SpaceX Falcon 9 : CRS-11 : June 3, 2017 : DISCUSSION

[Semmel]

SpaceX looks like it is continuing its testing of extended loiter time for upper stages.  Compare 2nd stage disposal areas of previous CRS missions vs. CRS-11 (from Raul's maps).  Looks like it is being done at least 1 orbit later.

No, that looks like a deorbit just 10 to 15 minutes later.

[EspenU]

I'm guessing that since this launch only has one webcast, it means that the days of a separate technical webcast are gone. That makes me sad..

When there was only one for NROL-76 I hoped it was because there was limited information and coverage of that launch.
When there was only one for Inmarsat-5 I hoped it was because it was expendable and that would result in less interest and therefore limited coverage or something like that.

But this is a dragon flight (with lots of stuff onboard), a reused one even. In addition it's RTLS, and also launch 100 from 39A. If there is no technical webcast here, I doubt any other launches in the near future will have one..

[jpo234]

AFAIK, mice fly on even numbered CRS/SpX flights.  That means no mice on this one.

From http://spaceflight101.com/dragon-spx11/dragon-spx-11-cargo-overview/

The Dragon SpX-11 spacecraft will launch with two Animal Transporters supporting the fifth Rodent Research Experiment...

And here is a Link directly from NASA: Rodent Research-5 (SpaceX-11)

[Semmel]

Here in Berlin/Germany, we have some weeks of fantastic weather and I have seen the ISS almost every day for multiple passes. Orbital timing with the day/night boundary are fantastic right now. I assume I can catch the dragon as well tomorrow evening. Any idea how far away it will be from ISS? Better yet, is there information on the distance of ISS to dragon vs. time after launch?

And is there an estimation how bright it might be? If its darker than mag 5, I have probably no chance of finding it because the sky is bright in Berlin.

[woods170]

I'm guessing that since this launch only has one webcast, it means that the days of a separate technical webcast are gone. That makes me sad..

When there was only one for NROL-76 I hoped it was because there was limited information and coverage of that launch.
When there was only one for Inmarsat-5 I hoped it was because it was expendable and that would result in less interest and therefore limited coverage or something like that.

But this is a dragon flight (with lots of stuff onboard), a reused one even. In addition it's RTLS, and also launch 100 from 39A. If there is no technical webcast here, I doubt any other launches in the near future will have one..

I never figured why there were 2 different webcasts (hosted and technical) anyway. To me it sounded like too much effort for just us space geeks and thus not worth it.

[Steven Pietrobon]

I never figured why there were 2 different webcasts (hosted and technical) anyway. To me it sounded like too much effort for just us space geeks and thus not worth it.

I loved the technical webcasts. There were no talking heads getting in the way of SpaceX mission control.

[EspenU]

I never figured why there were 2 different webcasts (hosted and technical) anyway. To me it sounded like too much effort for just us space geeks and thus not worth it.

I loved the technical webcasts. There were no talking heads getting in the way of SpaceX mission control.

I fully agree (in addition to velocity in m/s on some of them). Also, I can't imagine there being that much extra effort in providing the technical stream.
However, that it's only us space geeks who care is very true. But then again, most(all?) people at SpaceX are space geeks as well. 

[Semmel]

I never figured why there were 2 different webcasts (hosted and technical) anyway. To me it sounded like too much effort for just us space geeks and thus not worth it.

I loved the technical webcasts. There were no talking heads getting in the way of SpaceX mission control.

The hosts do a fantastic job, but also enjoy the technical webcasts more. The quietness before launch, the waiting for the clock to tick down, the announcements on the countdown net.. all this builds up much more anticipation and excitement than the hosted show. Also, the info on the countdown net is much more relevant for the given mission than what the hosts have to say. I do like to watch the hosted webcast in reply though.

[manoweb]

I like the fact they have unified the webcast. Having two always meant having two windows open at the same time (on different devices) with slightly different sync in case they were showing peculiar camera views. I have just watched the press briefing and they said this Dragon has a lot that has already flown: not only the pressure vessel but the thrusters, plumbing, avionics etc. They specifically said heat shield is new.

[guckyfan]

I was somewhat surprised about the thrusters. They are directly exposed to sea water.

[envy887]

I was somewhat surprised about the thrusters. They are directly exposed to sea water.

They are also made of ultra corrosion resistant superalloys to withstand high pressure NTO/MMH and several thousand degree combustion byproducts.

[old_sellsword]

Nice Dargon close-up from Robin Seemangal

https://twitter.com/nova_road/status/870249241964367872

Notice that particular S2 raceway has reappeared, matching up nicely with reports of this (and the next) upper stage not being "upgraded" like the last two, i.e. old Block 3 upper stages.

[Nomadd]

I never figured why there were 2 different webcasts (hosted and technical) anyway. To me it sounded like too much effort for just us space geeks and thus not worth it.

Sorry, but that's just wrong. Nothing is too much effort for us space geeks.

[Crispy]

According to this Reddit post (https://www.reddit.com/r/spacex/comments/6cyjjo/heads_up_on_possible_rare_visible_pass_of_crs11/?sort=new) Dragon and the second stage should be visible from Southern UK/Northern Europe, about 15-20 minutes after launch tonight, followed by the ISS 10 minutes later (https://spotthestation.nasa.gov/sightings/view.cfm?country=United_Kingdom&region=England&city=London#.WTAn0Wjyv0N)

(The 21:57 ISS pass on the previous orbit will be a really good one from the UK - 85° altitude and 5m visibility)

[dmc6960]

Lets not forget the time we almost lost webcasts completely.  SpaceX did one countdown (Orbcomm 1, launch attempt 2, aborted on weather) which was not webcast.  After that they stopped the commentary from John and others, and made it strictly a "technical" webcast.  It was then starting with Orbcomm II which they brought on the "hosted" webcast in addition.

[Orbiter]

NASA TV will also be having their own coverage starting at 5:15pm EDT, just FYI.

[jpo234]

Lets not forget the time we almost lost webcasts completely.

I wonder whether and when they will stop webcasts. At some point, launching a rocket will not be that much different from a departing plane and airlines don't do webcasts for every plane, after all.

[Kansan52]

Webcasts may go away but webcams may stay.

[Lar]

I never figured why there were 2 different webcasts (hosted and technical) anyway. To me it sounded like too much effort for just us space geeks and thus not worth it.

I loved the technical webcasts. There were no talking heads getting in the way of SpaceX mission control.

Same. But we are a pretty narrow audience, maybe most people love talking heads (they ARE easy on the eyes). On the other hand, presumably it was lower cost to create (no studio, just feeds). And on the gripping hand, I'm just happy for what they give us. I'll be watching with rapt attention as always... and I have my new SpaceX shirt on today.

[rower2000]

SpaceX looks like it is continuing its testing of extended loiter time for upper stages.  Compare 2nd stage disposal areas of previous CRS missions vs. CRS-11 (from Raul's maps).  Looks like it is being done at least 1 orbit later.

No, that looks like a deorbit just 10 to 15 minutes later.

That almost looks like they have a vision of ROA (recovery once around) for the 2nd stage in the future - increase the loiter times more and more to achieve a reentry closer to the Cape in the end .

One can dream, right?