

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/870365471857532928

[savuporo]

Video as well

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/870706770313752576

More of a burp, 5 seconds.

[Steven Pietrobon]

Video attached. Some people, like myself, can't watch the video directly.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

This is the skeleton of a Vector-R rocket being built by @vectorspacesys right here in Tucson. Should be launched into sub-orbit next month!

https://twitter.com/johnpatrickkvoa/status/872518771960926208

[ringsider]

Just fiddling with some numbers on Vector-R.

One of the payload options in the minimal LSG is 50kg to 200km LEO.

Is that a useful option? This says you get a fifth of a day in orbit before re-entry:-

http://www.lizard-tail.com/isana/lab/orbital_decay/

[russianhalo117]

Just fiddling with some numbers on Vector-R.

One of the payload options in the minimal LSG is 50kg to 200km LEO.

Is that a useful option? This says you get a fifth of a day in orbit before re-entry:-

http://www.lizard-tail.com/isana/lab/orbital_decay/

Vector-R Block-0.x is being used for early Sub-orbital launches.

http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/vector-1.htm

First launch tests involve low altitude flights of a full size aluminium air-frame called Vector-R Block 0.1 with the technology of the Garvey/Vector P19 rocket and only one engine.

[Oberon_Command]

Just fiddling with some numbers on Vector-R.

One of the payload options in the minimal LSG is 50kg to 200km LEO.

Is that a useful option? This says you get a fifth of a day in orbit before re-entry:-

http://www.lizard-tail.com/isana/lab/orbital_decay/

What settings did you use for the surface area of the sat? Cubesats are 10x10x10cm, so I used a surface area of 0.01m^2(0.1m * 0.1m) and got reentry after 55 days at that altitude.

[ringsider]

Just fiddling with some numbers on Vector-R.

One of the payload options in the minimal LSG is 50kg to 200km LEO.

Is that a useful option? This says you get a fifth of a day in orbit before re-entry:-

http://www.lizard-tail.com/isana/lab/orbital_decay/

What settings did you use for the surface area of the sat? Cubesats are 10x10x10cm, so I used a surface area of 0.01m^2(0.1m * 0.1m) and got reentry after 55 days at that altitude.

I used 0.5-1.0m because for 50kg it is not 10x10x10cm. Granted an individual sat in a 50kg payload might be.

I guess I was just wondering if those orbits are practical for commercial use or mainly demo/academic options.

[FutureSpaceTourist]

More Vector-R Block 0 launchers under construction for @vectorspacesys - stay tuned ! #space

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/873358603624734720

[Lars-J]

So... more just like the last test? (Based on the image which suggest a flying mockup structure like the last launch) I thought they were going to move ahead with the actual vehicle now.

[Zingpc]

Can someone explain to me how this rocket is supposed to work!  A pressure fed nozzle? . Is there a turbopump into the combustion chamber? It cannot be  a hybrid solid rocket with three Nozzles.

[ringsider]

Can someone explain to me how this rocket is supposed to work!  A pressure fed nozzle? . Is there a turbopump into the combustion chamber? It cannot be  a hybrid solid rocket with three Nozzles.

As far as I can read it is intended to be pressure fed, no mention of a turbopump that I have seen. Definitely not a hybrid.

[QuantumG]

If you're asking if a pressure fed rocket to reach space, the answer is yes. I don't think it's been done, but it's possible.

[Proponent]

The first French rockets to reach orbit were pressure fed, though the pressure was produced by gas generators rather than by compressed-gas reservoirs.

Vector is autogenously pressurized.

[Zingpc]

The first French rockets to reach orbit were pressure fed, though the pressure was produced by gas generators rather than by compressed-gas reservoirs.

Vector is autogenously pressurized.

A gas generator is by definition not a pressure fed system. is autogenous something that spontaneously pressurises as you pass it over catalyst?

[billh]

Autogenous means the fuel has a high enough vapor pressure to self-pressurize. Without some kind of pump, however, that's going to give a relatively low chamber pressure in the engine, and thus a low ISP.

[Proponent]

The first French rockets to reach orbit were pressure fed, though the pressure was produced by gas generators rather than by compressed-gas reservoirs.

A gas generator is by definition not a pressure fed system.

Perhaps you're referring to the (bi-propellant) gas-generator pumping cycle used by many engines, such as the Merlin.  That is not, I would agree, an example of pressure feed.  The French Diamant rockets were different: gas generators were used not to drive turbo pumps, but to pressurize propellant tanks.

[QuantumG]

Didn't all the Diamants have solid stages too?