Mission OverviewThe ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) will measure the temperature of plants and use that information to better understand how much water plants need and how they respond to stress.ECOSTRESS will address three overarching science questions:-How is the terrestrial biosphere responding to changes in water availability?-How do changes in diurnal vegetation water stress impact the global carbon cycle?-Can agricultural vulnerability be reduced through advanced monitoring of agricultural water consumptive use and improved drought estimation?The ECOSTRESS mission will answer these questions by accurately measuring the temperature of plants. Plants regulate their temperature by releasing water through tiny pores on their leaves called stomata. If they have sufficient water they can maintain their temperature but if there is insufficient water their temperatures rise and this temperature rise can be measured with a sensor in space. ECOSTRESS will use a multispectral thermal infrared radiometer to measure the surface temperature. The radiometer that will be delivered to Houston for deployment on the International Space Station in 2018. The radiometer will acquire the most detailed temperature images of the surface ever acquired from space and will be able to measure the temperature of an individual farmers field.InstrumentThe ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) will be implemented by placing the existing space-ready Prototype HyspIRI Thermal Infrared Radiometer (PHyTIR) on the International Space Station (ISS) and using it to gather the measurements needed to address the science goals and objectives. PHyTIR was developed under the Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) Instrument Incubator Program (IIP). From the ISS, PHyTIR will provide data with 38-m in-track by 69-m cross-track spatial resolution (science requirement is 100 m) and predicted temperature sensitivity of ≤0.1 K (science requirement is 0.3 K). The ISS orbit allows excellent coverage of the selected targets including diurnal coverage. The existing hardware was developed to reduce the cost and risk for the thermal infrared radiometer on the future Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) mission, A double-sided scan mirror, rotating at a constant 23.3 rpm, allows the telescope to view a 51°-wide nadir cross-track swath as well as two internal blackbody calibration targets every 1.29 seconds (Note that the two-sided mirror rotating at 23.3 rpm provides 46.6 sweeps per minute). The optical signal is focused by a telescope onto the 60 K focal plane containing a custom 13.2-μm-cutoff mercury-cadmium-telluride (MCT) infrared detector array. Spectral filters on the focal plane define 5 spectral bands in the 8-12.5 μm range and an additional band at 1.6 um for geolocation and cloud detection (six bands total). The focal plane is cooled by two commercial Thales cryocoolers. Electronics consist of six build-to-print and four commercial boards. Heat rejection for the ECOSTRESS cryocoolers and electronics is provided by the cooling fluid loop on the ISS Japanese Experiment Module External Facility (JEM-EF). ECOSTRESS can fit any of the nine JEM-EF payload locations but will be deployed at Site 10 (one of the two end locations).
ECOSTRESS can fit any of the nine JEM-EF payload locations but will be deployed at Site 10 (one of the two end locations).
Curious...The press release saysQuoteECOSTRESS can fit any of the nine JEM-EF payload locations but will be deployed at Site 10 (one of the two end locations).However, to scan cross track, the axis of rotation of the two sided scan mirror has to be in the short dimension.This is as it is shown in several documents including Slide 6 of this update.If ECOSTRESS was placed on one of the seven forward or back edge position it would scan along track, which wouldn't work.Why make such a false claim? It's not necessary or even helpful. ECOSTRESS will work well at its intended site 10 and it will be mounted there. edit: Perhaps "fits" is mechanical. It "fits" in any of the 9, but will only "work" in one of the 2 end sites.
The ECOSTRESS radiometer will be deployed on International Space Station (ISS) on the Japanese Experiment Module - External Facility (JEM-EF) site 10. At this location, the radiometer scan is perpendicular to the ISS velocity
What was the source for the LEE being in the trunk for this mission? I hadn't heard that until very recently. I was expecting the MISSEE-FF to be remanifested on this mission since they missed being ready in time for CRS-13. I'm not surprised that they would get bumped, the new LEE ORU is higher priority. But, now I'm wondering how long MISSEE-FF will end up having to wait.
