Vector-R block 1001, stage 1 coming together today..
Yes cork is often used for insulation on rockets. Cork over carbon fiber in our case. Another example here for mars missions
Some Vector-R Block 1001 components for your Saturday evening viewing pleasure.. #NewSpaceRace
So given they probably already burned all / a very significant piece of the original $6,000,000 and the subsequent $21,000,000, they probably have around $45,000,000 in cash available just now to get them to orbit.As usual you have to check the math.
Propylene fuel arrives on Kodiak, Pad C for Vector is complete and @vectorspacesys Vector-R 1001 ready for shipment to Arizona Test Site on Feb 8 for stage testing. Meanwhile, USG shutdown stops FAA's ability to finish our launch license. Hoping DC gets its act together soon.
Heres some long duration Vector-R stage 1 engine testing from earlier this evening for your viewing (and listening) pleasure (note we're still working on perfecting image stabilization of our cameras at night with the high thrust engines) #NewSpaceRace
Vector-R 1001 flight unit coming together @vectorspacesys Huntington Beach facility. This will be our first Block 1 flight unit.
https://twitter.com/jamesncantrell/status/1092663120495968256QuoteVector-R 1001 flight unit coming together @vectorspacesys Huntington Beach facility. This will be our first Block 1 flight unit.
Oh, so it actually wasn't the FAA holding them up for launch... Who would have thought?
Quote from: Davidthefat on 02/05/2019 04:09 pmOh, so it actually wasn't the FAA holding them up for launch... Who would have thought?I think the thing they are trying to launch right now is their B 0.003 vehicle (on a likely underwhelming suborbital hop). That one might have been held up by the government shutdown.The thing in the picture is their orbital vehicle, or version B1.001.
Spaceflight Signs Launch Services Agreement with Vector for Multiple LaunchesAgreement confirms a 2019 launch with multiple options for future launchesTUCSON, Ariz. and SEATTLE — Feb. 6, 2019 — Spaceflight, the leading launch and mission management rideshare services provider, today announced it has signed a definitive Launch Services Agreement (LSA) with Vector, a leading microsatellite launch company. The LSA is for a 2019 launch with multiple priced options for future launches, leveraging the Vector-R launch vehicle.Vector and Spaceflight are also working towards a unique integration agreement that leverages Spaceflight’s state-of-the-art integration facility in Auburn, Wash., its proven processes, and experienced mission management and engineering teams. Under the terms of the agreement, Spaceflight will receive the entire Vector-R fairing at its facility in Auburn, Wash., conduct all the integration services for its rideshare customers, and then ship the fully integrated fairing to the launch site. This integration approach, coupled with Vector’s mobile launch system, enables a significant reduction in the time from when a customer spacecraft is received at the integration facility to when it is actually launched.“We’re always looking for new ways to get our customers’ spacecraft on orbit, which means working with other industry leaders to deliver creative solutions,” said Melissa Wuerl, vice president of business development at Spaceflight. “This unique LSA demonstrates our belief in Vector’s potential and commitment to providing customers the most variety in launch vehicle access.”“Spaceflight’s selection of Vector demonstrates the rising demand for increased access to space,” said Robert R. Cleave, chief revenue officer at Vector. “Spaceflight pioneered the rideshare market and consistently demonstrates an innovative approach to business through multiple enabling launch options. Vector is excited by the opportunity to embark on this journey with Spaceflight and develop a solution that furthers both organization’s missions.”The new contract comes on the heels of Spaceflight’s agreement to launch Brazil’s INPE Amazonia-1 spacecraft, which represents the company’s largest rideshare satellite to date, and its historic dedicated rideshare launch of 64 smallsats on its SSO-A mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 in December 2018. With the success of SSO-A, Spaceflight has now launched more than 210 satellites since its founding in 2011. In addition, the company is contracted to launch nearly 100 satellites in 2019 from a variety of launch vehicles including Falcon 9, PSLV, Antares, Electron, and Vega.
Jim Cantrell, Vector: will do a suborbital test flight in May, and first orbital flight in August. Manifest for 2019 sold out. #smallsat2019
...They're not that big yet, I wouldn't assume they have burned through those $27M already.
Lightning Protection System construction at Space Florida's SLC-46 is set to get underway today. Here are some "before" images:
Update from Space Florida's SLC-46 as Lightning Protection System construction continues!
It's funny how people think of me as a cynic but I soooo reserve judgement of small outfits like this, more than they deserve I think It just seems fair. If you have a billionaire backer and you can't get anything done I'm going to be much more critical.
(fan) I think you should get some props for that. Especially in this case, given the reputation that Mr. Cantrell has.But you're still a cynic.
Quote from: QuantumG on 02/15/2019 10:12 pmIt's funny how people think of me as a cynic but I soooo reserve judgement of small outfits like this, more than they deserve I think It just seems fair. If you have a billionaire backer and you can't get anything done I'm going to be much more critical.(fan) I think you should get some props for that. Especially in this case, given the reputation that Mr. Cantrell has.But you're still a cynic.
Vector R coming together with final bonding operations. Some more equipment to be mounted and tested then stage level static fire testing @vectorspacesys ATS
