Any idea when the center core will make it back to port, assuming it is recovered successfully on OCISLY? I'd like to be there to watch if I can.
Quote from: billh on 02/01/2018 05:05 pmAny idea when the center core will make it back to port, assuming it is recovered successfully on OCISLY? I'd like to be there to watch if I can.I checked a bunch of previous launches. East coast barge landings take 4-6 days to get back to port. Assuming the launch date holds (big assumption), I would imagine that the center core would be coming back on the Saturday, Sunday, or Monday (10th, 11th, or 12th).
It usually takes 3 days or so for the tow back to port.
Quote from: Kabloona on 02/01/2018 05:41 pmIt usually takes 3 days or so for the tow back to port.According to Raul's map, the FH ASDS is going to be about HALF as far out as typical ASDS positions. I expect that it'll come back to port in 2-3 days, but no more than 3 days. Unless there are problems, of course.
Quote from: speedevil on 02/01/2018 08:32 amQuote from: cscott on 02/01/2018 07:55 am(And it remains unclear whether KSC's rocket garden will even get an F9 booster -- it might get erected in front of the spaceX LCC, where it would be *free* for public visits, unlike at KSC where you have to pay to visit.)I guess on general terms they are likely to know if they are ever going to fly their stock of pre-block-5 in 3-4 years - there could be a lot of museum pieces available as well as the existing 'no way' list like the one that got wet.I bet one of the sticking points is who pays for safing, transporting, and erecting the stage. I'm guessing SpaceX would be reluctant to foot the bill for the for-profit KSC to have one of their rockets. Apparently even negotiations with the Smithsonian faltered over the exhibit costs, with (reportedly) the Smithsonian wanting SpaceX to pony up for a new building to house the stage in addition to the other costs.
Quote from: cscott on 02/01/2018 07:55 am(And it remains unclear whether KSC's rocket garden will even get an F9 booster -- it might get erected in front of the spaceX LCC, where it would be *free* for public visits, unlike at KSC where you have to pay to visit.)I guess on general terms they are likely to know if they are ever going to fly their stock of pre-block-5 in 3-4 years - there could be a lot of museum pieces available as well as the existing 'no way' list like the one that got wet.
(And it remains unclear whether KSC's rocket garden will even get an F9 booster -- it might get erected in front of the spaceX LCC, where it would be *free* for public visits, unlike at KSC where you have to pay to visit.)
Quote from: cscott on 02/01/2018 02:26 pmQuote from: speedevil on 02/01/2018 08:32 amQuote from: cscott on 02/01/2018 07:55 am(And it remains unclear whether KSC's rocket garden will even get an F9 booster -- it might get erected in front of the spaceX LCC, where it would be *free* for public visits, unlike at KSC where you have to pay to visit.)I guess on general terms they are likely to know if they are ever going to fly their stock of pre-block-5 in 3-4 years - there could be a lot of museum pieces available as well as the existing 'no way' list like the one that got wet.I bet one of the sticking points is who pays for safing, transporting, and erecting the stage. I'm guessing SpaceX would be reluctant to foot the bill for the for-profit KSC to have one of their rockets. Apparently even negotiations with the Smithsonian faltered over the exhibit costs, with (reportedly) the Smithsonian wanting SpaceX to pony up for a new building to house the stage in addition to the other costs.I'm not so sure that is an issue. Visitor Center, I am told, has a flown Dragon. I just haven't been out there to see for myself.
Quote from: Zed_Noir on 02/01/2018 09:34 amBecause there is a non zero chance of the inaugural Falcon Heavy flight could go very badly. Nobody but SpaceX will take the chance that the last image before something catastrophic happens is their promo art on all media platforms. It would make a great insurance company ad. *Things don't always go the way you expected?*
Because there is a non zero chance of the inaugural Falcon Heavy flight could go very badly. Nobody but SpaceX will take the chance that the last image before something catastrophic happens is their promo art on all media platforms.
I'm not so sure that is an issue. Visitor Center, I am told, has a flown Dragon. I just haven't been out there to see for myself.
How much farther downrange is the ASDS positioned for the center core landing in contrast with an F9-S1? How much more prop must be preserved for the higher altitude/higher velocity/higher center core mass reentry?
How much farther downrange is the ASDS positioned for the center core landing in contrast with an F9-S1?
How much more prop must be preserved for the higher altitude/higher velocity/higher center core mass reentry?
Quote from: ATPTourFan on 01/31/2018 11:25 amSpaceX has been working on using more of the atmosphere to slow down Falcon 9 as that saves propellant and will be important for BFR. F9 1st stage is having quite big angle of attack when it's flying back towards landing location. Quite much of body lift can be gotten even from a cylinder shape, when it's light enough.And the higher angle of attack saves fuel used to both flying back AND slowing down to landing velocity
SpaceX has been working on using more of the atmosphere to slow down Falcon 9 as that saves propellant and will be important for BFR.
Overall, the more lofted trajectory of NROL-76 meant less fuel required for landing. The boostback burn was 17 seconds shorter, while the higher entry speed required an 8 seconds longer burn. Both are 3 engine burns, so the overall savings are 3 engines x 9 seconds.
From the above descriptions, it sounds as though the trajectory may involve a single US burn that goes straight to TMI. Is that the case, or will there be a parking orbit followed by a TMI burn, or a brief coast followed by TMI? Second burn from high apogee?
How fast will the payload be moving when the upper stage is ignited? And how long is the upper stage burn? If it's over 12 minutes, then there may be no reason to delay TMI.
The upper stage does not have enough fuel for a 12 minute burn. Spacex website claims 397 second burn time for stage 2.
Just saw a report that OCISLY is being towed to sea right now. Do we have any eyes in that area?
