Vector Launch (formerly Vector Space Systems)

[CameronD]

Does anyone have any idea what are they testing actually? Or is this just a photo op?

Dunno for certain, but there's a number of things they could be testing:
1. Structural support and logistics for raising and lowering at the pad.
2. Testing their tank pressurisation and instrumentation
3. Checking that the boiloff valves actually work in the vertical (and don't just freeze solid)
4. Testing their coolness factor... 

[savuporo]

Does anyone have any idea what are they testing actually? Or is this just a photo op?

Dunno for certain, but there's a number of things they could be testing:
1. Structural support and logistics for raising and lowering at the pad.
2. Testing their tank pressurisation and instrumentation
3. Checking that the boiloff valves actually work in the vertical (and don't just freeze solid)
4. Testing their coolness factor... 

5. Check to see how many nuts corrode on the thing

[catdlr]

Interesting, Vector is testing at Vandenberg!
https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/931222922735132672

location here: VAFB SLC-8

It was originally part of the California Spaceport, and was known as the Commercial Launch Facility (CLF) or Space Launch Facility (SLF).

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandenberg_AFB_Space_Launch_Complex_8

[FutureSpaceTourist]

The @vectorspacesys factory taking shape in Tucson.  Stay tuned as we begin Block 1 vehicle production.  First orbital launch mid 2018 !

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/931515096664236032

Edit to add:

So you're planning on going from a bare factory to a flight vehicle in only ~7mos? Doesn't that seem at least a little optimistic to you?

https://twitter.com/rocketrepreneur/status/931591272908840960

 

[FutureSpaceTourist]

A reply to Jon’s question:

Nope, its only a optimistic for old aerospace -- its all in a days work for new space. "I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm asking you to watch me'" - Vector CEO @jamesncantrell

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/931608328131588096

Not long to find out.

Edit to add:

Its a new factory for high rate production.  We have been in the existing space down the street for about 2 years.  Aren't you a bit pessimistic ?

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/931610477070659585

[TrevorMonty]

Given usual schedule shifts to right for this industry, I'd say Jon's pessimism is well founded. Here's hoping Vector hit their optimistic schedule but I wouldn't put much money on it.

[Davidthefat]

I think "orbital" is the one that raises most doubt.

[jongoff]

A reply to Jon’s question:

Nope, its only a optimistic for old aerospace -- its all in a days work for new space. "I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm asking you to watch me'" - Vector CEO @jamesncantrell

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/931608328131588096

Not long to find out.

Edit to add:

Its a new factory for high rate production.  We have been in the existing space down the street for about 2 years.  Aren't you a bit pessimistic ?

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/931610477070659585

I would reply, but apparently Jim blocked me...

Oh, and it was pretty funny being "NewSpace-splained" by whoever runs Vectors twitter account...

~Jon

[vaporcobra]

A reply to Jon’s question:

Nope, its only a optimistic for old aerospace -- its all in a days work for new space. "I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm asking you to watch me'" - Vector CEO @jamesncantrell

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/931608328131588096

Not long to find out.

Edit to add:

Its a new factory for high rate production.  We have been in the existing space down the street for about 2 years.  Aren't you a bit pessimistic ?

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/931610477070659585

I would reply, but apparently Jim blocked me...

Oh, and it was pretty funny being "NewSpace-splained" by whoever runs Vectors twitter account...

~Jon

Now THAT'S more like the Cantrell I know and am deeply ambivalent about...

[ringsider]

A reply to Jon’s question:

Nope, its only a optimistic for old aerospace -- its all in a days work for new space. "I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm asking you to watch me'" - Vector CEO @jamesncantrell

https://twitter.com/vectorspacesys/status/931608328131588096

Not long to find out.

Edit to add:

Its a new factory for high rate production.  We have been in the existing space down the street for about 2 years.  Aren't you a bit pessimistic ?

https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/931610477070659585

I would reply, but apparently Jim blocked me...

Oh, and it was pretty funny being "NewSpace-splained" by whoever runs Vectors twitter account...

~Jon

Now THAT'S more like the Cantrell I know and am deeply ambivalent about...

There is going to be a hubris moment.

They are out of their depth and even from outside you can see the community is turning against them.

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

[Davidthefat]

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

Raising money.

[ringsider]

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

Raising money.

Pshaw. The Copenhagen guys are amateurs living on donations and they are doing a far better job than Vector technically. It's embarrassing that Vector raised several million and can't even get above the cloud base or steer the vehicle.

Copenhagen Suborbitals have produced a rocket that is streets ahead of that Vector pile of bolts - thrust vectoring, dynamic pressure regulation, actual inertial GNC control, 3D printed engines, spark ignition, telemetry....  take a look at Nexo:-

https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/roadmap/nexo-i/

https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/roadmap/nexo-ii/

Vector might have got a commitment from those VCs but that cash comes with constraints and milestones - the VCs will only pay them against progress, not in one lump at the front. That's why they moved into what looks like a rundown industrial unit instead of pursuing the world headquarters RFP (that they don't want anybody to read.)

[QuantumG]

Did you just unironically say "streets ahead"?

[ringsider]

Did you just unironically say "streets ahead"?

Are you also a Community fan?

[savuporo]

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

Raising money.

Also, actually hired a bunch of people for the job.

[ringsider]

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

Raising money.

Also, actually hired a bunch of people for the job.

In other words raised and spent a lot of money. Great. But what did that get them? Have they demo'd a vehicle realistically capable of orbiting the Earth? Not even close.

[savuporo]

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

Raising money.

Also, actually hired a bunch of people for the job.

In other words raised and spent a lot of money. Great. But what did that get them? Have they demo'd a vehicle realistically capable of orbiting the Earth? Not even close.

This is getting a little tiresome. Orbital Sciences Pegasus, SpaceX Falcon 1 and Rocket Lab Electron didn't demo a vehicle realistically capable of orbiting earth until they did, either.  They all did meet the prerequisites of raising and spending funding, lining up facilities and people to work on that very problem, though - which in itself is no guarantee of eventual success though, of course.

I'm not sure what the incessant bashing without any substance adds to the thread, though ?

[Rabidpanda]

Seriously, what have they done that is in any way better or more sophisticated than the Nexo rocket of Copenhagen Suborbitals?

Raising money.

Also, actually hired a bunch of people for the job.

In other words raised and spent a lot of money. Great. But what did that get them? Have they demo'd a vehicle realistically capable of orbiting the Earth? Not even close.

These things take time, it's not like you can drop some cash and suddenly have a completed launch vehicle in a few months.

[ringsider]

These things take time, it's not like you can drop some cash and suddenly have a completed launch vehicle in a few months.

It's not me claiming they will have it done in 7 MONTHS, it's the CEO.

[Rabidpanda]

These things take time, it's not like you can drop some cash and suddenly have a completed launch vehicle in a few months.

It's not me claiming they will have it done in 7 MONTHS, it's the CEO.

I completely agree, that is ridiculous. I can't tell if Cantrell is blinded by optimism or being intentionally misleading.

My post was disagreeing with your assertion that they should have something to show for all the money the've raised / people they've hired and your comparison of them to amateur groups that have been around much longer.