SpaceX (general discussion)

[Flyaway]

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/998409778316496896?s=20

SpaceX Crew Dragon ship in anechoic chamber for EMI testing before being sent to @NASA Plum Brook vacuum chamber

 

[seruriermarshal]

SpaceX Crew Dragon ship in anechoic chamber for EMI testing before being sent to NASA Plum Brook vacuum chamber

 

[Moose]

Today's Iridium launch from California.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_0GgKfwCSk

 

[FighterJock]

SpaceX have test fired another used rocket for the upcoming launch on the 31 May (next Thursday), according to Spaceflight Now.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/05/25/spacex-test-fires-previously-flown-rocket-for-may-31-launch/

 

[Flyaway]

Now here’s an interesting one the Block 5 that already flew wasn’t the final configuration as it didn’t feature the re-designed COPVs.

NASA and SpaceX confirmed Thursday that the modified COPVs were not on the May 11 launch, but will instead be flown for the first time on a test mission of the company’s Crew Dragon capsule called Demo-1, currently set for liftoff at the end of August without any astronauts on-board.

Only then with the counter start logging the seven flights of the Falcon 9 in a “frozen” configuration required before a second Crew Dragon demo flight, currently scheduled for December, at the earliest, with two astronauts who will fly to the space station.

“In aerospace, ‘testing like we fly’ is a long standing tenant for safe operations and understanding of critical systems,” said Cheryl Warner, a NASA spokesperson, in response to an inquiry from Spaceflight Now. “We anticipate this configuration will be ready for Demonstration Mission 1.

https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/05/25/new-helium-tank-for-spacex-crew-launches-still-waiting-to-fly/

 

[Michel Van]

Elon Musk retwitted this
from Robin Seemangal from 18. Mai

NASA, April 3, 2018
Commercial Crew astronaut Suni Williams wearing a #SpaceX spacesuit while training with a mock-up of the Crew Dragon in Hawthorne, California

 

[Flyaway]

Arabsat Falcon Heavy mission slated for December-January timeframe

WASHINGTON — SpaceX’s first Falcon Heavy launch with a commercial satellite is scheduled to occur around the end of the year, according to customer Arabsat.

The Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-based satellite operator told SpaceNews by email that the launch window for Arabsat 6A is between December and January.

SpaceX has one Falcon Heavy launch scheduled ahead of Arabsat-6A — the U.S. Air Force’s STP-2 technology demonstration mission.

An Air Force Space Command spokesperson told SpaceNews the STP-2 mission is currently scheduled for October. STP-2 was previously up for launch this month, but slipped “due to ongoing SpaceX qualification testing and engineering review by both SpaceX and the Air Force,” the spokesperson said.

http://spacenews.com/arabsat-falcon-heavy-mission-slated-for-december-january-timeframe/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjdAcCuFegz/

spacexFalcon 9 fairing halves deployed their parafoils and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean last week after the launch of Iridium-6/GRACE-FO. Closest half was ~50m from SpaceX’s recovery ship, Mr. Steven.

 

[sferrin]

So. . .next year maybe?

 

[seruriermarshal]

Successful deployment of SES-12 to a geostationary transfer orbit confirmed ;D

 

[antigravite]

First BFR position officially opened

"BFR BUILD ENGINEER"
http://www.spacex.com/careers/position/217464

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

BFR BUILD ENGINEER

The BFR (Big Falcon Rocket) is a massive next generation launch vehicle and spacecraft designed to carry mankind to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Also capable of flying humans from Los Angeles to New York in 25 minutes, the BFR will eventually replace the current Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon programs as the primary vehicle for all SpaceX missions. Working directly in the Vehicle Engineering group, the goal of this team is to investigate, test, and develop new hardware, software, and automation efforts capable of supporting advanced metallic and composite joining methods for the BFR. The team works directly with design and analysis engineers in delivering the development and selection of technologies, specifications and methods needed to manufacture critical structures. Focusing on friction stir welding, EB welding and composite tank lamination, the BFR Build Engineer is responsible for delivering results on critical projects with a highly demanding and fast-paced schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Drive the technology development for manufacturing cryogenic composite tanks through research, mechanical/destructive testing and sub-scale manufacturing
Work closely with vehicle analysts and manufacturing team to ensure solutions meet the requirements for vehicle design as well as the manufacturing processes
Coordinate and execute development, qualification, and acceptance testing of systems and tooling needed to meet hardware deadlines
Design and produce engineering drawings for tooling and test fixture hardware
Participate in design reviews internally and with suppliers and customers
Partner with engineering & production teams to generate ideas, designs, and improvements for current and next-generation vehicles

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, aerospace, or material science)
Hands-on project experience with complex mechanical systems, preferably as a team or sub-team lead
CAD and drafting experience with NX or other CAD software packages

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

2+ years professional experience in the field of aerospace/mechanical engineering
Excellent grasp of mechanical engineering fundamentals
Experience with fracture-critical component design/analysis
Background in material science, with a focus on aerospace alloys, composite and/or pressurized structures
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software packages
Experience with welding processes such as fusion, electron beam and friction-stir
Strong background in composite structures with knowledge of automated fiber placement, autoclaves and composite design criteria
Exposure to advanced NDE methods such as phased array ultrasonics, eddy current arrays and digital radiography
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be available to work long hours and weekends as needed

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

(...)

