Author Topic: SpaceX FH : Falcon Heavy Demo : early 2018 : Discussion Thread 1 (Read 766239 times)

tvg98 · « **Reply #60 on:** 08/31/2017 01:42 pm »

It seems that the preliminary date for the launch is 11/28, but it is subject to change as we all know.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/spacexgroup/permalink/10155786131776318/

gongora · « **Reply #61 on:** 09/01/2017 03:38 pm »

FCC Application for Launch Vehicle Communications Mission 1346 - Falcon Heavy

Quote

This STA is necessary to authorize launch vehicle communications for SpaceX Mission 1346, Complex 39a, Kennedy Space Center. Application includes three sub-orbital first stage boosters, and an orbital second stage. Trajectory data will be provided directly to NTIA, USAF, and NASA. All downrange Earth stations are receive-only. The launch licensing authority is FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation.

Different frequencies are listed for communication with first stage, second stage, S1-a, and S1-b.

FutureSpaceTourist · « **Reply #62 on:** 09/02/2017 03:13 am »

Quote

spacex Falcon Heavy’s three first stage cores have all completed testing at our rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas. This side booster previously launched SpaceX’s ninth resupply mission to the @ISS.

https://instagram.com/p/BYheQbWF0dm/

Edit to add video

guckyfan · « **Reply #63 on:** 09/02/2017 06:28 am »

It is on YouTube now

gongora · « **Reply #64 on:** 09/06/2017 01:06 am »

FCC Permit Application for FH Demo Stage Recovery

Quote

This STA uses information from previous application 0739-EX-ST-2017, and covers three experimental first-stage recovery operations following a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral. This request for authority is limited to two functions: 1) pre-launch checkout test of the TC uplink from an onshore station at CCAFS (less than five minutes in duration) 2) experimental uplink testing from the an onshore station at CCAFS during first-stage descent (less than five minutes in duration) Both operations are pre-coordinated with the launch Range. Launch vehicle flight communications for this mission are covered by a separate STA.

The ASDS is closer to shore for this mission than it is normally stationed for GTO flights:
North 29 0 20 West 77 7 55

CJ · « **Reply #65 on:** 09/06/2017 03:21 am »

Quote from: gongora on 09/06/2017 01:06 am

FCC Permit Application for FH Demo Stage Recovery
Quote
This STA uses information from previous application 0739-EX-ST-2017, and covers three experimental first-stage recovery operations following a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral. This request for authority is limited to two functions: 1) pre-launch checkout test of the TC uplink from an onshore station at CCAFS (less than five minutes in duration) 2) experimental uplink testing from the an onshore station at CCAFS during first-stage descent (less than five minutes in duration) Both operations are pre-coordinated with the launch Range. Launch vehicle flight communications for this mission are covered by a separate STA.

The ASDS is closer to shore for this mission than it is normally stationed for GTO flights:
North 29 0 20 West 77 7 55

Anyone know why the ASDS might be closer to shore? The center core, all things being equal, would have a higher speed at MECO than a F9 ist stage. My SWAG would be far greater margins for this mission (so, a bit of a boostback) or, lofted trajectory.

stcks · « **Reply #66 on:** 09/06/2017 03:38 am »

Quote from: CJ on 09/06/2017 03:21 am

Anyone know why the ASDS might be closer to shore? The center core, all things being equal, would have a higher speed at MECO than a F9 ist stage. My SWAG would be far greater margins for this mission (so, a bit of a boostback) or, lofted trajectory.

The center core should have a higher MECO speed -- but remember it can also have more gas left in the tank which allows for a boostback burn. It could also simply be a much loftier trajectory.