Quote from: deruch on 01/22/2018 01:27 pmWhat was the source for the LEE being in the trunk for this mission? I hadn't heard that until very recently. I was expecting the MISSEE-FF to be remanifested on this mission since they missed being ready in time for CRS-13. I'm not surprised that they would get bumped, the new LEE ORU is higher priority. But, now I'm wondering how long MISSEE-FF will end up having to wait.ISS FPIP's (I did actually find a publicly released snippet of one from October mentioning a spare LEE transfer with CRS-15, in addition to what's in L2). Of course we know those can always change but until we hear otherwise I'm assuming that's the plan.
Is it known whether CRS-15 will be a (new?) block 5 or (reused) block 4 core?Also, the top post says CRS-15 will fly from SLC-40, but the Manifest thread says LC-39A...
I can remember a discussion here that NASA requires a special procedure to accept a flight proven core. Which probably means additional paperwork and unique checks. The conclusion seemed to be at that time that only cores for previous CRS missions are accepted to launching new CRS flights.
Quote from: Semmel on 03/01/2018 08:56 amI can remember a discussion here that NASA requires a special procedure to accept a flight proven core. Which probably means additional paperwork and unique checks. The conclusion seemed to be at that time that only cores for previous CRS missions are accepted to launching new CRS flights.No, per NASA it was just limited to cores from LEO missions, not explicitly previous CRS missions. But, that does limit the general pool of acceptable preflown cores. And since they seem not to want to ship recovered cores around if they don't have to, it's further reduced by not including any LEO launches out of Vandenberg. So, in the end, they are mostly left with CRS cores being acceptable. Plus, it may be a minor advantage that they already compiled necessary documentation about the initial production and first use for NASA, so using a former CRS core may reduce some paperwork.
SpaceX filed the first FCC permit for the CRS-15 launch, still showing a NET of June 9.
ECOSTRESS arrived at KSC recently, here it is undergoing arrival checkouts. Caption still maintains a launch in June 2018 (it's a PAO-sanctioned caption, but hey).
Quote from: vaporcobra on 04/14/2018 07:52 amECOSTRESS arrived at KSC recently, here it is undergoing arrival checkouts. Caption still maintains a launch in June 2018 (it's a PAO-sanctioned caption, but hey). Great imageIs that shiny machined aluminum object with the handles a "connector saver / shorting plug" for the JEM attachment interface?
The plan is for this booster to fly again on the next CRS mission pending NASA approval.
http://www.dlr.de/dlr/en/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-10212/332_read-26810/year-all/#/gallery/30169Hyperspectral instrument DESIS en route to International Space Station in 2018
Operating the DLR Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) on the International Space Station (ISS) makes DLR the first user of the revolutionary multiplatform system MUSES (Multi User System for Earth Sensing) that was installed on board the ISS in 2017 [MUSES platform was delivered in the Dragon trunk of CRS-11, and installed on ELC-4]. The launch of the DESIS joint venture is scheduled for summer 2018 from Cape Canaveral and will be lifted into space by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
Expected date of launch – June, 2018Expected date of deployment from International Space Station – July, 2018
These cubesats could be flying inside Dragon CRS-15.http://birds2.birds-project.com/QuoteExpected date of launch – June, 2018Expected date of deployment from International Space Station – July, 2018
Flying ZBLAN optical fiber payload again on SpX-15 CRS mission to refine processes for our pilot factory. #SpaceTechExpo
QuoteFlying ZBLAN optical fiber payload again on SpX-15 CRS mission to refine processes for our pilot factory. #SpaceTechExpohttps://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/999691208371908608
We’re heading into Memorial Day weekend with one more payload handover! @OrbitalSidekick’s #HEIST is ready for the SpaceX CRS-15 launch to @Space_Station and to be mounted on our External Platform #ISS
May 29, 2018Experience the Launch of the SpaceX CRS-15 Cargo MissionSocial media users are invited to register to attend the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Dragon spacecraft from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This launch, currently targeted for late June, will be the next commercial cargo resupply services mission to the International Space Station.If your passion is to communicate and engage the world via social media, then this is the event for you! Seize the opportunity to be on the front line to blog, tweet or Instagram everything about SpaceX’s 15th mission to the space station. In addition to supplies and equipment, the Dragon spacecraft will deliver scientific investigations in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations.A maximum of 40 social media users will be selected to attend this two-day event, and will be given access similar to news media.NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:View a launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocketSpeak with researchers about investigations heading to the orbiting microgravity laboratoryTour NASA facilities at Kennedy Space CenterSpeak with representatives from NASA and SpaceXView and take photographs of the Falcon 9 rocket at Space Launch Complex 40Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social mediaNASA Social registration for the CRS-15 launch opens on this page on May 30 and the deadline to apply is on June 6 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. All social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. APPLY NOWDo I need to have a social media account to register?Yes. This event is designed for people who:Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience.Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements.Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms.Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences.Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms.Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected and widely recognized.Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial and #Dragon. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @NASASocial and @NASAKennedy, and via posts to Facebook and Instagram.How do I register?Registration for this event opens May 30 and closes at 12:00 p.m. EDT on June 6. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?Because of the security deadlines, registration is limited to U.S. citizens. If you have a valid permanent resident card, you will be processed as a U.S. citizen.When will I know if I am selected?After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected. We expect to send the first notifications on June 12 and waitlist notifications on June 15.What are NASA Social credentials?All social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria.If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you still can attend the launch offsite and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/viewing.html. What are the registration requirements?Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.Some events and participants scheduled to appear at the event are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas.IMPORTANT: To be admitted, you will need to provide two forms of unexpired government-issued identification; one must be a photo ID and match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. For a complete list of acceptable forms of ID, please visit: http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/i-9_poster_acceptable_documents_2014_04_23.pdfAll registrants must be at least 18 years old.What if the launch date changes?Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The launch date will not be official until after the Flight Readiness Review. If the launch date changes prior to then, NASA may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date. NASA will notify registrants of any changes by email.If the launch is postponed, attendees will be invited to attend a later launch date. NASA cannot accommodate attendees for delays beyond 72 hours.NASA Social attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible.What if I cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center?If you cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center and attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. You can watch the launch on NASA Television, www.nasa.gov/live. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA and @NASAKennedy.If you cannot make this NASA Social, don't worry; NASA is planning many other Socials in the near future at various locations! Check back on http://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.
According to http://www.nanosats.eu/index.html in addition to the Birds 2 satellites there will be Biarri-Squad 1, 2 and 3 (all three 3U) and FACSAT-1 (6U) on SpX-15.
I dont see a grapple fixture or other attach mechanism on the new LEE. Will it need to be removed from the trunk via spacewalk or am I just missing where the arm or dextre will grab it?
I do not remember having a US disposal off the coast of Bermuda previously. When was the last time that was done? Usually it’s in southern ocean or Indian Ocean near Australia
Quote from: Wolfram66 on 06/23/2018 03:55 pmI do not remember having a US disposal off the coast of Bermuda previously. When was the last time that was done? Usually it’s in southern ocean or Indian Ocean near AustraliaIt usually is in or near the Pacific or Indian oceans, this might be one of the B5 S2 re-entry tests we've heard about
The S2 re-entry zone is oriented northwest to southeast, aligned for a descending node re-entry.How long would it take for the initial, approximately 90-minute orbit to "walk" around the globe to have a descending node re-entry over the North Atlantic?
Quote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/24/2018 01:26 amThe S2 re-entry zone is oriented northwest to southeast, aligned for a descending node re-entry.How long would it take for the initial, approximately 90-minute orbit to "walk" around the globe to have a descending node re-entry over the North Atlantic?A quick measurment on Google Maps says that the track is 3000 miles east of KSC.That roughly translates to 10 hours 12*(0.5-3000/(6378*2*pi*cos(28.6))=9.9I am sure someone can do a more precise estimate.
Quote from: Comga on 06/24/2018 02:59 amQuote from: zubenelgenubi on 06/24/2018 01:26 amThe S2 re-entry zone is oriented northwest to southeast, aligned for a descending node re-entry.How long would it take for the initial, approximately 90-minute orbit to "walk" around the globe to have a descending node re-entry over the North Atlantic?A quick measurment on Google Maps says that the track is 3000 miles east of KSC.That roughly translates to 10 hours 12*(0.5-3000/(6378*2*pi*cos(28.6))=9.9I am sure someone can do a more precise estimate.Thanks!--a rough estimate is sufficient to serve my follow-up question.If the second stage is to perform a re-entry burn approximately 10 hours after launch, is that a substantial increase in its operational lifetime over previous launches/Falcon 9 versions?