(...)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A.

 

[sferrin]

Well they aren't flying the thing in 2019 for damn sure.

 

[seruriermarshal]

;D

 

[FighterJock]

;D

Is that really a section of the BFR? Or is it really a section for the Falcon Heavy?

 

[TomS]

Is that really a section of the BFR? Or is it really a section for the Falcon Heavy?

Neither. It's a mandrel (a piece of tooling) for making large carbon fiber segments of the BFR fuselage.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/04/spacex-appears-ready-to-spin-carbon-fiber-for-the-bfr-spaceship/

Falcon Heavy boosters are the same size as Falcon 9, just with three boosters strapped together.

 

[FighterJock]

Is that really a section of the BFR? Or is it really a section for the Falcon Heavy?

Neither. It's a mandrel (a piece of tooling) for making large carbon fiber segments of the BFR fuselage.

https://arstechnica.com/science/2018/04/spacex-appears-ready-to-spin-carbon-fiber-for-the-bfr-spaceship/

Falcon Heavy boosters are the same size as Falcon 9, just with three boosters strapped together.

Thanks for that quick reply TomS, that photo had me confused.

 

[martinbayer]

;D

Is that really a section of the BFR? Or is it really a section for the Falcon Heavy?

Falcon heavy core diameter is 12 feet. Compare that to the size of the car.

Martin

 

[Moose]

Well they aren't flying the thing in 2019 for damn sure.

The most recent update was that they hope in 2019 to fly a pre-production version of the upper stage/spacecraft in a similar manner to the Grashopper test vehicle for Falcon 9's first stage.

 

[antigravite]

Well they aren't flying the thing in 2019 for damn sure.

The most recent update was that they hope in 2019 to fly a pre-production version of the upper stage/spacecraft in a similar manner to the Grashopper test vehicle for Falcon 9's first stage.

That SpaceX opened a BFR position means the program is on track and expands. Internal BFR positions were created a few years back with an army of hundreds of engineers working on this project, scaled up after Falcon Heavy became successful. The big rocket race currently underway (competition against Blue Origin) means accelerating and scaling this up. We'll be positively surprised.

A.

 

[FighterJock]

Well they aren't flying the thing in 2019 for damn sure.

The most recent update was that they hope in 2019 to fly a pre-production version of the upper stage/spacecraft in a similar manner to the Grashopper test vehicle for Falcon 9's first stage.

That SpaceX opened a BFR position means the program is on track and expands. Internal BFR positions were created a few years back with an army of hundreds of engineers working on this project, scaled up after Falcon Heavy became successful. The big rocket race currently underway (competition against Blue Origin) means accelerating and scaling this up. We'll be positively surprised.

A.

I will be highly surprised if this whole big rocket thing (New Glenn/BFR) succeeds or not, they are up against NASA with the just as big Space Launch System.

 

[fredymac]

I will be highly surprised if this whole big rocket thing (New Glenn/BFR) succeeds or not, they are up against NASA with the just as big Space Launch System.

You are forgetting about cost. The SLS has exactly 1 customer that can think about using it and only if the political backing can be maintained.

 

[sferrin]

Well they aren't flying the thing in 2019 for damn sure.

The most recent update was that they hope in 2019 to fly a pre-production version of the upper stage/spacecraft in a similar manner to the Grashopper test vehicle for Falcon 9's first stage.

That SpaceX opened a BFR position means the program is on track and expands. Internal BFR positions were created a few years back with an army of hundreds of engineers working on this project, scaled up after Falcon Heavy became successful. The big rocket race currently underway (competition against Blue Origin) means accelerating and scaling this up. We'll be positively surprised.

A.

I will be highly surprised if this whole big rocket thing (New Glenn/BFR) succeeds or not, they are up against NASA with the just as big Space Launch System.

I'd give BFR and New Glenn/New Armstrong greater chances of long term success than SLS. How many times will they fly SLS? Three? You really think they're going to want to pony up billions when they could throw the payload on a BFR at a fraction of the cost?

 

[Tuna]

I will be highly surprised if this whole big rocket thing (New Glenn/BFR) succeeds or not, they are up against NASA with the just as big Space Launch System.

SLS is not a competitor, costing >$1B per launch and not being reusable at all. It's kind of a white elephant.

