Topic: [Discuss] SpaceX CRS-10 space station mission
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-10-2017 09:18 AM
Please use this topic to discuss SpaceX's tenth Dragon cargo flight to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract.
CRS-10 is SpaceX's first launch from Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-10-2017 09:24 AM
From SpaceX on Twitter:
Targeting Feb. 18 for Dragon's next resupply mission to the space station — our first launch from LC-39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
The Falcon 9 presumably will be erected later today [Feb. 10] for an engine hot fire test to clear the way for launch on Feb. 18.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-10-2017 11:35 AM
From Robin Seemangal on Twitter:
And there she is! The SpaceX Falcon 9 is awaiting static fire at the historic NASA Kennedy Launch Complex 39A.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-10-2017 02:14 PM
Per Florida Today:
SpaceX today rolled a Falcon 9 rocket on to pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, but is not expected to complete a static fire test until Saturday morning at the earliest. The two-stage rocket rolled up the pad's stand horizontally on rails and reportedly was being lifted vertical on Friday afternoon in preparation for the test.
From Elon Musk on Instagram:
Falcon 9 rocket now vertical at Cape Canaveral on launch complex 39-A. This is the same launch pad used by the Saturn V rocket that first took people to the moon in 1969. We are honored to be allowed to use it.
Paul78zephyr Member
Posts: 675 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 02-10-2017 02:19 PM
Wasn't the original plan for LC-39A to remove the shuttle RSS?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-10-2017 02:27 PM
SpaceX is working to deconstruct the RSS; some of its structure has already been removed. But as it doesn't interfere with Falcon 9 operations, it wasn't necessary to remove prior to proceeding with flights.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-11-2017 10:41 AM
The static fire is now NET Sunday (Feb. 12).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-12-2017 04:20 PM
SpaceX on Twitter:
First static fire test of Falcon 9 at historic launch complex 39A completed in advance of Dragon's upcoming mission to the space station.
From Bill Harwood:
Here's a video clip of today's Falcon 9 hot fire, shot from the roof of the CBS bureau
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-17-2017 09:22 AM
SpaceX photos
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-17-2017 12:03 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Investigating a (very small) leak in the upper stage. If ok, will launch tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the FAA has issued SpaceX its launch license:
Today the FAA approved a license for a SpaceX launch at NASA Kennedy in Florida.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-17-2017 03:45 PM
Speaking at a press briefing, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell gave an update on the second stage leak:
We found a helium leak in the spin system on the second stage. I believe we found it. We will continue to work root cause today and make sure we are back on track for a 10:01 a.m. lift off tomorrow. As far as I know right now, we're going to pursue the count and go into it.
At a later press conference, Jessica Jensen, director of Dragon mission management at SpaceX, clarified that the leak is in the redundant system used to spin up the turbopumps for the second stage engine.
Our primary mission is obviously to deliver Dragon into its orbit. After we do that, we like to dispose of the second stage. So what we want to do is be able to relight the engine to dispose of the second stage and get it out of orbit as soon as possible. That part of the mission could be impacted by this leak.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-17-2017 10:07 PM
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
Looks like we are go for launch. Added an abort trigger at T-60 secs for pressure decay of upper stage helium spin start system.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-18-2017 09:02 AM
Hold! Hold! Hold! SpaceX has scrubbed today's launch attempt due to a problem with the Falcon 9's thrust vector control system on the second stage.
Next earliest opportunity is Sunday (Feb. 20) at 9:38:59 a.m. EST (1538 GMT).
From Elon Musk on Twitter:
All systems go, except the movement trace of an upper stage engine steering hydraulic piston was slightly odd. Standing down to investigate.
If this is the only issue, flight would be fine, but need to make sure that it isn't symptomatic of a more significant upstream root cause.
By the way, 99% likely to be fine (closed loop TVC would overcome error), but that 1% chance isn't worth rolling the dice. Better to wait a day.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-19-2017 08:40 AM
All engines running. Liftoff! We have a liftoff, 39 minutes past the hour, liftoff of CRS-10!
From SpaceX on Twitter:
Falcon 9 first stage has landed at LZ-1. Dragon confirmed in good orbit.
Constellation One Member
Posts: 119 From: Lorain, Ohio, USA Registered: Aug 2008
posted 02-19-2017 09:18 AM
I just love watching these live.
I only hope that some kids out there spent some time away from Xbox to witness and learn about real adventure.
Good job SpaceX!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-19-2017 09:42 AM
The atmosphere today reminded me of this Apollo 11 shot...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-19-2017 10:45 AM
SpaceX photos
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-19-2017 12:57 PM
In addition to being the first commercial launch from Pad 39A, today's launch also marked another first — the first use of the Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS) at either of Air Force Space Command's Eastern or Western Ranges.
AFSS takes ground-based mission flight control — personnel and equipment — out of the control center and replaces it with on-board Positioning, Navigation and Timing sources and decision logic. The benefits of AFSS include increased public safety, reduced reliance on range infrastructure, reduced range spacelift cost, increased schedule predictability and availability, operational flexibility, and launch site flexibility.
An AFSS on-board flight computer uses pre-established, programmed mission rules to determine if the launch vehicle poses an unacceptable hazard to people or property and initiates required actions to mitigate risk and terminate flight, if necessary.