Eastern Range OP# X4715 FALCON 9 CRS-15 will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited within the following Launch Hazard Areas.A: From 2836N 8038W, TO 2906N 8011W, TO 2904N 8007W, TO 2834N 8028W, TO 2829N 8033W to beginningB: From 3232N 7630W, TO 3453N 7342W, TO 3445N 7326W, TO 3222N 7619W to beginningHazard periods for primary And backup launch day;Primary launch day: 29 / 0933Z thru 29 / 1014Z Jun 18. Preferred T-0 is 0938Z.Backup launch day (1): 30 / 0911Z thru 30 / 0951Z Jul 18. Preferred T-0 is 0916Z.Backup launch day (2): 01 / 0844Z thru 01 / 0925Z Jul 18. Preferred T-0 is 0849Z. Eastern Range OP# X4715 FALCON 9 CRS-15 UPPER STAGE REENTRY will be conducting hazardous operations surface to unlimited for atmospheric upper stage reentry and splashdown of launch vehicle upper stage within the following areas.A: FROM 3933N 5940W, TO 2800N 4628W, TO 2227N 5152W, TO 3446N 6509W to beginningHazard periods for primary and backup launch day;Primary launch day: 29 / 1553Z thru 29 / 1632Z Jun 18. Preferred T-0 is 0938Z.Backup launch day (1): 30 / 1531Z thru 30 / 1634Z Jul 18. Preferred T-0 is 0916Z.Backup launch day (2): 01 / 1504Z thru 01 / 1543Z Jul 18. Preferred T-0 is 0849Z.
Airspace Closure Area and Launch Hazard Area
Quote from: FutureSpaceTourist on 06/26/2018 12:02 amAirspace Closure Area and Launch Hazard AreaI'm digging the Expendable Launches heading on the hazard area sheet.
That's on all those maps, regardless of what the booster does after MECO. It has been on other launches where there has been a landing, nothing special
Quote from: Alexphysics on 06/26/2018 09:49 pmThat's on all those maps, regardless of what the booster does after MECO. It has been on other launches where there has been a landing, nothing specialIs that so? What's the heading from then, the shuttle days? A vestigial leftover of truly-expendable EELV?
It's the Air Force classification of the Falcons as part of the EELV program. Nothing to do with Shuttle. It's just the Air Force nomenclature. Has nothing to do -- now -- with true expendability.
Right. Back in the day, 1980s and onward, there was Space Transportation System and there were Expendable Launch Vehicles.
There should be a new naming convention to explain the modern era. Partially Reusable Launch Vehicle? Evolved Launch Vehicle? Vertical Launch Vehicle? VTVLLV?
Renames the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program the National Security Space Launch Program and directs the Secretary of Defense to pursue a strategy that includes fully or partially reusable space launch systems.
Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/27/2018 01:02 amIt's the Air Force classification of the Falcons as part of the EELV program. Nothing to do with Shuttle. It's just the Air Force nomenclature. Has nothing to do -- now -- with true expendability.Right. Back in the day, 1980s and onward, there was Space Transportation System and there were Expendable Launch Vehicles. That was the nomenclature (USAF and NASA), and it apparently hasn't changed. And the nomenclature is mostly accurate this year. In 2018 so far, seven of the ten Falcon 9s have been totally expended. (This launch will make eight out of eleven.) The other three were, like Shuttle in the old days, partly expended.There should be a new naming convention to explain the modern era. Partially Reusable Launch Vehicle? Evolved Launch Vehicle? Vertical Launch Vehicle? VTVLLV? - Ed Kyle
If you sort by block, the pattern for launches and recoveries this year is clear:Block 4: 100% expended (88% after reuse: only 1 new booster was expended or lost, and then only due to weather at the landing site preventing a recovery attempt) Block 5: 100% recovered
Launch attempt schedule:Friday - 05:42 EDT (09:42 UTC)Saturday - NO ATTEMPTSunday - 04:54 EDT (08:54 UTC)
L-2 day launch weather outlook. Unchanged from yesterday. 90% change of good weather on Friday. 70% chance of good weather on the backup day on Saturday.
Question regarding viewing this launch in person (never seen one in person, first time in Florida). How early would I have to be on the A1A between the bridges to still be able to park up amd get a reasonable viewing spot? If I understand it right all the other places will be closed including Playlandia beach and Jetty Park.
Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/28/2018 02:09 pmLaunch attempt schedule:Friday - 05:42 EDT (09:42 UTC)Saturday - NO ATTEMPTSunday - 04:54 EDT (08:54 UTC)Yesterday, it was reported:Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/27/2018 03:12 pmL-2 day launch weather outlook. Unchanged from yesterday. 90% change of good weather on Friday. 70% chance of good weather on the backup day on Saturday.Did the backup day change from Saturday to Sunday (and if so do we know a reason) or did the weather report just get misunderstood? I note that it doesn't specifically list the backup day's date, only the chance of violating weather constraints on the unlisted date, which means it might have meant Sunday all along.
Can't launch Saturday because ISS trajectory is too far away in its ground track for Dragon to reach Station in time for science requirements. NO other reason
I noticed on the F9 2nd stage reusable page that they are going to deorbit after "4 revolutions". The track on that final revolution looks like it is over my city (mid North America), maybe around sunrise but I'm not too sure. I have an app which tracks the space station, but I don't really know when the S2 might be overhead. Does anyone one have a ruff idea of how long a revolution for S2 would be? I thought it might be interesting to see if I can find it pass over. I don't know where they will do the deorbit burn and if I might see anything other than a dot, but I thought it might be fun to keep an eye out.
This is the 3rd and FINAL Block 4 first stage / Block 5 second stage Falcon 9 configuration.It is the first time NASA is flying with a Block 5 Falcon 9 Second Stage.
Quote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/29/2018 08:41 amThis is the 3rd and FINAL Block 4 first stage / Block 5 second stage Falcon 9 configuration.It is the first time NASA is flying with a Block 5 Falcon 9 Second Stage.LOL, what a nice way to exclude the in-flight abort test. Tip of the head to who ever came up with it
Quote from: Semmel on 06/29/2018 08:43 amQuote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/29/2018 08:41 amThis is the 3rd and FINAL Block 4 first stage / Block 5 second stage Falcon 9 configuration.It is the first time NASA is flying with a Block 5 Falcon 9 Second Stage.LOL, what a nice way to exclude the in-flight abort test. Tip of the head to who ever came up with it Does not exclude anything, as in-flight abort will:- not be orbital- not have a second stage- not launch anythingAlso why waste a perfectly good block-5 unless they are certain they can recover it...?
Quote from: Jakusb on 06/29/2018 10:02 amQuote from: Semmel on 06/29/2018 08:43 amQuote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/29/2018 08:41 amThis is the 3rd and FINAL Block 4 first stage / Block 5 second stage Falcon 9 configuration.It is the first time NASA is flying with a Block 5 Falcon 9 Second Stage.LOL, what a nice way to exclude the in-flight abort test. Tip of the head to who ever came up with it Does not exclude anything, as in-flight abort will:- not be orbital- not have a second stage- not launch anythingAlso why waste a perfectly good block-5 unless they are certain they can recover it...?You didnt understand what I meant. Given, my wording was a bit obscure.For some reason, they dont want to say "this is the second to last launch of a B4 booster". They want to throw superlatives around but cant because its not the last launch of a B4 due to the in-flight abort test. So somehow they had to exclude the inflight abort launch from their superlative wording. One way is saying "last orbital launch of a B4 first stage". But they chose a different way and said "last launch with the B4 first stage B5 second stage combination". And I find this creative and congratulated them for it.
Quote from: Semmel on 06/29/2018 10:43 amQuote from: Jakusb on 06/29/2018 10:02 amQuote from: Semmel on 06/29/2018 08:43 amQuote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/29/2018 08:41 amThis is the 3rd and FINAL Block 4 first stage / Block 5 second stage Falcon 9 configuration.It is the first time NASA is flying with a Block 5 Falcon 9 Second Stage.LOL, what a nice way to exclude the in-flight abort test. Tip of the head to who ever came up with it Does not exclude anything, as in-flight abort will:- not be orbital- not have a second stage- not launch anythingAlso why waste a perfectly good block-5 unless they are certain they can recover it...?You didnt understand what I meant. Given, my wording was a bit obscure.For some reason, they dont want to say "this is the second to last launch of a B4 booster". They want to throw superlatives around but cant because its not the last launch of a B4 due to the in-flight abort test. So somehow they had to exclude the inflight abort launch from their superlative wording. One way is saying "last orbital launch of a B4 first stage". But they chose a different way and said "last launch with the B4 first stage B5 second stage combination". And I find this creative and congratulated them for it.AFAIK, there is absolutely nothing indicating that B1042 will be used for the in-flight abort. It's all based on speculation.
