SpaceX Falcon 9 / Dragon 2 : SpX-DM2 : May 27, 2020 : DISCUSSION

[Lars-J]

From the updates thread:

SpaceX have released a Couple of new images and higher resolution versions of other images

Per DB2E57A5BFF1:
Is it sop to deploy landing legs on the pad?

Go DM-2!

Look closer. The legs are still folded up. What you think are legs is just the  strong-back/reaction frame, which lifts and holds the F9 vertical. (see the image below from a different angle - but for a FH launch)

[robert_d]

From the updates thread:

SpaceX have released a Couple of new images and higher resolution versions of other images

Per DB2E57A5BFF1:
Is it sop to deploy landing legs on the pad?

Go DM-2!

Look closer. The legs are still folded up. What you think are legs is just the  strong-back/reaction frame, which lifts and holds the F9 vertical. (see the image below from a different angle - but for a FH launch)

Wasn't sure the questioner would see the response here in the correct thread. Will the 'quote author' control notify them in this different thread?

[haywoodfloyd]

Random question, anyone know what TV stations (if any) are covering DM-2? Long story short, out on deployment (Navy) and our ship has your typical major TV news channels, but definitely will have no capability of a web stream.

Not sure if you can get Discovery or Science channels, but they are providing a good bit of coverage before and during launch.

https://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/discovery-and-science-channel-secure-access-to-capture-nasa-launch-of-spacexs-crew-dragon-capsule-first-crewed-orbital-space-mission-in-the-u-s-in-nearly-9-years/

Their Canadian Web Sites schedules aren't showing anything related to SpaceX for either Monday May 25th, Tuesday May 26th or Wednesday May 27th.
I can't get to discovery.com from Canada (unless I use a VPN).

[stuart_wildcat]

Anyone know the forecast percent chance of favorable weather conditions at launch or where that information is usually available?

Been a while since I followed launch preparations on here but seem to remember something like that available as part of launch countdowns.  I know just looking at the weather apps doesn't help much since there could be something forecast that violates launch constraints but to us looks like an OK day.

[Elthiryel]

Pre-launch weather forecasts for CCAFS/KSC are published by the 45th Weather Squadron on their website. Usually, the first forecast is published three or four days before the launch.

https://www.patrick.af.mil/About-Us/Weather/

[haywoodfloyd]

It isn't just the local weather that is important.
There are various factors to be considered that relate to the many possible abort scenarios.

[rdale]

I'll put my "Assistant to the Chief Meteorologist" hat on for a long-range look... And to be honest - for Florida - this is not a typical look at all (fortunately!)

The US weather pattern is undergoing a dramatic change these next few days. The southeast US is giving up some of its heat to the northeast This pattern is much quieter for Florida, cooler, and overall drier.

The first map shows the overall surface pressure pattern which shows higher that normal pressure over the Atlantic. Without getting too detailed - high pressure = quieter weather.

The next graphic is of low-level temperatures and the difference from "normal." Good for Yankees who want to get some summer, and good for Floridians who want a break from their early summer. Humidity is also notably lower than lately as well.

The next map shows the jet stream and its upper level strong winds. Nowhere near Florida.

Then we'll go onto cloud cover. Darker = more clouds.

Finally a wave height map over the Atlantic.

So while a 5 day forecast, especially in Florida, is never a good idea - this really gives us reason for a little bit of optimism. Certainly more than one might typically expect for an afternoon launch at the start of summer.

[haywoodfloyd]

Is there a Press Kit available that shows the timelines of the mission?

[stuart_wildcat]

I'll put my "Assistant to the Chief Meteorologist" hat on for a long-range look... And to be honest - for Florida - this is not a typical look at all (fortunately!)

Thanks rdale! I remember your great weather posts now

I'm worried that there might be thunderstorms or wind developing around launch day. Agree that before tomorrow or Sunday is still a little early.

[Vettedrmr]

Anyone know the forecast percent chance of favorable weather conditions at launch or where that information is usually available?

IMO launch constraints for DM-2 are going to be really tight; not for the launch per se, but for the sea states at the abort sites.  I have no idea how flexible NASA is going to be on the sea states, but looking around Iceland & Ireland doesn't give me a comfy feeling.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

[rdale]

Here's the Launch Weather Criteria from Chris_G on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/ChrisG_NSF/status/1263088988287574016

Others have pondered that the abort ranges could be tweaked to avoid areas with high waves. I'm by absolutely no means an ocean waves forecaster so that's just raw model data, but does give an idea what areas those need to be. However I've not seen any official notice that "partial abort zones for weather" is acceptable.

[Alexphysics]

Is there a Press Kit available that shows the timelines of the mission?

Looks like there won’t be press kits and instead all the launch info is directly on the SpaceX website on the “launches” section which replaces the old “webcast” section

[namloc]

Is there any resource with a map of the approximate abort sites and the ground track of the launch and first orbit? Thanks.

[ikkasikka]

Is there a Press Kit available that shows the timelines of the mission?

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ppt_launch_day_play-by-play_dm-2_508.pdf

[haywoodfloyd]

Is there a Press Kit available that shows the timelines of the mission?

Looks like there won’t be press kits and instead all the launch info is directly on the SpaceX website on the “launches” section which replaces the old “webcast” section

Unless I'm blind, the info you are referring to does not show the timelines (MET) that the docking occurs, which is why I inquired about it. I know what the sequences are.

[rdale]

There is a very detailed timeline on L2 if you hurry and subscribe

[haywoodfloyd]

There is a very detailed timeline on L2 if you hurry and subscribe

It is not available from SpaceX directly?
Not everyone can afford an L2 subscription.

[Alexphysics]

Is there a Press Kit available that shows the timelines of the mission?

Looks like there won’t be press kits and instead all the launch info is directly on the SpaceX website on the “launches” section which replaces the old “webcast” section

Unless I'm blind, the info you are referring to does not show the timelines (MET) that the docking occurs, which is why I inquired about it. I know what the sequences are.

Well then forgive me because until now press kits have always been about the launch so if you ask about one, I’ll tell you about what they have been all this time. If you wanted to know the time of docking, then asking about it directly would have helped. NASA has the time of docking on their website: 11:39am EDT on May 28th

[rdale]

Press conference moved to 2:45pm EDT / 1845 UTC.

[Yazata]

Is there a Press Kit available that shows the timelines of the mission?

Older pdf version from NASA here. It has links on most pages for more information on each topic. See page 16 for timeline.

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/commercialcrew_press_kit.pdf

I don't think that they can provide a precise time for docking since the astronauts will be trying out the manual maneuvering controls and stuff. So there's going to be some flexibility built in. They are expecting about 11:30 AM EDT on the 28th. NASA will be live-streaming it.

A flashier but less informative online press kit here.

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/ccp-press-kit/main.html