"AFSS is an essential part of the Air Force Space Command's vision for the future of Assured Access to Space as the system increases range safety with its over-the-horizon capability and its ability to support multiple objects in simultaneous flight, such as a first-stage booster return," said Brig. Gen. Wayne Monteith, 45th Space Wing commander.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-19-2017 01:24 PM
SpaceX video
Falcon 9 first stage landing at LZ-1 as seen from a drone camera.
Posts: 3110 From: Paris, France Registered: Aug 2003
posted 02-19-2017 02:59 PM
Maybe I'm supposed to be getting used to seeing this but these vertical landings still amaze me.
David C Member
Posts: 1015 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
posted 02-19-2017 03:52 PM
There's a beautiful elegance about them.
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 02-20-2017 01:30 AM
One thing I've often wondered is how do they "safe" the rocket after landing, e.g. what do they do with the remaining volatiles?
In this drone video it appears that the upper portion of the first stage is venting after landing. Given the color of the vented gas, I'm guessing this is the remaining LOX, so theoretically all that would remain on the booster would then be kerosene, which shouldn't be too much of an issue. I do wonder if the small maneuvering rockets use hydrazine etc., and how those volatiles are handled.
nasamad Member
Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
posted 02-20-2017 03:02 AM
Where is the landing area in relation to the launch pad?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-20-2017 04:00 AM
Landing Zone-1 (LZ-1) is located at Launch Complex 13:
quote:Originally posted by SkyMan1958: I do wonder if the small maneuvering rockets use hydrazine...
The first stage uses a cold gas nitrogen attitude control system.
Most of the propellant is depleted in flight, but any remaining is either purged (LOX, helium, nitrogen) or drained (RP-1) as part of the post-landing servicing.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-20-2017 04:21 AM
SpaceX photos
Paul78zephyr Member
Posts: 675 From: Hudson, MA Registered: Jul 2005
posted 02-20-2017 09:13 AM
In the upper photo you can see wires running from the top of the lightning rod. Were those there during the shuttle era?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-20-2017 09:35 AM
Yes, you can see them in these shots from STS-135: 1 | 2.
nasamad Member
Posts: 2121 From: Essex, UK Registered: Jul 2001
posted 02-21-2017 04:44 AM
Thanks for the info and graphic about the landing zone Robert.
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 867 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 02-21-2017 11:47 AM
Thank you for the info Robert!
fredtrav Member
Posts: 1673 From: Birmingham AL Registered: Aug 2010
posted 02-21-2017 02:43 PM
Has SpaceX said when they plan to use a landed/refurbished first stage to launch again?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-21-2017 02:46 PM
The first reused stage will launch SES-10, targeted for next month. (And not that you asked, but the next Dragon flight, CRS-11, will reuse the shell of the CRS-4 Dragon.)
issman1 Member
Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 02-22-2017 06:00 AM
I understand that Pad 39A will permanently support all CRS missions for SpaceX? And that Pad 40 will only be used for commercial satellites once it is fully repaired?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-22-2017 06:02 AM
LC-40 will support commercial, military and (possibly) non-Dragon NASA payloads going forward. Dragon operations, both cargo and crew, will be based from LC-39A.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-22-2017 06:03 AM
From NASA (@Space_Station) on Twitter:
The SpaceX Dragon aborted its approach to the space station due to an incorrect value associated with the on board computer. Next attempt tomorrow.
From SpaceX on Twitter:
Dragon is in good health and will make another rendezvous attempt with the space station Thursday morning.
issman1 Member
Posts: 1042 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 02-22-2017 06:20 AM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: Dragon operations, both cargo and crew, will be based from LC-39A.
I feel it makes perfect sense for SpaceX to use 39A for its ISS launches. But I am curious what kind of relationship NASA and SpaceX have regarding that famous pad. Is it akin to a landlord and tenant or does SpaceX have full autonomy?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-22-2017 06:40 AM
SpaceX needs NASA approval before making major changes to the pad, and the lease included some conditions for what couldn't be altered or removed. All materials that were at LC-39A before SpaceX took over use belong to NASA.
Jim Behling Member
Posts: 1463 From: Cape Canaveral, FL Registered: Mar 2010
posted 02-22-2017 02:27 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: LC-40 will support commercial, military and (possibly) non-Dragon NASA payloads going forward.
Actually, most government (DOD and NASA) payloads will go on LC-39 because of vertical integration requirements.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-23-2017 07:36 AM
From SpaceX on Twitter:
Capture confirmed! Dragon now attached to the space station's robotic arm.
Aeropix Member
Posts: 41 From: Houston Registered: Apr 2010
posted 03-01-2017 11:11 PM
I am surprised to see Dragon still needs to be grappled by the arm.
Weren't SpaceX meant to have their own autonomous docking capability after about the third mission? After all they can land a rocket on a bobbing drone-ship, docking to the ISS should be a relatively straightforward affair with their tech, Id think. Thoughts?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42988 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-02-2017 12:05 AM
The common berthing mechanism used by Dragon, as well as Orbital ATK's Cygnus and JAXA's HTV (as well as the space station's modules) does not support autonomous dockings — only berthing by robotic arm.
Dragon 2 (or Crew Dragon) will autonomously dock, or in a contingency, dock under manual control.