Quote from: scr00chy on 06/29/2018 10:48 amQuote from: Semmel on 06/29/2018 10:43 amQuote from: Jakusb on 06/29/2018 10:02 amQuote from: Semmel on 06/29/2018 08:43 amQuote from: ChrisGebhardt on 06/29/2018 08:41 amThis is the 3rd and FINAL Block 4 first stage / Block 5 second stage Falcon 9 configuration.It is the first time NASA is flying with a Block 5 Falcon 9 Second Stage.LOL, what a nice way to exclude the in-flight abort test. Tip of the head to who ever came up with it Does not exclude anything, as in-flight abort will:- not be orbital- not have a second stage- not launch anythingAlso why waste a perfectly good block-5 unless they are certain they can recover it...?You didnt understand what I meant. Given, my wording was a bit obscure.For some reason, they dont want to say "this is the second to last launch of a B4 booster". They want to throw superlatives around but cant because its not the last launch of a B4 due to the in-flight abort test. So somehow they had to exclude the inflight abort launch from their superlative wording. One way is saying "last orbital launch of a B4 first stage". But they chose a different way and said "last launch with the B4 first stage B5 second stage combination". And I find this creative and congratulated them for it.AFAIK, there is absolutely nothing indicating that B1042 will be used for the in-flight abort. It's all based on speculation.As is a lot regarding future usage of cores... SpaceX always has somehow liked playing their card close to the vest regarding core assignments..Current reasoning:-1042 is definitely not going to launch any mission, so much is 100% clear now-1042 seems to have been recently transported West (to Hawthorne?) why? refurb and frankenstein mods?-1042 could have been scrapped, but seems they still not did that, it would not be special as show item-Potentially wasting Block-5 seems pretty expensive for an optional In-Flight-abort testBut indeed all pure speculation, time will tell (as always)edit: sorry mods, we are way of the CRS-15 discussion, move if you want to in-flight-abort thread
And let us be VERY CLEAR. Jessica Jensen CLEARLY and UNEQUIVOCALLY said yesterday that this was the final Block 4 to fly. There was no "well, maybe something else" or "superlatives" as some are saying here.
They are planning a rocket garden at the new control center, maybe they will prepare 1042 for that. And maybe move Grasshopper and come up with a F1 somehow.
Don't have a screen grab but it had an extra passenger at Dragon sep. Something from the second stage parted company along with the Dragon. Edit: Got a screen grab
Edit: does anyone know why the photos are all sideways and upside down? They seem fine on the phone. 😫
Quote from: kevinof on 06/29/2018 10:09 amDon't have a screen grab but it had an extra passenger at Dragon sep. Something from the second stage parted company along with the Dragon. Edit: Got a screen grabThat was the nut that was supposed to go with that wrench the last time! I just watched the webcast before looking on here and when I saw that I went straight to the discussion to see who posted about it first. LOL
Quote from: ulm_atms on 06/29/2018 01:35 pmQuote from: kevinof on 06/29/2018 10:09 amDon't have a screen grab but it had an extra passenger at Dragon sep. Something from the second stage parted company along with the Dragon. Edit: Got a screen grabThat was the nut that was supposed to go with that wrench the last time! I just watched the webcast before looking on here and when I saw that I went straight to the discussion to see who posted about it first. LOLIt is ice.Through severe rebuke we have been shown that any and all foreign objects drifting between the S2 and the Dragon are ice. And discussion of this is taboo, so shhh! please.
SpaceX CRS-15 Launch Photographer Behind-the-Scenes, Orbital Sunrise, 500fps liftoff slow motion
The slow-motion footage starting around 2:56 is utterly fascinating. Even at a tenth speed, you can't see how fast the exhaust is moving even while parts that appear to be quite close fall like puffs of dry ice. Quite a contrast.