 

[FighterJock]

You are all forgetting about the Block 2 130 tonne variant of the Space Launch System which when built could easily launch a future Uranus/Neptune space probe in a faster trajectory than existing rockets, whereas the BFR is only concerned about landing on Mars.

 

[TomS]

You are all forgetting about the Block 2 130 tonne variant of the Space Launch System which when built could easily launch a future Uranus/Neptune space probe in a faster trajectory than existing rockets, whereas the BFR is only concerned about landing on Mars.

Not forgetting about it, but discounting it as a threat to BFR/New Glenn.

Yes, SLS is better optimized for heavy outer-system launches. But that's a tiny fraction of the SpaceX or Blue Origin target market -- at most a launch every few years, when the commercial launchers are looking at tempos of 30+ per year.

BFR is not actually intended just for Mars (that was the older Mars Colonial Transporter or Interplanetary Transport System concepts, which have been dropped in favor of BFR). BFR is intended to completely replace Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy with a totally reusable launcher to place large single payloads in GTO or large numbers of smaller payloads to LEO (for example).* That's where their money will be made, and SLS is never, ever going to be a credible player in that market.


* Or even a point-to-point transport on Earth, though I really doubt the economics on that one

 

[Tuna]

And if BFR/New Glenn actually succeeds in that market, the economics mean that it will be very hard to justify the use of SLS for any mission, including the ones where it has an edge.

Right now, SLS is either a bet that both BFR and New Glenn completely fail, or a jobs project. You pick.

 

[Moose]

And if BFR/New Glenn actually succeeds in that market, the economics mean that it will be very hard to justify the use of SLS for any mission, including the ones where it has an edge.

Right now, SLS is either a bet that both BFR and New Glenn completely fail, or a jobs project. You pick.

SLS predates either, while I'll not ever claim SLS was ever any sort of ideal solution it would be more accurate to frame the discussion as "there was no other politically possible path to Heavy Lift than SLS when the program began." At this point, NG and BFR definitely seem sexier but I would be pretty unhappy with killing SLS until either is a bit more "real" than they are now. There's plenty that can still go wrong with any of them, and I'd rather have the insurance and continuity of industrial infrastructure that comes from holding onto the SLS than kill it now and be left in a lurch if the others hit big problems.

 

[sferrin]

And if BFR/New Glenn actually succeeds in that market, the economics mean that it will be very hard to justify the use of SLS for any mission, including the ones where it has an edge.

Right now, SLS is either a bet that both BFR and New Glenn completely fail, or a jobs project. You pick.

SLS predates either, while I'll not ever claim SLS was ever any sort of ideal solution it would be more accurate to frame the discussion as "there was no other politically possible path to Heavy Lift than SLS when the program began." At this point, NG and BFR definitely seem sexier but I would be pretty unhappy with killing SLS until either is a bit more "real" than they are now. There's plenty that can still go wrong with any of them, and I'd rather have the insurance and continuity of industrial infrastructure that comes from holding onto the SLS than kill it now and be left in a lurch if the others hit big problems.

And let's not forget the importance of that industrial base from a defense perspective. It's difficult to overstate the need to maintain expertise in large solid motors.

 

[Flyaway]

Crew Dragon is at @NASA’s Plum Brook Station testing facility in Ohio, home to the largest thermal vacuum chamber in the world, to demonstrate its capability to withstand the extreme temperatures and vacuum of space. Once complete, Crew Dragon will travel to Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of its first flight.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1009580017049747456

 

[Flyaway]

Air Force Awards AFSPC-52 Launch Services Contract to SpaceX
SMC Public Affairs / Published June 21, 2018

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE, El Segundo, Calif --
The Air Force has announced the award of an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) launch service contract. Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) has been awarded a $130 million firm-fixed price contract for launch services to deliver Air Force Space Command (AFSPC)-52 satellite to the intended orbit. The contract provides the Government with a total launch solution for this mission, which includes launch vehicle production, mission integration and launch operations. This mission is planned to be launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

This is the fifth competitive procurement under the current Phase 1A strategy. These launch service contract awards strike a balance between meeting operational needs and lowering launch costs through reintroducing competition for National Security Space missions.

“The competitive award of this EELV launch service contract directly supports Space and Missile Systems Center’s (SMC) mission of delivering resilient and affordable space capabilities to our Nation while maintaining assured access to space,” said Lt. Gen. John Thompson, Air Force program executive officer for Space and SMC commander.

AFSPC-52 is a classified mission projected to launch in late Fiscal Year 2020.

