Space and Science BS Thread

The actual volume of stuff coming through our space is pretty low, and the space between the bits is vast, such that the odds of impacting something damaging are extremely low. It’s easy to forget just how big space is.

 

That’s my mindset when flying with people trying to shoot at me. Big sky little bullet theory has worked so far.

 

Seeing a rocket launch is high on my bucket list. I've been to Boca Chica once already just to see what was there. I wonder if I should go again. It would be worth it if they did actually launch.

 

https://x.com/spacenews_inc/status/1694425750948950184?s=46

 

I’m slightly behind:
https://x.com/rocketlab/status/1694444771824300131?s=46
https://x.com/rocketlab/status/1694445669002740176?s=46
https://x.com/peter_j_beck/status/1694500990177993153?s=46
https://x.com/csa_asc/status/1694688507086975156?s=46

 

I was just on the Air Force side and X is fabbing up a new crew arm that I would guess is for 40. Thing is insanely beefy. I was also delayed by Blue's transport team moving two huge wide load trailers back from that side to the Nasa side. Exciting times...

 

https://x.com/julia_bergeron/status/1694723984733196795?s=46

 

I believe this may be the first 4 person crew from 4 different agencies:
https://x.com/johnkrausphotos/status/1694745663467057555?s=46

oh and it’s a rare, shiny new F9:
https://x.com/trevormahlmann/status/1694745756006076601?s=46

 

A 'lil Buzz...

 

Mobil ops have begun:

 

https://x.com/sciguyspace/status/1694905308416442427?s=46

 

https://x.com/spaceflightnow/status/1695078981962174520?s=46

 

Anybody else notice the 3 watches on Buzz? He got his time zones covered?

Also interesting that a Life Support System caused the scrub. That's the name of my shop although the only equipment we provide for X Crew are what we call PAV's which essentially is comfort air for the crew from suiting until launch. I've shown pictures of the little blue box in the Teslas before.

 

https://youtu.be/LHFBnor51fU?feature=shared

 

https://x.com/spacex/status/1695158759717474379?s=46

Still loosing Raptors though…. Pad looks intact .
https://x.com/spacex/status/1695159316670718231?s=46
https://x.com/spacex/status/1695159123019698498?s=46

 

Not surprising they're losing raptors. Look at the numbers on the engines and B9 has some that are over 100 apart. Over the course of 100 engine I guarantee they have made hundreds of revisions to make production easier/more reliable. Which means there might not be 2 engines on B9 that are the same. Meanwhile blue hasn't produced 2 engines...

 

Ultimately they need a higher level of reliability or it won’t reach orbit. Hopefully they’re trending that way with the newer ones. At least they know which ones failed on OFT-1 and the B-2 SF’s. If they think some are likely to fail during flight it might be better to keep testing until they get all 33 candles to light. Or at least until they get the green light anyway. They’ll also be able to test the next booster/ship pair in the meantime.

 

I think a while ago it was said that Super Heavy could get to orbit with only 31 engines. I also think that was before the Raptor power upgrades so it could require fewer now.

 

Trying to get there when you’re starting short and can’t afford to lose anymore might be a problem. Just saying it would be a good idea to at least start with the full complement. And until those newer ones are on board they can’t help.

 

https://x.com/spacedotcom/status/1695376301740146831?s=46