Author
|
Topic: [Discuss] SpaceX DSCOVR Falcon landing attempt
|
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-07-2015 01:30 PM
Please use this topic to discuss SpaceX's second attempt at landing its Falcon 9 first stage on the autonomous spaceport drone ship "Just Read the Instructions" after launching NOAA's Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). |
Headshot Member Posts: 864 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
|
posted 02-10-2015 10:07 AM
Okay, let's assume the first stage returns and lands successfully. Does anyone know how long will it be until SpaceX flies that stage again? Will SpaceX tear it down for examination first? Will they keep all nine engines together, or distribute them among other Falcon 9 first stages?On a similar note, what was the quickest turn around for a SSME? |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-10-2015 10:21 AM
SpaceX has said it does not intend to re-fly this booster, assuming it is recovered. It will be inspected and analyzed, as may other recovered boosters, before they attempt a re-flight. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-11-2015 01:19 PM
SpaceX release DSCOVR Launch UpdateSpaceX is still tracking towards a 6:03 p.m. EST liftoff of DSCOVR, but unfortunately we will not be able to attempt to recover the first stage of the Falcon 9. The drone ship was designed to operate in all but the most extreme weather. We are experiencing just such weather in the Atlantic with waves reaching up to three stories in height crashing over the decks. Also, only three of the drone ship's four engines are functioning, making station-keeping in the face of such wave action extremely difficult. The rocket will still attempt a soft landing in the water through the storm (producing valuable landing data), but survival is highly unlikely. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 02-11-2015 06:44 PM
Elon Musk on Twitter: Rocket soft landed in the ocean within 10m of target and nicely vertical! High probability of good droneship landing in non-stormy weather. |
butch wilks Member Posts: 333 From: Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK Registered: Mar 2007
|
posted 02-12-2015 09:32 AM
On NASA TV of the launch, you had for the first time I've seen on TV or in photos the first stage, second stage firing and the cargo fairing falling away in the same tv picture.Did some one get this on a still photo, as I would like to have it as a memento of the launch. |