The Air Force Space Command's Space and Missile Systems Center, located at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the U.S. Air Force's center of excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.

http://www.losangeles.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1557227/air-force-awards-afspc-52-launch-services-contract-to-spacex/

#SpaceX has won a competitively-awarded #AirForce launch contract for the AFSPC-52 flight. The mission will utilize a #FalconHeavy rocket. Mission will launch by Sept. 2020 from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center. Statement from Gwynne Shotwell below...

https://mobile.twitter.com/id/status/1009912924356440065

 

[Michel Van]

according this news
https://www.teslarati.com/spacexs-mr-steven-undergoes-arm-upgrades-fairing-catcher-net/

Is SpaceX begone to modified the ship "Mr Steven" to carry a four time bigger Net as previous used.
on SpaceX’s recently-leased Berth 240 started the demolition works

Phase one will cover june 2018 to mid or end 2019 with construction small hangar for support limited Falcon recovery work and potentially initial BFR prototype construction
Phase two will be construction of bigger Assembly Hall for BFR production model

 

[Michel Van]

SpaceX conducted 16th Parachute test for Dragon 2 capsule
At Naval Air Facility El Centro in Southern California

https://youtu.be/XbuwZE5O_Ug

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkgAmoGF490/

 

[TomcatViP]

The fixation point for the parachutes promises a rocky ride. Better make the way up (abort system) with your stomach empty if you happen to be one of the (not so) lucky one

 

[Flyaway]

Project CIMON - AI assistant for astronauts being carried to ISS on CRS-15 launched today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdQ1892wnl4

CRS-15 launch replay.

https://youtu.be/ycMagB1s8XM

 

[Flyaway]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkQ8w0mFoxa/

Crew Dragon is at @NASA’s Plum Brook Station testing facility in Ohio, home to the largest thermal vacuum chamber in the world, to demonstrate its capability to withstand the extreme temperatures and vacuum of space. Once complete, Crew Dragon will travel to Kennedy Space Center in Florida ahead of its first flight.

 

[Flyaway]

Crew Dragon completes thermal vacuum tests ahead of first test flight

The first SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft has completed a series of tests at a NASA center that may put the spacecraft one step closer to an uncrewed test flight later this year.

In a speech at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ Propulsion and Energy Forum here July 9, Janet Kavandi, director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, said the spacecraft recently left the center’s Plum Brook Station after a series of thermal vacuum and acoustics tests.

“They just left yesterday or today,” she said in her remarks at the conference. “They’ve been out there twice, at least, at Plum Brook Station.” She didn’t disclose the outcome of the tests, and SpaceX did not respond to an email requesting comment on the status of the test.

http://spacenews.com/crew-dragon-completes-thermal-vacuum-tests-ahead-of-first-test-flight/

 

[FighterJock]

Crew Dragon completes thermal vacuum tests ahead of first test flight

The first SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft has completed a series of tests at a NASA center that may put the spacecraft one step closer to an uncrewed test flight later this year.

In a speech at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ Propulsion and Energy Forum here July 9, Janet Kavandi, director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, said the spacecraft recently left the center’s Plum Brook Station after a series of thermal vacuum and acoustics tests.

“They just left yesterday or today,” she said in her remarks at the conference. “They’ve been out there twice, at least, at Plum Brook Station.” She didn’t disclose the outcome of the tests, and SpaceX did not respond to an email requesting comment on the status of the test.

http://spacenews.com/crew-dragon-completes-thermal-vacuum-tests-ahead-of-first-test-flight/

Will that test flight involve docking practice at the ISS? Or will they play it safe and just do a single orbit of the Earth like what happened to the Orion capsule?

 

[TomS]

The Dragon Crew test will go to ISS, dock using a new straight-in automated docking system (currently Dragon flies close and the ISS crew grab it with the arm to dock it), and stay for a few weeks before deorbiting. That simulates the full mission cycle of a crewed mission.qa

https://spaceflight101.com/events/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo/

 

[kitnut617]

If it's planned for it to stay that long, I can't see SpaceX missing an opportunity to take some supplies along too ---

 

[FighterJock]

The Dragon Crew test will go to ISS, dock using a new straight-in automated docking system (currently Dragon flies close and the ISS crew grab it with the arm to dock it), and stay for a few weeks before deorbiting. That simulates the full mission cycle of a crewed mission.qa

https://spaceflight101.com/events/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo/

Thanks TomS. A further question, how long will it be between the test flight and the Dragon capsule taking astronauts to the ISS?

 

[TomS]

The Dragon Crew test will go to ISS, dock using a new straight-in automated docking system (currently Dragon flies close and the ISS crew grab it with the arm to dock it), and stay for a few weeks before deorbiting. That simulates the full mission cycle of a crewed mission.qa

https://spaceflight101.com/events/falcon-9-crew-dragon-demo/

Thanks TomS. A further question, how long will it be between the test flight and the Dragon capsule taking astronauts to the ISS?

Tentatively, about four months. NASA's last published schedule had the unmanned flight in August and a manned one in December. But that isn't fixed in stone and both flights could (probably will) be delayed. The time between the unmanned and manned flights really depends on the results of the first test and whether the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel accepts the results or finds something to object to.