Space Ghost 1962 · « **Reply #67 on:** 09/06/2017 04:52 am »

No third pad for core to RTLS (yet), so barge landing.

oldAtlas_Eguy · « **Reply #68 on:** 09/07/2017 04:19 pm »

Also it could have a max payload size dummy weight 20+mt. The max size for the current standard payload attach fittings. This would put the trajectory as a high LEO or even a GTO but with significant prop remaining in center stage. AF would be interested in the 20+mt real data lofting capabilities. SpaceX wants to know it too.

mheney · « **Reply #69 on:** 09/07/2017 07:16 pm »

There's a line somewhere between "Relevant Discussion" and "No Speculation" - we may be nearing that fuzzy boundary ....

jfallen · « **Reply #70 on:** 09/21/2017 11:37 am »

Has there been any movement on the date, since the tentative date of 11/28. I am going to be in Orlando around then and I will change all plans to go see this.

envy887 · « **Reply #71 on:** 09/21/2017 01:58 pm »

Quote from: jfallen on 09/21/2017 11:37 am

Has there been any movement on the date, since the tentative date of 11/28. I am going to be in Orlando around then and I will change all plans to go see this.

We're waiting for confirmation that LC-40 will be a go for KoreaSat; if it is, then 11/28 is still roughly on track since it's 57 days after the last F9 off 39A.

ugordan · « **Reply #72 on:** 09/21/2017 02:11 pm »

My 2c is that expecting LC-39A to be converted and FH ready to launch in November, especially on that specific date is ludicrous.

jfallen · « **Reply #73 on:** 09/21/2017 06:05 pm »

I would be happy to drive by and see it on the stand, maybe there is still a chance that will happen by 28 Nov. I imagine they will have it up a few times before lighting up the candle(s).

vaporcobra · « **Reply #74 on:** 09/21/2017 06:50 pm »

Quote from: jfallen on 09/21/2017 06:05 pm

I would be happy to drive by and see it on the stand, maybe there is still a chance that will happen by 28 Nov. I imagine they will have it up a few times before lighting up the candle(s).

I suspect there is a good chance of pad tests by then, even if the launch slips into 2018. But the likelihood of those tests being on the same days you're available are rather tiny 😬

Space Ghost 1962 · « **Reply #75 on:** 09/21/2017 07:23 pm »

What to watch for:
1. TE/L tests at LC40
2. Fit checks at both
3. WDR FH
4. F9 launch from LC40
5. Payload for FH

6. FH hotfire(s)
...
Launch!

My "cup of coffee" bet is launch before February, assuming November for 1. Redeemable only in Lompoc after a Falcon/Atlas launch.

woods170 · « **Reply #76 on:** 09/21/2017 07:58 pm »

Quote from: Space Ghost 1962 on 09/21/2017 07:23 pm

What to watch for:
1. TE/L tests at LC40
2. Fit checks at both
3. WDR FH
4. F9 launch from LC40
5. Payload for FH
6. FH hotfire(s)
...
Launch!

My "cup of coffee" bet is launch before February, assuming November for 1. Redeemable only in Lompoc after a Falcon/Atlas launch.

That's a pretty good bet considering what I keep hearing from SpaceX folks. Chances of FH being launched before this year is out are slim. End of November 2017 is a NET. Very much a NET. And will shift several more times.

cscott · « **Reply #77 on:** 09/21/2017 08:04 pm »

LC39A still has significant chunks of the RSS as well, and my understanding is that needs to be down before FH can launch. If the issue is vibration, probably needs to be down before FH static test.

old_sellsword · « **Reply #78 on:** 09/21/2017 08:13 pm »

Quote from: cscott on 09/21/2017 08:04 pm

LC39A still has significant chunks of the RSS as well, and my understanding is that needs to be down before FH can launch. If the issue is vibration, probably needs to be down before FH static test.

It doesn’t have to be, but it probably will be anyways at the rate it’s coming down.

envy887 · « **Reply #79 on:** 09/21/2017 09:07 pm »

Quote from: Space Ghost 1962 on 09/21/2017 07:23 pm

What to watch for:
1. TE/L tests at LC40
2. Fit checks at both
3. WDR FH
4. F9 launch from LC40
5. Payload for FH
6. FH hotfire(s)
...
Launch!

My "cup of coffee" bet is launch before February, assuming November for 1. Redeemable only in Lompoc after a Falcon/Atlas launch.

So you are saying KoreaSat-5A isn't going off 40 in mid October?