SpaceX Falcon 9 / Dragon 2 : SpX-DM2 - EOM/Return: August, 2020 : DISCUSSION

[Vettedrmr]

I think you're forgetting that those missions were recovered by the US Navy. You got to be special kind of stupid to go anywhere near a US Navy vessel. If it had been the USN of the USCG, those boaters would have stayed well away as the USN has far more expansive rights to get rid of them than the USCG. If I recall things correctly, a USN vessel essentially "owns" the waters around it and has the right to self-defense against any and all vessels that get within a certain distance of it.

They were all blue-water recoveries in the Pacific as well.  Small craft weren't capable of getting in the way.

[anof]

BTW, in the minutes before and during comms black-out Elon's body language displayed a LOT of nervousness. Constant fidgeting and running hands through his hair. Coupled with his very unstilted and unscripted remarks at the 2nd presser it's just good to see him being so straight-forward and passionate about his job, which is obviously more like a calling to him.

Elon mentioned around the time of the launch he was more concerned with reentry than the launch.

[sdsds]

You got to be special kind of stupid to go anywhere near a US Navy vessel.

Apparently some of those pleasure boat operators would qualify for the job.

</end snark>

[joek]

...  You got to be special kind of stupid to go anywhere near a US Navy vessel. ...

You got to be extra-special kind of stupid approaching a craft with hypergol's which has not been cleared. Idiots. Per Bridenstine's comments during the presser, hope and expect that will not be a problem in the future.

[sdsds]

Interesting to note they rode home in the back seats.

https://twitter.com/nasahqphoto/status/1290071769416519680

[joek]

Interesting to note they rode home in the back seats.

? Those are the commander and pilot seats, same they rode up in.

[sdsds]

Close-out photos of launch or it didn't happen!

Just kidding. Thanks for pointing that out. The hatch opening photography also shows another pair of seats which haven't been as prominent in many of the other interior views.

[Torlek]

Also, somewhat disappointed in the CG response..they explained what happened but didn’t offer any solutions for next time.

That's because there isn't a solution besides, "deploy the whole Coast Guard and board every boat that shows up." The CG has no authority to cordon off areas outside the 12 nm limit. All they can do is board a US-flagged vessel and inspect it.

[Warren Platts]

Next time land on Lake Okeechobee! It's big enough & easy to control.

Plus it's fresh water.

[daveglo]

That's because there isn't a solution besides, "deploy the whole Coast Guard and board every boat that shows up." The CG has no authority to cordon off areas outside the 12 nm limit. All they can do is board a US-flagged vessel and inspect it.

There IS a solution, but they probably don't want to implement it, and it's the same one Apollo used (albeit for different reasons):

Splashdown so far away from shore that only serious vessels will be present.

If the splashdown site was 100 miles offshore instead of 20, the sightseers would not be present (well, mostly anyway).

Besides, the new has worn off now.  No more fanfare, no more "Launch America", no more celebrity to it.  Now, it will become mundane, repeatable, the new normal.  It's not good or bad, it just is what it is.  Bob and Doug re-blazed the trail.  No one will remember the names of Crew 1 (outside of this cadre).

I predict that future splashdowns will be farther offshore, with more Coast Guard presence, and way fewer unexpected visitors.

[Wargrim]

Name the next Crew Dragon "Buoy 420" and most boaters should automatically ignore it.

Though it should not be left floating too long with such a name, or it would inexplicably be rammed.

[Warren Platts]

If the splashdown site was 100 miles offshore instead of 20

It has to be close to shore so they can be flown quickly to a hospital in an emergency. NASA requirement. Another reason to land in Lake Okeechobee...

[hektor]

Any sighting of the reentry trail in South Texas?

[joek]

That's because there isn't a solution besides, "deploy the whole Coast Guard and board every boat that shows up." The CG has no authority to cordon off areas outside the 12 nm limit. All they can do is board a US-flagged vessel and inspect it.

There IS a solution, but they probably don't want to implement it, and it's the same one Apollo used (albeit for different reasons):
...

Governments have the power to close areas--or at least advise of such--for reentry just as they do for launch--which includes areas outside the 12nm limit--in the interest of, and for their responsibility of, protecting the public. Those advisories are expected to be respected by and enforced by signatories.  This idea that somehow US boaters are exempt is simply BS.

[TomH]

Governments have the power to close areas--or at least advise of such--for reentry just as they do for launch--which includes areas outside the 12nm limit--in the interest of, and for their responsibility of, protecting the public. Those advisories are expected to be respected by and enforced by signatories.  This idea that somehow US boaters are exempt is simply BS.

This notion of I'm an American and I'll do whatever I please, regardless of what the government says, has gotten way out of hand lately.

[mlindner]

Governments have the power to close areas--or at least advise of such--for reentry just as they do for launch--which includes areas outside the 12nm limit--in the interest of, and for their responsibility of, protecting the public. Those advisories are expected to be respected by and enforced by signatories.  This idea that somehow US boaters are exempt is simply BS.

This notion of I'm an American and I'll do whatever I please, regardless of what the government says, has gotten way out of hand lately.

Not helped by the fact that there's so many laws that the only choice to live a normal life is to do exactly that. This is off topic however.

[AndrewRG10]

We know SpaceX does not "clean" first stage Falcon 9 boosters that are re-flown. Does anyone know if they will treat re-flown Dragon capsules differently...and give them a "brand new" look?

Yes. The Dragon side surface is always replaced when re-used. It is a “soft” insulating layer, not painted metal like F9 first stages.

Interesting point and valid for Dragon 1. But how come the DM-1 Dragon didn't have that treatment? Still has the scorch marks in this official SpaceX photo prior to its static fire attempt.

[Navier–Stokes]

I'm surprised the Coast Guard didn't deploy any helicopters to the general area after the landing. Helicopters could be much more responsive to incursions and their rotor wash could probably drive back small boats.

[Lars-J]

We know SpaceX does not "clean" first stage Falcon 9 boosters that are re-flown. Does anyone know if they will treat re-flown Dragon capsules differently...and give them a "brand new" look?

Yes. The Dragon side surface is always replaced when re-used. It is a “soft” insulating layer, not painted metal like F9 first stages.

Interesting point and valid for Dragon 1. But how come the DM-1 Dragon didn't have that treatment? Still has the scorch marks in this official SpaceX photo prior to its static fire attempt.

Because the full refurbishment for re-use was nowhere near complete.

[JAFO]

Just let the Coasties announce they are going to be boarding vessels and doing safety/drug inspections. Watch the boats scatter after they approach the first one.