Space and Science BS Thread

https://x.com/_mgde_/status/1797389262523904011?s=46

 

You mean what Zack said on NSF live? He also mentioned it might be some weeks to a month before the video of the tour was edited. TD has to be disappointed to hear the news about Dear Moon but I’m sure he’s had some interesting experiences because of it.

 

https://x.com/contactlight69/status/1797327853748461756?s=46

 

Yes, I meant that one, and it was RGV Live.

Also, I watched the weekly Starbase Update video from NASASpaceflight and that video showed it was an Elon tweet that mentioned the tour.

 

Nice graphic…
https://x.com/bingoboca/status/1797686002305335376?s=46

 

Patch collectors, BOLO soon after launch:
https://x.com/ticklestuffyo/status/1797701213808697620?s=46

 

https://x.com/jeff_foust/status/1797714998313259518?s=46

 

I stand corrected.

 

Does NASA feel Dragon is unqualified for a deep space mission to Hubble? Or can’t become qualified? Or were they counting on Starliner to take up that responsibility? Is it about EVA suit compatibility?

 

I'm cramping on where I saw it but watched a video a few months ago discussing another hubble servicing mission. Boiled down to:
* a man rated craft getting to it and able to doc/perform useful EVAs
* boost its orbit
* NASA hesitant to approve vs deorbit mission

 

I think the NASASpaceFlight one is better. Much more Shuttle-esque.



https://shop.nasaspaceflight.com/products/starship-orbital-flight-test-patch-4

 

Earlier I had posted some tweets with links to the issues around Jared’s offer to pay for a servicing mission to Hubble in yhe Dragon. NASA was concerned about operating in the cis-Hubble environment with the capsule but I don’t think it was a hard, dead stop refusal. They also cited the challenges of attempting to open up the panels on Hubble from a capsule. The only other times it was done was from the bay of the Shuttle which was able to securely hold the scope.

I’m thinking (hoping) there might be a couple of factors at play.
First, Polaris Dawn is not some billionaire space joy ride. I think both SpX and Jared are trying to prove what could be accomplished. Makes me think of the Gemini Program. If successful, it might shift some thinking about a Dragon service mission for Hubble.
Second, Starship. If Starship continues to evolve into its intended operational status, I’m thinking it could be used to sevice Hubble. The issue is when…

All just conjecture. I hope they save Hubble.

 

And very optimistic

 

New CSI: Starbase episode!

https://youtu.be/Ytl1efG1sBw?si=wphv28TPwdftHW-E

 

https://x.com/spaceflightnow/status/1798089611589152946?s=46

 

@PzTank suspected it might have been from you as well! And agreed, would be difficult to conduct servicing w/o an arm to facilitate maintaining position relative to the satellite.

 

Just got this email from FAA (bold added by me):
Dear Interested Party:


You are receiving this email to inform you about the SpaceX Starship/Super Heavy Launch Vehicle Program.



SpaceX applied to modify its existing vehicle operator license (VOL 23-129) for the Starship/Super Heavy Launch Vehicle from its Cameron County, TX site. After completing an evaluation of all applicable Vehicle Operator License requirements and confirming that existing environmental documentation is sufficient, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a modification to the Vehicle Operator License for SpaceX launches of the Starship/Super Heavy Launch Vehicle Program in Cameron County, TX on June 04, 2024. Under this modification to the license, SpaceX may conduct multiple flights of the current mission profile and vehicle configuration.



An electronic version of the Vehicle Operator License is available here: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID173891218620231102140506.0001



For any media inquiries, please contact the FAA press office atpressoffice@faa.gov



Thank you,

The FAA SpaceX Boca Chica Project Team

 

"Multiple"

 

I wonder how many times they’ll sink the booster in the Gulf and Starship in the Indian Ocean? Remember, they halted the Starship only flights at one after they nailed the landing.

I’m hoping, after seeing the video @My Name is Rahl posted, they’ll pivot to catching the booster as soon as they have a redundant tower.

 

Hopefully all they need is one... (at the current configuration/profile)