Space and Science BS Thread

always a relevant XKCD:

 

https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1640393485353205788?s=46&t=TRaJ5U1MUKQMQeH3VzEa8A

 

NASA’s going all Hollywood for Artemis II:
https://youtu.be/PFbNDSttnPQ

 

Wow, in an understated, almost disinterested, way:
https://twitter.com/sciguyspace/status/1641136059726561288?s=46&t=54GpF7YFtyLQYO3gN30VRQ

 

Not positive but I think they got bumped behind another resupply mission.

 

I’m thinking if it gets bumped to ‘24, just cancel the ISS flights. Let Starliner support Orbital Reef and any other pie in the sky schemes that might come along.

 

I don’t see that happening just yet but I can’t say I’d be disappointed if Dream Chaser ended up with some of the cargo missions and later some crewed missions once they have that version built and certified. With 2024 just around the corner NASA will be relieved to still have 2 crewed options and even more so that both would be US based launches. I think Starliner would have to suffer a catastrophic failure at this point to have the contract cancelled. As long as it’s portrayed as just another “delay” they’ll be allowed to limp along.

 

Why not use Vulcan to launch Cygnus to ISS instead of Dream Chaser in August? Why use F9 and Cargo Dragon to replace what was supposed to be a Vulcan launch anyway? I realize it’s the most reliable alternative but this was supposed to be part of the Vulcan certification process so I should think that was already established as a priority. It might be a moot point if the first launch is delayed but it seems a bit odd unless they’ve already determined it WILL BE delayed and are disguising it with this choice.

 

Well, this doesn’t sound good.
https://twitter.com/torybruno/status/1641270272987676672?s=20

 

What’s absurd is that after all this time they want to retest the chute system but “it’s fine, we just need to go over a lot of data”. Seems both contradictory and years behind in analysis. WTF have they been doing with the data during all these delays? I’m guessing they aren’t staffing to do that analysis and somebody wetted their pants over it. Boeing just keeps demonstrating the same top heavy approach that’s been plaguing them since they decided bean counters were more critical than knowledgeable technical staff.

 

Good stuff if you really want to geek out:
https://twitter.com/nasahubble/status/1641485690360803339?s=46&t=n9_218Rg9lhtDOTPz7h-yQ

 

It’ll be interesting to see how this helps the means get to an end:
https://twitter.com/spcplcyonline/status/1641485050934964234?s=46&t=n9_218Rg9lhtDOTPz7h-yQ

 

Really cool!
https://twitter.com/Peter_J_Beck/status/1641494986545037312?s=20

Edit: It’ll be even cooler if it launches on time by the BO New Glenn

 

Extensive deep dive into what’s been going on at Starbase and the various changes to ships, boosters, and the test articles that verify or mandate those changes. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G0lPF-O7B7U

One of his better videos.

 

Thanks for posting this @bagleboy

I don't watch long format YTs much but this was very informative. Kinda creepy with the AI schtick but made good use of multiple sources to make his case.

We're in April now so hopefully we'll see an FAA license soon!

 

https://twitter.com/clark_aviation/status/1642044123526885378?s=46&t=ERmw41tM7mjzgDOXhBFf7Q

 

Oh how I love April 1st!

 

I’ve watched so many videos of tests and test articles moving back and forth it was satisfying to see more of the what happened and why and fill out the picture of of the proceedings at Starbase and how the time has been spent preparing for the first actual OLT. I don’t put much credence in predictions about that date since we only get to find out what needed doing after it was done. For me the FAA approval will be the signal that everything is as ready as can be and then we’ll see the tankers needed to top off the tank farm. There’s been speculation that the deluge system might not be completed but that seems like something anxious watchers want(me included) rather than either the FAA or Spacex. It seems like a pretty integral component of every other launch system so why leave it unfinished for arguably the most critical one yet.

 

Yay verily I hath been pranked.

 

Considereth thyself honored!

Time to keep a closer eye on your preferred YT channel:
https://twitter.com/arstechnica/status/1642270741105090560?s=46&t=ERmw41tM7mjzgDOXhBFf7Q
https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1642273756289671170?s=46&t=o5MUvUZgyoxxqzPzTJQOQQ